Forgot Smart Lock Master Code - How to Reset and Regain Access

This is the easiest solution - you may have forgotten code but app still knows it.

□ Open smart lock app
□ Select your lock
□ Go to Users / Codes / Settings
□ Find "Master Code" or "Admin Code"
□ Tap "Show" or "View Code"
  - May require Face ID / Touch ID / Password
  
□ Code displayed: ________

□ Test code on keypad immediately
□ Write down code in secure location

Most smart locks include physical key as backup.

□ Locate backup key
  - Should be on your keyring
  - OR: Given to you at installation
  - OR: Stored in safe location

□ Find keyway on lock
  - Usually below handle (Schlage, Kwikset)
  - Above handle (Yale)
  - Behind decorative cap (some models)

□ Insert key and unlock
  - Works even with dead battery
  - Mechanical override

□ Once inside:
  - Access app to view/reset master code
  - OR: Perform factory reset from interior

Some apps don't show code but allow changing it.

□ App → Lock → Users → Master Code
□ Tap "Change Code" or "Reset Code"
□ Enter new code: ________
□ Confirm new code
□ Save

□ Wait 2-5 minutes for sync

□ Test new code on keypad

From INTERIOR side:

□ Remove battery cover
□ Locate reset button
  - Usually small button inside
  - May be labeled "Reset" or "Program"

□ Press and HOLD reset button
  - Hold for 10-20 seconds
  - Lock will beep or LED will flash
  - Release when beeps/flashes

□ Wait 30 seconds (lock reinitializes)

□ Lock is now factory default:
  - All codes erased
  - All users removed
  - All settings reset
  - Unpaired from hub/app

□ Set new master code immediately
  - Follow manufacturer instructions
  - Usually: Enter programming mode → Set code

□ Re-pair with hub/app

□ Add back users/codes

1. Remove battery cover (interior)
2. Press and hold program button (gear icon)
3. While holding, remove one battery
4. Wait 10 seconds
5. Reinsert battery (still holding button)
6. LED flashes green = Reset complete
7. Release button

All codes erased. Set new master code in app.

Option A (from interior):
1. Remove battery cover
2. Press and hold program button (behind cover)
3. Hold for 20 seconds until beeps
4. Release
5. Lock resets

Option B (from exterior):
1. Enter programming code (if you know it)
2. Press Schlage button + 0 simultaneously
3. Hold until beeps
4. Lock resets

1. Remove battery cover
2. Press and hold program button
3. While holding, reinsert batteries
4. Keep holding for 30 seconds
5. LED flashes red = Reset complete
6. Release

Lock is now factory default. Set new master code:
- Press program button once
- Enter new master code
- Press lock button
- Re-enter master code
- Press lock button  - beeps = Confirmed

1. Remove lock from door (or access interior)
2. Hold down reset button (small hole, use paperclip)
3. Hold for 10-15 seconds
4. LED turns red, then cycles colors
5. Release when LED stops cycling

Lock unpaired. Re-pair with app:
- App will create new codes
- No manual master code setting needed

Option A: Through hub
1. Hub → Devices → Lock → Settings
2. "Remove Device" or "Factory Reset"
3. Follow prompts

Option B: Z-Wave Exclude
1. Hub → Add Device → Z-Wave → Exclude
2. Press lock button (varies by model)
3. Lock excluded (reset)
4. Re-pair as new device

□ Set new master code right away
  - Don't delay (lock may be unsecured)
  - Choose 6-8 digit code (if supported)
  - Write down in password manager

□ Test new master code 3 times
  - Ensure it works before leaving

□ Re-pair with hub/app
  - Follow pairing instructions for your lock
  - Test app access

□ Add back family codes
  - Recreate user codes
  - Test each code

□ Reconfigure settings
  - Auto-lock timeout
  - LED/audio settings
  - Notifications

☑ Store master code in password manager
  - 1Password, LastPass, Bitwarden, etc.
  - Never store in plain text notes

☑ Give backup key to trusted person
  - Neighbor, family member
  - Label clearly "Smart Lock Backup"

☑ Set up multiple admin users
  - Spouse/partner can access app
  - Don't rely on single account

☑ Enable app backup
  - Some apps backup codes to cloud
  - Verify backup working

☑ Take photo of written codes
  - Store in secure cloud (not phone gallery)

Scenario: Forgot code, no app access, no key

Option 1: Call someone with app access
  - Family member with admin
  - They unlock remotely
  - Requires lock online + powered

Option 2: Use 9V battery emergency
  - If battery died
  - Touch 9V to terminals
  - Enter any valid code (if you remember ANY code)

Option 3: Call locksmith
  - Can pick physical lock (if equipped)
  - OR drill lock (damages it)
  - Cost: $100-250

Option 4: Break in carefully
  - Window access (if unlocked)
  - Garage door (if connected)
  - Last resort only

1. ☑ Store in password manager (encrypted)
2. ☑ Share with trusted person (spouse, etc.)
3. ☑ Enable app cloud backup
4. ☑ Keep backup key accessible
5. ☑ Set up multiple admin users
6. ☑ Test recovery process now (while you remember code)