How to get back inside your house when your electronic lock has completely lost power.
If your smart lock battery dies and you are locked out, you can gain entry by using the physical backup key, connecting a 9V battery to the external jump-start terminals, using an emergency micro-USB power slot, or calling a local residential locksmith to open the door non-destructively.
Keyless locks are highly convenient, but when the batteries completely fail, they can leave you stranded. Fortunately, almost all modern smart locks (like Yale, Schlage, Kwikset, and August) are built with emergency override features designed specifically for this scenario. If you find yourself in a house lockout due to a dead electronic lock, try these steps in order.
Many homeowners assume their smart lock is entirely keyless, but a high percentage of models still include a standard keyway. Keyways are often concealed under a decorative magnetic cap, a sliding plate, or the bottom edge of the keypad. Slide or pop the cover off and use your physical backup key (which should ideally be kept in your vehicle or with a trusted neighbor) to turn the cylinder manually.
If your lock does not have a physical key cylinder, it likely has two metal contacts on the bottom or front of the keypad. These terminals are designed for a standard 9-volt battery. To use this bypass:
Some newer smart locks replace the 9V terminals with a small USB port on the underside of the exterior unit. If your lock has this port, you can plug in a portable phone charger (power bank) using a standard cable to temporarily power the lock and enter your code. Once inside, you can replace the internal AA or lithium batteries.
If you have smart garage door openers, a secondary smart lock on a back door, or a smart lock connected to a hub, check if you can open another entry point via your phone app. Sometimes, even if the primary Wi-Fi connection is slow, local Bluetooth connections can still trigger the lock to slide open if you are standing close enough.
If your lock has no override features, the mechanical backup is failing, or the lock is unresponsive even with external power, you will need a professional emergency locksmith. A technician can gain entry using non-destructive methods, preventing any damage to your door. If the lock itself is damaged or has suffered an electronic failure, we can handle a new smart lock installation on site.
If you are currently locked out of your home in the Raleigh area, contact Locksmith Raleigh at (984) 207-5553 for scheduled, professional assistance.
Need a locksmith in Raleigh or the Triangle? We are ready to help.
If you only take one thing from this, take this: handling a lock problem on purpose, before it becomes a crisis, is almost always cheaper and calmer than handling it in a panic at the worst possible moment. A little planning, a spare key, a rekey after a move, goes a long way.