Most digital safes have a key that you can use to manually unlock and open them without using a password. However, what happens if you lose the key and the keyboard has no power? Do not worry! You can still open the digital safe without the need for the key by restoring power to the keyboard so you can enter the password. If you forgot your password, you can reset it by using a thin rod or wire to press the reset button located on the inside of the door panel. If none of these methods work, you can try breaking the lock or drilling the key slot.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Restore Power to the Keyboard
Step 1. Recharge or replace the batteries if you do not have the override key
Some digital safes have a keypad for the password, as well as an override key with which you can unlock the password. If the electronic keyboard has run out of power and you do not have the override key on hand, replace the batteries that power the keyboard or recharge the keyboard.
If you do not have the override key, you can access the digital safe through the electronic keyboard
Step 2. Locate the battery box on the keyboard and open it
You can search for it nearby or on the same keyboard. It is usually located at the bottom. Hold the latch with your finger and remove the cover to expose the batteries.
- In some digital safes, you will need to remove a small screw to gain access to the battery box.
- Check that the battery box is not damaged or parts are not falling off. If that happens, you should probably take the safe to a professional to open it.
Step 3. Replace the batteries with ones that are the same type and have the same voltage
After opening the battery box, take out the old ones. Then put batteries of the same type in the slots in the same way as the previous ones. Finally, close the latch on the battery box.
The keyboard will probably turn on after the power has been restored
Step 4. Connect the safe to a power supply if possible
If your safe has a USB slot or one for connecting a power cord, connect a power cord or battery that fits into it. Let the keyboard charge for at least 10 minutes before accessing the safe so that it can build up a power reserve.
- If the safe has a USB charging port, it will support any USB charging cable.
- The safe might have a specific power cord to charge the keyboard, but you can probably get one that matches the charging port.
- There should be a charging light that comes on or a light behind the keyboard that activates when you connect a power source.
Step 5. Enter the password to open the safe once power is restored
Once the keyboard has power, enter your password. The locking mechanism will activate allowing you to open and access the safe.
If you forgot your password, please reset it
Method 2 of 3: Reset the password
Step 1. Locate the back panel of the electronic element in the safe
Look for small openings or holes in the back or bottom of the safe. Point a flashlight through them and look at the back of the control panel.
You will see electrical cables and components on the back of the control panel
Step 2. Insert a wire hanger through one of the holes in the safe
Unroll a wire hanger and straighten it so that it turns into a long, thin wire. Slide the end of the wire into one of the openings so that you can access the control panel.
Be careful not to jam the wire in the opening or you could damage the electronic keyboard and make resetting impossible
Tip:
If you don't have a wire hanger or if the opening is too small, use a small stiff wire that is long enough to reach the control panel.
Step 3. Press the reset button located on the internal keypad of the safe
Using the flashlight to guide the wire, find the reset button on the back of the control panel. This should be a small black button with the word "Reset" next to it. Press the button using the end of the wire.
When you press this button, you may hear a beep or the control panel may light up
Step 4. Enter a new password on the front of the keyboard
After pressing the reset button, you will be able to enter a new password on the front of the keyboard. Write a password that you can remember.
Write down the password or save it on your phone so you lose it
Step 5. Confirm the new password by pressing the setup button next to the reset button
Shine the flashlight through one of the openings and look for a button next to the reset button that is labeled "Set." Press it with the end of the wire to confirm the new password you entered.
- The control panel may beep or light up after confirming the password.
- The setup button might not be labeled or it might have a check mark on the front of the panel.
Step 6. Open the safe by entering the new password
Remove the wire from the safe and enter the new password into the control panel on the front of the safe. Then open the safe after deactivating the locking mechanism.
Method 3 of 3: Try other solutions
Step 1. Insert a knife into the keyhole and shake it to open the lock
If your digital safe has a keyhole, insert the tip of a sturdy knife. Shake and move it to force the locking mechanism open. Next, open the safe door.
- Shaking the lock to open it will probably work more if you have a cheap safe.
- This solution may work best in a digital safe and a combination safe.
Step 2. Insert a screwdriver into the keyhole and twist to break it
Place the safe on a flat surface and insert a flat screwdriver into the keyhole. Turn the screwdriver counterclockwise over and over again until you hear or feel the locking mechanism open. Next, remove the screwdriver and open the safe.
You may not be able to close the safe again after damaging the locking mechanism with a screwdriver
Step 3. Drill the override key slot as a last resort
If all of the above does not work, use an electric drill with a bit strong enough to pierce the metal. Drill the key slot in the safe until it is pierced, which will disable the locking mechanism. Now you can open the safe door.
Note:
Piercing the safe can be tricky and could even damage the power drill.