Cost Factors for August WiFi Smart Lock Review
The August WiFi Smart Lock has become one of the more widely discussed retrofit smart locks on the market, available at major retailers including Home Depot, and its price tag is only one part of the total cost equation homeowners need to understand. Before purchasing or installing this lock, it pays to evaluate hardware costs, compatibility requirements, installation complexity, and the very real security risks that come with improper setup. This review-style breakdown covers every cost factor a homeowner or renter should weigh before committing to an August WiFi smart lock — and clarifies when a licensed locksmith should be part of the process.
Cost Factors for August WiFi Smart Lock Review Overview
The August WiFi Smart Lock (fourth-generation model) is a deadbolt retrofit device, meaning it attaches to the interior thumb turn of an existing single-cylinder deadbolt rather than replacing the entire lock cylinder. This design philosophy keeps the exterior of your door unchanged — your existing keys still work — while adding app-based control, auto-lock, and remote access via built-in WiFi. Because it works over 2.4 GHz WiFi without a separate hub, the device is relatively self-contained once installed.
At retail, the August WiFi Smart Lock typically lists between $149 and $199 depending on the seller and any bundled accessories. Home Depot carries the lock both in-store and online, often with minor price variation. That purchase price, however, is only the starting figure in a realistic cost analysis. Installation supplies, potential deadbolt upgrades, professional labor, and ongoing subscription costs all shape the true total.
Understanding the full cost picture matters because smart lock decisions intersect directly with home security. A lock installed incorrectly, paired with a weak underlying deadbolt, or connected to an unsecured WiFi network can introduce vulnerabilities that offset the convenience benefits entirely. A structured cost-and-risk evaluation prevents that outcome.
Key Factors That Shape August WiFi Smart Lock Pricing
Compatibility is the first factor that can silently increase costs. The August WiFi Smart Lock is designed to fit most standard ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 and Grade 2 single-cylinder deadbolts, but not all deadbolts qualify. Mortise locks, certain Schlage lock products B-series configurations, and non-standard thumb turn geometries may require an adapter kit or a full deadbolt replacement before the August device can be mounted. An incompatible deadbolt can add $30–$120 in hardware costs and introduces a labor variable if a locksmith is needed to swap the cylinder.
Door thickness and backset measurement matter as well. Standard US doors run 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick, and the August lock accommodates that range, but doors outside those dimensions — common in older homes and some commercial-residential conversions — may require additional adapter plates. Backset (the distance from the door edge to the center of the lock) must also align with standard 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch measurements. Doors that fall outside the standard range add unexpected hardware costs before a single smart feature is activated.
WiFi network quality is a hidden infrastructure factor. The August WiFi Smart Lock connects to 2.4 GHz networks only. Homes running 5 GHz-only routers, or routers with weak signal at the front door, will experience connectivity failures. Solving this may require a WiFi extender or mesh network node near the entry point, adding $30–$100 to the project. While not a locksmith expense, it is a real cost tied directly to the lock purchase decision.
Finally, the August app offers basic features at no charge, but the August Access subscription — which enables features such as detailed activity logs beyond recent entries and certain third-party integrations — carries an ongoing monthly fee. Evaluating total cost of ownership over 24–36 months gives a more accurate picture than the sticker price alone.
Costs and Risks Associated With Smart Lock Installation
DIY installation of the August WiFi Smart Lock is feasible for many homeowners and is marketed as a roughly 10-minute process. In practice, the time and complexity vary by door hardware condition. Stripped screws on the existing deadbolt, misaligned strike plates, or a loose door frame can extend a simple swap into a multi-hour project. Any of those underlying issues left unresolved will compromise both the function of the smart lock and the physical security of the door.
The more consequential risk is calibration failure. The August lock relies on motor-driven rotation to engage and disengage the deadbolt. If the deadbolt is not properly aligned with the strike plate — a problem common in settling homes or doors that have swollen from humidity — the motor will strain against resistance, shortening the device lifespan and potentially leaving the lock in a failed state (either fully locked with no manual override accessible, or failing to lock at all). A locksmith can identify and correct door alignment problems before they become electronic failures.
