August Smart Lock Not Charging? A Guide to Battery and Power Issues
A common point of confusion for new August Smart Lock owners is the issue of charging. If your August lock has stopped working and you're looking for a way to charge it, you've come to the right place for an answer, although it might not be what you expect. This guide will clarify how August locks are powered and help you solve your battery-related problems.
Understanding How Your August Lock is Powered
The most important thing to know is that most August Smart Lock models do not have rechargeable batteries. They are powered by standard, off-the-shelf batteries that need to be replaced, not recharged.
If your lock is unresponsive, it's not a charging issue; it's almost certainly a battery issue. The term "not charging" really means "the batteries are dead."
Step 1: Identify and Purchase the Correct Batteries
Using the right type of battery is critical for the performance and longevity of your smart lock.
- Required Battery Type: The majority of August Smart Lock models use four 3V CR123A Lithium batteries. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock uses two.
- Recommended Brands: It is strongly advised to use batteries from well-known, reputable brands such as Panasonic, Energizer, or Duracell.
- What to Avoid: Do NOT use rechargeable CR123A batteries or standard alkaline batteries. Their voltage output can be inconsistent and is not optimized for the lock's power requirements, which can lead to poor performance, rapid battery drain, and incorrect low-battery warnings.
Step 2: How to Replace the Batteries in Your August Lock
Replacing the batteries is a simple process.
- Open the Faceplate: The faceplate on the indoor side of your lock is usually held on by magnets or a small latch. For most models, you can simply pull it directly off. For others, you may need to press a small logo or button at the bottom to release it.
- Remove the Old Batteries: Slide out the old CR123A batteries. Take note of their orientation (+/-).
- Insert the New Batteries: Insert the fresh CR123A batteries, ensuring they are placed in the correct orientation as indicated by the diagrams inside the battery compartment.
- Replace the Faceplate: Once the new batteries are in, the lock should beep or show a light. Place the faceplate back onto the lock.
Step 3: What to Do If New Batteries Don't Fix the Problem
If you've inserted a fresh set of recommended batteries and the lock is still not working, here are a few extra troubleshooting steps.
- Check Battery Contacts: Remove the new batteries and inspect the metal contacts inside the battery compartment. If you see any dirt or corrosion, gently clean them with a dry cloth or a pencil eraser.
- Reboot the Lock: Simply removing the batteries, waiting for 60 seconds, and then reinserting them can act as a reboot for the lock, which can clear minor software glitches.
- Check the App: After replacing the batteries, open your August app while standing near the lock. It should connect via Bluetooth and update the battery level status.
Maximising Your Battery Life
To get the most out of your batteries, consider the following:
- Ensure Smooth Operation: The lock has to work harder if your deadbolt is stiff or misaligned. Make sure your deadbolt moves smoothly by hand.
- Check Wi-Fi Signal: If you use an August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, a weak Wi-Fi signal can cause the bridge and lock to use more power trying to maintain a connection.
- Limit Auto-Lock/Unlock Usage: Features like Auto-Unlock, while convenient, use more battery power due to frequent Bluetooth scanning.
By understanding that your August lock needs a battery replacement rather than a charge, you can quickly and easily resolve most power-related issues.