#AUGUST DEADBOLT LOCK INSTALL#
#AUGUST DEADBOLT LOCK BLUETOOTH#
#AUGUST DEADBOLT LOCK PLUS#

One thing I’ll mention, I’m not a fan of non-Apple apps for administering HomeKit or running automations. Their app is very basic so I needed to find a better way to achieve this in the Home app

#AUGUST DEADBOLT LOCK BLUETOOTH#

I’ve never used Bluetooth sensors before so I gave it a chance but elected to go with Sengled Zigbee. It’s funny because I tested the eve contact sensors and returned them because I was losing connections. Which is cool but I’m concerned about if it will run when not home for others. Eve must have a robust app that allows you to do more than most smart device apps do, like create automations and administer HomeKit. I’m getting roasted over in the HomeKit sub cause someone uses Eve too. They’re solid but this is the one thing I found missing I was waiting for someone to chime in with an Encode Plus, those locks are impossible to find right now, not even eBay. Things keep getting better so I’m sure in a few years we’ll see even better products Maybe a new deadbolt wall strike plate that has a built in contact sensor that can’t be dooped.

So the lock would need a more secure sure way of knowing the door is actually not closed. For example, an exterior contact sensor could break, provide false readings even when closed. My thought is maybe this is why Matter is taking so long to be formalized because they keep coming up with these use cases. But unlocking is a concern for them, hence why it’s not boiler plate. They definitely have auto lock features cause the worse that happens is your home is more safe. There’s also the issue of unlocking the lock as a liability issue from Apple’s/manufacturers viewpoint. I’ve never used the august locks but you might be surprised to find it can be locked if the door is opened.

I personally haven’t come across a lock that can detect the door is open without a contact sensor or it’s physically built in, not a separate device needing installing. Also, the Yale I know that has a contact sensor isn’t a deadbolt, so this isn’t an issue, door can be closed regardless if it’s locked or not. But in Yales case they dont make the sensor available to HomeKit. Some of the Yale locks have a door sensor that is just like a regular contact sensor, magnet n such. Enjoy!Įvery lock is different and some, I’d venture to guess most don’t provide a door contact sensor or it’s an add on. The benefit of doing a script in the Home app is they will run on the Home hubs (Apple TV’s) so even if you are not home they still run. Your lock will always stay unlocked if your door is not closed now. Tap Done and that’s it your automation is created. Now you’ll need to drag and drop that action to underneath the “If” statement you created above. Tap “Scene and Accessories,” find your door’s lock, choose it, hit next, tap the lock to choose unlock then hit done.

That will add a set accessory action in the script. Tap “name” and choose “contact sensor state.” Choose “condition” and the option “is.” Then tap “choose” and select “open.” Pull up your scripting/app tray at the bottom of the screen, close the scripting window by hitting the big X and then select the Apps tab next to the categories tab. Tap “If.” Tap input and find your door’s contact sensor and select it. Next, choose the scripting option in the categories section in the pull down tray. First delete the already added action by clicking the x. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the screen till you see “Convert to Shortcut” and tap it. Find the scheduled switch you created whenever your Homebridge items get added to your default room (I have a room called Homebridge). Choose when an accessory is controlled option.

#AUGUST DEADBOLT LOCK PLUS#

In HomeKit create a new automation by tapping the big plus in the upper right corner. This new scheduled switch will show up in HomeKit assuming you already have the HomeKit “bridge” already added to HomeKit. Name the plug-in, change the interval to however you want this automation to run. Go back to the plug-ins and select the settings for the Scheduled plug-in.

#AUGUST DEADBOLT LOCK INSTALL#

In Homebridge install the plug-in “Scheduled.” Restart Homebridge. The sensors are pretty cheap, create a mesh network which extends their range and are small/versatile. An independent HomeKit contact sensor is recommended, Sengled is a good system using a very reasonably priced bridge to connect zigbee contact sensors to your HomeKit. Some locks may include this contact sensor (Yale) but those sensors may not be exposed to HomeKit.

This assumes you have Homebridge installed and running, a HomeKit compatible smart door lock installed that has a deadbolt as well as a HomeKit door contact sensor to detect if the door is open or closed.

August deadbolt lock