Cybersecurity exposure is a cost that does not appear on any receipt but carries real financial and safety implications. A smart lock connected to a poorly secured home network, or an account protected by a weak password and no two-factor authentication, creates a digital attack surface alongside the physical one. The lock itself uses AES 128-bit encryption for Bluetooth communication and TLS for cloud traffic, which is reasonable by current standards, but network-level security is entirely the homeowner’s responsibility. A breach that results in unauthorized entry can create costs — insurance claims, property loss, lock replacement — that dwarf the original hardware price.
Professional installation pricing for the August WiFi Smart Lock through a licensed locksmith typically runs as follows: Average: $85 · Range: $65–$120 · Travel: free in service area. That figure covers mounting, calibration, and a door alignment check. If a deadbolt replacement is also needed, add the deadbolt hardware cost and additional labor: Average: $145 · Range: $110–$190 · Travel: free in service area. These ranges reflect national data and vary by region and job complexity.
When to Call a Locksmith for an August Smart Lock
Several situations make professional locksmith involvement the practical choice rather than the cautious one. The first is any scenario where the existing deadbolt is not functioning correctly before the smart lock is installed. Auto-lock and remote locking features on the August device depend entirely on the mechanical reliability of the underlying deadbolt. Installing a smart actuator on a worn or misaligned cylinder does not fix the cylinder — it automates its failure. A locksmith can rekey, service, or replace the deadbolt as needed before the smart hardware goes on.
The second situation is a lockout caused by a smart lock malfunction. The August lock includes a physical key override on the exterior, but if the smart lock has been installed on a door where the original exterior hardware was modified, or if the device has seized mid-cycle, entry may require a locksmith regardless of whether keys are available. Low Rate Locksmith technicians are trained on smart lock mechanisms and can open, reset, or remove the device without damaging the door or frame.
Third, any rental property or multi-unit situation where access credentials need to be audited and secured properly benefits from professional installation. Creating guest access, configuring auto-lock schedules, and verifying that former access codes have been removed are steps that directly affect the security of tenants and property. A locksmith familiar with the August platform can walk through the setup systematically and document the configuration.
Finally, homes with non-standard doors — heavy solid-core doors, steel doors with reinforced frames, or doors with existing smart lock hardware from another brand — should involve a locksmith assessment before purchase. In some cases, the August WiFi Smart Lock is not the appropriate tool for the door in question, and a locksmith can recommend the correct hardware before money is spent on an incompatible device.
Recommended Next Steps for August Smart Lock Buyers
Before purchasing the August WiFi Smart Lock at Home Depot or any other retailer, measure the door and verify the existing deadbolt model against the August compatibility list published in the product documentation. Check the backset, door thickness, and thumb turn diameter. This takes under five minutes and can save a return trip to the store. If the existing deadbolt is more than seven years old or shows signs of wear, budget for a replacement as part of the project cost.
Evaluate the WiFi coverage at the front door specifically. Connect a phone to the 2.4 GHz band of the home network and run a speed test or signal check at the door. Weak signal at that location will cause persistent connectivity issues regardless of how well the lock is installed. Address network coverage before installation day.
Decide early whether DIY or professional installation is the right choice for the situation. For a standard door with a functioning, compatible deadbolt and a homeowner comfortable with the setup process, self-installation is reasonable. For any door with existing issues, non-standard hardware, or a tenant situation, scheduling a locksmith for installation is a straightforward investment that reduces the likelihood of a service call later at a higher cost.
Once installed, secure the August account with a strong unique password and enable two-factor authentication in the app settings. Review the connected WiFi network’s security settings — WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, a guest network for IoT devices, and regular firmware updates on the router. These steps cost nothing and directly reduce the digital risk surface that comes with any networked lock. Register the device with August for warranty coverage and keep the original packaging until the installation is confirmed to be functioning correctly.
For homeowners planning to add smart lock capability across multiple entry points, note that pricing scales linearly — each additional August WiFi Smart Lock carries its own hardware cost, and professional installation per door is typically available at a reduced rate when multiple locks are installed in a single visit. Ask about multi-unit pricing when scheduling.
Call Low Rate Locksmith
Low Rate Locksmith provides 24/7 mobile locksmith service across the US and Canada for smart lock installation, deadbolt replacement, lockout response, and security assessments. Whether the August WiFi Smart Lock is already installed and behaving unexpectedly or still in the box waiting for a professional setup, the team at Low Rate Locksmith can help. Call (833) 439-8636 any time to speak with a technician, get a straightforward price estimate, and schedule service with no hidden fees and travel included within the service area.