How to Break Into a Keypad Door Lock | Image Based Guide (Updated)

You may not think so, but a keypad door lock is an incredibly vulnerable system. Because of the small size of its components and the need for them to be separated from the rest of the lock for ease of use, a keypad door lock is more accessible than most other security systems. Despite their seeming vulnerability, however, keypad door locks are still proving to be one of the most effective options when it comes to home security. Combining intuitive software with a compact design is not easy to crack, but that doesn’t mean they’re impossible. Let’s look at how you can break into a keypad door lock.

Learn More: How To Unlock A Bedroom Door Without A Key

How to Break Into a Keypad Door Lock

First, a tiny hole is drilled into the door lock’s base.

Put on goggles before beginning to protect your eyes from debris.

Mark the precise location where you intend to drill. 

Create a small dimple with a center punch and hammer to prevent the drill from moving.

Using a small hole punch, create a small hole in the bottom left or right corner of the keypad. However, this is more of an exception than the rule for keypad locks. Working slowly will keep the drill from overheating.

Second, place a pick in the hole.

After the drilling process, insert the pick into the resulting tiny hole. 

To unlock the door, you must first locate the lock mechanism. Apply pressure to the visible portion of the lock. 

This may require some time to occur. After identifying the lock mechanism, you must push the pick downward.

Third, unlock the door.

Turning your thumb on the door lock’s latch should unlock the door. If necessary, pick the lock repeatedly; it will eventually open. 

Additionally, as a precaution, you should repair or replace your door’s lock.

First, a tiny hole is drilled into the door lock’s base.

Put on goggles before beginning to protect your eyes from debris. Mark the precise location where you intend to drill. Create a small dimple with a center punch and hammer to prevent the drill from moving.

Using a small hole punch, create a small hole in the bottom left or right corner of the keypad. However, this is more of an exception than the rule for keypad locks. Working slowly will keep the drill from overheating.

Second, place a pick in the hole.

After the drilling process, insert the pick into the resulting tiny hole. To unlock the door, you must first locate the lock mechanism. Apply pressure to the visible portion of the lock. This may require some time to occur. After identifying the lock mechanism, you must push the pick downward.

Third, unlock the door.

Turning your thumb on the door lock’s latch should unlock the door. If necessary, pick the lock repeatedly; it will eventually open. Additionally, as a precaution, you should repair or replace your door’s lock.

Types of Smart Locks

Intelligent Keypad and Combination Lock

Keypad-based smart locks necessitate a unique unlock code. You can assign passwords to specific users if necessary. There are numerous combination keypad smart locks, including keypad deadbolts, knob or lever deadbolts, and handle set deadbolts. You may utilize a touchscreen interface or conventional buttons. Many models support interoperability with other smart home devices.

Garage Door Safety Door locks.

A smart garage door lock enables you to open the door remotely, allowing you to accept an Amazon Prime package without leaving your couch. There are a variety of garage door smart locks available. Many of them are compatible with mobile apps and Z-wave hubs. If your garage door is open, you will be notified even if you are not at home. Find a smart lock that works with your garage door opener.

Door Locks with Internet Connection

Some smart locks, such as the Amazon Echo, can connect to a smart home hub via Wi-Fi. These products, which operate via mobile applications, enable you to lock or unlock your door from any location with a wireless connection. You can view the history of door openings and closings. Also, you can send e-keys to trusted individuals such as family members, neighbors, or maintenance specialists. No longer necessary: duplicating keys and keeping track of who has them.

Mechanical Bluetooth Keyless Entry Systems

Bluetooth smart lock options provide the same convenience as Wi-Fi without rapidly draining the battery. By connecting your locks to your phone, this feature eliminates the need for a smart home system. When your phone is within a specific range (usually 30 feet) of the smart lock, it unlocks automatically via Wi-Fi.

Some Bluetooth-enabled locks can operate without a Wi-Fi connection. Because Bluetooth requires proximity to function, any potential intruder would need to be within three feet of the lock before attempting to open it, making this a better option. 

