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August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Review: Perfect for Renters?
Ever walked up to your apartment door with hands full of grocery bags, fumbling for your keys in your pocket, and wishing the door would just... open?
Or maybe you have a dog walker or a cleaner coming over, and you hate the idea of leaving a spare key under the doormat (which is the first place burglars look, by the way).
For homeowners, the answer is simple: Buy a smart lock. But for renters, it’s complicated. You can’t change the keys because the landlord needs access. You can’t drill new holes. You don’t want to lose your security deposit.
Enter the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen). It promises to be the holy grail of apartment security: A smart lock that doesn't look like a smart lock from the outside.
But is it worth the high price tag? Here is my honest review.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
The ultimate renter-friendly smart lock. It fits over your existing deadbolt on the inside, so you can keep your original keys and keep your landlord happy.
✅ The Good
- Keep your old keys
- No complex installation
- Auto-Unlock when you arrive
- Remote access (Wi-Fi built-in)
❌ The Bad
- Short battery life (3-6 months)
- Expensive price tag
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The "Secret" Design: Why Landlords Love It
The biggest selling point of the August lock isn't the Wi-Fi or the app—it's the retrofit design.
Most smart locks require you to replace the entire deadbolt mechanism, including the outside keyhole. The August lock is different. It only replaces the thumb turn on the inside of your door.
This means:
- The outside of your door looks exactly the same.
- Your original keys still work.
- Your landlord doesn't even need to know (though you should probably tell them).
- Installation takes about 10 minutes and requires only a screwdriver.
If you move out, you simply unscrew the August lock, put the old thumb turn back on, and take your smart lock to your new place. It’s genius.
It fits right over your existing deadbolt.
My Favorite Features
1. Auto-Unlock is Magic ✨
This is the feature that makes you feel like you're living in the future. The lock uses your phone's GPS and Bluetooth to detect when you come home. As you approach the door, it unlocks automatically.
No more digging for keys in the rain. It just works.
2. Virtual Keys for Guests 🔑
If you have friends visiting or a dog walker, you don't need to copy keys. You just send them a temporary "virtual key" through the app. You can set it to work only during specific hours (e.g., Tuesday from 2 PM to 4 PM). Once they leave, you revoke access instantly.
3. DoorSense™ Technology
Have you ever left home and wondered, "Did I actually lock the door?"
Many smart locks will tell you the bolt is "locked," even if the door is wide open! August includes a small sensor called DoorSense that tells you if the door is actually closed and locked. Peace of mind: 100%.
The Catch: What You Need to Know
No product is perfect, and the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has one main downside: Battery Life.
Because it has Wi-Fi built-in (so you don't need an extra bridge plugged into the wall), it consumes more power. It runs on two CR123A batteries (included), but they typically last about 3 to 5 months depending on usage.
My advice: Buy a rechargeable pair of CR123A batteries so you aren't constantly buying disposables. The app will warn you well before they die, so you won't get locked out.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth $200+?
If you own your home, you might find cheaper options that replace the whole lock. But if you are a renter, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is simply the best option on the market.
It solves the "landlord problem," keeps your original keys, and gives you top-tier smart home features. It’s an investment in convenience and security that travels with you wherever you move.
Looking for more renter-friendly gadgets? Check out our full Shop page here.