Smart locks, smartphones, smart homes … everything is smart these days. And why not? Smart automation helps us save money and energy, and allows us to monitor our homes when we’re not there. But when the technology goes on the fritz, things get a little less smart, and much more annoying, especially when you’re locked out of your house! Is your smart lock broken? We have expert tips and troubleshooting steps to get you back inside without replacing your lock.

What are smart locks? “At their core, they use a motorized mechanism to lock and unlock the door, activated by a command from your phone, a keypad or a biometric sensor,” says Tiffany Mayo, the director of hardware product management at Yale and August Home. In other words, smart locks are still just locks, and you can open them if they stop working. Family Handyman spoke to Mayo and Tim Eskew, director of residential electronic products at Schlage, to help you get back inside when your smart lock’s broken.

Are Smart Locks Durable?

Yes, though the durability of smart locks varies between brands and price points. “Most smart locks are built on solid mechanical foundations and meet all tough security standards,” Mayo says.

One way to find the most durable smart locks is to verify that they’ve been evaluated by an industry standards organization. “The Builders Hardware Manufacturing Association (BHMA) sets national standards regarding the security level, durability and finish quality of door hardware products,” Eskew says. Locks are graded on a good (C), better (B), best (A) system, so depending on what you most value in a smart lock, you have options. Durability ratings measure smooth operation after a lifetime of use and through seasonal door changes due to humidity or settling.

“Look for an ‘A’ rating on durability,” Eskew says.

Check the finish rating, too. An “A” in that category means the lock has been tested to withstand salt, ultraviolet rays, humidity and even scratches—important must-haves for a durable smart lock. Companies often sell smart locks in a range of ratings, but know that a grade of AAA is the top of the line in all three categories.

My Smart Lock Is Broken, How Do I Get In?

When your smart lock’s broken, it’s easy to panic—or at the very least get a little annoyed. You might have an armful of groceries, or Airbnb guests testily texting you, wondering why they can’t access your home.

You’re in luck. “Homeowners don’t need to worry about getting locked out,” Eskew says. Depending on the model, capabilities and how you connect to your smart lock, there are a few things to try before breaking down the door. (Kidding! One of these should work.) Here’s what to do.

Use the keypad

Person entering the passcode to open the doorIM YEONGSIK/GETTY IMAGES

If your smart lock has battery power, the first thing to try if you have a broken smart lock—or one that just can’t respond to wireless commands—is the keypad. “If a smart lock has a touchscreen or keypad, the homeowner can enter their access code to unlock the door,” Eskew says.

Replace the batteries

Smart locks work on battery power, not your home’s electricity, so if your smart lock is dead or isn’t responding to the app, your voice or your fingerprint, try changing the batteries in the lock. If that was the problem, your lock will pick right back up where it was, and you shouldn’t have to reset any codes or connectivity settings.

Because smart locks have an independent power source, keeping your smart lock batteries fresh and charged should be your No. 1 priority, the experts say. The typical battery life in a smart lock is about 6 months to a year. Monitor battery life on the smart lock app, or see if your model has an indicator on the lock itself.

“If you live in an area with frequent electrical storms or extreme weather and often experience power outages, I highly recommend checking your lock’s battery level often,” Eskew says. Change the batteries “when the charge gets down to 15% to 20%, so you’ll have peace of mind when you need it most.”

Turn off Bluetooth

Just like turning off airplane mode can help boost a cell phone signal, toggling Bluetooth can kickstart a smart lock. If you use Bluetooth to connect your phone to your lock, turning it off and on again could reestablish a connection.

And if you’re looking to save energy when your smart lock batteries are low, “Bluetooth is great for local control with minimal battery drain,” Mayo says.

Reset the Wifi

If you’re locked out of your house due to a broken smart lock, and you use Wifi to connect, try resetting your router. This can resolve IP address issues and other connectivity issues.

Reinstall the app

If you’re fruitlessly hitting buttons on your phone and the lock isn’t responding, try deleting and reinstalling the smart lock app. Make sure you have a way to access your email if you forgot your login credentials and need to reset.

Use a 9-volt battery

Is your keypad totally dead? “If the batteries die, you can use a 9 V battery for temporary power,” Mayo says—yep, a plain old 9-volt battery like the ones you have in your smoke alarm. Hold it to the emergency contacts on the front of the smart lock. This will temporarily power the keypad, allowing you to input your code.

Restart your phone

The problem might not be the lock at all. It could be your phone. Sometimes, a quick power off/on can reset lost connections or return settings to a previous working state. Of course, “if a phone is dead or there is no connectivity, you can still use your code on the keypad to unlock,” Mayo says.

Reset the lock

“If the lock itself isn’t damaged, users can also reset it and update the codes, and regain control through the app,” Mayo says. If you can’t reset through the app, the expert says to reach out to the company directly for help troubleshooting.

Use a key

Close-up of house key in lock of open front doorGRACE CARY/GETTY IMAGES

Yep, “many smart locks also include a traditional keyhole as another entry option,” Mayo says, so when all else fails, just use the key. (And replace or repair your smart lock!)

FAQ

How do you protect a smart lock in extreme weather?

Smart locks are designed to withstand the elements without any special actions from you (especially the highest-rated locks). But they are not always weatherproof. For best results, follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding where smart locks can be safely installed.

As for the indoor part of the lock, “which contains the electronics, motor and batteries, [it] must be protected inside of the home,” Eskew says. (So don’t spill drinks on it or spray it with cleaners.)

About the Experts

  • Tiffany Mayo is the director of hardware product management at Yale and August Home. With more than 15 years of experience in product management, Mayo spearheaded the launch of the Yale Assure Lock 2 platform, working with cross-functional teams of engineers and others to drive critical product enhancements ahead of release.
  • Tim Eskew is the director of residential electronic products at Schlage, where he is an expert in embedded electronics and low-power wireless technologies. A graduate of Purdue University with a degree in electrical technology, Eskew plays a critical role in Schlage product design and launch.

Sources:

  • Tim Eskew, director of residential electronic products at Schlage; email interview, May 9, 2025
  • Tiffany Mayo, director of hardware product management at Yale and August Home; email interview, May 9, 2025
  • Schlage: “FAQs”
  • Secure Home: “Choose Your Ratings Combination”
  • Yale: “Smart Door Locks”
Author
Ally Childress
Ally Childress writes practical, informed stories and how-to guides for Family Handyman and Reader’s Digest. An experienced electrician, Ally's beat naturally includes electrical and construction topics. She also tackles cleaning, gardening, technology, bugs and anything else you can throw at her. She has a knack for finding just the right subjec...
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Ally Childress