How Smart Locks Can Get Hacked

People frequently forget that a smart lock is essentially a tiny computer that someone can hack like numerous other smart devices. If the lock is Bluetooth-enabled, hackers can access your phone and use it to open the door. But first, let’s examine how burglars could enter your home:

Radio Frequency Identification via Bluetooth

Bluetooth is the primary protocol that smart locks use, so the ability of hackers to intercept Bluetooth communications is crucial. For this purpose, you could utilize any of a variety of simple to complex Bluetooth hacking devices.

Bluetooth is only a short-range communication protocol, so this is not necessarily the case. Therefore, an intruder must be close to your smart lock to attempt a hack.

Wi-Fi Signal Hacking

Wi-Fi is another common entry point that hackers use to compromise smart locks.

Hackers could exploit potential security flaws in your smart lock’s Wi-Fi connection. However, similar to Bluetooth, any malicious actors need to be physically close to your home network to access it.

Outdated Software or Companion Application

You can manage smart locks via a mobile application. This program is not always using the most recent firmware version, although it should always do so.

Because their companion apps are incompatible with the most recent firmware updates, some locks’ security could be in danger.

This is why keeping the firmware on your smart devices up to date is essential. Connecting to the lock’s Wi-Fi will reveal whether the firmware has been updated or not.

How to Protect Your Smart Lock from Being Hacked

Select Certified Z-Wave Hardware

Ensure the device has its Z-Wave certificate before installing it so the operating system can work well. This certification indicates that the product meets or exceeds all performance and security standards. Vector Security only recommends service providers whose devices are Z-Wave certified.

Yale, Kwikset, and Schlage are the top three manufacturers of locks. However, it would help if you avoided counterfeit or unlicensed brands at all costs. Visit the Z-Wave website for a complete list of Z-Wave-approved locks and other smart home devices.

Protect Critical Network Infrastructure (NoCs) (NOC) Administrators in the network operations center manage your scalable, interactive service network and off-site data storage security. Vector Security manages its NOC with Alarm.com to ensure the highest level of security.

This industry-wide benchmark establishes minimum requirements for data protection security measures. We employ various security measures to protect our networks, buildings, and employees (vetting, access control, etc.).

Please read all instructions thoroughly before attempting installation.

Manufacturers advise dealers and customers to adhere to all guidelines and protocols when configuring and managing networking devices and components.

When making a purchase, working with a company that prioritizes your safety is in your best interest. This is a positive indicator if they are knowledgeable about Z-Wave and NOC certification and are eager to discuss safe home networking procedures with you.

As stated previously, it is also the homeowner’s responsibility to employ safe computing practices.

Unsecured networks expose users to data breaches and cybercrime, regardless of the security of the connected devices. StaySafeOnline.org provides five recommendations for network security:

Create a unique name for your router.

Never use the default password, and change it frequently to something more substantial. Use at least eight distinct characters (numbers, symbols, letters, etc.) and avoid using the same password for multiple services or websites (although Microsoft does provide a tool to check the strength of your passwords).

If you have many visitors, you may wish to create a unique password for them.

Select a security level for the router other than WEP, such as WPA2 (recommended) or WPA. (This article compares and contrasts the relative merits of each of these safeguards.) Most router configuration pages make switching to a safer mode as simple as a few mouse clicks.

Installing a firewall will help you detect and avoid cyber criminals. Most operating systems and security suites include a firewall if you utilize the features.

Pros and Cons of a Keypad Door Lock 

Pros

• You can view the home’s entrances and exits remotely. With numerous keyless systems, you can assign each user a unique code to keep track of who is entering and exiting.
• Never again will you misplace your keys. If your neighbors or friends frequently check on your home while you’re away, you need not worry about them losing your house key. Giving someone a code to enter enables them to complete their work while you are absent and enables you to turn it off when they are done.
• No longer needed are keys that you can use in an emergency. You are not required to conceal the spare key beneath the flowerpot or the rug.
• This type of lock doesn’t use a key. Instead, you can enter a secret code via a keypad. Some come with a touchscreen. 
• There are several advantages to using keyless locks instead of locks that require a key. They are more convenient because they eliminate the need to carry a key.
• They are more secure than conventional locks because it is much more difficult for an intruder to guess your code.
• They might cost more than standard locks.
• Because they operate on batteries, you will need to replace them frequently. If you don’t know or forget your code and are locked out of your home, you will need the assistance of a locksmith.

Cons

• People who don’t remember things well might not be able to use a keyless entry system. Angie’s List says that experts advise changing the code often because buttons can wear out or change color, which makes it easy for thieves to figure out the code.
• After a power outage, there have been reports of problems with systems that let you get in without a key. Keep an old key on hand in case your modern one stops working.
• Costs may be more than you can afford. A keyless lock system can cost anywhere from $150 to $250, while a regular deadbolt lock usually costs less than $50.
• The price increases when a smart lock is added to a rear or side door. This shouldn’t be a problem if you only use the front door. If not, you should consider how essential convenience is to you and where you will stop if it costs more.
• If you’re worried about security, buying a smart lock is not a good idea. A locksmith says in this blog post that old-fashioned deadbolts are safer than their electronic counterparts.
• Companies have made apps that track and limit how much we use our phones because we all want to use them less. Many smart locks encourage this by giving us another reason to check our phones multiple times daily and keep them close.
• Batteries power most smart locks, so they can still work even if the power goes out. They also usually come with a backup key or another way to open the door.
• If your Wi-Fi connection goes down, your smart lock will no longer be as convenient as it was when you bought it. The lock can still talk to the lights and thermostat even if the power is out. This is still true. You may get frustrated if the link between your lock and device weakens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can keypad locks be broken into?

If the wireless network to which the lock is connected is not correctly configured and secured, you can compromise the lock. Keypad locks that are not wireless are resistant to hacking, but they are not safer than conventional locks because a skilled locksmith can easily open them.

Do keyless door locks have batteries?

Since the lock’s battery compartment is typically located beneath the cover, you must undo the cover’s screws to access the compartment. Typically, keyless locks require a specific voltage of premium alkaline or lithium batteries.

Can you pick a Schlage Lock?

Schlage locks are significantly more challenging to pick, bump, or compromise without damage than Kwikset deadbolts due to their superior, more precise manufacturing process and two additional security pins.

Schlage locks are significantly more challenging to pick, bump, or compromise non-destructively than Kwikset deadbolts due to their superior, more precise manufacturing process and two additional security pins.

Are Schlage locks hard to pick?

Due to their sturdy construction and high level of security, Schlage locks are challenging to pick. However, you can pick a Schlage lock if the appropriate tools and procedures are utilized.

Are there locks that cannot be picked?

Typically, locks that are difficult to pick have an additional set of tumblers or locking mechanisms, requiring the key to perform two distinct functions. Because these locks are so sturdy, you cannot use a standard key to pick or bump them. 

What lock is the hardest to pick?

Most homes use the most secure essential lock design on their front doors. Depending on how secure you wish to feel, deadbolts can have one or two cylinders ranked from one to three. The Master Lock Speed Dial 1500iD is one example. On his channel, lock-picking expert Bosnian Bill dissects the Master Lock Speed Dial 1500iD.

Finally, you can find the Chain-Keyed ASSA ABLOY, EVVA, HYT, and Banham Locks.

What is the easiest lock to pick?

A pin-and-tumbler cylinder lock is one of the most prevalent (and easiest to pick) lock types. Almost all deadbolts have cylindrical locks today. Insert the tension wrench into the keyhole and turn it as you would a key to pick a pin-and-tumbler lock.

A credit card is sufficient to pick a spring bolt lock, making it one of the most accessible locks to pick. This is one of the least secure and most easily compromised options, so if you have one at home, you should probably consider removing it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the advantages of keypad door locks are extensive and include a wide variety of aspects. Whether you want to increase the apartment building’s security or reduce the costs and effort of key management. Make the everyday life of your tenants easier – these systems open up many possibilities. Furthermore, if you want to learn how to break into a keypad door lock, these steps have been adequately highlighted above.