How to Solve Rapid Battery Drain in Your August Smart Lock
An August Smart Lock provides incredible convenience, but this is diminished if you have to constantly replace the batteries. If your lock seems to be draining its batteries in a matter of weeks rather than months, there's usually a clear reason. This guide will walk you through the most common causes of rapid battery drain and how to fix them, restoring the long-lasting performance you expect.
The battery life of your August lock is influenced by four main factors: the type of batteries you use, the quality of the wireless connection, the physical installation of the lock, and your usage patterns. By addressing these key areas, you can solve most battery-related problems.
## Step 1: Use the Correct Batteries
This is the most common and easily solved issue. The type of battery you use is critical for the lock's performance.
- Required Battery Type: August Smart Locks require CR123 Lithium 3V batteries.
- Avoid Other Types: Do not use Alkaline batteries. While they may fit, they do not provide a stable voltage and will drain exceptionally fast, often within a couple of weeks. Do not use rechargeable batteries (Li-Ion), as their voltage characteristics are different and they will not work correctly.
- Replace as a Full Set: When you replace the batteries, always replace all of them at the same time with a fresh, new set from the same pack. Mixing old and new batteries can lead to poor performance.
## Step 2: Check Door and Lock Alignment
After battery type, a misaligned door is the next biggest culprit of battery drain.
- How it Drains Power: The August lock uses a motor to turn your deadbolt. If the deadbolt is not perfectly aligned with the strike plate hole in the door frame, it will encounter friction when trying to lock or unlock. The motor must work much harder to overcome this resistance, which consumes a great deal of power.
- How to Test: Open your door and operate the lock manually with the thumb-turn. It should be smooth and easy to turn. Now, close the door and operate the lock again. If you have to push or pull on the door to get the lock to engage smoothly, you have an alignment problem.
- How to Fix: You may need to adjust the strike plate on your door frame. Sometimes, simply tightening the screws on the door hinges is enough to correct a sagging door. The deadbolt should be able to move completely freely without any rubbing or catching.
## Step 3: Optimise Your Wireless Connection
Your August lock communicates via Bluetooth to your phone and via Wi-Fi through the August Connect bridge. A weak signal in either of these forces the lock's radio to work harder, draining the battery.
- August Connect Placement: The August Connect Wi-Fi bridge should be plugged into a power outlet within 10-15 feet (3-4.5 metres) of your smart lock. It needs a clear line of sight for the best performance. Do not place it in another room or behind thick furniture. A strong, stable connection to the Connect is vital for good battery life.
- Bluetooth Connection: While you can't change your phone's Bluetooth, being aware that operating the lock from the very edge of its Bluetooth range may use slightly more power is helpful.
## Step 4: Calibrate the Lock
After changing the batteries or making adjustments to the door, it's always a good idea to recalibrate your lock within the August app. This ensures the lock knows the exact start and end points for the locked and unlocked positions, preventing the motor from running longer than necessary.
By ensuring you're using the right batteries and that your lock is mechanically and wirelessly optimised, you can enjoy the full convenience of your August Smart Lock without the worry of constant battery changes.