Yale Assure Connect by August Smart Lock Review

Last Updated on June 25, 2024

Product Highlights | Detailed Review | Upgradable to WIFI | Keyless Version | Lock Control & Monitoring | What’s in the Box | Comparison to Other Locks | Video Review

Overview of the Yale Assure Connect by August (CBA) lock

The Yale Assure Smart lock is ACME Locksmith’s favorite smart lock. It is a BHMA Grade 2 lock, has flexible and expandable features, affordable, can be operated without an internet connection, is key compatible with Schlage and Kwikset door keys (cylinder replacement needed for the Kwikset key), and is expandable. You can initially purchase it as a Bluetooth only lock and add WIFI support for offsite monitoring and control at any time.

We offer these locks with Schlage, Kwikset or high-security keys on our website (Yale Assure Locks at ACME Locksmith) with free shipping and you can also find them at great prices on Amazon. )

Product Review: Yale Smart Locks Rock!

Easy WIFI Integration

In the past, to get remote monitoring you had to purchase a Z-wave or Zigbee supported smart lock. Z-wave and Zigbee are communication protocols that allow the lock to talk to another device called the Hub. You had to purchase this hub separately which added expense, and you had to be sure that you purchased a lock compatible with your HUBs protocols (or vice versa). The HUB and the locks were manufactured by different companies.

Then you had to get all of these smart lock pieces working together so you could access the remote monitoring features of your lock, which may have been further limited by the Hub you were using.

Sound complicated? It was.

The new version of the Yale August, the Connect by August (CBA) version, packs the WIFI integration into an expansion module of the lock. There is no external hub to connect to, making the integration super easy to implement.

Customizable Features – Get What You Need

Base Yale Electronic Lock or WIFI Option

Other smart locks, such as the Schlage Encode or Kwikset Halo sell an all-in-one package. You must have, and pay for, a WIFI-supported lock. The lock cannot be programmed or controlled without being connected to the WIFI. This makes those locks very expensive.

But what if you don’t know if you want off-site WIFI control? What if you just want electronic, pin code entry?

The Yale sells a base version of this lock (the Yale YRD226 NR and YRL226 NR, both links take you to Amazon) that has built-in Bluetooth support, but no WIFI module. This allows you to use the Yale Smart Lock app to set the lock up with user codes when within approximately 20 feet of the lock. At the time of this writing these locks were less than $150 so you can save a lot of money buying the base version.

If at a later date, you want to add the ability to monitor and control the lock from any location, you can simply add the CBA module to the lock to get WIFI capability. Only the Yale Smart Locks allow you to do this upgrade.

Keyed Yale Smart Lock or Keyless?

Smart locks can come with key overrides or no key overrides. Without a key override, a jumper is usually included that allows you to power the lock up through a USB port (or other type port) or two small metal terminals you can temporarily connect a 9v battery.

The Yale Smart Locks use the 9V-terminal method, the Yale YRD256 available on Amazon.

We prefer the keyed version. Primarily because everyone us us to carrying their house keys in their pocket. People are not used to carrying spare port cables or a 9v battery.

Yale Smart Lock User Controls & Monitoring

The Yale Smart Lock allows you to lock, unlock, share access to the lock, customize your lock/relock settings, and see who entered a code to access the lock. You can unlock the door automatically when you approach the door and set an auto-relock feature after a given amount of time.

One thing this lock has, that many other smart locks don’t have, is the ability to monitor whether or not your door is open or closed. This is important! If someone leaves the door open and the auto relock feature is set, most smart locks will tell you that the door is locked. However, the Yale smart lock will tell you that the lock is locked, but the DOOR is open so you know your home is not secure.

With the WIFI support, you can do these things from anywhere you have a smartphone connection.

The Yale smart lock products are fully integrated with the Airbnb system for easy code distribution (WIFI module required).

What’s in the Box?

The Yale Assure Touchscreen Smart Lock

This has been our favorite no-frills home electronic locks for many years. Voice instructions, solid construction, touchscreen, programming without lock removal and it just seems to keep working and working. It’s the smart lock on my home and the one I recommend to our customers every time. With the WIFI upgrade, you can add off-site monitoring at any time.

As with every electronic lock available, we only recommend you purchase a lock with a key override. In this case, the YRD226 series.

Optional August WIFI Module

If you choose the WIFI version the module will be included. It easily inserts into the lock so you can connect to your home’s WIFI.

If you choose the base version, the module is not included but you can purchase it separately at a later date and simply add it to the lock.

Door Sensor

An easy-to-install surface mount sensor that can detect if the door is open or closed and report that information to you using the August App. With a little more effort, the sensor can be installed and hidden into the door jamb. Your local locksmith can help you with this installation if you’re not comfortable with it.

Summarizing the Yale Assure Connected by August Smart Lock

Getting the remote access and monitoring features from a smart lock required multiple components from various vendors and a complicated expensive setup process. This stopped the average homeowner from using them.

The August smart lock had great features and ease of use, especially for Airbnb units, but it had been a clumsy addition to your existing locks and bulky and unattractive.

The Yale Assure Connect by August (available on Amazon) combines the ease-of-use and attractive Yale lock with the remote functionality of the August Connect app, making it an affordable, attractive solution for everyone.

Disclosure: As an Amazon / Google Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases.