Getting locked out of your house usually happens at the worst possible time—late at night, during bad weather, or when you’re already in a rush. In that moment, it’s easy to panic or make a decision you’ll regret later.
If you’re wondering what to do if locked out of house, the key is to slow down and work through a few smart, practical steps first. This guide walks you through what to check, when to ask for help, and what to avoid so you can get back inside safely and with minimal hassle.
Immediate Actions to Take
If you’re asking what to do when locked out of house, first things first: slow down. A lockout feels stressful, but rushing often makes it worse. Start with the basics.
- Double-check where your keys might be. Look in your pockets, bag, car, or anywhere you may have set them down without thinking.
- Check every door and accessible window. Walk around the house. Try the front, back, side, and garage doors. If you have ground-level windows, see if any are unlocked. Don’t force anything. Just check what’s already open.
- Call someone who might have a key. A partner, roommate, family member, or trusted neighbor can often solve the problem faster than any other option.
- If you rent, contact the landlord or property manager. Many rentals have a lockout process. You’ll likely need to show ID or proof that you live there.
- Watch for safety issues. If someone inside may be at risk, such as a child, an elderly person, or someone with a medical condition, treat it seriously. If there’s immediate danger, call 911.
What to Do When You Can’t Get In
If you’ve checked every door and window and no one has a spare key, calling a locksmith is often the most practical next step. A good one can get you back inside without damage.
How to approach calling a locksmith
Start with a quick phone check before anyone comes out.
- Ask for the total price, not just a starting rate. This should include the service call, labor, parts, and any after-hours fees.
- Request an estimate before work begins. Clear pricing upfront helps you avoid surprises later.
- Confirm how they plan to open the door. In many cases, non-destructive entry is possible.
If the price changes significantly once they arrive, you’re not required to agree. You can decline service and contact someone else.
When the locksmith arrives
Before any work starts, take a moment to confirm a few basics.
- Look for clear identification and professional equipment.
- Pay attention to how they explain the process. A straightforward explanation is a good sign.
- Ask questions if something feels unclear or rushed.
Payment and paperwork
Once the job is done:
- Ask for an itemized invoice that lists the work performed and the charges.
- Keep your receipt or digital record in case you need it later.
- Avoid paying for services you didn’t approve in advance.
Taking a calm, informed approach helps ensure the locksmith solves the problem without creating a new one.
What Not to Do When Locked Out
Now that you know locked out of house what to do, it’s just as important to know what not to do. Lockouts push people to act fast, but the wrong move can turn a small problem into an expensive or unsafe one. Here’s what to avoid:
Don’t try DIY “break-in” tactics
It’s easy to assume you can solve a lockout with whatever’s on hand. Many people try using paperclips, bobby pins, small screwdrivers, or plastic cards as makeshift tools. While these items sometimes work on simple interior privacy locks, they’re not designed for real entry locks.
Most exterior doors use pin-tumbler mechanisms. These are built to resist tampering and usually require proper tools and experience. Improvised tools like bent paperclips or bobby pins can snap, jam the lock, or damage the internal pins. Prying at the door or latch can also warp the frame or cause injuries to your hands and wrists.
When you’re unsure, stressed, or dealing with an exterior lock, calling a professional is usually safer and cheaper than repairing damage afterward.
Also:
- Don’t climb to upper windows or balconies. Falls are a real risk, and the injury isn’t worth it.
- Don’t break windows or force doors unless it’s a true emergency. Repairs cost far more than most lockout solutions, and you may leave your home less secure.
- Don’t call 911 for a routine lockout. Emergency services should only be used when there’s immediate danger.
- Don’t agree to unnecessary drilling or lock replacement. Non-destructive entry is often possible. If drilling is presented as the only option right away, ask questions or seek another opinion.
- Don’t accept vague or changing prices. Very low quotes that suddenly increase are a common issue. Always confirm the total cost upfront and ask for a clear breakdown.
How to Prevent Future Lockouts
Most lockouts are easy to avoid once you spot the pattern. A few small habits and simple setups can save you a lot of stress later.
Keep a reliable backup plan
- Have at least one spare key outside your home. Leave it with a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member, not under a mat or planter.
