Changing Codes on Your Electronic Door Locks
Occasionally, you may want to add a new entry code or delete an existing one on your smart lock or electronic lock. From a security standpoint, if you’re concerned about who has your lock’s code, consider deleting the code and resetting the lock to ensure the existing code no longer works. As a matter of convenience, creating a new lock code makes it easy to provide temporary access to houseguests, service personnel, pet sitters and other visitors. In addition to these features, many smart locks let you monitor code usage so you know who unlocked your door and when they unlocked it.
In most cases, updating a lock code is relatively simple. The process of changing an electronic door lock code varies between models and brands. It can also vary based on factors such as whether the lock has buttons or a touch screen and whether or not there’s a Program button. The following three methods describe common ways to change codes on electronic locks — via the front keypad, the touch screen or metal chips inside the lock — but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your lock.
How to Change the Entry Code: Locks With 6-Button Keypads
Step 1: Enter Your Lock’s Programming Code
Enter the master code for the lock. If you’ve already changed the programming code or default code to one of your choosing, enter that code.
These instructions are for a six-button keypad. Check your user manual for instructions specific to your model.
The master code is a factory preset code or default code that comes with the lock. To locate the master code, look for a yellow sticker in the instruction manual. If it’s not there, open the lock’s faceplate and check the inside panel.
Step 2: Engage the Lock
Make sure you’ve unlocked the door and it’s open. Press the Lock button located on the face of the lock. The lock will beep once.
Step 3: Prime the Lock for the New Code
Press the number 1 button. The lock will beep again.
Step 4: Enter a New User Code
Enter a new user code that’s between four and 10 digits long. Press the Lock button again. The lock should beep twice, indicating that you successfully added the new code. If the lock beeps three times, it didn’t accept the new code. Start again at Step 2.
Step 5: Test the New Code
Once you’ve set the new code, test it to make sure it works. With the door still open, lock it. Input the new user code and then press the Lock button to confirm the lock unlocks as expected.
How to Change the Entry Code: Locks With 10-Button Keypads
Step 1: Enter Your Lock’s Programming Code
To begin, enter the default code or programming code for the lock. The indicator button will flash and beep three times.
These instructions are for a push-button lockset with 10 buttons. Check your user manual for instructions specific to your model.
Electronic locks come with a factory preset code or default code. To locate this code, look for a label in the instruction manual or on the back of the lock. If you’ve already changed the programming code to one of your choosing, use the updated code.
Step 2: Prepare the Lock for the New Code
Press the indicator button. The keypad will turn blue. Press the number 1 button. The indicator button will flash and beep three times.
Step 3: Add the New Code
After the flashes and beeps, enter your new four-digit code. The indicator will flash and beep three times. Reenter your new four-digit code to verify it. When the indicator button gives one long beep and one long green flash, you’ve successfully entered the new code.
How to Change the Entry Code: Locks With Metal Pins or Chips
Step 1: Remove the Electronic Lock From the Door
Use a screwdriver to remove the entire lock from the door.
This process is generally the same for locks that contain metal chips in the back of the lock. For more detailed instructions for your specific lock brand and model, refer to the manufacturer’s user manual.
Step 2: Remove the Back Cover
Turn the lock over and remove the back cover by unscrewing the screws.
Step 3: Remove the Back Plate
Now that the cover is off, lift off the back plate. The back plate may be spring loaded, so use care when removing it. Inside each hole you’ll see either red or blue metal chips. The red chips correspond to the code combination, and the blue chips are nonactivating.
Step 4: Remove the Red Chips
Use a pair of tweezers to gently remove the red chips and put them aside.
Most locks that use this reprogramming method come with a pair of tweezers. If yours didn’t, a standard pair of household tweezers should work.
Step 5: Enter the New Code Using the Red Chips
Next, working with the numbers you’ve chosen for your new code, remove every blue chip that corresponds with a number in the code. Place a red chip in each of the numbers where you removed a blue one. Press firmly on each chip to ensure it locks in place.
Step 6: Fill the Empty Spots With the Blue Chips
Once all the red chips are in place, fill the remaining holes with blue chips. Then, replace the back plate and loosely attach the screws.
Step 7: Test Your New Code
Turn the lock over and test the new code to ensure it’s working properly.
Step 8: Reinstall the Lock
When the code is working properly, tighten the screws on the back plate and then replace the back cover. Once the back cover is secure, reinstall the lock on the door.
Ensure Your Home’s Safety With An Electronic Door Lock
Changing the code on your electronic or smart door lock is a quick and easy way to keep your home safe and secure. Whether you’re swapping out an old code, adding a new code for a guest, or changing for security reasons, it only takes a few minutes. Many locks even let you track who’s coming and going, giving you extra peace of mind right from your phone or keypad.
Main Methods for Changing Lock Codes:
- 6-Button Keypads: Enter your programming (master) code, press “Lock,” then “1,” followed by a new 4–10-digit code. Confirm with “Lock” and test the new code.
- 10-Button Keypads: Use the programming code, press the indicator button, then “1.” Enter and confirm a new 4-digit code until you hear a long beep then see a green light.
- Metal Pin/Chip Locks: Remove the lock, open the back cover then swap red and blue chips to match your new code combination. Reassemble and test before reinstalling.
Whether you’re changing the code on an existing lock or adding the code to a new one, your safety matters. Ensure you have the best locks to keep your home safe and secure. We have a selection of electronic locks, smart locks and door handles from which you can choose, whether you’re shopping online or in store at your local Lowe’s.