Your August Smart Lock should automatically lock itself after the door closes, but right now it’s staying unlocked – leaving your home vulnerable. This common issue typically stems from sensor misalignment or settings that need adjustment, and you can usually fix it yourself in about 10 minutes.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Step 1: Check Your Auto-Lock Settings First
Open the August app on your phone and tap your lock’s name. Navigate to Settings > Auto-Lock and verify it’s actually turned on. Sometimes iOS or Android updates in 2025 can reset these preferences without warning. While you’re there, check the auto-lock delay timer – it might be set to 30 seconds or even 5 minutes instead of immediately. Adjust this to your preferred timing and test by opening and closing your door.
Step 2: Recalibrate Your DoorSense Sensor
The DoorSense sensor tells your August lock when the door is actually closed. Find the small magnetic sensor on your door frame – it should align perfectly with the sensor on your door when closed. In the August app, go to Settings > Lock Settings > DoorSense and tap “Recalibrate.” Follow the on-screen prompts to open and close your door several times. The app will guide you through each step with clear instructions.
Step 3: Clean and Reposition the DoorSense Components
Grab a microfiber cloth and gently clean both the sensor on your door and the magnet on your frame. Dust, paint chips, or even spider webs can interfere with the magnetic connection. If cleaning doesn’t help, check if either component has shifted. The sensor and magnet need to be within 1 inch of each other when the door closes. You might need to unscrew and reposition one or both pieces for proper alignment.
Step 4: Update Your Lock’s Firmware
Outdated firmware is ideal for causing auto-lock failures. Open the August app and navigate to Settings > Firmware Update. If an update is available, make sure your phone stays near the lock during the entire process. This usually takes 5-10 minutes. Your lock might make some clicking sounds during the update – that’s completely normal.
Step 5: Replace Your Lock’s Batteries
Low battery power can cause erratic behavior, including auto-lock failures. Your August Smart Lock uses 4 AA batteries (or 2 CR123 batteries in some models). Even if the app shows battery life remaining, try fresh batteries anyway. Sometimes the voltage drops just enough to affect advanced features while basic locking still works fine.
Step 6: Factory Reset Your Lock
This is best used in situations where nothing else works. Remove one battery from your lock, then press and hold the lock’s button while reinserting that battery. Keep holding until you see the LED flash red. You’ll need to set up your lock again from scratch, but this often resolves stubborn software glitches.
Likely Causes
Cause #1: Misaligned DoorSense Sensor
Your August lock relies on precise magnetic alignment between two components to detect when your door closes. Over time, house settling, temperature changes, or even slamming the door can shift these sensors out of position. You’ll know this is the issue if your app shows the door as “open” even when it’s clearly closed. Check by looking at the gap between the sensor and magnet with your door closed – anything more than an inch means they need repositioning.
Cause #2: Conflicting Smart Home Automations
If you’ve connected your August lock to Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, competing automation rules might override your auto-lock settings. This is particularly common when multiple household members create their own routines. Open each smart home app and review any automations involving your lock. Look for rules that might unlock the door based on time, location, or other triggers that conflict with auto-locking.
Cause #3: Wi-Fi Bridge Connection Issues
The August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge enables remote features and can affect local operations when it loses connection. If your bridge’s LED is red or blinking, it’s not recommended when you need reliable auto-locking. Unplug the bridge for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Make sure it’s within 15 feet of both your lock and your router for optimal performance.
When to Call Expert Help
Contact August support directly when you’ve tried all these steps and your lock still won’t auto-lock reliably. You should also seek professional help if your door frame appears warped, your deadbolt struggles to extend fully, or if you notice any physical damage to the lock mechanism. These mechanical issues require expertise beyond software troubleshooting.
August’s support team can run remote diagnostics on your lock and might identify issues not visible through normal troubleshooting. They’re available through the app’s Help section or by calling their support line. Have your lock’s serial number ready – you’ll find it in the app under Settings > About.
Copy-Paste Prompt for AI Help
“My August Smart Lock (insert your model: Pro, Wi-Fi, or standard) won’t auto-lock after I close the door. I’ve checked that auto-lock is enabled in the app with a (insert your delay time) delay. The DoorSense shows my door as (open/closed) when it’s actually (open/closed). My firmware version is (check in Settings > About). I’m using (iPhone/Android) with the August app version (check in your phone’s app settings). What specific troubleshooting steps should I try for this exact configuration?”