August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) Review: Still the Renter King?
The short answer: Yes — if you rent and want a smart lock you can install in 10 minutes without touching your landlord's deadbolt, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) is still the safest pick in 2026. It keeps your existing keys, adds built-in Wi-Fi (no bridge), and plays nicely with Alexa, Google, and HomeKit. The trade-off is battery life: two CR123 batteries last roughly 3 months, shorter than the AA-powered older Pro models.
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What is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Gen?
It's a retrofit smart lock that mounts on the inside of your door, over your existing deadbolt's thumbturn. The outside of your door doesn't change at all — same keyway, same keys, same look your landlord sees.
The 4th generation (model ASL-05) is roughly 50% smaller than the older August Pro and bakes Wi-Fi directly into the lock, so you don't need the separate August Connect bridge that earlier models required for remote access.
How does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock install?
In about 10 minutes with a single screwdriver. You remove your deadbolt's interior thumbturn, screw on August's mounting plate using the same screw holes, attach one of the included adapters, snap the lock on, and pull the battery tab.
No drilling, no new holes, no replacing the deadbolt. When you move out, you reverse the process and put the original thumbturn back — which is exactly why it's the go-to recommendation in our best smart locks for renters roundup.
Key specs at a glance
| Spec | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) |
|---|---|
| Model | ASL-05 (AUG-SL05) |
| Connectivity | Built-in Wi-Fi + Bluetooth (no bridge needed) |
| Batteries | 2 × CR123 lithium (included) |
| Battery life | ~3 months (Wi-Fi drains faster than older models) |
| Voice assistants | Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit/Siri, Samsung SmartThings |
| Door status | DoorSense sensor (open/closed detection) included |
| Smart features | Auto-Lock, Auto-Unlock (geofence), guest keys, activity feed |
| Compatibility | Most single-cylinder deadbolts; not mortise, rim cylinder, or interconnected locks |
| Keypad | Optional Smart Keypad (sold separately) |
| Size | ~2.8 × 2.8 × 2.75 in, ~50% smaller than the 3rd-gen Pro |
What I like
Truly zero-damage install. This is the lock's superpower. It clamps onto the existing deadbolt from the inside, so your lease's "no modifications" clause stays intact. Your landlord can still use their key — August never replaces the lock cylinder.
Wi-Fi built in, no bridge. Previous August models needed a plug-in Connect bridge for remote access. The 4th gen connects straight to your 2.4 GHz network, so you can lock/unlock from anywhere and use voice control out of the box.
DoorSense tells you the whole story. Many smart locks only report locked/unlocked. The included DoorSense sensor also reports whether the door is actually closed — so "Auto-Lock" triggers when the door shuts, not when it just sits ajar.
Auto-Unlock actually works. Using your phone's location, the lock disengages the deadbolt as you approach. Hands full of groceries? The door is already unlocked. You can toggle it off if you find it too eager.
No curb-appeal change. Nothing smart is visible from the street, so nosy landlords and thieves alike see a normal deadbolt.
What I don't like (honest trade-offs)
Battery life is the weakest link. Expect about 3 months from the two CR123 cells. The always-on Wi-Fi is the culprit — the older August Pro on AA batteries with a bridge lasted much longer. If you're annoyed by frequent battery swaps, this matters.
CR123 batteries are awkward. They're pricier and less common than AAs. You'll probably end up ordering them in bulk.
Auto-Unlock needs tuning. Geofence-based unlock can occasionally fire early or need a nudge if your phone's location services are flaky. Not a dealbreaker, but set the geofence radius conservatively at first.
Compatibility is narrow by design. It fits most standard single-cylinder deadbolts, but if your rental has a mortise lock, double-cylinder deadbolt, or interconnected handle set, you're out of luck. Check August's compatibility list before ordering.
Is it worth it for renters?
For renters, this lock solves the one problem that matters most: you get a smart lock without asking permission. The install is reversible, the landlord's key still works, and move-out takes five minutes. That convenience is worth more than any other feature on the spec sheet.
The battery trade-off is real but manageable — set a phone reminder, buy CR123s in bulk, and it becomes a non-issue.
Should you add the Smart Keypad?
If anyone in your household doesn't always carry a phone — kids, a housekeeper, guests — the optional August Smart Keypad gives them their own PIN code. It mounts near the door, runs on batteries, and pairs with the lock. For a renter household with roommates, it's close to essential.
Check the keypad price on Amazon
Who should buy it?
- Renters who can't (or don't want to) modify their deadbolt
- Anyone who wants smart lock features with a 10-minute, drill-free install
- Households where the landlord or building management needs to keep a working key
- Multi-platform homes — it covers Alexa, Google, HomeKit, and SmartThings
Who shouldn't buy it?
- Anyone with a mortise, rim cylinder, or double-cylinder deadbolt — it won't fit
- People who hate swapping batteries; ~3 months is a real chore for some
- Apple Home Key fans who want NFC tap-to-unlock from an iPhone or Watch — look at the Schlage Encode Plus instead
Quick alternatives to know about
- Schlage Encode Plus — full deadbolt replacement with Apple Home Key and Thread support; better for homeowners, worse for renters (requires swapping the lock).
- Yale Assure Lock 2 — modular (Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Matter swappable); versatile but also a deadbolt replacement.
- August Smart Lock Pro (3rd gen) — older, bigger, needs a bridge, but runs far longer on AA batteries.
For more options, see our full comparison in the best smart locks for renters guide, and check shop my picks for the gear we actually recommend.
FAQ
Does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock work without a bridge?
Yes. The 4th generation has Wi-Fi built into the lock itself, so it connects directly to your 2.4 GHz network for remote access and voice control. No August Connect bridge is required.
How long do the batteries last in the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Gen?
Around 3 months under normal use, according to August's own figures. Built-in Wi-Fi drains the two CR123 batteries faster than older August models. Actual life depends on Wi-Fi signal strength, how often the lock is used, and settings like Auto-Lock frequency.
Can my landlord still use their key with the August Smart Lock?
Yes. August mounts on the inside of the door and drives your existing deadbolt — the lock cylinder and your exterior keys are untouched. Your landlord's key works exactly as before.
Does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock work with Apple HomeKit?
Yes. It supports Apple HomeKit and Siri voice control, plus Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. Note that it does not support Apple's Home Key NFC feature (that's the Schlage Encode Plus's territory).
The bottom line
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) is still the best smart lock for renters in 2026 — not because it has the most features, but because it's the only one that gives you full smart-lock functionality with zero modifications to your door. Ten minutes to install, ten minutes to remove, and your landlord never needs to know.
Accept the ~3-month battery cycle, buy CR123s in bulk, and add the keypad if roommates or kids need phone-free entry. That's the whole playbook.
