Yale Lock Not Unlocking? – Here’s How to Fix

Is your Yale Lock not unlocking? Such a situation is terrible since it could lock you inside or outside your house. We will check the causes and how to fix that.

To troubleshoot a Yale lock that fails to unlock, begin by examining the batteries for wear or damage. Additionally, verify your phone’s settings for remote lock access.

Most likely, you will only need to change a few settings. Keep reading to learn all the possible solutions and unlock your Yale lock as soon as possible.

Yale Lock Not Unlocking – Reasons

The Yale Lock is very practical since it enhances the security of your house and makes it more convenient to lock and unlock the door.

But smart devices sometimes fail. So is your Yale Door Lock not unlocking?

Depending on the type of unlocking procedure you are trying, the reasons will vary:

✅ Internal Firmware

There might be an issue with the device’s system. It might prevent you from entering the code or sending commands wirelessly.

✅ Lost Connection

If the Lock has lost connection to the internet, you cannot unlock it through the Yale app or any other smart assistant.

✅ Failing Batteries

If the batteries are old or damaged, some functions on the Lock might start dwindling. They will work sometimes, but sometimes not.

✅ Physical Problems

This is less likely, but perhaps your Lock is stuck, or your door’s frame is not well adjusted.

How To Unlock Your Yale Lock

Checking the possible causes behind your Yale lock failing to unlock gives you a good idea of what might happen.

There is probably nothing to worry about, such as buying a new smart lock.

With that being said, let’s see what you can do to fix the situation:

1. Check The Batteries

When the Yale Lock fails to unlock, the battery is the first potential culprit.

The Lock will sometimes start beeping if the batteries are almost dead, displaced, or damaged.

So here is what you will do:

1. Remove the battery cover;
2. Remove all the batteries;
3. Check their appearance;
4. If any looks damaged, replace them;
5. Ensure you put all batteries back in the correct position.

If the batteries are not damaged, but the Lock keeps refusing to unlock, then the batteries are too old. In that case, put new batteries in place.

2. Fix The Auto-Unlock

Suppose that the auto-unlock function has stopped working on the Yale Access app.

In that case, some functions on your phone may not be set correctly.

Let’s investigate:

1. Stay near the Yale lock;
2. Navigate to your phone’s settings;
3. Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi;

Set Location Permissions

Next, you must allow Location Access:

1. Hold the Yale Access app icon;
2. Enter its configurations;
3. Find the “Location Services”/”Location permission” (varies between iOS and Android);
4. You must set the location access to “all the time”/”always”;
5. Toggle “Precise location” on.

Check Battery Optimization

If you are an Android user, you must turn off the battery optimization for the Yale Access app:

1. Open the Android Settings app;
2. Touch on “Apps”;
3. Now click on the Yale Access app;
4. Go to its battery settings;
5. Set it to “Unrestricted.”

3. Check The Physical Installation

Is your Yale lock not unlocking manually? Perhaps the physical installation of your Lock is not correct. In that case, you will have to disassemble the Lock to set the door free.

To disassemble your door, refer to the instructions sheet you used to install it.

When you do it, pay attention to the following:

• Check if the door frame is level, and if it doesn’t make the Lock get stuck;
• