How to Connect Your August Smart Lock to Alexa
Controlling your August Smart Lock with voice commands via Amazon Alexa is a powerful smart home convenience. However, users sometimes run into issues during setup, leading them to believe their lock isn't compatible. The good news is that August locks are fully compatible with Alexa, but there are some specific requirements to get them working together.
The Most Important Requirement: The August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge
This is the number one reason for setup failure. The August Smart Lock itself uses Bluetooth, not Wi-Fi, to communicate. Bluetooth is low-energy and perfect for communicating with your phone when you're nearby, but it cannot connect directly to your home network or the internet.
The August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge is a separate device that plugs into a power outlet near your lock. It acts as a "bridge" between the two technologies:
- It speaks to your lock via Bluetooth.
- It speaks to your home router via Wi-Fi.
Without the August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, your lock cannot communicate with the August cloud or the Alexa service, and the integration will not work.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting August and Alexa
If you have your Smart Lock and your Connect Wi-Fi Bridge installed and working in the August app, follow these steps to link with Alexa.
### 1. Enable the August Home Skill in the Alexa App
First, you need to teach Alexa how to communicate with August.
- Open the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone.
- Tap on 'More' in the bottom-right corner.
- Select 'Skills & Games'.
- Tap the search icon and type in "August Home".
- Select the skill from the search results.
- Tap 'Enable to Use'.
- You will be redirected to a login page. Sign in using your August account credentials (the same email and password you use for the August app). This authorises Alexa to access your lock.
### 2. Discover Your Devices
Once the skill is enabled, Alexa needs to find your lock.
- You can say the voice command, "Alexa, discover devices."
- Alternatively, in the Alexa app, go to the 'Devices' tab, tap the '+' icon, select 'Add Device', scroll down to 'Lock', and follow the prompts.
Your August Smart Lock should now appear in your list of devices.
### 3. Set Up Your Voice Code for Unlocking
For your security, Alexa will not allow you to unlock your door by voice until you set up a PIN code.
- In the Alexa app, go to the 'Devices' tab.
- Tap on 'Locks' and select your August Smart Lock.
- Tap the settings gear icon in the top-right corner.
- You will see an option to 'Enable Unlock by voice'.
- Toggle it on, and you will be prompted to create a 4-digit voice code.
Now, when you say "Alexa, unlock the front door," she will ask for your code before completing the command.
Troubleshooting: What if it's Not Working?
- "Device is unresponsive": This almost always means there is a problem with your August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge. Check that it is plugged in and has a solid green light. Ensure it is within Bluetooth range (10-15 feet) of the lock. Try unplugging the bridge for a minute and plugging it back in.
- Discovery Fails: If Alexa can't find your lock after you enable the skill, try disabling and re-enabling the August Home skill in the Alexa app to refresh the connection.
- Check the August App: Before troubleshooting in Alexa, always make sure you can successfully lock and unlock your door via the August app when you are not at home. This confirms that the Wi-Fi bridge is working correctly.