How to Set Up a Smart Door Lock

A smart door lock lets you lock and unlock your door from your phone, share access with family, and never get locked out again.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Choose and purchase your smart lock
2.Remove the old deadbolt interior piece
3.Attach the smart lock
4.Download the app and connect
5.Add family members and set auto-lock

Choose and purchase your smart lock

~24s

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (model 4th gen) and Schlage Encode Plus are popular choices that work without a separate hub. Check that the lock fits your door thickness (most standard doors are 1.375" to 2" thick). You can find them at Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, or Amazon for $100-$250.

Quick Tip

If you want Apple HomeKit support, look for locks labeled "Works with Apple Home." For Alexa or Google, most major brands work.

Remove the old deadbolt interior piece

~24s

The August lock installs on the interior side of your door — you keep your existing exterior hardware and keys. Use a screwdriver to remove the two screws on the inside of your deadbolt. Keep your existing key cylinder on the outside. The new lock attaches in its place using the same screw holes.

Warning

Do not begin installation with the door locked. Make sure the door is open before removing the old deadbolt interior.

Attach the smart lock

~15s

Follow the included instructions to attach the lock mount to your door, then click the smart lock body onto the mount. Insert the included batteries. The lock will run a short calibration to learn how your deadbolt moves.

Download the app and connect

~15s

Download the "August Home" app (or your lock brand's app) on your phone. Create an account, then tap "Set Up New Device" and follow the on-screen prompts. The app will connect the lock to your home Wi-Fi network. This usually takes 5-10 minutes.

Add family members and set auto-lock

~26s

In the app, go to "Users" to invite family members by email. Each person gets the app and can lock or unlock. Under Settings, turn on "Auto-Lock" to have the door automatically lock after a set time (like 1 minute) — a great safety feature if you sometimes forget to lock up.

Quick Tip

Enable "DoorSense" if available — this detects whether the door is physically open or closed and prevents the lock from engaging if the door isn't fully shut.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Set Up a Smart Door Lock

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A smart door lock replaces or works alongside your existing deadbolt, letting you control your door using your phone, a keypad, or your voice. Popular brands include August, Schlage Encode, Kwikset Halo, and Yale.

The biggest advantage of a smart lock is convenience. You can lock or unlock your door remotely — so if a family member arrives when you're not home, you can let them in from anywhere. You can also check whether you left the door locked at any time.

Smart locks also let you create access codes for specific people — like a house cleaner, neighbor, or pet sitter — without giving out a physical key. Most let you set codes that only work during certain hours or days.

Most smart locks fit onto your existing door hardware and don't require any electrical wiring. They run on standard batteries (usually 4 AA batteries), which last about 6-12 months depending on use. Most connect to your home Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and work with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.

Installation typically takes about 20-30 minutes and requires only a screwdriver. You keep your existing keys in case the battery dies — most locks will still work with a physical key as backup.

Smart locks are especially helpful for people who forget to lock the door, want to let in delivery people or caregivers, or have difficulty using a physical key due to arthritis or limited grip strength.

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