How to Install the Yale | August Wi‑Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch
Wondering if you need a locksmith for a smart lock? Forget it. If you can handle a Phillips head screwdriver and use an app on your phone, you have all the skills required to install the Yale | August Wi‑Fi Smart Lock. This isn’t a complex project; it’s a simple, rewarding upgrade you can complete yourself in under 30 minutes.
Living in an apartment complex comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to home security and smart home upgrades. One of the most frustrating situations renters face is wanting a digital smart lock but being unable to replace their existing deadbolt due to master key system requirements. Enter the Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch—a game-changing solution designed specifically to solve this problem.
Yale August Wi‑Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch: Easy Installation Guide
The Apartment Renter’s Dilemma: Master Key Systems
If you’re renting an apartment, you’ve likely encountered this scenario: you want to upgrade to a smart lock for added convenience and security, but your lease prohibits replacing the existing lock. Why? Because most apartment complexes use master key systems that allow property management and maintenance staff to access units when needed.
Traditional smart locks require completely replacing your deadbolt, which means removing the master key compatibility and violating your lease agreement. This leaves renters stuck with outdated lock technology while watching homeowners enjoy the benefits of smart home security.
How the Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Solves This Problem
The Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch takes a completely different approach. Instead of replacing your existing deadbolt, this smart lock installs on the inside of your door over your existing deadbolt, allowing you to leave your outside lock alone and keep your existing deadbolt and keys August Home.
This innovative retrofit design means:
- Your landlord retains full access with their original master keys
- You comply with your lease since you’re not replacing the lock
- Property management can still enter for emergencies and maintenance
- You get all the benefits of a modern digital smart lock
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
What You’ll Need
Tools Required:
- Phillips head screwdriver
- The lock comes with everything else you need
Installation Time: Less than 10 minutes August Home
No Experience Needed: This is a true DIY project with no wiring, drilling, or complex tools required.
Part 1: Installing the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Step 1: Prepare Your Existing Deadbolt
- Place the supplied adhesive strip to hold the keyed side of the lock in place and press down the tape against the keyhole August Home
- Remove your existing interior thumbturn and back plate (if your lock has one)
- Keep these parts safe—you’ll need them when you move out
Step 2: Install the Mounting Plate
- The mounting plate has adjustable screw holes for universal compatibility
- Use the screws from your old thumbturn to attach the mounting plate
- If your mounting plate doesn’t fully cover the hole left by the removed thumbturn, use the included cover plate first
- Tighten the screws until the mounting plate is secure against your door
Step 3: Select and Attach the Correct Adapter
- The lock comes with multiple adapters for different deadbolt types
- Slide each adapter onto the tailpiece to find the right one—the correct adapter will have one of the teeth pointing up August Home
- Place the adapter onto the tailpiece with the non-teeth side going through first
Step 4: Attach the August Smart Lock
- Rotate the thumbturn on your August Smart Lock to the unlocked position (the direction depends on which side of your door the deadbolt is on)
- Open both wing latches on the sides of the lock
- Slide the smart lock over the tailpiece and align it with the mounting plate
- Clamp down both side wing latches completely to secure the lock
Step 5: Install the Batteries
- Press down on the August logo at the bottom of the faceplate
- Grab the top of the faceplate and remove it
- While holding the batteries in place, remove the plastic battery isolation tab
- Ensure batteries are properly seated
- Snap the faceplate back on with the August logo at the bottom
Step 6: Set Up the Lock in the Yale Access App
- Download the Yale Access app (iOS or Android)
- Follow the in-app instructions to connect your lock to Wi-Fi
- Calibrate the DoorSense feature (tells you if your door is open or closed)
- Test the lock by locking and unlocking from the app
Part 2: Installing the Yale Keypad Touch
The Yale Keypad Touch offers incredible flexibility—you can install it anywhere within 30 feet of Bluetooth range to your compatible smart lock Manuals+.
