4 Common Digital Lock Problems and Their Solution

Digital door locks are gaining immense popularity in this world of technological advancement. It shows that the security world is also involved in the evolution trends of the world. However, even with the convenience they offer, Digital lock problems can arise, affecting reliability and functionality. Digital devices are popular for providing security with ease, but they can still run into lock issues that may need expert attention.

If you don’t give prompt attention to your digital lock problem, it can escalate to something beyond your control. The best approach is to tackle it as soon as you notice it. According to data published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2019, Phoenix is the city with the most burglary (9,471) offenses. The best way of not falling into being a victim of this increasing crime is to take security more seriously than usual. 

Apart from being a victim of theft, a faulty digital lock can end up locking any of your family members out of your home. When faulty, this convenient technology can cause so much discomfort and struggle. To help you avert any future discomfort, our team has come up with possible digital lock problems and how you can solve them yourself, at least before contacting the experts. 

Let’s show them to you!

1. Keypad not responsive

A digital lock problem is like having a working calculator with unresponsive keypads; it’s nearly as useless as an unresponsive lock. When your digital lock’s keypad fails, you can’t input the access codes, meaning you’re locked out of your property until it’s fixed. This situation clearly demands an urgent response.

Possible cause

• Dead or drained batteries.
• Loose or disconnected wiring.
• Malfunctioning keypad or control panel.

Possible solution

• Disconnect and reconnect: Sometimes the old disconnecting and reconnecting a device from power is the only approach we need to debug minor issues. This should be the first thing to try out.
• Replace batteries: Check the battery of the lock. If it’s drained, try replacing them with new batteries. Make sure the batteries are correctly inserted.
• Check wiring connection: You’ve confirmed that the problem isn’t from drained batteries. Now inspect the wiring. If the digital lock is wired with physical cable and you can see the cable, inspect the wiring and make sure it is continuous. 

2. Incorrect code or error message

If your code isn’t unlocking the digital lock, then you are experiencing a digital lock problem. This can be a very confusing scene. When you are sure you are inputting the right code with zero mistakes, but it’s still not unlocking. Don’t panic, it’s usually not a big issue. 

Possible cause

• Inputting the wrong code.
• Code memory loss or corruption.
• Software issues.

Possible solution

• Verify access code: Don’t be in a rush. Slowly and accurately enter the code.
• Perform factory reset: If you are sure that you are inputting the right codes and it’s not still unlocking, perform a factory reset. Take this action while being guided by instruction from the manufacturer’s manual. Factory resetting your digital lock will clear all stored codes and restore the lock back to default settings. Then you can reprogram the lock with a new access code.
• Update the software: have you performed factory settings and still haven’t gained access? Then you might have to take things a bit further. Check the manufacturer’s manual again or visit the manufacturer’s site and scan for instructions on how to update the software. Updating the software can fix bugs causing incorrect codes or error messages.

3. Door doesn’t open even after unlocking the digital lock

This happens when the motor of the lock fails or the locking mechanism becomes unresponsive. It prevents the lock from engaging or disengaging properly even after the lock has confirmed the access code. 

Possible causes

• Power supply issues.
• Motor malfunction.
• Jammed or obstructed locking mechanism.

Possible solution

• Check power supply: make sure the lock is receiving a constant power supply. Also, confirm that the battery isn’t flat. 
• Perform motor reset: disconnect and then reconnect the lock from the power source after a few minutes. This should fix the issue if it’s a minor one.
• Remove obstruction: check for obstructions and carefully remove any from the locking mechanism. You need to be extremely careful when doing this so as not to damage the locking mechanism. 
• Contact a locksmith: if you’ve removed all obstructions and the locking mechanism is still unresponsive. Then this is the time to contact a locksmith.

4. Your smart lock isn’t properly connecting to your phone

You can access and control some smart locks with smartphones or smart home systems. When there’s a connectivity problem, control and access will become a problem. And this convenience of the system will be disrupted. 

Possible causes

• Weak or unstable Wi-Fi signal
• Incorrect network setting 
• Software compatibility issues.

Possible solution

• Improve Wi-Fi signal: Consider readjusting the router so as the door lock is within a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal. Make sure the network settings are set up correctly.
• Reset network setting: Are you still experiencing issues connecting to your smart device? Try resetting the network settings to default and configure the connection to the scratch. 
• Update lock software: if you’ve done all this and you are still not making headway, then try updating your lock’s software. Doing that will fix every connectivity bug and improve the overall performance of the lock. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to download and install the update. 

One Solution for All

Your digital door locks are meant to provide you security with convenience and comfort. With a damaged door lock, there’s a tendency for compromised security. As well as continuous embarrassment and inconveniences. Taking down your digital lock problems yourself can be an interesting task. But also a time-consuming one. 

The best solution we can give to you for whatever digital problem you are trying to solve is to contact the locksmiths. For whatever lock problem, they have a solution because they are well trained to professionally tackle lock problems. 

Alcatraz locksmith has been in the business for 34 years now and has gotten just enough experience to fix your faulty digital lock. Contact us now!