Keypad door locks are smart devices that help you upgrade your home security. With them, you get more than just enhanced security.
You also enjoy ease and convenience. There is remote access, easier integration with your smart home systems, you no longer need to carry keys, and you can set temporary codes for your visitors. Keypad door locks make life easier for you.
However, irrespective of how good these devices are, one big issue remains: they run on batteries. This means, one day, you might get home, press the keypad, and nothing happens. No beep. No unlock. Just silence. The battery is dead, and you don’t even know.
At this point, your challenge isn’t only about knowing how to change battery on keypad door lock, but also how to gain immediate access to your home. In this guide, we’ll show you how to change battery on door keypad (including Aqara keypad locks), what signs to look out for before your battery dies, and some maintenance tips that will prevent you from being locked out abruptly.
Why You Need to Know How to Change Battery on Keypad Door Lock
Knowing how to change the battery on your keypad door ensures smooth usage, saves you from major headaches, and prevents you from being locked out of your home. Changing the battery on keypad locks usually sounds like a minor task, hence most people do not pay attention to it. This is forgetting that, unlike traditional locks, you can’t easily pick the locks.
So, once you are locked out because you failed to learn how to change the battery regularly, you might stay locked out till a professional comes to help you. This may be late at night, in the rain, or with your groceries in hand. Imagining the worst scenario will help you understand how important it is to know how to change your keypad locks’ batteries frequently.
In fact, by learning how to change the battery on a keypad door lock, you:
● Save yourself the stress, frustration, and expenses of hiring emergency locksmith services
● Keep your home secure at all times
● Maintain uninterrupted use of the smart features of the keypad lock
Five Common signs to change battery on keypad door lock
Here are five common signs that it is time to change the battery on your keypad door lock:
1. Delayed Response
One of the most common signs of a dead battery in a keypad door lock is slow responses. Your door takes a few more seconds to unlock after you’ve entered the code. This is most likely a battery issue.
2. Flashing or Dimming Lights
This depends on the design of the keypad lock. Some locks have built-in features with lights that flash when the battery is dying, while in some, you may notice the backlit of the keypad becoming faint.
3. Beeping Sounds or Warning Tones
Many smart door locks have built-in warning systems that emit audible beeps when the battery is critically low. These sounds may be low, but you need to pay close attention to realize that your battery needs to be changed.
4. Low Battery Icon
Some smart models like the Aqara U100 send low battery alarms, with some equipped with a low battery icon that displays when the battery is going down.
If you can’t notice the icon on the lock, you should see it on the app.
5. Total Silence
This is the sign you don’t want to encounter. Yet, it is the situation you will face if you ignore other signs. In this situation, there is no sound, no lights, the door doesn't unlock, nothing works.
Tools You’ll Need Before You Start
Changing the battery on the door keypad is pretty easy, as long as you have the right tools. Here are five essential tools you need to change the battery of your keypad door lock:
1. The correct battery type for replacement (AA, AAA, CR123, depending on the model)
2. Screwdriver (if the battery compartment is secured screws)
3. Soft Brush to clean off dust and debris that may cause corrosion or affect the new batteries you are about to insert
4. A flashlight (if the lock is located in dark corners or where there’s low lighting)
5. User Manual to guide you on the parts and reset procedures for the lock
As an extra precaution, you can set your phone’s camera to record how you disassembled the lock, so that it’s easier for you to reassemble.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Battery on a Keypad Door Lock
If you are using a smart lock like the Aqara U100 or U200, here are seven ways on how to change the battery on a Aqara Keypad lock or any smart lock without damaging it:
Step 1: Locate the Battery Casing
The first step to changing batteries on a keypad door is to figure out where the battery compartment is located. You should find the casing behind the keypad or below the lock.
In certain cases, you may need to slide off the keypad faceplate to locate the batteries. Use the user manual or app guide to find where the battery is positioned.
Step 2: Open the Battery Compartment
If the battery compartment is secured, you will need a small screwdriver to remove the screws. Gently open the cover and use the screwdriver. Do not attempt to force it open, so you don’t damage the internal components.
Step 3: Remove Old Batteries
Remove the drained and weak batteries and check for corrosion or damage in the chambers. If the batteries are glued to the springs, carefully remove them without pulling out the coil spring.
Step 4: Clean the Battery Chambers
If there is any corrosion or damage in the battery chambers, get a clean, dry cloth and clean it properly. Check for leaks, rust, or even dirt, and ensure that the space is clean before inserting new batteries.
Step 5: Insert New Batteries
Now that you are sure that the battery space is clean, you can insert the new batteries in their correct orientation. Check for the positive (+) and negative (-) positions, and make sure you are using the recommended battery type.
Step 6: Close and secure the battery compartment
Close the battery compartment firmly and screw it in if there are screws on the cover. Ensure it is closed properly to prevent moisture or dust from entering.
