There might be a few hiccups making your Yale smart lock's keypad stop lighting up or responding.
From lockout modes to dead batteries, there are various fixes you can implement to get your lock back up and running.
In this guide, I provide eight ways to fix a dead keypad and help prevent it from ever happening again. Let’s go!
1. Check For a Lockout Mode
In certain models, the outside keypad of the Yale smart lock will remain silent or nonresponsive if it’s following a lockout mode such as “Do Not Disturb” or All Code Lockout.
Usually, these are enabled by the master, but a child or guest could also activate privacy mode (Do not disturb mode) from the inside. This can disable the keypad or completely reject any entry codes you type in.
For most Yale Assure touchscreen models, the lock icon on the touchpad will light up in red indicating an all-code lockout mode. For a keypad model, the keypad will blink up in red whenever you try to enter a code.
Unless it’s privacy mode, enabled by someone on the inside, you can type in the master code to disable all-code lockout and regain entry. Otherwise, you can also use the physical key or the Yale app.
2. Make Sure Codes are Correct
Check that you are entering the correct entry code and make sure there are no code scheduling restrictions.
Also, you might have been locked out temporarily because of too many failed code attempts. Wait three or five minutes and try again with a valid code.
Usually, you’re given red colored indicators and beeps to indicate that the code is wrong. However, if there’s a loose connection or broken LEDs, the indicators/beepers might be dead but the keypad might still be working.
So, make sure you’re typing in the right codes. Also, try the master code as some models will allow unlocking through it.
3. Control the Lock via the Yale App
In the case that the keypad is faulty or detached from the power line of the smart lock, your only solution to unlock the door is to control it remotely using the app.
So, if your smart lock is paired with the Yale app, try unlocking it via the mobile app. You’ll also get more information about the lock’s condition that way such as the battery life, pending updates, or any network issues.
4. Provide Emergency Power or Unlock Using the Key
If you’re locked out while attempting this troubleshooting process, it’s best to get inside using the physical key.
However, this is only possible for Yale Smart locks with keyed cylinders. For keyless models, you can attempt a jumpstart with a spare 9-volt battery as it might help resolve any battery issues before you even get inside. Check out my guide for more information.
The following steps assume that you’re troubleshooting the lock from the inside. So if you’re locked out, and can’t seem to unlock the door using the above methods, this is the best time to call a locksmith.
5. Check the Mechanical Operation of the Bolt
Provided you’re not locked out, you can resume troubleshooting the Yale lock by checking the mechanical operation of the lock.
Check whether the bolt is working correctly by extending or retracting it using the thumb turn on the indoor side. If the bolt doesn’t seem to want to come out, or it doesn’t extend as smoothly, there might be some hardware issues that are causing the lock and its keypad to malfunction.
Also, check for strike plate alignment. The bolt may be operating smoothly when the door is ajar but it might have issues going through the strike plate holes.
6. Check the Battery Level
Inspect the batteries. Check to see whether they are correctly installed with proper polarity. Besides that, check for any dust, dirt, or corrosion within the metal contacts.
If possible, try replacing the batteries or performing a soft restart. Here’s how:
- Take out one battery
- Wait five seconds
- Reinstall the battery
- Check if the keypad lights up
If the keypad is stuck, yet still shows a red-colored Yale logo or low-battery indicator, it might imply that the batteries are low.
7. Inspect the Keypad Cable
If you’ve got the tools, you can try opening up the internal door lock assembly to check if the power cable running to the outside keypad is loose, pinched, or damaged.
Even if you don’t see any signs of damage right away, I recommend disconnecting the cable and checking for any defects. Try reseating the cable and make sure it’s tight and the cable is oriented properly.
8. Carry Out a Factory Reset
If you’ve confirmed that the deadbolt works smoothly and that there aren’t any apparent signs of hardware damage, you can try a factory reset as a last resort.
However, this will delete all existing codes. Also, don’t forget to keep the door closed as the smart lock will enter into a calibration mode to try and test the bolt alignment with the strike plate.
If all else fails, call customer support, or a locksmith if you can’t find another way inside.
Sources
- https://images.salsify.com/image/upload/s–R29qR5gS–/wctgmqsat1aeuuxxtucv.pdf
- https://images.salsify.com/image/upload/s—yiZ4cHm–/mggxkpyd1clsvnpjd5lq.pdf
- https://manuals.plus/wp-content/sideloads/yale-assure-lever-touchscreen-yrl226-and-key-free-touchscreen-yrl256-installation-and-programming-manual-original.pdf
- https://support.shopyalehome.com/en_us/installation-manual-SJs9rErr
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL8yvMQpPFk&ab_channel=HomeKitAuthority
- https://yalehome.co.uk/media/wysiwyg/KEYLESS_DIGITAL_LOCK_Installation_Guide_20120427_MP11.pdf