Getting locked out of your own house is frustrating, but it happens more often than most people admit. Whether your key broke in the lock, you left it inside, or the door locked behind you, the important thing is to handle the situation calmly and avoid making it worse. Here is a clear plan for getting back inside safely.

Stay Calm and Check Every Entry Point

Before you do anything else, walk around your entire home and try every door and window. Check the back door, the side entry, the garage service door, and any ground-floor windows. It is surprisingly common to find one unlocked entry point that you forgot about.

If you have a garage with an automatic opener, check whether you have a keypad entry code set up. Some homeowners install these and then forget about them. Also check whether your garage has a manual release cord accessible from outside.

If you have a smart home system, try using your phone to unlock a smart lock or open your garage door remotely.

Contact Someone With a Spare Key

Think about who might have a spare key to your home. Common key holders include family members, trusted neighbors, your landlord, or a close friend. If someone nearby can bring you a key within a reasonable time, this is often the quickest solution.

If you use a lockbox for a spare key, now is when it pays off. These small combination-locked boxes attach to a hidden spot near your door and hold an emergency key. If you do not have one yet, consider getting one installed after this experience.

Do Not Try to Force Your Way In

It can be tempting to try to pry open a window or force a door, especially if it is cold, raining, or late at night. Resist that urge. Forcing entry into your own home can cause significant damage that costs far more to repair than a locksmith service call.

Broken window glass, damaged door frames, bent hinges, and cracked siding are all common results of DIY break-in attempts. A cracked door frame alone can cost $200 to $500 to repair. And if a neighbor sees you climbing through a window, you may end up explaining yourself to the police.

Call a Professional Locksmith

A residential locksmith can get you back inside your home quickly and without any damage. Professional locksmiths carry specialized tools designed to open residential locks without harming the lock, the door, or the frame.

When you call, provide the locksmith with:

• Your exact address
• The type of lock on your door (deadbolt, knob lock, smart lock)
• Whether you are completely locked out or if other entries are accessible
• Any time-sensitive concerns (medication inside, pets, oven left on)

A trustworthy locksmith will give you a price estimate over the phone before dispatching a technician. At BBN Locksmith, we provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees or surprise charges.

What to Expect During the Service Call

The locksmith will arrive, verify your identity, and then assess the lock. For most standard residential lockouts, the process takes 10 to 20 minutes using non-destructive entry techniques.

In rare cases where the lock cannot be opened non-destructively, such as when a key is broken inside the cylinder, the locksmith may need to drill the lock and replace it. They will discuss this with you and provide a quote for the replacement lock before proceeding.

After getting you back inside, the locksmith can also make you a spare key on the spot, so you have a backup for next time.

How to Prevent Future Lockouts

Once you are safely back inside, take a few minutes to set up some safeguards.

Hide a spare key strategically. A lockbox attached to a discreet location near your home is the safest option. Avoid the classic “under the mat” or “under a rock” hiding spots, as burglars check those first.

Give a spare to someone you trust. A family member or neighbor who lives nearby and is usually home makes an ideal key holder.

Consider upgrading to a keypad or smart lock. A keyless entry system eliminates the possibility of a traditional lockout entirely. You unlock with a code or your phone, so there is no physical key to lose. See our guide on the best smart locks for 2026 for recommendations.

Create a key routine. Develop a habit of checking for your keys before closing the door. Some people place a hook right next to the door so their keys are always in the same spot.

Get a spare key made today. Do not wait until the next lockout. A standard house key copy costs just a few dollars and takes minutes to make.

When a Lockout Is an Emergency

Certain lockout situations require immediate action. If you can see or smell smoke, hear a smoke alarm, or know that the stove was left on, call 911 first. Firefighters can gain entry quickly in a genuine emergency.

If children or elderly family members are locked inside alone, treat this as urgent. Call a locksmith immediately and explain the situation so they can prioritize your call.

BBN Locksmith: Fast Home Lockout Service

BBN Locksmith provides rapid residential lockout service across Austell, Mableton, Smyrna, Powder Springs, Marietta, and the greater west Atlanta area. We arrive quickly, get you inside without damage, and charge a fair price that we quote before we start.

Call (470) 280-6544 any time, day or night. We are here 24/7, including holidays.