Step 7: Test your Lock
After fitting in the batteries, you can power the lock and test the functionalities to confirm everything works. Enter your unlock code, try remote unlocking via the app, and check all features so you are certain that your security is guaranteed without any chance of breach.
Five Common Mistakes When Changing Smart Lock Batteries
A Simple battery change in a smart lock can go wrong if you are not careful. Here are five common mistakes homeowners make when changing smart lock batteries.
1. Forcing the battery cover open
One of the commonest mistakes made during battery changes is applying too much force. You not only risk damaging the battery casing with this action, but you could also spoil the internal components of the lock. Always double-check for hidden screws or attachments and unscrew instead of trying to pull them apart.
2. Using the wrong battery type or inferior battery quality
Do not assume that all batteries are the same. If the manufacturers recommend lithium, please use that.
If it is Alkaline, then stick to then. Do not mix old batteries with new ones, or use shorter battery types, trying to fit them to work.
3. Forgetting to test the lock after changing the batteries
Some users forget to test their locks after replacing the batteries. They simply assume everything is fine till you lock yourself outside and the door refuses to open.
4. Ignoring Signs of corrosion or damage
Do not ignore any leakages or signs of corrosion that you notice while changing the batteries. Use a dry cloth to clean off any sign of dust or dirt that you notice in the battery chambers.
Use a cotton swab with a small amount of vinegar if you notice any sign of corrosion. You must clean the battery contacts so that their performance is not affected.
5. Failing to reset when necessary
Some smart lock models require that you reset the locks after changing the batteries, especially if the lock was completely drained. Confirm if this applies to your lock and do not skip so the device doesn’t malfunction.
Six Tips for Maintaining Keypad Locks
Here are six practical tips for maintaining keypad locks:
1. Regularly clean the Keypad and battery compartments
2. Always keep an eye on battery health
3. Update firmware whenever you are required to do so
4. Avoid Slamming the Door
5. Use weather-resistant models if your lock is positioned outside
6. Backup your lock logs if the option is available
Recommended Products: Upgrade and Replacement for Your Old Keypad Lock
If you are tired of constantly replacing batteries that die too quickly, these Aqara smart locks offer modern solutions, charging options, so you worry less.
1. Aqara Smart Lock U100
The Aqara Smart Lock U100 adopts a smart keypad design but with more advanced features that enhance your security. You are getting fingerprint unlock, auto-lock status, battery alarms, extreme weather and temperature resistance, and easy integrations with other smart home systems. There are customizable settings and local storage that let you store up to 50 fingerprints on the device; enough space for you and your family.
The easy integration with smart devices allow you to unlock your door easily with your iPhone or Apple Watch via the Apple Home App compatibility. There is anti-peep password protection, periodic and temporary password settings, with do-not-disturb and passage modes for more convenience. You get a mechanical key, a USB-C emergency port in case you are locked out in emergencies.
2. Aqara Smart Lock U200
Taking up a slender, rectangular shape, the Aqara Smart Lock U200 also supports smart integrations, easy unlocks with your smartphone or watch, and an auto-lock system. There are also rechargeable Li-ion batteries, mechanical keys, PIN codes, and fingerprint recognition for easier access.
You get NFC cards for unlocking, Anti-peep pin code protection, and smart reminders for situations when you leave your door ajar for too long. The quiet mode on the smart lock lets you unlock your door silently without disturbing the members of your household. This comes in handy when you are returning late or leaving very early.
Learn more in our comparison of smart locks for different situations
FAQs
How often do you need to change the battery on a keypad door lock?
You should expect to change your keypad batteries every six to twelve months. However, this depends greatly on a lot of factors like: how frequently the locks are used, the model, the type of batteries, and the overall energy consumption of the lock. Generally, you should expect the batteries on your locks to last longer if you use them less.
What happens if your smart lock dies and I’m locked out?
There are a few things to do if your smart lock dies and you are locked out. Some smart locks, like Aqara models, include mechanical keys that allow you to open the door manually or a temporary power source like a USB-C port to quickly charge the keypad so you can gain entry. Only consider getting a locksmith or professional when these procedures don’t work.
Does Aqara send low-battery alerts via app notifications?
Yes. Aqara via the Home App sends out low-battery alerts, so you are informed when your lock’s battery is about to die. There are also low battery alarms that should keep you informed when you are at home that your batteries need to be replaced.
Final Thoughts
Regularly checking and changing the batteries in your keypad lock will save you a lot of stress. You can throw in a little maintenance to ensure that the keypad guarantees your home security. However, instead of always worrying about battery replacements, you can opt for a smarter, more efficient locking solution like what Aqara offers.
Just like the Aqara Smart lock U200, there are lots of Aqara home security solutions that you can choose from, so you can say goodbye to battery replacements.
Explore the full range of Aqara’s Smart Home Solution. Choose to live better!
