August Smart Lock Not Connecting? Read This First
An August Smart Lock adds a brilliant layer of convenience to your life, but only when it's connected. If your August app is showing "Unreachable" or is stuck "Connecting...", you lose key features like remote unlocking and Auto-Unlock. Understanding how your lock communicates is the first step to fixing the problem.
Your August lock uses two different wireless technologies:
- Bluetooth: For short-range, direct communication with your smartphone when you are standing near the door.
- Wi-Fi: For long-range, remote communication from anywhere in the world. This connection is not handled by the lock itself, but by the separate August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge.
This guide will help you troubleshoot both types of connection issues.
Part 1: Troubleshooting Bluetooth Connection (When You're at Home)
If you're standing right in front of your door and the app can't connect, the problem is with the direct Bluetooth link between your phone and the lock.
### Step 1: Check the Basics on Your Phone
- Enable Bluetooth: Go into your phone's settings and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Toggle Bluetooth: The oldest trick in the book is often the most effective. Turn your phone's Bluetooth off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.
- App Permissions: Ensure the August app has the necessary permissions to use Bluetooth and Location Services on your phone.
### Step 2: Reboot the Lock and Your Phone
- Power Cycle the Lock: This is a simple reboot for the lock's electronics. Open the battery compartment on your August Smart Lock and take out one battery. Wait 10 seconds, then put it back in. This will force the lock to restart.
- Reboot Your Phone: A full restart of your smartphone can clear up any software glitches that might be preventing the app from communicating correctly.
### Step 3: Check the Lock's Batteries
Low batteries are a common cause of poor connectivity. While the lock might have enough power to operate manually, it may not have enough to maintain a stable Bluetooth connection. If you haven't changed them in a while, try installing a fresh set of CR123 batteries.
Part 2: Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Connection (When You're Away)
If the lock works perfectly when you're at home but shows "Unreachable" when you're on mobile data or another Wi-Fi network, the issue lies with the August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge.
### Step 1: Check the August Connect's Status LED
The small LED light on the front of your Connect bridge is your primary diagnostic tool.
- Solid Green: All good! The Connect is linked to your Wi-Fi, the August servers, and your lock.
- Flashing Green: The Connect is trying to establish a connection. Be patient for a minute or two.
- Flashing Red: Communication error. The Connect is having trouble connecting to your Bluetooth lock.
- Solid Red: Connection failure. The Connect cannot connect to your Wi-Fi network.
### Step 2: Reboot Your Network and the Connect Bridge
This process resolves the vast majority of Wi-Fi-related issues.
- Unplug the August Connect from the power outlet.
- Unplug your home's main internet router from power.
- Wait for a full 60 seconds.
- Plug the router back in first. Wait 3-5 minutes for it to fully restart and connect to the internet.
- Plug the August Connect back in. Place it in an outlet that is within 15-30 feet of both your router and your smart lock.
- Give the Connect another few minutes to boot up. The LED should flash green and then hopefully turn solid green.
### Step 3: Check the Location of the Connect Bridge
Placement is critical for the Connect to work properly. It needs a strong signal to both your Wi-Fi router and your lock.
- Too Far from Router: The Connect can't get a stable internet connection.
- Too Far from Lock: The Connect's Bluetooth signal can't reliably reach the lock.
- Obstructions: The signal can be blocked by thick walls (especially concrete or brick), large metal appliances (like a refrigerator), or metal doors.
If you suspect a range issue, try moving the Connect to a different power outlet that is closer to the lock or router.
By methodically checking your Bluetooth, batteries, and the status of your August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, you can quickly diagnose and fix whatever is preventing your August Smart Lock from connecting.