Most digital safes have a key that allows you to open and unlock them manually, rather than using the passcode. But what do you do if you lose your key and there is no power on the keyboard? No worries! You can still open your digital safe without a key by restoring power to the keyboard so you can enter the passcode. If you forget the passcode, you can reset it by pressing the reset button on the inside of the door panel with a thin bar or wire. If all else fails, you can try to break open the lock or drill through the emergency key's keyhole.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Restore power to the keyboard
Step 1. Charge or replace the batteries if you don't have the emergency key
Some digital safes have a keypad for your password and an emergency key that can unlock the safe. If your electronic keyboard loses power and you don't have an emergency key, replace the batteries that power the keyboard or recharge the keyboard.
If you don't have an emergency key, you can open your digital safe using the electronic keypad
Step 2. Find the battery case on the keyboard and open it
Look for the battery case near or on the keyboard. It's usually on the bottom of the keyboard. Hold the latch with one finger and remove the cover to access the batteries.
- Some digital safes require you to remove a small screw to access the battery case.
- Check that the battery housing is not damaged or that no pieces have fallen out. If so, you may need to take your safe to a professional to have it opened.
Step 3. Replace the batteries with the same type and voltage
Once you have opened the battery case, remove the existing batteries from their compartments. Place the same type of batteries in their compartments in the same way that the previous batteries were installed. Then close the battery compartment latch.
The keyboard may light up or the backlight may turn on once you restore power
Step 4. Turn on the power port if your digital safe has one
If your safe has a USB or power cord slot, or a 9-volt battery on the keyboard, plug in a power cord or battery that fits inside. Allow the keyboard to charge for at least 10 minutes before attempting to access the safe to give it a chance to build up a power reserve.
- If your safe has a USB charging port, it will accept any USB charging cord.
- Your safe may have a specific power cord that is used to charge the keyboard, but you may be able to find one that fits into the charging port.
- There should be a charging light on or a light behind the keyboard that activates when you plug in a power supply.
Step 5. Enter the code to open your safe when power is restored
Once the keyboard has power again, try entering its code. The mechanism of the lock will be disengaged and you can open your digital safe.
If you have forgotten your set code, please try to set it again
Method 2 of 3: Reset your code
Step 1. Locate the back panel of the safe's electronic component
Look for small holes or openings on the back or bottom of the safe. Shine a flashlight through the holes and look inside for the back of the control panel.
There will be wires and electrical components on the back of the control panel
Step 2. Insert a coat hanger through one of the holes in the safe
Take a metal coat hanger and straighten it so that it is a long, thin wire. Slide the end of the coat hanger into one of the openings to access the control panel.
Be careful not to jam the coat hanger into the opening, otherwise you may damage the electronic keyboard and make it impossible to reset
Tip:
If you don't have a coat hanger, or the opening is too small for a coat hanger, use a small, stiff wire long enough to reach the control panel.
Step 3. Press the reset button on the inner control panel of the safe
Use your flashlight to guide the wire and look for the reset button on the back of the control panel. It should be a small, black button with the word "Reset" next to it. Press the button with the end of the pendant.
You may hear a beeping sound or the control panel may light up when you press the reset button
Step 4. Enter a new code on the front of the keypad
After pressing the reset button, you can enter a new passcode on the front of the keypad. Type a code you know you'll remember.
Write down the code or save it in your phone so you don't lose it
Step 5. Confirm the new code by pressing the set button next to the reset
Shine the flashlight through one of the openings and look for a button next to the reset button that says 'Set'. Press the button with the end of your wire to confirm the new code you entered.
- The control panel may beep or light up after you confirm the code.
- The adjustment knob may not be labeled or have a check mark on the front of the panel.
Step 6. Open the safe by entering your new code
Remove the wire from the safe and enter your new code on the control panel on the front of the safe. Then open your safe after the locking mechanism is disengaged.
Method 3 of 3: Try other solutions
Step 1. Insert a knife into the keyhole and shake it to pry the lock open
If your digital safe has a keyhole, insert the tip of a sturdy knife. Shake and wiggle the blade to loosen the locking mechanism. Then open the door of the safe.
- Shaking the lock open is more likely to work with cheaper safes.
- This solution can work well on a safe with a combination of key and digital keyboard.
Step 2. Insert a screwdriver into the keyhole and turn it to break the lock
Place the safe on a flat surface and insert a flat screwdriver into the keyhole. Turn the screwdriver counterclockwise and turn until you hear or feel the lock mechanism break open. Then remove the screwdriver and open the safe.
You may not be able to lock the safe after you damage the locking mechanism with a screwdriver
Step 3. As a last resort, pierce the emergency key's keyhole
If all else failed, attach a drill bit to a power drill strong enough to drill through metal. Pierce the keyhole of the safe until you get all the way through, which will disengage the locking mechanism. You can then open the safe door.
Pay attention:
Piercing the safe can be difficult and can damage your drill.