Step 1: Choose Your Mounting Location Popular locations include:
- On your doorframe next to the door handle
- On the exterior wall beside your door
- Directly on the door itself
Consider factors like:
- Weather protection (covered areas are ideal)
- Ease of access
- Visibility from the street
Step 2: Mount the Keypad You have two installation options:
Option A: Adhesive Mounting (Renters’ Best Friend)
- Use the included adhesive pad August for a damage-free installation
- Clean the mounting surface thoroughly with rubbing alcohol
- Remove the backing from the adhesive pad
- Press the keypad firmly against the surface for 30 seconds
- Wait 24 hours before use for best adhesion
Option B: Screw Mounting (More Permanent)
- Use the included screws and mounting template
- Mark screw hole locations with a pencil
- Pre-drill pilot holes if installing on wood or stucco
- Secure the keypad with the provided screws
Step 3: Pair the Keypad with Your Smart Lock
- Open the Yale Access app
- Navigate to your lock settings
- Select “Add Keypad Touch”
- Follow the in-app pairing instructions
- The keypad will connect via Bluetooth to your smart lock
Step 4: Set Up Fingerprints and Access Codes
- Add your fingerprint by following the app prompts (scan your finger multiple times for best accuracy)
- Create custom PIN codes for family members, roommates, or guests
- You can store up to 250 codes via the August app or Yale Access app August Home
Step 5: Test Everything
- Test fingerprint unlock (the system has 99% accuracy)
- Test PIN code entry
- Test the one-touch lock feature (touch the Yale logo at the top)
- Verify the backlit buttons work in low light
Compatibility Check
Before purchasing, verify your deadbolt is compatible. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock works with most single-cylinder deadbolts. Your lock is likely compatible if:
- You can lock and unlock from inside using a thumbturn (not a key on both sides)
- Your deadbolt is a standard size (most US residential deadbolts are)
- Your door is 1-3/8″ to 2″ thick
You can use the compatibility checker on the August website or take a photo of your current lock to compare.
Moving Out? Easy Removal
When your lease ends, simply:
- Remove the August smart lock from the mounting plate
- Remove the mounting plate
- Reinstall your original thumbturn and back plate
- Remove the keypad from your door
- Take your smart lock system to your new home
The entire process takes about 5 minutes, leaves no damage, and you can reinstall the system at your next residence.
Key Features That Make This Lock Apartment-Friendly
Fingerprint Access with 99% Accuracy
The included Yale Keypad Touch features biometric fingerprint technology, giving you a unique entry method that you’ll never lose. This means no more fumbling for keys when your hands are full of groceries.
Custom Entry Codes for Everyone
Create temporary or permanent access codes for family, friends, roommates, or service providers without copying physical keys. Perfect for letting in your dog walker while you’re at work.
Auto-Unlock and Auto-Lock Features
The smart lock uses geo-fencing technology to detect when you approach and automatically unlocks your door. When you leave, the Auto-Lock feature secures your door after it closes, ensuring you never worry about whether you locked up.
Built-in Wi-Fi for Remote Access
Unlike some smart locks that require additional hubs, the Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. This allows you to lock or unlock your door remotely, check its status, and receive notifications—all through the Yale Access app from anywhere.
DoorSense Technology
The built-in DoorSense sensor tells you whether your door is actually closed and locked, not just whether the deadbolt is engaged. This eliminates the worry of whether you left your door slightly ajar.
Smart Home Integration
The lock works seamlessly with major smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings, allowing you to incorporate it into your existing smart home ecosystem and control your lock with voice commands.
Never Get Locked Out Again
The Yale August system provides multiple backup access methods:
- Fingerprint unlock via the keypad
- Custom PIN codes
- Smartphone app access
- Traditional physical keys (your original keys still work!)
- Battery backup ensures access even during power outages
Peace of Mind with Activity Tracking
The 24/7 Activity Feed in the Yale Access app lets you monitor exactly when people enter and leave your home. This is particularly useful for:
- Knowing when roommates arrive home
- Confirming your dog walker came at the scheduled time
- Tracking when guests used their access codes
- Receiving notifications about all lock activity
Battery Life and Maintenance
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock runs on 4 AA batteries with an expected life of up to 3 months under typical use. The Yale Access app will notify you when batteries are running low, giving you plenty of time to replace them. The keypad also uses batteries and will notify you when they need replacement.
The Bottom Line for Apartment Renters
The Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch represents the perfect compromise between modern smart home technology and the restrictions of apartment living. You get cutting-edge features like fingerprint access, remote control, and automated locking—all while keeping your landlord happy and maintaining compliance with your lease.
For renters who thought smart locks were off-limits due to master key system requirements, this lock changes everything. It proves you don’t have to choose between convenience and compliance—you can have both.
The installation process is straightforward enough for anyone to complete in under 15 minutes total, requires no special skills or tools, and is completely reversible when you move. You’re not just upgrading your apartment security—you’re making a smart investment that moves with you to every future home.
Ready to upgrade your apartment security without breaking your lease? The Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch is the renter-friendly solution you’ve been looking for.