- If you live with others, confirm who has keys. Make sure someone else can get in if you can’t.
- Store a spare in a secure lockbox. Choose a discreet spot and keep the code limited to people you trust.
- For rentals, ask about lockout policies ahead of time. Knowing the process before you need it makes a big difference.
Build simple routines
- Check for keys before closing the door. Make it a habit, especially when you step out “just for a minute.”
- Use the same place for your keys every day. Consistency reduces the chance of leaving them behind.
- Pause before locking up. A two-second check can prevent hours of hassle.
Upgrade to a smart lock for keyless entry
Smart locks make sense when lockouts keep happening for the same reason: you’re human. You’re carrying groceries. You’re walking the dog. You step outside for “two seconds,” and the door shuts.
A smart lock gives you more ways back in, so one missed key doesn’t turn into a long wait or a locksmith call. It also helps you share access without handing out copies of your house key, and it can lock up behind you when you forget.
The eufy FamiLock S3 Max works well if convenience is your top priority. It unlocks using palm vein recognition, which is helpful when your hands are busy or you don’t want to touch anything. You can also unlock it with the app, voice control, a passcode, or a physical key, so there’s always a backup option.
Beyond access, it functions as a full front-door view system. The 2K HDR camera gives a head-to-toe view with night vision, and the two-way video intercom lets you check who’s outside before opening the door. A 4-inch indoor screen shows activity at the door without needing your phone.
For daily reliability, it supports auto-lock with a door sensor, works in extreme temperatures, and runs on a large 15,000mAh battery, with AAA backup batteries and power monitoring to prevent surprises.
The eufy Video Smart Lock S330 is a solid choice if you want one device to handle both access and door monitoring. It unlocks using a fingerprint reader, keypad, app, voice assistants, or physical keys, giving flexibility for everyone in the household. The fingerprint scanner is built for speed and can store up to 50 fingerprints, which helps when multiple people need access.
Its 2K camera pairs with radar and PIR motion sensors to better detect real activity, not just passing movement. You can receive alerts for people approaching, leaving, or lingering near your door.
Video is stored locally on the included chime (with an SD card), so there’s no required monthly fee. If the battery runs low, you can still unlock using the emergency power port or the manual keys, keeping access simple when you need it most.
Conclusion
Getting locked out is frustrating, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day. When you know what to do if locked out of house, you can stay calm, avoid damage, and choose the safest next step. From quick checks to calling a locksmith and setting up better access for the future, small decisions make a big difference. A little planning now, like having backup access or upgrading to a smart lock, can turn a stressful moment into a minor inconvenience next time it happens.
FAQs
What do I do if I locked myself out of my house?
First, make sure everyone is safe and there’s no urgent risk inside (like a child, vulnerable adult, or something left cooking). Then check other entry points, such as a back door, garage, or unlocked window and call anyone who may have a spare key (family, roommate, neighbor). If you rent, contact your landlord/property manager. Otherwise, call a reputable locksmith and protect yourself from scams by confirming a local presence, asking for an estimate, and checking credentials.
Can the police help me if I’m locked out of my house?
The police generally cannot help you get into your home if you’re simply locked out. They’ll only assist in cases of emergency, like a fire, a medical issue, or someone vulnerable trapped inside. For a regular lockout, it’s better to check for a spare key, call a household member, or contact a professional locksmith who can safely get you back inside.
How to open a house door if locked out?
The safest options are using a spare key, asking someone to bring one, contacting your landlord, or calling a professional locksmith. Avoid quick online “hacks” (credit card, paper clip, or bobby pin) that can damage your lock, door, or even cause injury. If there’s an urgent situation inside, such as a child alone or a health emergency, call 911 right away. To prevent future lockouts, leave a spare key with someone you trust or use a secure smart lock.
How do I pick my own door lock?
Picking a lock should only be done on a lock you own and that isn’t actively securing your home. Simple interior privacy knobs (like bedroom doors) often have a small hole on the outside that can be released with a straightened paperclip or small screwdriver. Some spring-latch doors may open with a sturdy plastic card slid against the latch. Keyed exterior locks are different, easy to damage, and best left to a professional locksmith, especially if you’re unsure or it’s an emergency.
