Unlock the secrets to reprogramming a digital door lock
Digital door locks are types of door locks that offer a lot of convenience. They eliminate the need for bulky keychains and are easier to reset than their lock-and-key counterparts—no need to learn tricky techniques like how to rekey a lock. Not to mention, you don’t need to spend anything to adjust one. It’s important to know the differences between various models for a successful code change, and this guide will show you how to reset a door lock with that in mind.
When you upgrade to a digital door lock, you can say goodbye to fickle problems like a key not turning in the lock, searching for lost keys, or stumbling to find the keyhole in the dark. At the same time, not every type of keyless door lock is the same. Digital door locks vary slightly from one manufacturer to the next, which is why it’s important to know who made yours.
Electric-powered options all function similarly, but the specific codes and buttons you’ll need to press throughout the reset process will differ between models. For example, one may require you to hold down on an exterior program button, while you may need to remove the faceplate to access the same button on another.
Once you’ve determined the manufacturer, track down the user manual if you haven’t already. This will tell you which codes and buttons you’ll need to use and where you can find them. Can’t find the paper version? Enter the specifics of your lockset into the corresponding brand’s search engine to locate an online manual for your set-up.
Enter the current access code to unlock and open your door. Doing this provides easier access to both sides of the door and prevents any potential risks from occurring—like someone from inside the house unexpectedly opening the door while you’re working. It also engages the lockset, which activates the machine and the mechanisms for resetting the code.
Detach the battery pack from the lockset. You may need to use an Allen key or screwdriver to do this. You’ll need to reattach the pack shortly after removing it—keep it close by so it’s ready when you need it. If there’s no battery pack on your model, you can skip this step and go straight to step seven.
Locate the reset button and remove faceplates if necessary to access it. Hold down on the reset button for at least three to ten seconds depending on the manual, then attach the battery pack immediately afterward with your finger still on the button. The reset button may also be labeled something else, like “program button”—double check your instruction manual to verify.
In addition to an entry code, electric digital locks are also equipped with a programming code that allows you to make changes. You can find yours by looking for a yellow tag in your manual, on the backside of the lock, or underneath the faceplate. Enter this code to enable access to the reset functions.
Press down on the program or lock button for 30 seconds. When it beeps or blinks, it’s ready to receive a new code. Remember to double-check your instruction manual to verify exactly which button you’ll need to use and for how long you’ll need to press it to enable this setting.
After your machine beeps or blinks, key in the new entry code. From there, you’ll need to press one or more buttons to lock this choice in place. Again, this will vary from model to model. Some may have you press #, others the number 1, and some a combination of both or more. Check your manual for the details.
If you noticed that your lockset doesn’t have a battery pack, odds are you’re dealing with a pushback lock-set, which isn't electrically powered. In these cases, you’ll have to crack open the whole thing to manually rearrange the code yourself. Here’s what to do in those situations:
Remove the lock from the door with a drill or screwdriver.
Use a handheld screwdriver to remove the backplate from the lock. Do this slowly to avoid releasing the springs keeping everything together underneath.
You’ll see eight blue chips and five red chips. The red chips are coded, and the blue ones are not.
While holding the unit face-up to avoid dropping the chips, press the C-button to release them. Use tweezers to remove and rearrange as desired.
Align the springs with the chips and screw the backplate into place.
If you had to remove anything from the lockset to reset the entry code, put all the parts back into their proper place. Close the door and test the code by locking and unlocking. If the door doesn’t lock or unlock, you may have another issue on your hands—like a dead battery pack or a broken system that needs a professional replacement from your local locksmith or home security company.
We recommend you attempt to reset your locks by yourself before outsourcing it to an expert. With no expenses and little time involved, it’s worth it to try for the money-saving potential alone.
If you’ve gone through all the steps and your lock still isn’t working or you cannot find your model’s instruction manual anywhere, it may be time to let a pro figure it out instead. Knowing who to call to replace a lock is your best shot at having the highest level of security for your home. You should contact a local locksmith to do the job.
The cost to hire a locksmith ranges from $100 to $200 on average and is often less for small projects like this. For locks that continue to give you problems or are past their typical life span of five to 30 years, you’ll need to weigh rekeying vs. changing locks. If the whole thing is malfunctioning and needs a replacement, expect to pay on the higher end of that scale, plus the cost of a new lock.
Newer, electric-powered door locks generally have a life span of five years or less. That’s thanks, in large part, to a phenomenon called planned obsolescence, in which products are programmed to need replacing after a certain amount of time. That’s also why older, manual, push-key locksets can last up to 30 years with regular cleanings and maintenance. When it does come time for a new set-up, know that the cost to change locks ranges from $130 to $500 on average.
You might want to change a door lock entry code for a handful of reasons. The most common answers are extra security or a forgotten code. You may also find yourself in a position where you need to temporarily change the code to allow a guest to come and go freely but want to switch it back once things return to normal.
Whether or not keyless door locks are safe and trustworthy depends on the visibility of the programming code—and a trespasser’s determination. Even if you carefully guard entry and programming codes, those trying to break in may be able to crack open the lock’s faceplate with a screwdriver and change the codes. The same goes for manual models.
Some find smart locks the safest option because it’s harder to manipulate codes without access to your phone. But it’s possible to get hacked even then. Consider installing an extended security system, like door and window alarms or surveillance cameras, to enhance security.
Digital door locks are just one part of a whole-house security system. You can also install indoor and outdoor security cameras, door and window sensors, motion detectors, smart lighting, and smoke, fire, and CO detectors.
Remember, every home layout is different, and landscaping and custom designs can impact which security system parts offer the best protection from crime. Speak with a professional to help you decide which combination works best for your home’s security.
