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8 Steps To Reset A Kwikset Smart Lock (2023 How-To Guide)

Kwikset Smart Lock Reset

Have you lost your phone that is connected to your smart lock?

Does the Kwikset lock button doesn’t lock the door?

Or do you have to manually “hand” your lock?

Whichever your problem is…

Factory resetting your Kwikset smart lock is the best solution.

Plus, it’s super fast and easy to perform!

I promise you won’t have to correct codes or disassemble gears.

Continue reading to learn:

  • 8 easy steps to reset a Kwikset smart lock.
  • Whether factory reset deletes access codes.
  • How long does factory resetting a smart lock take.
  • Whether a smart lock perform automatic “handing” after resetting.
  • And so much more…

How to factory reset a Kwikset smart lock – 8 steps


#1: Make sure the door is open and unlocked

The first thing you have to do is to prepare your door.

Make sure that it’s open and unlocked.

“Why do I have to keep the door open?”

It guarantees that you won’t be locked inside your home in case the factory resetting process has failed.

This step is especially important if you only have one entry/exit door in your house.

Use a door stopper or anything that can block the door from closing.

Also, don’t forget to keep it unlocked, regardless of which Kwikset smart lock you’re using.

Warning: Factory reset deletes data from the smart lock system, including access codes. It will also unpair with your smart home system and Kwikset app. So, make sure to only do this as your last resort.

You may also wonder: Are smart locks worth it?

#2: Remove the interior cover window

Head over to the back panel of your Kwikset smart lock and remove the interior cover window.

In some models, you can remove the cover by lifting the cover window.

But in other models, you’d need to unscrew the entire panel cover to remove it.

For that, you have to use a screwdriver to loosen the screw on both sides.

There are 2 screws that you have to remove.

And they’re usually located at the lower part of the sides of the panel.

Tip: Place the screws in a magnet to prevent losing them. 

#3: Remove the battery pack

Remove Battery Pack From Kwikset Back Panel

Once you have accessed the interior of the back panel, remove the battery pack.

You can do this by gently pulling it from the top of the panel.

Important note: Some Kwikset smart locks don’t require removing the battery pack.

Skip this step if you’re using one of the following models:

  • Kevo 1st & 2nd Generation Smart Lock.
  • 909 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.
  • 917 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.

While you’re at it, take it as an opportunity to replace your smart lock batteries if needed.

Kwikset smart locks use 2 AA batteries. 

So, make sure to get the same type of battery.

Plus, ensure that they’re correctly inserted.

You might also want to know: 5 Steps to Change the Batteries in an August Smart Lock

#4: Press and hold the program button

You can easily locate the program button, as it’s the only button on the back panel.

It’s designed as a push button. 

And it’s usually located at the middle part,  above the LED indicator.

In some models, you’d see a “PROG” button label on top of it.

Once you’ve located it, press and hold the button.

Note: For the 955 smart lock model, you’d have to use a SmartKey tool or paperclip to press the program button.

#5: Reinsert the battery pack while holding the button

While holding the program button, reinsert the battery pack.

You can use your free hand to reinsert it.

Make sure to avoid removing your hold in the button, as this will fail the factory resetting process.

Important Note: Don’t remove your hold yet, even after inserting the battery pack.

This step is unnecessary for the models that don’t require removing the battery pack.

So, skip this step if you’re using one of the following models:

  • Kevo 1st & 2nd Generation Smart Lock.
  • 909 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.
  • 917 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.

#6: Continue holding for 30 seconds, then release

Continue holding the program button for 30 seconds.

Or until the indicator signs show up.

In most Kwikset smart lock models, the back panel will beep, and the LED light will flash red after 30 seconds.

In 909 & 917 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Locks, you’ll hear one long beep.

Note: If you’re using a Kevo 1st or 2nd Generation Smart Lock, your factory resetting process will end here.

Instead of 30 seconds, you’d only need to hold the program button for 10 seconds.

After that, its back panel will flash red to indicate a successful factory reset process.

#7: Press the program button once more

Except for the Kevo models, you have to press the program button once more.

This is to confirm and end the factory reset process.

Kwikset smart locks show at least 4 different reset-successful indicator signs.

1 beep and flashing of solid green light is the reset-successful indicator for:

  • 888 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.
  • 909 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.
  • 910 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.
  • 911 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.
  • 912 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.
  • 913 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.
  • 914 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.

Flashing of green and red lights several times is the reset-successful indicator for:

  • Aura Bluetooth-Enabled Smart Lock.
  • 919 Premis Contemporary Smart Lock.
  • Halo Keypad WiFi-Enabled Smart Lock.
  • Halo Touchscreen WiFi-Enabled Smart Lock.
  • Halo Touch Contemporary Fingerprint Smart Lock.
  • 915 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.
  • 916 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.
  • Home Connect 620 Traditional Keypad-Connected Smart Lock.
  • Obsidian Keyless Electronic Touchscreen Deadbolt Smart Lock.

1 short beep is the reset-successful indicator for:

  • 917 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.
  • 955 SmartCode Electronic Pembroke Lever Smart Lock.

3 long beeps is the reset-successful indicator for:

  • 905 Keywayless Electronic Deadbolt Smart Lock.

#8: Let the latch bolt perform the handing process

After factory resetting, the latch bolt will auto-hand to relearn your door orientation.

Don’t do anything, and just let the process finish.

The latch bolt will extend and retract for at least 1 time.

Most of the time, this auto-handing process lasts for about 5 seconds.

But in some models, it can last for about 20 seconds.

Take note, you need to do the manual handing process for the following models:

  • 909 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.
  • 910 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.
  • 913 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.
  • 914 SmartCode Contemporary Electronic Smart Lock.

After this, your Kwikset smart lock setting will restore to default.

Now, you’ve successfully factory reset your device in less than 5 minutes.

Yes, in less than 5 minutes!

And that includes unscrewing the interior cover and replacing the batteries.

Test Process: Check if the factory reset is successful

If you want to check whether the factory reset is successful, input your old access code.

You may also try pressing the Kwikset lock button.

If it doesn’t lock, then the process is successful.

If it locks, you have to repeat the factory reset process or contact Kwikset support.

Check out: 10 Real Reasons Why Smart Locks Are So Expensive