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August’s whole design philosophy is different from most smart locks: your existing keyed cylinder stays exactly as it is on the outside, and August only replaces the thumbturn on the inside.
That single design choice is why this lock shows up so often in rental recommendations — and worth noting upfront, August is now part of the same Yale/ASSA ABLOY family behind the Yale Assure Lock 2 we’ve also reviewed, though the two take genuinely different approaches to installation.
| Spec | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) |
|---|---|
| Installation | Replaces interior thumbturn only — exterior keyed cylinder stays as-is |
| Connectivity | Built-in WiFi, no separate bridge required |
| Smart home | Alexa (hub required), Google Assistant |
| Features | Auto-lock/unlock, DoorSense, 24/7 activity log, virtual guest keys |
| Subscription required | None for core lock functions |
The Renter-Friendly Design That Sets It Apart
Because your original exterior lock and keys stay fully functional, install takes about 10 minutes with no drilling and no permanent changes to your door.
Moving out? Reinstall the original thumbturn and take the August lock with you — genuinely useful if you’re renting and can’t swap out a whole deadbolt the way the Yale Assure Lock 2 requires.
The trade-off: because it doesn’t touch the exterior, there’s no keypad option built into the lock itself the way fully-replaced deadbolts often include.
Setup and Smart Home Compatibility
The 4th generation model has WiFi built directly in, unlike earlier August locks that needed a separate Connect bridge accessory to get online.
Alexa works, but only with an Alexa-enabled hub device already in your home — the lock itself doesn’t connect to Alexa’s cloud without that middleman. Google Assistant is also supported.
Core functions — locking, unlocking, activity logs, virtual keys for guests — all work with no subscription required.
Auto-Lock, DoorSense, and Everyday Use
DoorSense confirms the door is physically closed before auto-locking, avoiding the false “secured” status you’d get from a lock that just assumes the door shut.
Auto-unlock uses your phone’s location to unlock as you approach — convenient, though like any geofencing feature, it depends on your phone’s location accuracy and battery settings to work reliably.
The 24/7 activity log and virtual keys make this a solid pick for anyone who wants to grant temporary access to guests or a dog walker without handing out physical keys.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Keeps your existing exterior lock and keys fully intact | No built-in keypad — needs a separate accessory for keyless code entry |
| Genuinely renter-friendly — fully reversible on move-out | Alexa requires a separate hub device to work |
| No subscription required for core lock functions | Auto-unlock reliability depends on phone location settings |
Best for: Renters and anyone who wants smart lock convenience without permanently altering their door’s existing exterior hardware.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)
This is the current-generation model with WiFi built in — skip the earlier 2nd and 3rd generation listings that require a separate Connect bridge to get online.
It’s the right pick specifically because your door’s exterior hardware never has to change, which is the whole reason to choose August over a full deadbolt replacement.
Full details and current price: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock require a subscription?
No — locking, unlocking, activity logs, and virtual guest keys all work without a subscription.
Can I keep using my existing keys with this lock?
Yes, since August only replaces the interior thumbturn, your existing exterior cylinder and keys keep working exactly as before.
Does it have a keypad for code entry?
Not built in — since the exterior isn’t replaced, keypad entry requires a separate accessory rather than being part of the lock itself.
Do I need a hub for Alexa to work?
Yes, Alexa control requires a separate Alexa-enabled hub device; the lock doesn’t connect to Alexa’s cloud on its own.
Is August the same company as Yale?
They’re now part of the same corporate family under ASSA ABLOY, though August and Yale locks use different installation approaches — August keeps your exterior hardware, Yale replaces the whole deadbolt.
Final Verdict
If keeping your existing exterior lock matters — because you’re renting, or you just don’t want to touch the outside of your door — the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock delivers real smart lock convenience without that trade-off.