Ugh… hands full? Phone dead? Keys buried somewhere in your bag? We’ve all been there. That’s why I’ve been testing the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) for the past two months—to see if this keyless, app-controlled lock really makes life easier or just adds more tech headaches.

Spoiler: It’s mostly amazing, but there’s one big catch you need to know about.

Key Features & Real-World Benefits.

First, what makes this lock special? Unlike most smart locks that replace your entire deadbolt, the August attaches to the inside of your door, keeping your existing keyhole outside. That means:

No landlord issues (perfect for renters!).
No rekeying (your old keys still work).
No ugly keypad messing up your door’s look.

But the real magic is in the Auto-Unlock feature. Walk up to your door, and it unlocks before you touch it—no digging for keys or phones. I tested this with arms full of Amazon boxes, and… it’s a game-changer.

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App Control & Smart Home Integration.

The August app lets you:

• Share virtual keys (permanent, temporary, or scheduled).
• See a log of who enters/exits (great for Airbnb hosts).
• Auto-Lock the door after it closes (no more Did I lock it?).

It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit—though HomeKit requires a hub (like an Apple TV). Pro tip: Skip the August Connect bridge; this 4th Gen has built-in Wi-Fi!

The Big Downsides (And How to Fix Them)

Now, the elephant in the room: battery life. Some users report 1 to 2 months per charge (CR123A lithium batteries). That’s… not great. But here’s what I found:

Battery Hacks:

• Use name-brand lithium batteries (they last 2 to 3 times longer than alkalines).
• Disable Wi-Fi if you don’t need remote access (use Bluetooth instead).
• Turn off Auto-Unlock if you’re home all day (saves approximately 30% battery power).

Also, the Auto-Unlock range is short (about a block). If you live in a dense area, it might not trigger until you’re at your door—killing the hands-free magic.

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Installation: Easier Than IKEA Furniture?

August claims 10-minute setup—and shockingly, they’re right. You just:

• Tape the outside bolt (so it doesn’t fall out).
• Swap the interior thumb-turn with August’s adapter.
• Snap the motor unit on.

No drilling, no wiring. Even my technophobe dad did it solo. But warning: The door sensor (for ajar alerts) is annoyingly fussy to align.

How It Compares to Competitors.

• Versus Schlage Encode: Schlage has a keypad (no phone needed) but can’t Auto-Unlock. August wins for convenience.
• Versus Ultraloq U-Bolt: Ultraloq has a fingerprint scanner, but August’s app is way more polished.
• Versus Yale Assure: Yale works with Apple HomeKey, but August’s design is sleeker and more renter-friendly.

Verdict? August is the best for hands-free access, but Schlage wins if you hate changing batteries.

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Final Verdict: Who Should Buy This?

After 60 days of testing, I’d rate the August Smart Lock 8.5 out of 10. It’s perfect for:

• Renters (no permanent changes).
• Tech lovers who want Auto-Unlock.
• Airbnb hosts (easy guest access).

Skip it if:

• You hate battery maintenance.
• You need long-range Auto-Unlock.
• You prefer physical keypads.

For me, the convenience outweighs the battery hassle—but bulk-buy those CR123As!

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