How to Change Smart Lock Master Code - Security Guide

Quick Answer

To change master code: Open app → Settings → Master Code → Enter current code → Enter new code (6-8 digits, not 1234) → Confirm → Save → Test immediately on keypad. Change after: installation, employee departure, relationship end, or suspected compromise. Never reuse old codes. Choose random 6-8 digits, store in password manager.

When to change:

• After installation - from default
• After giving to ex-user
• After suspected compromise
• Every 90 days - high security

Why Change Master Code

Critical Scenarios

MUST change immediately:

• Ex-employee knows it
• Relationship ended
• Roommate moved out
• Suspected compromise
• Shared with wrong person

SHOULD change:

• Never changed from default
• Too simple - 1234, 0000
• Over 1 year old
• Too many people know it

Step-by-Step Change

Via App

1. Open lock app
2. Settings → Master Code
3. Enter current code
4. Enter new code (6-8 digits)
5. Confirm new code
6. Save
7. Wait 30-60 seconds (sync)
8. Test at keypad immediately

Time: 2-3 minutes

Strong Code Guidelines

Good codes:

• 582047 - random
• 793514 - random
• 6-8 digits minimum

Bad codes:

• 123456 - most common
• 000000 - too simple
• Birthday/address

Generate:

• Password manager
• Dice rolls
• Random generator

After Changing

□ Test new code 3×
□ Store in password manager
□ Update authorized users
□ Delete old documentation
□ Update emergency contacts

Brand Specifics

Yale: App → Master Code → Change Schlage: Programming Code (not Master) Kwikset: Master User → Change August: Admin via app (no traditional master code)

Security Best Practices

☑ Change from default on day 1
☑ Use 6-8 random digits
☑ Store in password manager
☑ Don't share unless necessary
☑ Change after any user leaves
☑ Rotate every 90 days (high security)
☑ Never write on sticky note

Troubleshooting

New code doesn't work:

• Wait 2 minutes - sync time
• Enter slowly - check beeps
• Verify in app - shows new code
• Try old code - may not have changed

Locked out:

• Use backup key
• 9V emergency power
• Factory reset - last resort

Communication

Tell current users:

"New door code: [XXXXX]
Please memorize and delete this message."

Don't tell ex-users:

• They don't need to know
• Just change it

When to Change

Immediate:

• Installation
• User termination
• Relationship end
• Compromise suspected

Routine:

• Every 3-6 months - normal security
• Every 90 days - high security
• Every 30 days - ultra-high security

Related Resources

Security:

• [Security Best Practices] - /support/secure-smart-lock-best-practices - Complete hardening
• [Forgot Master Code] - /support/forgot-master-code-reset - Recovery

User Management:

• [Add User Code] - /support/how-to-add-user-code - Create new users
• [Delete User] - /support/delete-smart-lock-user - Remove access

Summary Checklist

Change master code:

1. ☑ Decide when (now if never changed)
2. ☑ Generate strong code (6-8 random digits)
3. ☑ Change in app (Settings → Master Code)
4. ☑ Test immediately (3 times at keypad)
5. ☑ Store securely (password manager)
6. ☑ Update users (tell current, not ex)
7. ☑ Schedule next change (90 days)

Never use: 1234, 0000, birthday, address

Pro tip: When you change master code, also audit ALL user codes. Delete anyone who shouldn't have access. Change master code = Good time to review entire security setup. Takes 10 extra minutes, prevents 99% of unauthorized access issues!

Tools & Resources

🔒 Emergency Backup Evaluator - Test backup access plan
👥 Credential Capacity Planner - Plan code management

Related Articles

Security Foundation:

• Security Complete Analysis - Master security guide
• Secure Configuration Best Practices - Hardening guide

Code Management:

• Create Temporary Guest Code - Guest access
• Forgot Master Code Reset - Recovery procedures
• Failed Code Attempts - Security lockout
• Delete Smart Lock User - User removal

Troubleshooting:

• Complete Troubleshooting Guide - All issues
• PIN Code Not Working - Code troubleshooting