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

Short answer: Getting locked out is stressful, but a calm, methodical approach gets you back inside safely without damaging your door or locks.

Getting locked out is stressful, but a calm, methodical approach gets you back inside safely without damaging your door or locks.

First steps before you call

Check every other door and ground-floor window in case one is unlocked, and see whether a trusted neighbor or family member has a spare key. Avoid forcing a door, which usually causes more damage than the lockout itself.

When to call a locksmith

If there is no safe way in, a professional locksmith can open most residential locks without damage and cut a replacement key on site. Have identification ready to show you live at or own the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

First steps before you call?

Check every other door and ground-floor window in case one is unlocked, and see whether a trusted neighbor or family member has a spare key. Avoid forcing a door, which usually causes more damage than the lockout itself.

When to call a locksmith?

If there is no safe way in, a professional locksmith can open most residential locks without damage and cut a replacement key on site. Have identification ready to show you live at or own the property.

How do I get help with this?

Send a request through the site with your location and what you need, and you will get a straight answer and an honest estimate before any work begins.

Request service — tell us what you need and we will reply with a straight answer and an honest estimate.