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The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock replaces only the inside half of your deadbolt. Your outside lock and keys stay the same, which makes it a favorite for renters and anyone who does not want to change the look of the door. It has Wi-Fi built in, so you do not need a bridge, and DoorSense knows whether the door is actually closed.
I have not owned the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th gen). This review is built from the maker’s published specs and independent reviews, linked below. For more picks, see the Smart Locks hub .
Key specs
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th gen) | |
|---|---|
| Install | Replaces the interior thumb-turn; keeps exterior and keys |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, no bridge needed |
| Door sensor | DoorSense included |
| Features | Auto-lock, auto-unlock, guest access |
| Platforms | Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home |
| Power | CR123A batteries |
Sources: August , August support , The Verge , Android Police , Smart Locks Guide .
What reviewers like
- Install takes minutes with a screwdriver, and your keys still work.
- DoorSense means auto-lock only locks when the door is shut.
- Small and quiet on the inside of the door.
What to watch for
- Reviews are mixed on auto-unlock, and The Verge found control through Alexa and HomeKit less reliable than August’s own app.
- Built-in Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz only, per Android Police, and Wi-Fi use costs battery life.
- No keypad unless you buy August’s separate keypad.
Who should buy it
Buy it if you rent, want to keep your keys or like your current hardware. Skip it if you want fingerprint or keypad entry built in; look at the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch.
Retrofit, explained
A normal smart lock replaces both sides of the deadbolt. August keeps the bolt and the outside cylinder, and swaps only the thumb-turn inside. That means visitors see your normal lock, your keys still work, and you can put the old thumb-turn back when you move.
Auto-unlock, honestly
Auto-unlock uses your phone’s location to unlock as you arrive. Android Police found it worked well; other owners report it can be slow or miss. Treat it as a bonus rather than the main way in.
Batteries
The Wi-Fi model uses CR123A batteries, and Wi-Fi radios generally drain batteries faster than Bluetooth-only locks. Keep spares; the app warns you when they run low.
Quick answers
Does it work with Apple Home? Yes, per August.
Will it fit my deadbolt? Use August’s compatibility checker with your deadbolt brand.
Before you buy any smart lock
- Measure your door: thickness, backset (the distance from the edge to the center of the hole) and whether the deadbolt drags. A lock motor struggles with a bolt that sticks.
- Check your ecosystem: Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, Z-Wave or Matter.
- Decide how you will get in when batteries die. Most locks have a key, a USB-C or 9V jump point, or both.
- Think about who gets codes. Guest codes and schedules are a big part of the value, and you can revoke them at any time.
- Renters should check the lease before replacing a lock; a retrofit model may be the safer route.
Who it suits
August is built for people who cannot or do not want to change their lock. Renters can install it and remove it at move-out. Homeowners who like their existing deadbolt, or have keyed-alike locks across the house, keep the same keys. It works across Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home, so it fits most homes. If you want a keypad, August sells one separately, and if you want fingerprint entry, a full replacement lock is the better pick.
Is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th gen) on sale for Black Friday?
It is one of the products I am watching this season. I do not list sale prices here because they change by the hour and differ by color, bundle and store. Compare against the price you see in the weeks before the sale, and check whether a bundle adds things you will not use.
Our take
AI Score note: research-based, not hands-on. The best retrofit lock in reviews for renters and key keepers, with weak auto-unlock and short battery life. This is my editorial read of published reviews, not a rating.
Check today’s price before you buy: See the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th gen) on Amazon .
Compare
See the best smart lock , or browse the Black Friday smart lock deals .