In-depth review
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) Review (2026)
In-depth review of the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: retrofit fit, DoorSense, auto-lock, and why it is the renter pick.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)
The renter-friendly retrofit: smart control with your existing keys intact.
Our verdict
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the most lease-friendly smart lock you can buy: it adds remote control, guest keys, and auto-lock without changing a single thing about the outside of your door. It asks you to give up an outdoor keypad in the box, and its auto-unlock can be moody, but for renters and design-conscious owners those are acceptable trades for a lock that leaves no trace.
What we like
- Fits over your existing deadbolt on the inside of the door, so the exterior hardware, keys, and lock cylinder all stay exactly as they were.
- DoorSense tells you whether the door is actually closed and locked, not just whether the bolt moved, and Auto-Lock secures the door behind you.
- Built-in Wi-Fi gives remote control and guest keys with no bridge, and it installs with a screwdriver in well under an hour for most standard deadbolts.
What to watch out for
- No keypad or fingerprint reader in the box, so code entry needs the separate August keypad accessory.
- Auto-Unlock relies on phone location and Bluetooth, which can be slow to trigger on some phones and in weak signal spots.
- The small round interior unit uses CR123 batteries, which are less likely to be in a kitchen drawer than AAs.
Who it is for
Renters, and owners who love their existing exterior hardware and want smart features behind it.
Retrofit fit that respects the door
The August replaces only the interior thumb turn of your existing deadbolt. The exterior cylinder, keys, and trim stay put, which means no landlord negotiation, no matching new handles, and no risk of a smart lock clashing with period hardware. Installation is a screwdriver job for most standard deadbolts, and removal at move-out is just as quick, leaving the original lock exactly as it was.
DoorSense and auto-lock done properly
DoorSense is the standout feature: a small sensor reports whether the door is open, closed, or ajar, so the app tells you the truth rather than just the bolt position. Auto-Lock then secures the door after a delay you choose, and the activity feed logs every lock, unlock, and guest entry. Together they answer the two questions people actually ask about their front door: is it shut, and is it locked.
Auto-unlock and the keypad gap
Auto-Unlock uses phone location and Bluetooth to open the door as you approach, which feels like magic when it works and like a parlour trick when it lags. Owners who rely on it should keep a key or the app handy as backup. The bigger gap is the missing keypad: code entry needs the separate August keypad, so budget for it if anyone in the household does not carry a phone.
How it stacks up
Against the Level Lock+, the August is cheaper, easier to remove, and works for Android as well as Apple, but it is visible inside and lacks Home Key. Against the Yale Assure Lock 2, the August wins for renters and loses for anyone who wants a keypad on the door itself. Choose by your lease first, then by entry methods.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Keeps the existing keys and outside hardware exactly as they were
- DoorSense gives real reassurance that the door is shut and locked
- Quick screwdriver install and remote guest keys with no bridge needed
Common complaints
- Code entry needs a separate keypad bought on its own
- Auto-unlock can be slow to trigger on some phones and in weak signal spots
- CR123 batteries are harder to find in a kitchen drawer than AAs
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Type
- Retrofit lock, fits over an existing deadbolt
- Connectivity
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, no hub required
- Power
- 2 CR123 batteries (included)
- Door sensing
- DoorSense open and closed detection
- Dimensions
- 2.8 x 2.8 x 2.75 inches
Also consider
Level Lock+
The invisible smart lock: all the tech hides inside your existing deadbolt.
- Type: Hidden smart deadbolt, replaces the bolt mechanism inside the door
- Entry methods: Apple Home Key, app, key cards, physical keys
Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi
The straightforward Yale: keypad, app, and remote access at a fair price.
- Entry methods: Touchscreen keypad, app, Auto-Unlock, physical key
- Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Will the August fit my deadbolt?
It fits most standard single-cylinder deadbolts. Check the August compatibility guide with your deadbolt brand and measurements before ordering, since some integrated handle sets and mortise locks are not compatible.
Do I still use my old keys with the August?
Yes. The exterior cylinder is untouched, so your existing keys work exactly as before, which is also the fallback if the batteries or phone fail.
Does the August need a hub?
No. The 4th generation has Wi-Fi built in, so remote control and guest keys work without the older Connect bridge. A strong Wi-Fi signal at the door still matters for battery life and responsiveness.