Smart Home & Wearables
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) Review: Keyless Entry That Keeps Your Existing Deadbolt Hardware
- Brand:
- August
- Ages:
- 13+ years
- Updated:
- 2026-07-18
The verdict
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the smart lock to buy when you want keyless convenience without changing how your door looks from the street or giving up physical keys for household members — it's an easy retrofit rather than a full lock replacement, and that's exactly its appeal.
Pros
- Mounts on the inside of your existing deadbolt, so the outside of the door looks completely unchanged and everyone keeps their existing physical keys
- Built-in Wi-Fi means no separate bridge or hub is required, unlike earlier August lock generations
- Roughly a 10-minute, screwdriver-only installation makes it one of the easier smart locks to self-install
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, plus auto-unlock that detects your arrival for hands-free entry
- AES 128-bit and TLS encryption plus Bluetooth security give it a reasonable baseline for a connected lock
Cons
- Requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network specifically — it won't connect to 5GHz-only networks without a compatible router setting
- Runs on dual CR123 batteries rather than more common AA or rechargeable options, which can be pricier to replace
- Doesn't replace the deadbolt itself, so it inherits the security limitations of whatever deadbolt is already on your door
- No physical keypad included in the base model — PIN entry requires the app or voice assistant rather than a keypad on the door
This review is based on August's published specifications for the 4th-generation Wi-Fi Smart Lock and the consistent patterns across independent smart lock reviews and owner feedback, focused on its retrofit design compared to full deadbolt-replacement locks like Schlage's.
A retrofit, not a replacement
Because it mounts on the inside of your existing deadbolt rather than replacing it, the August lock keeps your door's exterior appearance and existing physical keys intact — a real advantage for renters or anyone who doesn't want to explain a new lock to every family member. Installation is genuinely quick, typically around 10 minutes with just a screwdriver.
Built-in Wi-Fi simplifies the setup
Earlier August locks required a separate Wi-Fi bridge accessory to enable remote access; the 4th-generation model connects directly, which removes both a cost and a point of failure. It does require a 2.4GHz network specifically, so check your router's band settings before assuming it'll connect out of the box.
Who it's for
Best for anyone who wants keyless, remote-controllable entry without swapping out their existing deadbolt or losing physical key access for other household members. If you want a built-in keypad for PIN entry without a phone, or you're replacing a deadbolt entirely, a lock like Schlage Encode Plus is a better fit.
Frequently asked
- Does the August lock replace my existing deadbolt?
- No — it mounts on the inside over your existing deadbolt hardware, so the outside of your door looks unchanged and physical keys still work.
- Does it need a separate hub or bridge?
- No, the 4th-generation model has built-in Wi-Fi, unlike earlier August locks that required a separate bridge accessory for remote access.
- What smart home platforms does it support?
- It works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, and includes auto-unlock that can detect your arrival for hands-free entry.
- Is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) worth buying?
- Yes, if you want an easy, key-preserving retrofit for keyless entry. It's less ideal if you specifically want a built-in door keypad or are open to fully replacing your deadbolt — in that case, consider Schlage Encode Plus instead.
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