August Home Matte Black Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Smart Keypad, Keyless Door Lock for Front Entry Door, Great for Guests and Vacation Rentals, AUG-SL05-KY1-G05
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AI Verdict
This retrofit smart lock with built-in Wi-Fi and included keypad is for managing guest access and smart home integration, but expect frequent battery changes.
This lock is a strong contender for specific use cases like vacation rentals or for renters due to its retrofit design and comprehensive guest access features. However, the frequently reported short battery life with Wi-Fi enabled is a significant trade-off that impacts its general appeal.
If battery life is a top priority, look for smart locks that use Z-Wave or Zigbee connectivity, often paired with a separate hub, as these protocols consume less power.
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Pros
- Installs over your existing single-cylinder deadbolt in about 10 minutes, keeping your exterior hardware unchanged.
- Built-in Wi-Fi eliminates the need for a separate bridge for remote access and voice control.
- Allows sharing permanent, scheduled, or temporary virtual keys via the August app for friends and guests.
- Includes a Smart Keypad for keyless entry using unique codes, useful for guests or when your phone isn't handy.
- Supports auto-lock and auto-unlock features, with DoorSense to confirm the door is closed before locking.
- Integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.
Cons
- Battery life is a significant concern, with some users reporting needing to replace batteries as often as every 45-60 days when Wi-Fi is active.
- Multiple user reports indicate poor customer service experiences.
- Occasional connectivity issues have been reported, particularly with Android devices and HomeKit setup.
- Some users have experienced the unit 'bricking itself' after a battery change.
- Activation of the product has been blocked for users outside the U.S. without prior notice.
Dimension Scores
The DoorSense feature reliably detects if the door is open or closed, and auto-unlock generally triggers consistently when approaching the door.
Built-in Wi-Fi offers remote access without a bridge, but some users report occasional drops or inconsistent connections, especially with certain devices or HomeKit.
The August app provides robust guest access management, and the lock integrates broadly with major smart home platforms like Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit.
Constructed from metal, the interior unit is 45% smaller than previous models, but no specific weather resistance claims are made for the internal component.
Best For
- Vacation rentals or homes with frequent visitors needing temporary access codes.
- Renters who cannot alter their exterior door hardware but want smart lock functionality.
- Smart home enthusiasts already using Alexa, Google Assistant, or HomeKit.
- Users who want to retain their original physical keys and exterior deadbolt appearance.
Not Recommended For
- Users who prioritize long battery life and want to avoid frequent battery replacements.
- Individuals outside the U.S. due to potential activation issues.
- Anyone expecting a completely new, integrated deadbolt system for maximum security.
- Users who need consistently flawless connectivity without occasional troubleshooting.
Watch Out For
- You'll likely be changing the four AA batteries every 1-2 months if you use the Wi-Fi features regularly.
- Customer support has been described by users as 'incompetent' and 'poor'.
- Some units have reportedly 'bricked themselves' during a battery change, rendering them useless.
- Activation of the device is blocked outside the U.S., making it unusable for international buyers.
- HomeKit setup can be buggy and require workarounds for some users, not always working seamlessly out of the box.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 850004426586 850004426463 |
| ASIN | B09V8CL8PC |
| Brand | August Home |
| Color | Matte Black |
| Shape | Round |
| Style | Lock + Keypad |
| Material | Metal |
| Batteries | 2 CR123A batteries required. (included) |
| Lock Type | Keypad |
| Model Name | Wi-Fi Smart Lock + Smart Keypad |
| Finish Type | Brushed |
| Item Weight | 2.18 pounds |
| Finish types | Brushed |
| Manufacturer | August Home |
| Control Method | Voice |
| Controller Type | Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, SmartThings |
| Special Feature | Biometric verification (optional), No hub required, Retrofit smart lock |
| Number of Pieces | 2 |
| Item model number | AUG-SL05 |
| Batteries required | Yes |
| Product Dimensions | 1.9 x 0.75 x 0.75 inches |
| Included Components | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, DoorSenseTM sensor, 2 CR123 batteries and Lock adapter & mounting hardware |
| Warranty Description | 1 year manufacturer |
| Connectivity Protocol | Wi-Fi |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Smart Home Compatible |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 1.9 x 0.75 x 0.75 inches |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Door |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising finding is how consistently users complain about battery life, often needing to replace the four AA batteries every 1-2 months when Wi-Fi is active. Despite this, many appreciate the convenience of auto-lock/unlock and the ability to easily manage guest access with virtual keys and the included keypad. However, reports of poor customer service and occasional connectivity glitches, particularly with HomeKit setup, are recurring themes.
“Ugh, the battery life on this thing is a joke, I'm constantly buying new AAs. But honestly, being able to send codes to my Airbnb guests and not worry about keys? That's worth the hassle, mostly.”
Common Praise
- Installation is quick and easy, often taking around 10 minutes over an existing deadbolt.
- The auto-lock and auto-unlock features work reliably for many, adding significant convenience.
- Sharing virtual keys for guests or family through the app is a highly valued feature.
- The included Smart Keypad provides a simple code-based entry option without needing a phone.
- Wide compatibility with smart home ecosystems like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit is frequently mentioned.
Common Complaints
- Batteries drain very quickly, with some users reporting replacement every 45-60 days when Wi-Fi is used.
- Customer service is often described as unresponsive or unhelpful by multiple users.
- Connectivity can be inconsistent, with reports of Wi-Fi drops or issues with auto-unlock on Android and HomeKit.
- Some users have experienced the lock failing or 'bricking' after a battery change.
- The product cannot be activated or used outside the U.S., leaving international buyers with a useless device.
Ownership Tips
- Expect to purchase a lot of AA batteries, as Wi-Fi usage significantly shortens their lifespan to potentially less than two months.
- Auto-unlock functionality can be less consistent if your phone's location services or Bluetooth are not perfectly optimized.
- You might encounter frequent low battery alerts in the app, requiring proactive replacement to avoid being locked out.
- The physical size is noticeably smaller than older August Smart Lock models, making it less obtrusive on the door's interior.
- While it works with HomeKit, initial setup can sometimes be finicky and require multiple attempts or workarounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock replace my existing deadbolt?
No, it's a retrofit smart lock that installs on the inside of your door over your existing single-cylinder deadbolt, allowing you to keep your original keys and exterior hardware.
Do I need a separate hub or bridge for this smart lock?
No, this model has built-in Wi-Fi, so it connects directly to your home network without requiring an additional bridge or hub.
How long do the batteries typically last in this lock?
User experiences vary, but with Wi-Fi enabled, many users report needing to replace the four AA batteries every 45-60 days.
Can I still use my physical keys with this smart lock installed?
Yes, since it only replaces the interior thumbturn of your deadbolt, you can continue to use your original physical keys from the outside.
What smart home systems is this lock compatible with?
It integrates with a wide range of smart home ecosystems, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.
Buying Guide
When considering this smart lock, you need to understand it's a retrofit solution, meaning it attaches to your existing deadbolt's interior. This is fantastic if you're a renter or want to keep your current keys and exterior look. The built-in Wi-Fi means remote access without extra gadgets, which is convenient. However, that Wi-Fi convenience comes at a cost: battery life. Be prepared for regular battery changes, potentially every month or two, especially with heavy use.
connectivity: Wi-Fi
retrofit smart lock
lock_type: Keypad
Alternatives
If frequent battery changes are a deal-breaker, look for smart locks that use lower-power wireless protocols like Z-Wave or Zigbee (though these often require a separate hub). If you're open to replacing your entire deadbolt for a more integrated look and potentially enhanced security, search for full smart deadbolt replacements.
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