August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: The Real-World Review
After 6 months of daily use in Las Vegas heat, here's my honest review of the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. I'll cover everything from installation frustrations to summer performance, because most reviews don't tell you what it's really like to live with a smart lock every day.
Quick Summary
Rating: 4.2/5 stars
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a solid choice for homeowners who want smart lock features without replacing their existing deadbolt. It's not perfect, but after 6 months of use, I'd buy it again.
Best for: Homeowners with existing deadbolts, renters, anyone wanting to keep their current keys Skip if: You want the sleekest design, have a tight budget, or need rock-solid WiFi reliability
What Makes August Different
Unlike most smart locks that require you to replace your entire deadbolt, the August lock retrofits to your existing hardware. This means:
- ✅ Your exterior door looks unchanged
- ✅ Your existing keys still work
- ✅ Installation is typically easier
- ❌ The interior gets much bulkier
Installation Experience: Easier Than Expected
Time Required: 30 minutes Tools Needed: Screwdriver (included), measuring tape Difficulty: 3/10 (surprisingly easy)
Step-by-Step Process:
- Remove existing thumb turn (2 minutes)
- Measure deadbolt dimensions with included gauge (5 minutes)
- Install mounting plate (10 minutes)
- Attach August unit (5 minutes)
- Calibrate in app (8 minutes)
Installation Gotchas:
- Door thickness matters - measure twice before ordering
- Some deadbolts aren't compatible - check August's compatibility tool first
- WiFi setup takes longer than Bluetooth-only models
The included installation guide is actually helpful, unlike most tech products. I appreciated the physical gauge for checking compatibility.
Daily Performance: 6 Months In
🔒 Locking/Unlocking Reliability: 9/10
In 6 months of daily use, the lock has failed to operate maybe 5-6 times. Usually resolved by:
- Opening/closing the August app
- Checking door alignment (sometimes the door sticks in Vegas heat)
Auto-unlock works about 95% of the time when arriving home. The 5% failures were usually when I approached from an odd angle or my phone was in my back pocket.
📱 App Experience: 7/10
What Works Well:
- Quick lock/unlock from anywhere
- Activity history is detailed and useful
- Guest access is simple to manage
- Battery level monitoring
Frustrations:
- App sometimes takes 3-4 seconds to connect
- Occasionally shows "offline" when lock is actually fine
- Guest codes expire at midnight, not 24 hours later (annoying for Airbnb)
🔋 Battery Life: 6/10
This is where August loses points. Battery life is inconsistent and shorter than advertised.
My Experience:
- First 3 months: 4-5 months estimated life
- Summer heat (105°F+): Dropped to 2-3 months estimated
- Actual replacement: Every 3.5 months on average
Battery Tips I Learned:
- Buy rechargeable CR123A batteries (way cheaper long-term)
- Heat definitely affects battery life
- Auto-unlock drains battery faster than manual use
Vegas-Specific Performance Notes
Living in Las Vegas presents unique challenges for smart home devices:
🌡️ Heat Performance: 8/10
- Summer temps 110°F+: Lock continued working normally
- Direct sun exposure: No warping or malfunction
- Battery drain: Increased by about 30% in summer months
🏠 Dust/Wind Resistance: 9/10
- Monsoon season: No issues with dust or moisture
- Daily dust: Easy to clean, no accumulation in moving parts
📶 WiFi in Vegas Homes: 7/10
- Stucco walls: Can interfere with WiFi signal strength
- Two-story homes: May need WiFi extender for reliable connection
Smart Home Integration
Amazon Alexa: 9/10
"Alexa, lock the front door" works perfectly every time. No complaints here.
Google Assistant: 8/10
Works well, but requires saying "ask August to lock the door" instead of direct commands.
Apple HomeKit: N/A
August doesn't support HomeKit natively, which is a dealbreaker for some iOS users.
