“I forgot my purse inside. And the smart lock keypad isn’t working!”
Is your Kwikset smart lock unresponsive?
Well, it can happen to a lot of smart devices.
No need to worry, though, as troubleshooting Kwikset smart lock is super easy.
Once you’ve pinpointed what’s causing the problem…
You’ll be able to unlock your doors again easily.
So, what really causes your smart lock not to work?
Let’s find out!
Read on to learn:
- How to do manual Kwikset door “handing.”
- 10 causes of Kwikset smart lock not working.
- 10 ways to troubleshoot unresponsive smart locks.
- And so much more…
Why is my Kwikset lock not locking?
Your Kwikset lock isn’t locking because you’ve entered an incorrect user code, and you had too many incorrect attempts. It’s unresponsive because the keypad battery’s low, the lock button wasn’t pressed or has been disabled, the bolt was “handed” improperly, and the parts were incorrectly installed.
Kwikset smart lock not working – 10 causes & fixes
#1: Access code not set
“Help! The Kwikset lock button doesn’t work.”
Did you create an access code already?
If not, then your door won’t lock.
Since there’s no access code programmed on its system, the smart lock will stay unlocked.
Your security device is considered “non-existent” until it has been set up.
Meaning it won’t be able to perform its function.
And so, you can’t lock it even after pressing the lock button. Or even using the Kwikset app.
Note: Keypad flashing red three times with three beeps is an indication that the device hasn’t been programmed yet.
How to fix it:
To make your Kwikset smart lock work, create at least one access code.
To create an access code using the Kwikset app:
- Download the Kwikset app.
- Sign up or log in to your Kwikset account.
- Select “People.”
- Click the “add-people” icon at the top-right corner.
- Input details (name, access code, schedule type).
- Then, press “Submit.”
To create an access code using the keypad:
- Open the door.
- Press “1.”
- Press “Kwikset.”
- Enter a 4-8 digits code.
- Then, press “Kwikset” again.
The process is successful once you hear a long beep and the keypad flashes green.
Security tip: If creating several codes, make sure that the first four digits of each code are unique.
#2: Expired or incorrect access code
“The Kwikset lock button works. But I can’t unlock the door with my access code.”
If that’s the case, then maybe you’re using an expired access code.
Kwikset allows users to create a temporary or one-time code.
And once it expires, you won’t be able to use it again to unlock the door.
“But I didn’t create a temporary code. I’m sure I’m using a permanent one…”
Then you must be entering an incorrect code.
Since Kwikset smart locks only use digits for access codes, it can be confusing. Especially if you’re using several codes in one door.
How to fix it:
Check your Kwikset app and see if the code you’ve entered is already expired.
If it is, then unlock your door using a different code. Or use your key instead.
In case you forgot your access code, you may unlock it using the Kwikset app.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Kwikset app.
- Select the lock you want to access.
- Then, click the “Locked” icon.
After this, you should be able to hear your Kwikset lock open.
Tip: Have your access codes written somewhere. You can also save them on your phone’s notes app.
Check out: 11 Steps To Change Kwikset Smart Lock Code (How-To)
#3: Kwikset button not pressed
“I just made a new access code, and I have it written on my phone. But the Kwikset lock still doesn’t open.”
Have you pressed the Kwikset button after entering your code?
If not, then it won’t unlock.
You have to press the Kwikset button after entering your access code so the lock’s system can process it.
An access code will only be valid after pressing the Kwikset button.
Basically, the Kwikset button acts as an “enter” or “submit” button.
How to fix it:
If you’re sure that you’re entering the correct access code, press the Kwikset button once.
You’ll hear a short beep if the access code is correct.
#4: Three incorrect unlock attempts
“I forgot my access code, so I tried several pin combinations. Now, the keypad won’t register my input…”
The function of smart locks is to give easy and convenient door access.
And developers created security functions to protect that exclusive access.
Like most smart devices, the Kwikset keypad locks out once three (3) incorrect access codes are entered within one minute.
It will continue to remain locked for 60 seconds.
So, if you’ve made three consecutive failed attempts, your Kwikset keypad will lock itself.
And you won’t be able to input any code until it unlocks.
How to fix it:
If the Kwikset keypad is locked out due to failed attempts, just wait for it to unlock for 60 seconds.
If you can’t afford to wait due to some reasons, you may:
- Use the partnered lock key.
- Use the Kwikset app to unlock the door.
If you don’t have your smartphone or key with you, just make sure to try one (1) access code every minute.
This way, you may try to make several guesses without locking out the Kwikset keypad.
#5: Programming button disabled
“My Kwikset lock function works perfectly. But I can’t add a new access code using the programming button.”
Have you created a programming code?
If so, that’s what causes the problem.
Once you have created a programming code, the programming button becomes automatically disabled.
Meaning, you won’t be able to change anything on its program by accessing the programming button.
This happens so that only the main user can add or delete access codes on the Kwikset lock.
Once it gets disabled, you can only use it to factory reset your smart lock.
How to fix it:
If you want to add or delete access codes, you may do so by entering the programming code on the keypad.
“But I want to program my Kwikset lock using the programming button as well.”
Unfortunately, you can’t do that.
You have to choose whether you want to use the programming button or the programming code.
If you want to use the programming button, you have to disable the programming code first.
To disable Kwikset lock programming code:
Warning: The keypad timeout is five (5) seconds. Meaning, if you haven’t pressed any button for 5 seconds, it will lock out. And you have to restart the process.
- Make sure that the door is open.
- Open the battery compartment.
- Press the programming button until you hear two beeps.
- Press “3” on the keypad.
- Press the “Kwikset” button.
