How to Fix an August Device That Keeps Disconnecting
An August Smart Lock or Doorbell that frequently disconnects can be a major inconvenience, undermining the reliability of your smart home. Whether your lock shows as 'Unavailable' in the app or your remote access fails, the root cause is usually related to the communication between the lock, the August Connect Wi--Fi Bridge, and your home network.
This guide will help you troubleshoot these connection drops to create a more stable and responsive system, focusing on the critical link: the August Connect bridge.
### Understanding the August Ecosystem
It's important to understand how the parts connect:
- Your August Smart Lock communicates with your phone and the Connect bridge via Bluetooth.
- The August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge plugs into a power outlet. It 'bridges' the Bluetooth signal from your lock to your Wi-Fi network.
- Your Wi-Fi network connects the bridge to the internet, allowing for remote control.
A disconnection can happen at any of these points.
## Step 1: Optimise the August Connect Bridge Placement
The location of the Connect bridge is the most common reason for intermittent disconnections.
- Proximity to the Lock: The bridge communicates with the lock via Bluetooth, which has a limited range. The Connect should be plugged into an outlet within 15 feet (4.5 metres) of the lock for best performance.
- Clear Line of Sight: Try to place the bridge in a location where there is a relatively clear line of sight to the lock. Thick walls, especially those with metal or plumbing, can weaken the Bluetooth signal.
- Wi-Fi Signal Strength: The bridge also needs a strong Wi-Fi signal from your router. Don't place it in a known Wi-Fi dead spot. You can test the signal strength using your smartphone in the same outlet.
- Action: If your lock is disconnecting, the first step is always to try moving the Connect bridge to a closer outlet.
## Step 2: Check the Lock's Batteries
While it may seem unrelated to a Wi-Fi issue, the lock's battery level is crucial for a stable connection.
- Low Battery Instability: When the four AA batteries in your August Smart Lock become critically low, the performance of the Bluetooth radio can degrade significantly. This leads to frequent disconnections from both your phone and the Connect bridge.
- Check Battery Level: The August app should warn you when batteries are low.
- Action: Replace all four batteries with a fresh set of standard, non-rechargeable alkaline batteries. Avoid lithium or rechargeable batteries, as they can report inaccurate power levels.
### Step 3: Reboot Your Network and Devices
A simple power cycle can often resolve temporary glitches and force devices to re-establish a clean connection.
- Reboot the Connect Bridge: Unplug the August Connect from the wall outlet. Wait for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Observe the LED light; it should flash green while it reconnects and then turn off (or show solid red if it fails).
- Reboot Your Router: Unplug your home's Wi-Fi router from power. Wait for about a minute, then plug it back in. Allow several minutes for it to fully restart and for your devices to come back online.
- Restart the August App: Force close the August app on your smartphone and then reopen it.
### Step 4: Reduce Wireless Interference
Bluetooth and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi share the same crowded wireless space. Interference from other devices can cause connection drops.
- Identify Potential Sources: Keep the August Connect and the lock away from devices like microwave ovens, cordless phones, wireless speakers, or other smart home hubs if possible.
- Change Wi-Fi Channel: If you have persistent issues, logging into your router's settings and changing the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi channel to a less congested one (1, 6, or 11) can sometimes help.
By focusing on the placement of your Connect bridge and ensuring your lock has fresh batteries, you can solve the vast majority of disconnection issues with your August smart lock system.