Many smart locks also have key access in case you do get locked out or simply prefer using your key, but keyless entry is becoming more popular. A smart lock like the Yale Assure Lock SL is completely keyless, making it lock-pick proof and more secure than the average deadbolt. But what are your options if your battery dies?

How to unlock the Yale Assure Lock SL when the batteries die

Before you pitch a tent in your front yard, get yourself a standard 9-volt battery – available from any nearby convenience store – and get ready to unlock your door as if you had magic powers. Materials needed:

9-volt battery4 AA batteries (to replace dead ones)

Estimated time: Less than 1 minute Also: Yale Assure Lock SL review: Never get locked out again

Step 1: Get a new 9-volt battery

The Yale Assure Lock SL uses four AA batteries to operate, but a 9-volt battery will give it enough power to get into your home until you replace the dead batteries.

Step 2: Locate the two terminals under your Yale Lock’s touchscreen

The base of your Yale Assure Lock SL has two terminals at the bottom of it. 

Step 3: Hold the 9-volt battery up to the terminals 

Once you find the terminals, simply hold the 9V battery up to them, lining up the battery’s terminals with the ones on the lock.

Step 4: Wait for the screen to turn on

As soon as the battery’s terminals make contact with the ones on the lock, the screen will turn on and you’ll hear “Welcome to Yale real living”. Simply enter your code to unlock the door. 

Step 5: Replace the batteries on the lock so this doesn’t happen again

Your lock will let you know when your batteries are about to die, so pay attention to the health of your device. You can promptly replace the batteries while the lock is still powered, and you won’t have to run out to the store to get a 9-volt battery in the future. According to Yale, you’ll start receiving daily low-battery notifications when your batteries reach 25% capacity. These notifications will stop after you replace the batteries and operate the lock three times to reset the low battery mode.