A Schlage lock is one of the most reliable smart lock manufacturers in the present day. They allow the creation of a keyless security system that is durable and safe.
A high safety level can sometimes prove itself inconvenient when you face battery death. The best way to bypass the issue is to renew the Schlage lock’s battery pack, yet most of the time it’s improbable because you’re locked out of the residence.
But don’t panic: it’s absolutely possible to enter the house even with a dead battery and no keys. Just follow this comprehensive guide.
Ways to bypass the Schlage lock despite a dead battery
When the battery level is zero, the only way to access the house is by manually unlocking the door. You can utilize a physical key set or jump-start the Schlage lock. Afterwise, replace the dead battery ASAP.
Physical keys
Some Schlage locks possess a keyway and a metallic key set. They exist specifically to offer a backup option, although many customers forget about it.
Since a dead battery isn’t something you can prepare in advance for, you probably won’t have the keys handy or even forget they exist. Therefore it’s best to keep the key on the keychain for easier access.
Jump-start & battery backup
A few Schlage locks don’t have keyways, or they do, but you don’t have access to the key set. Here is when the jump-start comes in.
A battery backup option is available for some models like Schlage Touch. It allows to power the Schlage lock up temporarily utilizing a single 9-volt power cell. Your Schlage lock supports the feature if it has two circular connectors at the Schlage lock’s bottom.
Step-by-step instructions
Here’s how to perform a Schlage lock battery jump-start:
- Dent a novel battery to the connectors.
- Keep denting until you see a red flash followed by three green lights and beeps.
Afterward, you’ll be able to access the house. Change the dead battery as soon as you can!
Apply a user code
Sometimes the dead battery isn’t fully drained and has a tiny amount of energy left. You can spend it for applying a valid access sequence.
After entering the password, rotate the bolt counterclockwise to open the entrance.
Same as with every other method, you must renew the energy pack after bypassing the front door.
Remove the battery cover
The idea of prying the Schlage lock open might seem drastic and complicated. Many customers immediately resort to locksmith’s help. But there are other, simple options that don’t require outside assistance. Even inexperienced customers can do it.
The only thing required for the mechanical procedure is a screwdriver, or even something else with a similar structure, such as a pin. Unscrew the battery cover panel and remove it to access the Schlage lock’s battery compartment.
After that, you’ll be able to manually open the entrance.
Ask a locksmith
If there are no options left or you can’t perform them yourself, you’ll have to call a locksmith for professional assistance.
Before contacting the specialist, prepare by gathering the data about your Schlage lock. That includes the model’s name, the number, and the exact problem you’re facing.
How to choose a good locksmith?
Getting a locksmith’s help is faster and safer, but there are risks, too. To reduce them, you should follow some basic tips.
Here are some tips to get the right locksmith who will help and not make things worse:
- Research the reputable locksmiths in the local area. The best way is to ask friends and family members about their experiences and read online reviews.
- Ensure the chosen locksmith has a proper certificate and an official license.
- Before the work starts, ask for a quote. Acquire an estimated fee and charges, or else you might be surprised by the final bill.
- After the work is finished, get a receipt with a list of the performed services & their costs.
If you seriously consider replacing the Schlage lock or a locksmith charges more than your budget allows, it’s probably better to troubleshoot the Schlage lock on your own.
It’s possible to access the Schlage lock with no key
In case your Schlage lock possesses a keyhole and a cylinder, you can open it with a physical key even with dead batteries. But what if you don’t have access to the key?
The first thing to try is to apply a valid access sequence. Perhaps there is enough energy left to give you a right to enter once before you have to change the battery.
If nothing helps, don’t be ashamed to contact the official support crew.
If you don’t have a code, you can still enter the house
So, the two main ways to access the entrance with a dead battery are utilizing the physical keys and applying the correct code. But what if you lack both?
For some models, the Schlage home app allows one to open the deadbolt without tampering with the Schlage lock itself. Yet those models are scarce. If you don’t own Sense Smart Deadbolt, Encode, or Encode+, you’ll have to find other ways.
Opening the Schlage lock with a paperclip
Don’t panic — you can enter the house via a surprisingly simple method. You’ll only need a regular paperclip as a tension wrench/pick. Here are the exact steps:
- Straighten one end of the clip. Disfigure the other end to 90 degrees.
- Insert the straight end to the keyhole’s bottom and apply some pressure, then turn it like you would turn a key.
- Place the curved end on the upper part of the keyhole.
- Push all deadbolt’s pins upwards until they click and set in place.
- Turn the straight end clockwise to open the Schlage lock. You’ll hear a loud click.
If you can’t push the pins in place, you’ll have to adjust the pressure applied to the tension wrench. It shouldn’t be too light or too heavy. Another way to make the lockpicking process easier is to lubricate the mechanism.
Changing the Schlage locks’ batteries
After you’ve finally entered the residence, you can replace the batteries. The procedure may vary between Schlage models. Although the general steps remain the same, and you’ll learn them from the comprehensive guide below.
Recommended battery type & quantity
It’s impossible to give general recommendations here because almost all Schlage locks use different power cells. Usually, it’s either a set of four AA cells, two AAA batteries, or a single 9-volt cell (exposed).
The only universal advice there is — always buy high-quality batteries from reliable, world-famous manufacturers. Not only do bad batteries die quicker, but they can also leak acid and permanently ruin the Schlage lock.
You can learn the exact battery type adequate for different Schlage locks on the Schlage website.
Renewing the power resource step-by-step
Here are the exact steps on how to renew the battery set.
Get inside the Schlage lock
Start with removing the cover plate. You’ll need to pull the top portion of the Schlage lock up or utilize the screwdriver to get rid of the securing screws.
Unclip the cell & the wires.
Don’t take the battery yet! You can damage the wires if you’re too rash. First, you should unclip the batteries AND the wires. The procedure’s details depend on the model — for example, AA batteries are accompanied by multiple wires, all of which must be removed before taking the batteries away.
Swap & reclip the cells
Take away the old batteries and put the fresh ones in their place. Only use brand-new cells. Don’t forget to install the new batteries. Some batteries, namely multiple AA cells, must be placed in the correct direction.
Close the battery compartment
When you’ve double-checked everything, you can close the Schlage lock. Put the cover back on top and align it with the Schlage lock’s housing’s grooves. Tighten the screws as they were before, be sure not to over-tighten or under-tighten them.
Test the Schlage lock
Attempt to apply any of the active user codes and see if the door opens/closes properly.
Final words
It’s better to avoid dead batteries altogether, yet sometimes it’s impossible. Mechanical failures, lack of time, and simple human mistakes — many factors can lead to complete battery drainage.
But if you’ve been locked out of the house because of dead batteries, don’t panic — as you see, there are many ways to access the house despite the lack of energy.
It’s important to read a comprehensive guide before you actually encounter such a serious problem.