Replacing batteries in a Kwikset Smart Lock is usually a seamless process. However, you may sometimes encounter problems—your lock won’t work after changing the batteries. If that sounds like you, then keep reading as I’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot this issue. Let’s dive in!
Kwikset Lock Won’t Work After Battery Change: How to Troubleshoot
So here are some troubleshooting steps to try if your Kwikset Lock won’t work after replacing the batteries.
1. Check Whether the Batteries Are Properly Installed
As with all electronic devices that run on batteries, your Kwikset lock won’t work if the batteries are incorrectly installed. So if you’re currently having this problem with your lock, the first step to troubleshoot the issue is to check whether you installed the batteries properly.
So go ahead and remove the interior cover on your lock to access the battery pack. Next, remove the battery pack and check if the batteries are placed properly—based on the correct polarity. If not, remove the batteries and put them back in properly.
More so, ensure you use the recommended batteries. Almost all Kwikset Smart Locks use AA alkaline batteries—non-rechargeable. And ensure you don’t mix old batteries with new ones to avoid an undesirable operation.
Your Kwikset lock should work fine if you have used the right batteries and they are correctly installed.
But if the problem continues, see the next troubleshooting step.
2. Try the Program Button and Button ‘A’ Hack
If you replaced the batteries on your Kwikset lock after getting a low battery warning, chances are the lock may not work almost immediately. If this is the case with your lock, here is what you need to do:
- Remove the battery pack from the lock.
- Press and hold the Program button for about 5 seconds. Next, press and hold button A for another 5 seconds. Both the Program button and button A can be found on the interior assembly of your lock, after removing the battery cover. See the image below.
- Now replace the battery pack and wait for your lock to restart.
Did it work for you? Awesome! You can now replace the battery cover. But if it still doesn’t work, see the next troubleshooting step.
3. Attempt a Factory Reset on the Lock
For the most part, the above troubleshooting steps should fix the battery replacement issue with your lock. But if the issue persists, then try to restore factory settings on your lock to see if that will resolve the problem. Yes, performing a factory reset on a Kwikset Smart Lock usually helps to fix several issues.
Not sure how to reset your lock? Follow the steps below to factory reset your Kwikset lock:
- On the interior assembly of your lock, remove the battery cover and then remove the battery pack.
- Press and hold the Program button. Next, replace the battery pack while still holding the Program button. Continue holding the Program button (for about 30 seconds) until the lock beeps and the LED indicator flashes red.
- Press the Program button again. The lock will beep twice and flash green, and that shows it has been reset.
Depending on your Kwikset lock model, you’ll need to perform the door handing identification process to teach the lock the orientation of your door. Your lock may not function properly if you don’t do this.
So that’s all you need to do to reset your Kwikset smart lock. But if this method doesn’t work for you, go here for all Kwikset lock models factory resetting instructions or refer to your user’s manual for specific instructions.
Note: Performing a factory reset on your lock will delete all User Codes and all other custom programming. So you’ll have to reprogram the lock using the default Programming Code. Go here to see how to change the Programming Code and create new User Codes on your Kwikset keypad lock.
Final Thoughts
Changing the batteries on your Kwikset lock should help sustain a reliable operation. But if the reverse is the case (not working after replacing the batteries), first check that the batteries are correctly installed and make sure you’re using the right batteries.
As mentioned, lithium batteries are not recommended—so if you’ve used lithium batteries on your lock, remove them and replace them with high-quality AA alkaline batteries. This should help fix battery performance issues with your Kwikset lock.
And if you’re replacing the batteries after noticing a low battery alert on the lock, first press the Program button and button A for 5 seconds each before putting in the new batteries. This should solve the “not working after battery change” issue.
Finally, contact Kwikset Support if the problem persists after trying all the troubleshooting steps in this post.