August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) Review for Seniors

Answer Capsule

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) is a good fit for Keyless Entry & Caregiver Access, with a keypad caveat. Five of seven platforms named it during the ranking stage, and three of seven rated it "good" while four rated it "mixed." Its strongest advantage is built-in Wi-Fi for remote caregiver management plus a retrofit design that preserves existing physical keys as backup. The main limitation is that the base lock has no integrated keypad, so code-based entry for caregivers requires a separate August or Yale keypad purchase, and battery life is short at roughly three to six months.

Research Snapshot

What Changed Since August 2026

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) moved up from No. 5 to No. 4, and platform mentions increased from 2 to 5. The September 2026 review of the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) keeps a good fit rating for Keyless Entry & Caregiver Access, with the same keypad caveat. The buyer-facing picture is largely steady: the retrofit design, built-in Wi-Fi, and preserved physical-key backup are still the main strengths, while the missing integrated keypad and short battery life remain the main limitations. Pricing evidence shifted: retail pricing of $84.99 to $160 is newly reported, and $60–$150 is no longer repeated. The recommended configuration is unchanged, and no new measured product details were reported. Differences between the two editions reflect what each article reports; they do not by themselves prove that the product, service, or price changed.

The August 2026 review preserves the earlier article for reference.

Why August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) Qualified for This Study

Questions This Section Answers

• Is August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) a good choice for Keyless Entry & Caregiver Access for seniors?
• How many AI platforms named August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) in the ranking stage for this use case?

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) qualified because five of seven platforms named it during ranking discovery, giving it a 71.4% platform share and an average listed rank of 3.8 (best rank 3). It cleared the minimum-mentions threshold of two. The platforms that named it were deepseek, google, kimi, openai, and perplexity.

Fit ratings were split. Three platforms (openai, anthropic, google) rated it "good" for this use case, while four (deepseek, grok, kimi, perplexity) rated it "mixed." No platform rated it poor. That split is the central finding of this review: the lock is well matched to remote caregiver management, but weaker for Seniors who need simple, on-lock code entry.

This is a niche fit review for Keyless Entry & Caregiver Access only. It is not a broad company review of August. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) is a retrofit lock that mounts on the interior side of a compatible single-cylinder deadbolt, so the exterior hardware and existing keys stay in place ^[1].

The Product, Model, Plan, or Service Most Relevant to Keyless Entry & Caregiver Access

Questions This Section Answers

• Which August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) configuration should a caregiver buy for temporary access codes?
• Does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) include a keypad for code-based caregiver entry?

The relevant configuration is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) with the August app, plus an August or Yale keypad if caregivers need code-based entry. The base lock does not include a keypad ^[3].

Platforms described the same core product but named it slightly differently. Openai listed "August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)" and a "Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock plus Yale Keypad, managed through the August or Yale Access app." Anthropic named the lock with an optional Keypad bundle. Perplexity named the lock plus an optional August Smart Keypad. Kimi also referenced the older "August Smart Lock + Connect Wi-Fi Bridge" and "Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi" as separate lineup options.

That older Smart Lock Pro plus Connect Bridge configuration is a different, earlier product and should not be conflated with the 4th-generation built-in-Wi-Fi model ^[3]. Buyers comparing listings should confirm they are looking at the 4th Gen with built-in Wi-Fi, not the bridge-based Pro.

What the AI Platforms Agreed About

Questions This Section Answers

• What do AI platforms agree the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) does well for caregiver access?
• Is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) good for remote lock management by family caregivers?

Agreement was strong on four points. First, built-in Wi-Fi enables remote lock, unlock, and status checks without a separate bridge ^[6]. Second, the app supports virtual guest keys that can be time-limited, which fits temporary caregiver access ^[10]. Third, the retrofit design preserves the existing exterior deadbolt and physical keys as a non-app backup ^[6]. Fourth, installation is generally described as a straightforward DIY retrofit ^[15].

Platforms also agreed on the core limitation: the base lock has no integrated keypad, so code entry requires a separate accessory ^[18]. This agreement does not prove product quality. It reflects that multiple platforms retrieved similar company and review material.

Where the AI Platforms Disagreed or Were Uncertain

Questions This Section Answers

• Is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) battery life a problem for a senior household?
• Does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) have a verified ANSI/BHMA security rating?

Battery life was the most contested point. August states up to three months on two CR123 batteries ^[21]. CNET described a three-to-six-month range and called Wi-Fi connection quality the primary drain factor ^[23]. One comparison source reported six to twelve months for the older 3rd Gen with AA batteries ^[24], while another review reported six to twelve months for the 4th Gen ^[25]. Google's synthesis noted reports of exhaustion in as little as two months under weak Wi-Fi or heavy use. Buyers should treat battery life as usage- and signal-dependent.

