How To Unlock A Garage Door

If you ever find yourself in the regrettable situation of being locked out of your garage, it's crucial to remain composed and act rationally. Especially if you're in a rush or have important items stored inside your garage, it may be tempting to resort to drastic measures. However, causing damage to your garage door or its components should be avoided at all costs.

Instead, take a deep breath and consider the various methods available for unlocking your garage door without causing any harm. There are several options, depending on the type of garage door and the circumstances of your lockout.

1. Check for an Emergency Key Access

Many garage door openers come equipped with a small, handheld remote control that can be used to open and close the door. If you have one of these remotes, it's always a good idea to keep it with you at all times, even when you're not planning on using it. In the event that your main garage door opener fails, you'll have a backup option to get into your garage.

2. Use the Manual Release Cord

Most garage doors have a manual release cord that can be used to open the door in the event of a power outage or if the electronic opener fails. The manual release cord is typically located near the center of the door, hanging from the track. To use it, simply pull down on the cord until the door opens.

3. Reset the Garage Door Opener

If you're unable to open your garage door with either the emergency key access or the manual release cord, the next step is to try resetting the garage door opener. To do this, unplug the opener from the power outlet, wait a few seconds, and then plug it back in. Once the opener has reset, try using the remote control or the keypad to open the door.

4. Inspect the Garage Door Sensors

Garage door sensors are devices that help to prevent the door from closing on people or objects. If the sensors are misaligned or blocked, the door may not open or close properly. To inspect the sensors, look for two small, black boxes mounted on either side of the door, about 6 inches above the ground. If the sensors are misaligned, simply adjust them so that they are facing each other. If the sensors are blocked, remove whatever is blocking them.

5. Contact a Locksmith

If you've tried all of the above methods and you're still unable to open your garage door, it's time to call a locksmith. A locksmith will have the tools and expertise to open your door quickly and safely.