Quick answer
Your August smart lock battery typically lasts 3–6 months, but heavy use, poor Wi-Fi signal, and extreme temperatures can drain it faster. To extend battery life, adjust lock settings like auto-unlock and activity notifications, ensure a strong Wi-Fi connection, and keep the lock clean and well-maintained.
August smart lock
Why Does Your August Smart Lock Battery Drain Fast?
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and other models rely on four AA batteries. Common culprits for rapid drain include frequent locking/unlocking, weak Wi-Fi causing the lock to work harder, and extreme cold or heat. Also, if you have many users or use features like DoorSense and auto-lock, the lock communicates more often, using more power.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Settings That Help Save Battery
Turn off auto-unlock if you don't need it—it forces the lock to check your phone's location constantly. Reduce activity notifications or set them to only critical alerts. Disable DoorSense calibration if you don't rely on the open/close status. These changes can add weeks to your battery life.
When to Replace the Batteries
The August app will warn you when batteries are low. Don't wait until the lock stops working—replace them with fresh, high-quality alkaline or lithium AA batteries. Lithium batteries perform better in cold weather. If you notice the lock is sluggish or unresponsive, swap batteries immediately.
Diagnosis: Is Your Battery Draining Too Fast?
- Symptom: Battery lasts less than 2 months, or you get low-battery warnings frequently. This is shorter than the typical 3–6 month range.
- Likely cause: Weak Wi-Fi signal, extreme temperatures, or heavy usage (many users, frequent auto-lock, or DoorSense). Check signal strength in the app and review your settings.
- Corrective action: Move your router closer, add a Wi-Fi extender, or use the August Connect bridge. Adjust lock settings to reduce communication frequency. Replace with lithium batteries if in cold climate. These steps can restore normal battery life.
- When to stop or choose another option: If the lock still drains batteries in under a month after trying all fixes, the lock may have a hardware defect. Contact August support or consider replacing the unit. A defective lock should be replaced under warranty.
Products That Help Manage Battery Life
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock + Cambridge Knob in Polished Brass: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock + Cambridge Knob in Polished Brass is a smart door bundle that pairs a Wi-Fi smart lock with a Cambridge knob. Available in Silver. The Wi-Fi Smart Lock connects directly to your home network without needing a separate bridge, which can simplify setup and potentially reduce battery drain compared to older models that rely on a separate Connect hub.
- August Smart Lock + Connect: August Smart Lock + Connect lets you control and monitor your door from anywhere. Works with Alexa and the Google Assistant. Available in Dark Gray and Silver. If you already have an older August Smart Lock, adding the Connect bridge can improve Wi-Fi signal strength, reducing the lock's battery drain caused by constant reconnection attempts.
