For the last year, I’ve been replacing the batteries in my August Smart Lock.
It’s a real-world test of August Smart Lock battery life:
My real-world experience informs me that my actual battery life of the Smart Lock (for all versions) is between 1.5 and 3 months (so actually 1.5 to 3 months, tops):
- Up to six months for the first-generation lock (Smart Lock) (more like 3 months)
- 1 month to 3 months with the 2nd generation lock (more like 1.5 months)
- Both Smart Lock Pro 3rd generation locks (up to six months) (more like 3 months)
- Up to three months for 4th generation (Wi-Fi) (more like 1.5 months)
What affects the battery life of a smart lock?
My real-world experience suggests the battery life is about half of what August estimates (so usually 1.5 to 3 months, tops).
We presume that you’ve done everything well when it comes to installation, WiFi is strong and you’re using the smart lock on a regular basis.
When it comes to your August Smart Lock, there are a lot of factors that may drain and significantly limit the battery life.
If you’re careful while installing your lock, you should be able to extend the life of your batteries and prevent having to replace them often.
Installation
You may think this is obvious, but it’s still important to follow the directions precisely as given.
A depleted battery may be caused by a sloppy installation, even if it’s only a few inches wrong.
Make certain, for example, that the proper tailpiece adapter was used and that the wing latches were properly placed.
After installing the lock, give it the eyeball test – does it seem to have been done correctly? Is it being put to good use? Does the door open and close with ease?
In the long term, it’ll be worth it to spend some time correcting any issues you may have.
Deadbolt friction!
Your August Smart Lock deadbolts into the door frame when it is locked.
Make sure your lock and the doorframe’s striking plate are perfectly positioned together.
Is there any noticeable friction between the smart lock and your the strike plate or your door when it is locked? Does the deadbolt make any noises like it’s having a hard time getting into the strike plate?
There will be a significant drain on your August Smart Lock’s battery life if there is any resistance at all.
Early on, I saw this.
As a consequence, the lock was not properly aligned with the strike plate on my door.
The August Smart Lock required more effort to shut, resulting in frequent battery replacements.
Usage
For August Smart Lock batteries to endure, use is a major element, which is a no-brainer.
The door is going to receive a lot more usage if you have seven individuals in your household than if you just have three (There is little doubt that the number of family members residing in the house has an influence).
In addition, how you utilize the smart lock might have a significant influence.
Your smart lock batteries will last longer if you enable “Auto-lock” and “Auto-unlock” options, for example.
This is due to the fact that these features “know” where you are thanks to your smartphone. The smart lock then receives signals from your phone that tell it where you are.
In the event that your cell phone is near to returning home, the door will open and lock itself.
All of this capability is made possible only by the inclusion of a rechargeable battery.
You paid for this thing for a purpose, and it’s worth it to get some additional batteries now and then so you can get the most out of it.
A Wi-Fi signal is detected.
The August Smart Lock’s WiFi chip will have to work harder to locate and maintain a connection if your WiFi router’s signal is poor.
The battery life of your phone will be significantly affected if you have a weak WiFi connection.
There are a number of straightforward fixes, like shifting the router configuration closer to your front door.
After that you may want to improve your router and/or modem, or even boost your internet provider’s bandwidth.
The August Smart Lock app will display the WiFi signal strength on the home screen.
Think about making some modifications if it’s too low.
Wi-Fi Bridge August Connect
Even if you already own an August Smart Lock, you may want to consider purchasing the August Connect Bridge if yours doesn’t already.
As a WiFi “waypoint,” the Connect Bridge connects into an outlet in your house.
It means that rather than relying on the lock’s battery-powered internal WiFi, you’ll instead use your Connect Bridge, which is supplied by your house.
As a result, the battery life of the lock will be significantly increased.
Don’t skimp on the quality of your batteries!
If you’re using an August Smart Lock, be sure you’re utilizing high-quality batteries.
Batteries come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but some are much superior than the others.
Invest on decent batteries.
Energizer and Duracell are two of the best-known manufacturers of rechargeable batteries. These are worth the extra money. In order to justify their higher price, they’re more durable.
It’s your fault if your smart lock keeps dying because you keep using generic batteries.
Type and number of batteries needed
For each iteration of August Smart Lock, you’ll need a different quantity of batteries and a different kind of battery.
All August Smart Locks need the following kinds and amount of batteries:
- Smart Lock 1st generation – 4 AA batteries needed
- AA batteries are needed for the second version of this lock.
- Both Smart Lock Pro 3rd generation locks – 4 AA batteries are needed.
- 2 CR123A batteries are needed for the 4th generation (WiFi)
Conclusion
It is my understanding that the actual battery life of August’s smart locks is around half of what they claim.
There are several reasons for this.
For example, the deadbolt may be encountering friction with your door’s striking plate, which is forcing your lock’s motor to work harder.
Battery life may be affected by a variety of factors, including how often the device is used. As a general rule, larger families are more likely to utilize the front entrance.
The quality of the Wi-Fi connection is also a factor. Using the smart lock with a poor signal may rapidly deplete its battery. August has come up with the Connect Bridge, which decreases the lock’s WiFi strain.
Last but not least, make sure you’re utilizing high-quality batteries! Make sure you stay with the well-known brands of batteries. They’re a hit because of it.