- Enter your programming code.
- Press the “Kwikset” button once again.
- Re-enter programming code.
- Press the “Kwikset” button for the third time.
The process is successful once you’ve heard one long beep and the keypad flashes green.
In case you want to enable the programming code again, just do the same process.
#6: Keypad battery too low
Is the Kwikset keypad unresponsive?
Does the lock button don’t lock the door?
Then the keypad batteries must have low charges.
Kwikset smart lock uses (4) AA batteries to power on.
In the case of the Kwikset keypad, it stops functioning once the batteries have too low charges.
Like other devices, once the batteries have drained, the devices will stop working.
This is programmed to happen to prevent accidental lockouts.
Once the batteries become low, you won’t be able to:
- Lock the door using the Kwikset app.
- Lock the door by pressing the Kwikset lock button.
Here are the indicators of low keypad batteries:
For Aura & Halo Keypads
The keypad flashes red lights, and it creates fast beeping sounds. It lasts about 3 to 4 seconds after an action.
For Halo Touchscreen
The checkmark and lock symbols flash five (5) times with five (5) beeps.
For Halo Touch
The keypad exterior LED flashes red light, and it creates a beeping sound.
How to fix it:
If you notice indications of low batteries, replace the batteries immediately.
You can also check its battery level through the Kwikset app.
The app also notifies users if the batteries are running low. So, always make sure to enable app notifications.
To replace Kwikset keypad batteries:
- Make sure that the door is open.
- Slide the interior cover window up. If screws are installed, unscrew it, then remove the entire window cover.
- Remove the battery compartment.
- Replace the batteries with new ones.
- Reinsert the battery compartment.
- Then, secure the interior cover window.
Reading recommendation: How Do You Open a Kwikset Lock With a Dead Battery? 4 Ways
#7: Deadbolt not “handed” properly
“I’ve replaced the batteries already. But the Kwikset lock button still fails to lock my door.”
If that’s the case, then maybe the deadbolt “handing” process has failed.
“Handing” or latch calibration is your lock’s way of determining the orientation of your door.
This process is important so the lock will know how much it should extend its deadbolt.
Normally, the Kwikset lock performs its automatic “handing” once:
- The keypad batteries have been installed.
- The door has been locked & unlocked for the first time via the Kwikset app.
But sometimes, it can fail to do so due to some physical errors.
How to fix it:
If the “handing” of your lock has failed, do the handing process manually.
To manually “hand” Kwikset smart lock:
- Open the interior cover window.
- Remove the battery compartment.
- Press and hold the programming button.
- Reinsert the battery compartment.
- Replace hold after 3 seconds.*
- Then, press the programming button once more.
*You should see the status LED flash red and green lights.
After this, the deadbolt will extend to learn the orientation of your door.
Green LED light indicates a successful process.
Red LED light indicated an unsuccessful process.
Need visual instruction on how to perform manual door handling to SmartCode 915 or 916? Then, watch this short video!
You might also like: What is a Kwikset smart key?
#8: Bolt hole not deep enough
If the deadbolt handing process is not the issue, it must be the bolt hole.
How deep is the bolt hole of your door?
If it’s less than 1 in (2.54 cm), then your door won’t lock.
Kwikset lock deadbolt should be able to fully extend to lock.
And that would be possible if the bolt hole of your door is at least 1 in (2.54 cm) deep.
If it’s less than that, the deadbolt will retract back.
Leaving your door open and unsecured.
How to fix it:
Measure the bolt hole of your door if it’s the right size.
Kwikset Aura, Halo Touch, and Halo Touchscreen could work with door holes that are 1-½ in (3.8 cm) or 2-⅛ in (5.4 cm) deep.
Halo Touch fingerprint could work with door holes that are 2-⅛ in (5.4 cm) deep.
While you’re at it, check if the door properly closes.
If there’s debris in the bolt hole, make sure to remove it as well.
#9: Installation misalignment
“I noticed that my door doesn’t close properly. What may be the problem?”
If your door doesn’t close properly, then the lock parts must not be installed correctly.
This also causes your door not to lock using the Kwikset app and 1-touch lock button.
Your door won’t close and lock if the door, door frame, and door strike aren’t aligned.
For your Kwikset lock to work, the deadbolt should be able to fully insert through the bolt hole.
And it shouldn’t be hitting the door frame or strike.
How to fix it:
The only way you can fix this problem is to reinstall the lock parts properly.
If you want to do it yourself, you may refer to the Kwikset installation guide.
This guide provides the right dimensions and materials to use.
Plus, it has detailed instructions to guide you throughout the process.
Just make sure to ready your measuring tape and screwdriver!
#10: Unstable or incompatible WiFi connection
If all things fail, maybe the problem isn’t with your Kwikset device but the WiFi connection.
Kwikset smart locks work with WiFi.
So, once the WiFi connection becomes unstable, the Kwikset keypad may malfunction.
When that happens, you also won’t be able to lock or unlock your door using the Kwikset app.
Your WiFi connection can become unstable if the:
- Internet bandwidth is low.
- WiFi network is congested.
- Router firmware is outdated.
- Device is too far away from the router.
How to fix it:
One research has proved that WiFi signals travel faster in free space.
So, moving the device close to the router, where there is less obstruction, should help.
“But I can’t do that with my door!”
I know…
What you can do instead is to install a few more WiFi routers throughout your home.
Place some near your doors that have Kwikset locks.
Doing this will help ensure that your Kwikset devices receive a stable WiFi connection.
Note: Kwikset smart locks only work with WiFi with a 2.4 GHz band. So, make sure to connect to a WiFi with the same frequency band.
Learn more: Are smart locks worth it?