Security Features
🔐 Auto-Lock: 8/10
- Customizable timing: 30 seconds to 30 minutes
- Reliability: Works about 98% of the time
- Peace of mind: I never worry about leaving the door unlocked
🚨 Tamper Detection: 7/10
- Sends alerts if someone tries to remove the lock
- Sometimes gives false positives during heavy wind
📜 Activity Log: 9/10
- Detailed history of every lock/unlock
- Shows battery level over time
- Great for tracking kids' arrivals home
What I Love After 6 Months
1. No More Lost Key Panic
My teenage daughter loses everything, but her phone is permanently attached to her hand. Problem solved.
2. Guest Access is Brilliant
Giving temporary access to housekeepers, dog sitters, or Airbnb guests without physical keys is incredibly convenient.
3. Package Deliveries
I can unlock the door for delivery drivers and relock immediately. Game-changer for expensive packages.
4. Activity Monitoring
Knowing exactly when my kids get home from school gives me peace of mind without being overbearing.
What Drives Me Crazy
1. The Size
The interior unit is huge. It makes my entryway look clunky and catches on clothing sometimes.
2. WiFi Connectivity
Maybe once a week, the lock shows "offline" in the app even though it's working fine. Requires opening/closing the app.
3. Battery Anxiety
Getting low battery alerts when I'm traveling is stressful. The lock still works, but worry about being locked out.
4. Guest Code Timing
Guest codes expire at midnight, not 24 hours after creation. This has caused problems with cleaning services arriving early.
Cost Analysis: Is It Worth $229?
Value Comparison:
- August Wi-Fi: $229 (keeps existing deadbolt)
- Yale Assure: $279 (full deadbolt replacement)
- Schlage Encode: $249 (full replacement)
Hidden Costs:
- Batteries: ~$20/year (CR123A rechargeable recommended)
- Professional installation: $50-100 if you don't DIY
Savings:
- No locksmith calls: $150+ each time
- No key replacement: $50+ for rekeying after lost keys
Verdict: Worth it if you value convenience and security. The time saved and peace of mind justify the cost.
Long-Term Durability
After 6 months of Vegas weather and daily use:
Physical Condition: 9/10
- No visible wear on the exterior
- Interior plastic shows minor scuffs
- All buttons still tactile and responsive
Mechanical Performance: 8/10
- Lock mechanism still smooth
- Calibration hasn't drifted
- No grinding or unusual sounds
Who Should Buy the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock?
✅ Perfect For:
- Renters who can't replace the deadbolt
- Homeowners with high-quality existing hardware
- Families wanting keyless entry without full door modification
- Anyone who wants to keep existing keys as backup
❌ Consider Alternatives If:
- Design matters - this isn't the sleekest option
- Budget is tight - there are cheaper smart locks
- WiFi is unreliable - consider Bluetooth-only models
- You want HomeKit - August doesn't support it
Alternatives to Consider
If You Want Sleeker Design:
Yale Assure Lock SL - Much cleaner look, but requires deadbolt replacement
If You Want Lower Cost:
Wyze Lock - Similar retrofit design for ~$100 less
If You Want Better Battery Life:
Schlage Encode - Hardwired option with backup battery
Final Verdict: 4.2/5 Stars
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock isn't perfect, but it's a solid choice for most homeowners. After 6 months, I appreciate the convenience more than I'm bothered by the drawbacks.
Buy it if:
You want smart lock features without major door modification, and you can live with the bulky interior design.
Skip it if:
You prioritize sleek aesthetics or need rock-solid WiFi reliability for mission-critical applications.
Would I buy it again? Yes, but I'd also consider the newer August models that address some of my concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does it work during power outages?
A: Yes, the lock runs on batteries and doesn't need WiFi to operate manually. You just lose remote access.
Q: Can burglars hack it?
A: Like any connected device, there's theoretical risk. August uses bank-level encryption, and physical bypass is much more likely than digital.
Q: What happens if my phone dies?
A: Your existing keys still work! This is the main advantage of August's retrofit design.
Q: Installation in apartments?
A: Perfect for renters since it doesn't modify the existing deadbolt. Just remove it when you move.
This review is based on 6 months of daily use in Las Vegas, Nevada. Your experience may vary based on climate, usage patterns, and home setup. Product provided for review, but all opinions are honest and based on real-world testing.
Last Updated: August 2025 Product Version: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) Firmware Version: 2.3.1
