Why Is My Keypad Door Lock Not Working?

A keypad door lock is a convenient way to add an extra layer of security to your home or office. But what do you do when your keypad door lock stops working?

You know how frustrating it can be when something isn’t working properly, especially when it’s something that’s supposed to make our lives easier, like a keypad door lock.

There are a few possible reasons why your keyboard may not be working. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons for a malfunctioning keypad door lock and what you can do to fix it. 

I will share some DIY methods that I have used when I faced this issue. I’ll also explain some troubleshooting tips before you call the locksmith.

Why Is My Keypad Door Lock Not Working? (14 Common Problems + Solutions)

There are a few reasons why your keypad door lock may not be working:

1. Dead or low Batteries 

One of the most common reasons why keypad door locks stop working is because the batteries are low. If your keypad door lock uses batteries, be sure to check them regularly and replace them as needed. Usually, keypad door locks will have a low battery indicator that will let you know when it’s time to replace the batteries. 

Most keypad door locks use four AA or AAA alkaline batteries, so you should be able to find them at your local grocery store.

To replace the batteries, open the door and look for the battery compartment. Once you’ve found it, replace the old batteries with more recent ones. In case these steps don’t work, let’s perform another troubleshooting step.

2. Misaligned keypad 

You may have an issue with your keypad not aligning with the deadbolt if it’s not working. This usually happens when you install the lock yourself and don’t align the keypad properly.

Look at the back of the keypad when you open the door to fix this. There should be two screws that you can loosen to adjust the keypad. Once you’ve loosened the screws, try operating the keypad again to see if it works.

3. Dirty or wet keypad 

Occasionally, the keypad is unresponsive or not working properly because dirt and water can disrupt the electrical connections. In such a case, you’ll need to clean the keypad with a dry cloth or compressed air before trying to use it again.

To clean the keypad, use a soft cloth and some rubbing alcohol. Gently wipe down the keypad until it’s clean. Then try operating the lock again to see if it works.

4. Defective keypad 

Although it’s not common, there are times when the keypad itself is defective. You can replace the keypad by yourself if it is defective. However, if you’re not comfortable replacing the keypad yourself, you can always contact a locksmith to do it for you.

5. Loose Wiring 

Another reason why your keypad door lock may not be working is because of loose wiring. Locks usually break when they’re installed improperly because the screws aren’t tightened. As a result, the wires come loose over time and stop working. To fix this follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open the door and look at the back of the keypad. You will see a small hole with a tiny screw in the center.

Step 2: Tighten the screw using a Phillips screwdriver.

Step 3: Close the door and test the lock. It should work now.

6. Faulty Circuit Board

A faulty circuit board is one possible reason your keypad door lock stops working. While this occurrence is not widespread, it does happen from time to time.

The good news is that it’s not difficult to fix. Simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Remove the batteries from the keypad door lock.

Step 2: Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws from the backplate.

Step 3: Take out the circuit board and examine it for any visible damage.

Step 4: If the circuit board is damaged, you will need to replace it. You can do this by contacting the manufacturer of your keypad door lock.

If you’re not comfortable replacing the circuit board yourself, you can always contact a locksmith to do it for you.

7. Damaged Buttons 

When one of the buttons is damaged, the whole keypad gets disturbed, and it doesn’t function as it should. Identify the button that does not work and needs to be repaired or replaced. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1: Start with the button that is not working.

Step 2: Check if there are any physical damages to the button. If yes, then you need to repair it or replace it.

Step 3: If there are no physical damages, then try to clean the button with a soft cloth.

Step 4: If the button still doesn’t work, then it needs to be replaced.

9. Frozen Keypad 

If the keypad on your door lock is unresponsive, it may be because it’s frozen. This usually happens in cold weather when the moisture in the air condenses and freezes on the keypad.

To get rid of the frozen keypads, you can use a hairdryer to melt the ice. Once the ice is melted, wipe the keypad with a dry cloth to remove any moisture.

10. Deadlock Mode 

Some keypad door locks come with a deadlock mode that disables the keypad when it’s not being used for a certain period. This is usually done to conserve battery power.

If your keypad door lock is in deadlock mode, you’ll need to enter a code to activate it. Once the keypad is activated, you should be able to use it as normal.

11. Something blocking the sensors

Something blocking the sensor can also cause a keypad door lock to stop working.   The sensor is what reads the code that you input on the keypad. If something is blocking the sensor, it may prevent the code from being read correctly.

