What to Do When You're Locked Out of Your Home
Guide

What to Do When You're Locked Out of Your Home

Short answer: Getting locked out happens to almost everyone eventually. Staying calm and knowing your options helps you get back inside safely without damaging your door or lock. Here's a simple plan.

Getting locked out happens to almost everyone eventually. Staying calm and knowing your options helps you get back inside safely without damaging your door or lock. Here's a simple plan.

Check Every Entry First

Before anything else, calmly check other doors and ground-floor windows in case one is unlocked. Avoid climbing or reaching through windows, which causes injuries and broken glass every year.

Call a Licensed Locksmith

A licensed locksmith can open most doors without damage and verify you have the right to enter. Confirm the locksmith is properly licensed and get a clear picture of the visit before work begins.

Avoid Forcing the Door

Credit cards, screwdrivers, and shoulder-shoving usually damage the door, frame, or lock and rarely work on modern deadbolts. Professional, non-destructive entry is almost always cheaper than the repairs forcing causes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check Every Entry First?

Before anything else, calmly check other doors and ground-floor windows in case one is unlocked. Avoid climbing or reaching through windows, which causes injuries and broken glass every year.

Call a Licensed Locksmith?

A licensed locksmith can open most doors without damage and verify you have the right to enter. Confirm the locksmith is properly licensed and get a clear picture of the visit before work begins.

Avoid Forcing the Door?

Credit cards, screwdrivers, and shoulder-shoving usually damage the door, frame, or lock and rarely work on modern deadbolts. Professional, non-destructive entry is almost always cheaper than the repairs forcing causes.

How do I get help with this?

Call (650) 250-5400 and describe the situation, your exact location, and what you need. Timing is confirmed on that call rather than promised in advance.

Call for help: (650) 250-5400 — a straight answer and an honest estimate before any work begins.