Last updated on February 18th, 2024 at 08:03 pm

Before the Smart lock batteries fully die, you will get a low battery warning with several forms. You may hear continuous beeping sounds, flashing lights, or audio notifications.

It means you should know about the battery’s position before it dies. During that time, be careful and take these matters in hand and try to replace the batteries.

But guess you are outside and missed the warning alert or can’t replace the batteries timely. As a result, your batteries may completely die, and now what happens in that case?

Here, I have explained the solutions when you have no way to replace the batteries manually.

What happens when a Smart lock battery dies?

The lock won’t respond to your command and now you are in a fix how to replace smart lock batteries manually.

It is a manual battery replacement processes when you have backup batteries, I broadly explained to do it ASAP. Just, follow my step by step discussion below

If the Smart lock batteries die, your digital input or code won’t activate or unlock the door lock. It means your Smart lock will fail to respond.

• The digital inputs will no longer activate your lock.
• Either the touchscreen or keypad is not functioning or displaying properly.
• Furthermore, it will cease to be responsive towards any applications that are linked with it.

Facing a dead battery situation with your Smart/electronic door lock and need to gain access without a key/unlock a keypad door lock without the code-

When your smart lock’s batteries die, it can be frustrating, but there are still methods you can employ to open it and regain entry to your home or property.

Secondary power supply

• Some smart locks have a backup power option with a terminal for a 9-volt battery.
• Connecting a fresh battery to this terminal temporarily powers the lock.
• You can then access the lock using your regular authentication method.
• This feature provides a way to regain access in case of a dead main battery.

Manual key access-

• Some smart locks feature a regular keyhole as a backup method.
• Inserting the given physical key into the slot and turning it unlocks the door manually.
• It’s important to store your physical key in a safe yet easily accessible location.
• This ensures that you have a backup option in case of any issues with the smart lock or power outages.

Mobile Software or Bluetooth assistance-

If your smart lock is linked to a mobile app or Bluetooth, it can still be unlocked with a dead battery, as long as your smartphone has enough power. Simply ensure your phone has sufficient battery life, then use the app to unlock the door remotely.

How to Understand When the Smart Lock Battery Is Running Out?

Smart Lock Low Power signals

• Most smart locks feature a low power alarm.
• When power reaches a critical level, the alarm activates.
• Prompting users to replace or recharge the battery.
• Timely action is crucial upon receiving the alarm.
• Prevents inconvenience of lock being unusable due to battery depletion.

Here are some signs to determine if your smart lock battery is low.

Display signals

• LED lights or indicators in smart locks often signal low battery levels.
• These lights may flash or change colors to indicate the status.
• Variations in light patterns, like slower blinks or more frequent flashes, could indicate low battery.
• It’s important to pay attention to these changes to avoid lockouts or security vulnerabilities.

Beep signals

• Audible alerts like repetitive beeps or chirps may sound to draw attention to the low battery level.
• The frequency or pattern of alerts may vary based on the smart lock model and manufacturer.
• Some smart locks may provide spoken messages or voice prompts indicating low battery and the need for replacement or recharging.
• Audio alerts are devised to ensure users are aware of the battery status and take necessary action to prevent lockouts or security issues.

App messages

• It might notify you when the battery is low by sending notifications to your phone.
• Notifications could include pop-up messages, push notifications, or emails.
• Ensure notification settings for the lock app are turned on.
• Keep watch for any warnings regarding low power levels to take necessary action.

Diminished performance

• You might notice a decline in your smart lock’s performance and efficiency.
• The execution of commands may be slower, and responses may also be delayed.
• Authentication methods like fingerprint scanning or keypad usage may occasionally encounter issues.
• These operational issues can indicate that the battery needs replacement.

Emergency unlocking solutions-

• Frequent use of these alternatives could indicate that the battery is low.
• It’s advisable to replace the battery promptly to prevent being locked out entirely.
• Consider this as a gentle nudge reminding you to change batteries soon.

How do you open a Smart lock with a dead battery?

If your Smart lock battery has died, there are a few options to open and regain access to your home:

Replace the batteries

Changing the dead batteries will be a better solution if the Smart lock battery dies and provides a warning alert. 

Most of the locks support a 9-Volt battery, a 4 AAA alkaline battery, or some need a 4 C battery.

How to replace batteries in a Smart lock?

1. Remove the screws with a screwdriver and drag the interior cover from the lock. 

2. Slide to take out the battery pack.

3. Remove and replace the batteries with new ones. Confirm the correct polarity of your batteries.

4. Insert the battery back again.

5. Finally, replace the cover with the lock.

6. Secure all the screws back in place.

Use a mobile App:

Some Smart locks support Apps that allow you to operate your door lock from your phone. 

When your lock battery dies, you can stop the lock function entirely from the App. 

Then use a key or Smart Key force tool to unlock the door. Just insert the Key tool into the Keyhole if it fits and turn it to open the lock.

Yet, if you haven’t a phone or Key, seek professional help.

To know more on using smart key force tool I have written a blog post on Kwikset smart lock battery change guideline

Use a physical key if available

The Physical Key is still operating though the battery dies. Check the manual or packaging to find a Key and use it to unlock the door.

You can open your door lock with a dead battery before replacing it in an emergency with a Key(if available). 

The Physical Key is still operating though the battery dies. Check the manual or packaging to find a Key and use it to unlock the door.

Emergency power supply

If the Lock has the emergency power supply option, it allows you to power temporarily. It will work even if the batteries are dead. 

To do this, connect a 9V battery to the bottom of the lock.

Note: This type of battery is not recommend to use except for emergency

Find alternative backup batteries

Your Smart locks need to be charged. A Smart lock is an electronic device that operates with four AA batteries. So supply power to the batteries in some cases.

When your batteries are nearly dead or run low, you need to charge them with a 9V battery supply. Or you may even need to replace the batteries if they are dead.

Conclusion

If your Smart lock batteries die, it will provide a low battery warning and a continuous beeping sound. 

Even if you may not unlock the door, the door won’t respond, and the touchscreen or keypad won’t light up.

In short, your lock is inoperable and won’t operate at all. In that case, power the battery with the 9V battery or replace these with a new one.

Thus, we hope this article has covered all your questions you want to know about what is happening in your Smart lock battery dies.