Locked Out of Your House? Here’s Exactly What to Do Before the Locksmith Arrives

Getting locked out of your own home is stressful, but the first five minutes matter. What you do — and don’t do — before help arrives can save you time, money, and a damaged door.

What to Do First

Check every door and window before calling anyone — a surprising number of lockouts end with an unlocked side door or garage entry. If nothing is open, move to a safe, visible location and call a licensed locksmith. Have your ID and proof of address ready; a legitimate locksmith will ask for it before opening your door.

What to Avoid

Skip the credit-card-in-the-door trick and any online tutorial involving a bump key or tension wrench unless you actually know what you’re doing — most attempts just damage the lock and make the eventual professional job more expensive. Avoid locksmiths who quote a price over the phone that seems too low; some pad the bill once they arrive.

While You Wait

Stay near your home in a well-lit, visible spot. If it’s hot outside, wait somewhere shaded, or with a neighbor if you can. A licensed mobile locksmith should be able to give you a real arrival window when you call, not a vague “sometime today.”

Frequently Asked Questions