This usually happens when the sensors get dirty or there’s debris build-up. To resolve it, simply remove any objects that may be blocking the sensor and try again. You can also clean the sensors with a dry cloth or compressed air. 

12. Faulty Battery Compartment 

The battery compartment of your keypad door lock may be damaged if it is not working. Battery damage usually occurs when batteries are not inserted properly or the compartment is damaged.

Identify the battery compartment by opening the door. Try putting the batteries back in if this does not work. If everything else fails, you may always hire a locksmith to do it for you.

13. Keypad Door Lock Is Not Compatible With Your Door

If your keypad door lock is not working, it may be because it’s not compatible with your door. This usually happens when you try to use a keypad lock on a door that is not meant for it.

For example, you cannot use a keypad deadbolt on a hollow-core door. If you’re not sure whether your door is compatible with a keypad lock, you can always contact the manufacturer or a locksmith.

14. Defective Lock

Another possibility is that there is If you have ruled out these possibilities, then it is possible that the lock itself is defective and will need to be replaced.

You may not be able to operate your keypad door lock for the following reasons. If you’ve tried all of the above and your lock is still not working, it’s prudent to contact a locksmith for further assistance.

There is also a possibility that you have forgotten your door lock code in that case you need to know how to rest the door keypad easily let’s see how:

What To Do If I Have Forgotten The Keypad Door Lock Code?

If you’ve lost or forgotten your keypad door lock code, there are a few ways to reset it. Depending on your lock’s model and make, you may be able to reset it by:

Option 1: Pressing a button or switch inside the lock

Just hold the reset button down for a few seconds and then release it. This should restore the option code to the factory default.

Option 2: Pressing a combination of buttons on the keypad

This will usually be a specific button sequence that you need to follow to change the code. Usually, it is *+01+#. And once you have the resetting option, press the desired combination of code on the keypad. It will show you a message that the code has been reset. As once I faced this problem I used this option to reset my code and it worked.

Option 3: Removing and re-inserting the batteries

You can also try removing and then re-inserting the batteries. This should also reset the code back to the factory default. Here’s how to do so:

Step 1: Remove the batteries from your lock.

Step 2: Re-insert the batteries.

Step 4: After the lock is awake press #0.

Step 3: Press and hold the “Reset” button (usually located on the back of the lock) for at least 30 seconds.

Step 5: Enter your updated code and you are all set.

Option 4: Finding the emergency keyhole

Some locks have an emergency keyhole that you can insert a paperclip or other small object into. Simply pressing it should release the locking mechanism and allow you to open the door.

Option 5: Using a special master key

It’s a fantastic idea to have a unique master key since you may insert it into the lock and rotate it to the right, allowing you to unlock it.

Option 6: Calling the manufacturer

If all else fails, you can always call a locksmith to help you get back into your home. They will be able to easily pick the lock for you and may even be able to give you a new code if you need one.

Option 7: Breaking into your own home

If you’re really in a bind and can’t get ahold of a locksmith, you can try to break into your own home. You should only do this as a last resort, as you will likely damage your door or lock. Use a credit card or other thin object to slip between the door and the frame and try to push the latch back.

These options can vary according to the type of lock you have some models are easy to reset but some needs to be reset by professionals.

How do I fix a Kwikset keypad door lock that is not working?

To troubleshoot a Kwikset keypad door lock that isn’t working, follow these steps:

• It is important to ensure that the batteries are properly installed and that they have enough power. If the batteries are low, replace them with rechargeable ones.
• Next, check to see if the keypad is properly aligned with the door lock. If it is not, realign it and try again.
• The keypad can also be reset by pressing and holding the “Reset” button for five seconds if all else fails. Once the keypad has been reset, you should be able to use it normally.

Conclusion

Forgetting your keypad door lock code can be frustrating, but by following this article, you should be able to reset it with no problem.

Most of the time, a malfunctioning keypad door lock can be easily fixed with a simple battery change or a quick tightening of the screws. 

However, if your keypad lock is still not working after these straightforward troubleshooting steps, there might be a more serious issue with the lock itself. This could be something as simple as a loose wire or faulty motherboard.

In that case, it’s prudent to consult with a professional locksmith or security system technician who can diagnose and resolve the problem for you.

Thanks for reading. Hope it helps.

FAQs

Jeff Bortnick

I am Jeff Bortnick, the founder of SMART WISE HOME. I am also a husband, father of two, and a long-time technology lover. I have been obsessed with home automation since I was at University doing my MSc in Automation and Control Engineering