Security rating was unresolved. A third-party review claimed BHMA AAA, but the cited official August product page did not publish that rating ^[26]. Google stated the retrofit lock has no independent ANSI/BHMA grade of its own because it relies on the existing deadbolt ^[27]. Grok cited ANSI Grade 3 for the retrofit. These claims conflict and none was corroborated by a primary August source.

Pricing also conflicted. August's site listed $199.99, with a bundle or starting-at price of $229.99 ^[28]. Third-party listings ranged roughly from $84.99 to $160 depending on retailer and date ^[29]. Deepseek reported low pricing confidence and could not confirm a single official price. The exact current keypad bundle price was not established from the cited material ^[31].

Use-Case-Specific Features and Capabilities

Questions This Section Answers

• How does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) handle temporary access codes for caregivers?
• Can a senior still use a physical key with the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) if the battery dies?

Remote access is built into the lock. The August app can remotely lock or unlock, check status, grant virtual guest keys, and show activity without a separate bridge ^[32]. August states digital keys can be valid for a few minutes, hours, or weeks ^[34].

Temporary code management works through the app for virtual keys, and through a paired keypad for PIN codes. August's support documentation describes temporary, recurring, and permanent entry codes ^[36]. The optional keypad supports up to 220 codes per one review ^[37]. Keypad readability, tactile feedback, and nighttime visibility were not verified from cited official product information ^[32].

Emergency key backup is a genuine strength. Because the lock replaces only the interior thumbturn, the exterior keyway remains intact and physical keys continue to work ^[38]. One retail listing noted the optional keypad can still unlock if power or internet is out ^[39], though the exact emergency-fallback behavior for this model was not fully verified from a primary source ^[40].

App simplicity drew mixed signals. Reviews describe basic lock/unlock and guest access as reasonably simple, but Wi-Fi setup, guest scheduling, and troubleshooting can confuse less tech-savvy users ^[41]. No cited source independently established accessibility for seniors with vision, dexterity, or cognitive limitations ^[32].

Pricing, Fees, Contracts, and Ongoing Costs

Questions This Section Answers

• How much does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) cost, and is a keypad extra?
• Are there monthly fees or a contract for August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) remote access?

August's product page listed the lock at $199.99, with a bundle or starting-at price of $229.99 ^[42]. Third-party retail prices varied widely, from roughly $84.99 to $160 depending on retailer and date ^[44]. Google reported a typical range of $150 to $230 and high pricing confidence.

The keypad is an additional purchase. Google cited the Yale Smart Keypad at about $79.99 and the Yale Keypad Touch with fingerprint at about $119.99 ^[46]. Grok estimated the Smart Keypad at about $80. Kimi estimated $59 to $79. August's own accessories page listed a Yale Keypad Touch at $119.99 and a Wi-Fi Smart Lock plus Keypad Touch bundle at $249.99 (official:C1). The exact standalone keypad price was not consistently established across sources.

No subscription fee was identified for core app, remote access, or guest-key functions ^[43]. August lists a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty on the product page ^[43]; one source reported a two-year limited warranty ^[51]. That warranty conflict should be verified at purchase. Battery replacement is an ongoing cost: August lists a two-pack of CR123 batteries at $9.99 ^[43], and Google estimated $20 to $60 annually.

Best Suited For

Questions This Section Answers

• Who gets the most value from the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) for senior caregiver access?

The lock best suits homes with a compatible single-cylinder deadbolt where retaining existing keys matters ^[52]. It fits caregivers who can manage access through the August app and want remote lock status or guest permissions ^[52]. It also suits seniors who benefit from auto-lock, activity notifications, and DoorSense door-status monitoring ^[52].

It is a reasonable choice for renters or households where the exterior door face cannot be altered, since the retrofit leaves the outside hardware unchanged ^[53]. Households already in the Yale/August ecosystem with a keypad add-on budget are also a natural fit (kimi:august-keyless-1).

Probably Not Best Suited For

Questions This Section Answers

• Who should not buy the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) for a senior who needs simple code entry?

It is probably not best for seniors who require keypad entry out of the box ^[55]. It is also weak for homes needing very long battery intervals or highly predictable battery performance ^[55]. Buyers who require a clearly documented ANSI/BHMA security rating before purchase should look elsewhere, since the retrofit lock has no verified grade of its own ^[59].

