August Smart Home Locks

August is an American smart home brand focused on smart locks and access control. Founded in 2012, August pioneered the retrofit smart lock approach -- a design that adds Wi-Fi and app control to an existing deadbolt without replacing exterior hardware. August was acquired by ASSA ABLOY in 2017 and continues to develop its lock lineup under the August brand.

August's product strategy centers on software-forward lock features: remote access, guest key management, auto-lock, auto-unlock via geofencing, and access history logs. The retrofit installation approach means standard physical keys always work, which makes August locks practical for renters and multi-unit properties where exterior lock changes aren't always permitted by landlords or building management.

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Pro

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Pro (ASL-05) is August's flagship residential smart lock. It mounts on the interior thumb turn of an existing deadbolt and adds Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth proximity detection, DoorSense door position sensing, and integration with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and SmartThings.

The built-in Wi-Fi -- added in the Pro generation -- eliminates the August Connect bridge that older models required. Earlier August generations needed a bridge plugged into a wall outlet near the door for remote access. The Pro connects directly to a 2.4 GHz network, reducing setup complexity and removing an extra device from the equation. For most households, this means a simpler installation and one fewer device to manage.

DoorSense

DoorSense is a small magnetic sensor that attaches to the door frame and communicates with the lock body. It detects whether the door is physically open or closed -- separately from the deadbolt position. The practical value is in auto-lock: if a door is left ajar, auto-lock won't engage the deadbolt partway. DoorSense also enables door open and close alerts through the August app, which is useful for monitoring secondary entrances or keeping track of when family members arrive and leave.

The sensor is installed as part of the standard lock setup. August includes the DoorSense magnetic sensor and all mounting hardware in the box. Calibration runs through the app and takes a few minutes.

Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock

Auto-Lock engages the deadbolt after a set delay (30 seconds to 30 minutes) when the door is confirmed closed via DoorSense. The delay is adjustable in the August app to match how quickly household members typically close the door after entering.

Auto-Unlock uses geofencing and Bluetooth together: the app detects when your phone crosses the geofence boundary and then confirms your presence via Bluetooth before unlocking. The two-step approach reduces false unlocks from driving past the property. In practice, the lock typically unlocks by the time you reach the door from your car.

Guest Access and Access Logs

August's virtual key system allows time-limited access for guests, house cleaners, contractors, or dog walkers. Keys can be set for specific date ranges, recurring weekly schedules, or one-time use. They expire automatically without any action required on the owner's part.

Access logs show every lock and unlock event with timestamps and who triggered the action -- whether it was the August app, auto-lock, auto-unlock, or a physical key. This log is visible in the August app and can be reviewed at any time. For households with multiple authorized users, knowing who locked or unlocked the door and when is genuinely useful information.

The August app manages all access from a single interface. It works on iOS and Android. Access sharing works cross-platform, so an iOS household member can share access with an Android guest.

Smart Home Integration

August supports the main smart home platforms:

• Apple HomeKit: Full integration -- Home app control, Siri voice commands, and HomeKit automations that use the lock as a trigger or action
• Alexa: Voice lock and unlock, status checks, and Alexa routine participation
• Google Home: Lock, unlock, and status queries via Google Assistant
• SmartThings: Participation in SmartThings scenes and automations alongside compatible devices

This breadth of integration means the August lock fits into most existing smart home setups without requiring a platform change. HomeKit integration is the strongest, with the deepest feature support and automation options for iOS households.

Matter support is not available on the current August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Pro firmware as of 2026. August has not published a Matter certification timeline for this model.

Installation

The retrofit installation replaces the interior thumb turn using included adapters sized for the most common deadbolt styles found in American homes. No exterior changes, no re-keying, and no drilling into the door. Standard keys continue to work after installation. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires only a screwdriver.

The lock runs on 4 AA batteries with approximately 6 months of typical life depending on usage. Lithium batteries extend battery life in cold weather conditions. Low battery warnings appear in the app well before the battery is fully depleted, giving several days of advance notice before remote access stops working.

August vs Full-Replacement Locks

The retrofit approach is August's core advantage over full-replacement smart deadbolts from Schlage, Yale, or Kwikset. It preserves existing keys, works in rental situations, and requires no exterior modification -- the outside of the door looks exactly the same after installation.

The trade-off: the physical security of the lock depends on what was already on the door. August adds smart features to the existing deadbolt cylinder and strike plate rather than replacing them with higher-rated hardware. For most residential applications with standard deadbolts, this is not a significant concern. For high-security installations, a full-replacement lock with a certified high-security cylinder may be a better choice.

For renters and homeowners who want smart lock features without permanent changes, August's retrofit design is the most practical approach in the category.