Let’s say you put some of your important documents in a safe with a combination or electronic lock. You want to take them out but suddenly realize that you don’t remember the numbers. So, the question is, is it possible to unlock digital or electronic safes without a combination?
If you’re dealing with a combination safe lock, you probably have an emergency key for it. So, you just have to take the dial panel off and find a keyhole. Insert your emergency key, turn it and the safe door will open.
For electronic safe locks, you might want to consider resetting the combination. Here are a few tips that you might use if you decide to do it yourself. Keep in mind that it won’t work with in-floor or wall safes, as you need access to all its sides. First, you have to find the keypad inside the safe. Look at the back panel of your safe, it probably has some openings. They are big enough to provide you with the needed access but small enough to exclude the possibility of a break-in. Look through the holes to see the interior keypad. Find the “reset” button and press it with something that can fit through this small hole. Come up with a new combination and after you enter it, press “set.” However, if your safe is overstuffed with everything, you probably won’t be able to reach the reset button, which is usually placed on a door.
If those tips didn’t help, don’t try to break the safe and don’t use knives, hammers, drills, or anything like that. We understand that situations like that may be quite stressful, but those actions can cause even more damage. It’s better to ask for assistance in unlocking a safe from a professional Locksmith company. Sure Lock & Key offers a wide range of Safe and Vault Locksmith Services. Get in touch with us, we’ll gladly help you!
FAQs
Call a Locksmith
If you can't remember your safe combination or where you stored it, call a locksmith. These professionals have experience opening a wide variety of locks, including the ones that come with safes. No matter what kind of lock you have, a locksmith likely has the tools to open it.
What if I lost the keys to my safe? ›
Ask Your Safe Manufacturer For A New Key
But if you can't use a locksmith due to some reason, you can try another method. It may take some time, so consider whether it's worth waiting. If you need the override key for emergency use, you can ask your safe's manufacturer to mail you one.
Do all safes have an override key? ›
Some safes come with physical keys, known as “override keys,” in case of an emergency. Not every safe comes with an override key, but if yours does, this is a simple way to get into your safe without the combination.
How do you get into a key locked safe? ›
Here are some tools that you can use:
- Paperclip: Straighten out a paperclip and insert it into the keyhole. ...
- Drilling: If you have a power drill, you can drill a hole into the safe to bypass the lock mechanism. ...
- Prying: Use a flathead screwdriver or a crowbar to pry open the safe.
Apply upwards pressure on the shackle and turn the dial clockwise. The lock will catch several times, allowing for slight movement back and forth between two numbers. Write down the number in the middle. For instance, if the lock catches between 33 and 35, write down 34 on a separate piece of paper.
What happens if you forget a safe password? ›
The simplest solution is to reset the code. Depending on the manufacturer and type of safe, you may be able to enter an override code, or your locksmith may be able to access a reset switch inside the safe with a special tool. If there is no way to override the code, you may be able to “bounce” the safe.
What will I do if I lost my key? ›
Follow this step-by-step list to go from lost keys to peace of mind.
- Make sure you don't have them. ...
- Think of where they could be. ...
- Conduct a thorough search. ...
- Call the police to report missing keys. ...
- Use a spare key. ...
- Call a locksmith. ...
- Decide whether to cut a new key or change your locks. ...
- Take steps for prevention.
Many sites also offer recovery mechanisms in case you lose your key, including authenticator apps, text-message-based recovery keys, and backup codes (one-time recovery codes you can store somewhere).
How do I pick my safe lock? ›
If you need to pick a flat keyhole lock, you can use a metal nail file, flat-head screwdriver, or straightened paperclip. While it's a bit trickier, you should be able to pick the lock after a little wiggling and jiggling. Regardless of the method you choose, never pick the lock of a safe that doesn't belong to you.
What is a safe override code? ›
Override keys for safes are physical keys that can override the electronic locking mechanism. You can open an electronic lock without knowing the password if you have the override key. You simply insert the key and open the door, just like you would with any mechanical lock.
Reputable safe manufacturers typically have a master code for each of the locks on safes that they've sold. So you call in, go through the process of validating your identity, and you can get the master code to your individual lock.
What is a key safe override key? ›
Override keys serve as a backup method for accessing a safe when the primary means (such as the combination or electronic code) is unavailable. These keys are designed to bypass the locking mechanism and unlock the safe directly.
How to open key safe without code or key? ›
Make use of a screwdriver to open a safe without a key
First of all, you need to place the screwdriver on a flat surface, then insert the tip of the screwdriver inside the keyhole. Rotate the screwdriver in a counter-clockwise movement until the lock of the safe opens.
How can I get my safe open if I lost the key? ›
To unlock your safe using a paperclip, flatten it and insert it through the keyhole. To anchor and spin the lock, use an additional paper clip or a little screwdriver below the first one. Carefully pick and locate the latching mechanism with the first paper clip. Burglary safes are not easy to crack open.
How do you reset your digital safe if you forgot the code? ›
Press the reset button on the inner keypad of the safe.
It should be a small, black button with the word “Reset” next to it. Push the button with the end of the hanger. You may hear a beeping sound or the control panel may light up when you press the reset button.
What do I do if my combination safe won't open? ›
In this case, it is also recommended that you contact a professional locksmith to repair the lock. If you have a code safe and the electronic lock does not work, the first thing to do is to check if the battery is working or dead. If it is, replace it with a new battery and try opening your safe again.
What if I forgot my Sentry safe combination? ›
If you've lost your safe's unique factory code or don't remember your combination, go to Sentry Safe's lost key or combo page to request a recovery code. To get your code, enter your safe's model and serial number, fill out and notarize the verification form, and pay a small fee.