Seniors without smartphones, or with cognitive difficulty managing app-based access, are a poor match ^[61]. Households without reliable Wi-Fi near the door also lose the remote features that make this lock useful for caregivers ^[62].

When Another Option May Be Better

Questions This Section Answers

• What is a better alternative to the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) if a senior needs a built-in keypad?
• When should a caregiver choose a non-Wi-Fi or keypad-first lock instead of the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)?

Choose a keypad-first deadbolt with a large, backlit keypad when caregivers frequently enter without smartphones ^[64]. Platforms named Schlage Encode, Yale Assure Lock, and Lockly Secure Plus as keypad-inclusive alternatives ^[65]. Lockly Secure Plus adds biometric fingerprint, RFID, and offline access codes (kimi:lockly-1).

Choose a lower-power Bluetooth or hub-based configuration when minimizing battery replacements matters more than built-in Wi-Fi ^[64]. The older 3rd Gen with AA batteries was reported at six to twelve months ^[67]. Choose a product with a clearly published ANSI/BHMA rating when documented physical security classification is a purchase requirement ^[64].

Consider the August Smart Lock Pro plus Connect Bridge only if the buyer specifically prefers that older bridge-based ecosystem and confirms availability and support ^[64]. Consider Yale/August keypad bundles when the buyer wants the August ecosystem but needs code entry included ^[64].

Questions to Verify Before Buying

Questions This Section Answers

• What should a buyer confirm about deadbolt compatibility before buying the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)?
• What should a caregiver verify about keypad inclusion and battery life before purchasing?

Confirm the door has a compatible single-cylinder deadbolt and that the existing key will still operate smoothly after installation ^[69]. Confirm whether the keypad is included in the selected package, and check its dimensions, backlighting, tactile feedback, weather resistance, and code limits ^[69].

Ask what battery life to expect at the home's Wi-Fi signal strength and caregiver-use frequency ^[72]. Ask what happens when batteries are depleted, Wi-Fi is down, the August service is unavailable, or the senior's phone is lost ^[69]. Confirm whether a caregiver can manage access without creating an account, and whether access can be scheduled as temporary, recurring, or permanent ^[69].

Verify the current app supports the buyer's exact iOS or Android phone and any needed accessibility settings ^[69]. Ask what ANSI/BHMA rating, if any, applies to the existing deadbolt and the complete installed configuration ^[76]. Confirm return, warranty, and support terms if installation fails or remote access is unreliable ^[69].

Final AI Consensus Verdict

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) is a good fit for Keyless Entry & Caregiver Access, with a keypad caveat. Five of seven platforms named it in ranking, and its strongest case is remote caregiver management plus preserved physical-key backup. Its weakest points are the missing integrated keypad, short and variable battery life, and an unverified security rating.

Buyers should budget for a separate keypad, expect periodic CR123 battery replacement, verify deadbolt compatibility, and avoid relying on unverified security-rating or emergency-access assumptions. For a full comparison against other locks in this category, see the Keyless Entry & Caregiver Access consensus index. Readers can also browse the broader home safety category directory.

How This Review Was Produced

This review synthesizes fit-research responses from seven AI platforms: openai, anthropic, deepseek, google, grok, kimi, and perplexity. Each platform evaluated the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) against the Keyless Entry & Caregiver Access use case and supplied citations. The authoritative run research date is 2026-09-27. Platform-reported research dates differed: anthropic reported 2026-06-27 and deepseek reported 2026-06-01, while the other five reported 2026-09-27. Those platform dates are provenance metadata and do not independently prove freshness.

Platform mentions count only platforms that named the entity during ranking discovery. All seven platforms evaluated fit, but only five named the entity in ranking. Citations are platform-reported evidence, not independently verified facts. The supplied URLs were collected from platform responses and were not independently validated by the writer stage.

Methodology Limitations

Several limitations apply. Platform-reported research dates differ from the authoritative run date, so some findings may be stale. Deepseek ran without search enabled, so its claims are model-reported rather than retrieved. Official-site retrieval failed for one or more mentions during ranking, and one or more fetched domains were not corroborated by brand identity metadata and were not used as official identity signals.

Conflicting product names, pricing, and capabilities were not resolved by guessing. Battery life, security rating, warranty length, and keypad pricing all conflicted across sources and should be verified at purchase. No independent evidence cited here establishes accessibility outcomes for seniors or guaranteed remote-access reliability. Auto-unlock and remote operation should not be treated as guaranteed emergency access. August's terms state the devices and services are not an emergency notification system (official:C2).