August Auto-Unlock Not Working: Android 15 Fix - Smart Home | digitalhomefaults.org

Technical Background:

August Auto-Unlock relies on geofencing (GPS), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for proximity detection, and wireless communication (Wi-Fi or Z-Wave) for remote control. Failure points can include GPS signal attenuation within urban canyons, BLE interference from other devices (900MHz, 2.4GHz bands), incorrect geofence radius setup, Android OS permission issues, or battery impedance causing voltage drops during BLE transmission initiation.

Symptoms:

Auto-Unlock consistently fails upon user proximity. Observed behaviour includes: No change in lock state despite user entering geofence, 'Auto-Unlock Paused' message in August app, Bluetooth connection instability, LED blinking red (low battery indicator) even with reported high battery level in app.

Possible Causes:

Android 15 Background Permission Restrictions: Aggressive battery optimization in Android 15 may be restricting background GPS and Bluetooth access for the August app.
Bluetooth Interference: High density urban environments experience significant 2.4GHz interference affecting BLE reliability.
Battery Impedance: Cold Canadian winters (-20°C to -40°C) increase battery impedance, reducing available current for BLE operation.
Geofence Inaccuracy: GPS drift and building reflections can cause the geofence trigger to activate outside the intended proximity zone.
Firmware Incompatibility: Outdated August lock firmware might have compatibility issues with Android 15's Bluetooth stack.
Door Frame Warping: Seasonal temperature fluctuations cause door frame warping, increasing friction on the deadbolt and requiring more motor torque, which can affect Bluetooth transmission range due to power drain.

Solution:

1

Verify August app permissions: In Android settings, ensure the August app has 'Precise Location' permission set to 'Always' and 'Background App Refresh' is enabled.
2

Disable Battery Optimization: In Android settings, exclude the August app from battery optimization or adaptive battery features.
3

Re-calibrate Geofence: Within the August app, slightly adjust the geofence radius and trigger distance to compensate for GPS drift.
4

Check Bluetooth Connectivity: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on the Android device and the device is paired with the August lock. Forget and re-pair the devices if necessary.
5

Replace Batteries: Replace the batteries with fresh, high-quality lithium batteries (rated for extreme cold) to address potential impedance issues. Monitor voltage under load with a multimeter (should not drop below 3.6V).
6

Update Firmware: Ensure the August lock has the latest firmware installed via the August app. Check for updates manually if auto-update is disabled.
7

Rule out mechanical binding: Manually operate the deadbolt. If stiff, lubricate the strike plate and bolt with graphite powder. Check door frame alignment; shimming might be needed.

Safety Warning:

Data privacy is paramount. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Ensure the August lock is physically secure to prevent tampering. Dispose of used lithium batteries properly at designated recycling depots (e.g., Canadian Tire battery recycling program). Never attempt to disassemble the August lock's internal circuitry. Do not attempt to work on the door's electrical wiring without proper training.

Prevention:

- Regularly check and replace batteries, especially before winter. - Monitor August app permissions after Android OS updates. - Periodically recalibrate the geofence. - Perform routine deadbolt lubrication to minimize mechanical stress. - Keep the August lock firmware updated.

Expert Tip:

A 'soft reset' of the August lock (holding the August button down for 5 seconds, then releasing) can sometimes resolve Bluetooth connectivity issues without requiring a full factory reset. This clears the Bluetooth cache and re-establishes the connection with the mobile device. For Bell Giga Hub users experiencing Wi-Fi interference, try manually selecting a less congested 2.4GHz channel (1, 6, or 11) within the modem's advanced settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I check the battery voltage on my August Smart Lock?

Use a multimeter to measure the battery voltage under load. Remove the battery cover and carefully measure the voltage across the battery terminals while the lock is attempting to engage. A significant voltage drop indicates a battery issue.

•What are the best lithium batteries to use in cold Canadian winters for my August lock?

Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries are generally recommended for their performance in extreme cold conditions. Avoid alkaline batteries, as their performance degrades significantly at low temperatures.

•How do I improve the Wi-Fi signal strength to my August Connect bridge?

Move the August Connect bridge closer to your Wi-Fi router or install a Wi-Fi range extender to improve signal strength. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to identify the least congested 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi channel and configure your router to use that channel.

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I check the battery voltage on my August Smart Lock?

•What are the best lithium batteries to use in cold Canadian winters for my August lock?

•How do I improve the Wi-Fi signal strength to my August Connect bridge?

Related Questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: