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August•August Lock

Analysis by Lukas & Team

August Lock: App Stuck on 'Checking Status' - Troubleshooting

Troubleshoot your August Smart Lock when the app gets stuck on 'Checking Status'. Fix connection issues & ensure secure access in your Canadian home.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What type of batteries are recommended for the August Lock?

High-quality lithium batteries (e.g., Energizer Ultimate Lithium) are recommended for optimal performance, especially in cold weather. Avoid using rechargeable batteries.

•How do I check the Wi-Fi signal strength near my August Connect?

Download a Wi-Fi analyzer app on your smartphone (e.g., Wi-Fi Analyzer). Walk near the August Connect and observe the RSSI value (in dBm). Aim for a value greater than -70 dBm.

•What are the signs of a weak battery in the August Lock?

The August app may display a low battery warning. The lock may operate slowly or intermittently. The app may frequently lose connection with the lock. In extreme cold the battery's internal resistance increases resulting in voltage droop.

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About Lukas & Team

Lukas leads the technical research department at Digital Home Faults. Together with a team of systems analysts, he specializes in translating complex manufacturer error codes into actionable diagnostic steps for the Canadian market.

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Important Warnings:

Do not attempt to disassemble the August Lock or August Connect. Handle lithium batteries with care to avoid short circuits or fire hazards. Securely store your August account credentials and enable two-factor authentication. Physically inspect the lock regularly for signs of tampering. Be aware of the risk of "brute force" attacks if your credentials are compromised.

Recommended Action:

1

Replace batteries with new, high-quality lithium batteries (e.g., Energizer Ultimate Lithium) ensuring correct polarity. Verify battery voltage under load with a multimeter (should not drop below 5V).
2

Check Wi-Fi signal strength (RSSI in dBm) near the August Connect using a Wi-Fi analyzer app (e.g., Wi-Fi Analyzer on Android). Aim for RSSI > -70 dBm. Reposition the Connect or Wi-Fi router if needed. Consider a Wi-Fi extender.
3

Power cycle the August Connect by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Observe LED indicator for normal operation.
4

Force-close and reopen the August app on your smartphone. Clear the app cache if the problem persists.
5

Check the door alignment. Ensure the deadbolt extends and retracts smoothly without excessive force. Lubricate the bolt and strike plate with silicone-based lubricant. Adjust the strike plate if needed.
6

Perform a factory reset of the August Lock (refer to the August support documentation for specific reset procedure). This will require re-pairing the lock with your account.
7

Contact August support to check for service outages or firmware update issues.

Expert Tip:

If the August Connect is connected to a Bell Giga Hub, try disabling the "Advanced Wi-Fi Settings" (band steering and channel optimization) temporarily to see if it resolves the connection issue. These settings can sometimes interfere with IoT device connectivity.

How It Works:

The August lock communicates via Bluetooth to the August Connect Wi-Fi bridge or directly via Wi-Fi. The 'Checking Status' message indicates a failure to establish a reliable connection. This could stem from radio frequency (RF) interference, insufficient power to the lock (battery impedance), or a communication protocol handshake failure (TCP/IP, HTTPS). Data is encrypted in transit. The lock relies on symmetric-key cryptography for secure communication.

What to Look For:

The August app displays 'Checking Status' indefinitely, preventing lock/unlock operations. No response from the lock via the app. LED indicator on the lock may be blinking red or remain unlit. No error messages displayed in the app's activity log. Local keypad entry still functions.

Why This Happens:

Low battery impedance affecting RF signal strength, especially in cold Canadian winters.
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi interference from other devices (microwaves, cordless phones, neighbouring networks).
Weak Wi-Fi signal (low RSSI) at the August Connect bridge or directly to the August Lock.
Door frame warping causing misalignment and increased mechanical resistance on the bolt, increasing motor current draw, which affects battery voltage.
Corrupted firmware on the August Lock or August Connect.
August service outage.

Prevention:

Replace batteries annually before the onset of winter. Schedule battery replacement in calendar.
Regularly check and update the August Lock and Connect firmware through the August app.
Monitor Wi-Fi signal strength periodically. Implement a scheduled speed test using an application and correlate with reported status issues.
Inspect door alignment and lubricate moving parts at the beginning and end of each winter season.
Consider assigning a static IP address to the August Connect in your router settings (consult your ISP's documentation, e.g., Bell Giga Hub or Rogers Ignite).