Why is Your August Smart Lock Battery Draining So Fast?
The convenience of an August Smart Lock is undeniable, but that convenience quickly turns into a chore if you find yourself changing the batteries every few weeks or months. A smart lock is supposed to last for a significant period on a single set of batteries, so rapid draining is a clear sign that something is wrong.
This professional guide is here to help you diagnose the root cause of the excessive battery consumption. We'll cover the most common culprits, from connectivity issues to physical installation problems, and provide actionable solutions to extend your lock's battery life.
Symptoms of Abnormal Battery Drain
Before we dive in, let's confirm that you're facing a genuine battery drain issue. The signs include:
- Receiving a "low battery" notification in the August app just weeks after replacing the batteries.
- The batteries need to be replaced far more frequently than the 3-6 months suggested by August.
- The lock's motor sounds weak or struggles to turn the deadbolt.
- The lock becomes unresponsive or frequently disconnects from your app or Wi-Fi.
- The LED indicator on the lock flashes red, signalling a critical battery level.
How to Fix and Prevent Rapid Battery Drain
Work through these troubleshooting steps to improve your lock's efficiency and get its battery life back to normal.
1. Check Your Wi-Fi Connection Strength
This is the number one cause of rapid battery drain for users with an August Connect or Wi-Fi Smart Lock.
- The Problem: If the lock has to constantly struggle to maintain a connection to your Wi-Fi (via the Connect bridge), its radio will use a large amount of power.
- The Solution: Ensure your August Connect bridge is plugged into a power outlet that is roughly halfway between your Wi-Fi router and your smart lock. It needs a strong signal from both devices. If the distance is too great, the lock will overcompensate and drain its batteries. Try moving the Connect to a closer outlet to see if performance improves.
2. Verify Physical Lock Alignment
The second most common issue is a physical one. The lock's motor should not have to work hard to move the deadbolt.
- The Problem: If the deadbolt scrapes against the strike plate on the doorframe, the motor requires much more power to lock and unlock. This friction will shred your batteries.
- The Solution: With your door open, operate the lock manually and with the app. Notice how smoothly it works. Now, close the door and operate it again. If you have to push or pull on the door for the lock to engage, you have an alignment problem. You may need to adjust the position of the strike plate on the doorframe so the deadbolt can slide in and out effortlessly.
3. Use the Correct Type of Batteries
The type of batteries you use is critical for optimal performance.
- Use Recommended Batteries: August strongly recommends using standard, high-quality non-rechargeable alkaline batteries.
- Avoid Rechargeables: While it may seem cost-effective, using rechargeable batteries is a common mistake. They often have a lower operating voltage which can trigger premature low-battery warnings and cause the lock to function unreliably.
4. Calibrate Your Lock
After changing the batteries or if you've made physical adjustments, it's essential to recalibrate the lock within the August app.
- Go to your Lock Settings in the app.
- Select the option for Calibrate Lock.
- Follow the on-screen instructions carefully. This process teaches the lock the precise start and end points for locking and unlocking, ensuring the motor operates as efficiently as possible.
5. Review Your Smart Feature Settings
While features like Auto-Unlock are incredibly convenient, they do consume more power. If battery life is your absolute priority, you could consider adjusting these settings, but this should be a last resort after checking all the points above.
By addressing these key areas, particularly Wi-Fi signal and physical alignment, you can dramatically increase the battery life of your August Smart Lock and restore its set-and-forget convenience.