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August•DoorSense

Analysis by Lukas & Team

August DoorSense: Magnet Falling Off - How to Fix

August DoorSense magnet keeps falling off? Troubleshoot and fix your smart lock. Expert guide for Canadian homes, cold weather, and reliable security.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What type of adhesive is best for cold weather applications?

3M VHB (Very High Bond) tape or a construction adhesive rated for sub-zero temperatures is recommended.

•How do I recalibrate the DoorSense in the August app?

Open the August app, select your lock, go to 'Settings,' then 'DoorSense,' and follow the on-screen instructions to recalibrate.

•My door frame is warped. How can I fix this?

Consider consulting a professional door installer or handyman. Temporary solutions include adjusting the strike plate or using shims to realign the door frame.

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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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Expert Tip:

Use a small level to ensure the magnet is mounted perfectly vertically. Even slight misalignment can affect the signal strength and reliability of DoorSense.

Why This Happens:

Adhesive failure due to temperature fluctuations (-20°C to -40°C in Canadian winters).
Surface contamination (dust, grease, or paint) preventing proper adhesion.
Incorrect magnet placement relative to the DoorSense sensor within the lock.
Warped door frame altering the magnet-sensor alignment.
Physical impact causing magnet dislodgement.
Weakened adhesive due to age and environmental exposure (UV degradation).

Important Warnings:

Ensure the August lock is functioning correctly after reattaching the magnet. A malfunctioning DoorSense can compromise the security of your home. Verify proper lock/unlock operation and door status reporting via the app. Do not solely rely on the smart lock; maintain physical keys as a backup. Protect your August account with a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication.

How It Works:

DoorSense utilizes a Hall effect sensor within the August lock and a corresponding magnet affixed to the door frame. When the door closes, the magnetic field triggers the sensor, confirming door closure. Loss of magnet proximity disables this function. RF communication (typically Bluetooth LE) transmits this status to the August Connect or August Smart Lock Pro for cloud synchronization and remote access control.

Solution:

1

Clean the door frame surface with isopropyl alcohol and allow to dry completely. Use a lint-free cloth.
2

Verify the optimal magnet placement using the August app's calibration tool. The app provides real-time feedback on signal strength.
3

Apply a high-strength, weather-resistant adhesive specifically designed for extreme temperatures (e.g., 3M VHB tape).
4

Secure the magnet to the door frame, ensuring firm pressure is applied for at least 30 seconds.
5

Recalibrate DoorSense through the August app settings. Monitor the signal strength during calibration.
6

Check door frame alignment and consider adjusting the strike plate if necessary to eliminate binding which can place stress on the magnet over time (Weiser/Schlage).
7

If the magnet is repeatedly falling off, consider using screws instead of adhesive for a more secure fix (drill pilot holes first).

Symptoms:

Magnet detaches from door frame, preventing accurate door status reporting (open/closed). No LED confirmation on lock, DoorSense error message in August app, intermittent lock/unlock failures based on perceived door state. Incorrect status reported in app (e.g., 'Door Open' when physically closed).

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly inspect the magnet's adhesion, particularly before and after significant temperature changes (seasonal checks).
Clean the magnet and door frame surface annually to remove any contaminants.
Consider using a stronger adhesive or mechanical fasteners for long-term reliability in harsh Canadian climates.
Check door and frame alignment annually to prevent stress on the adhesive.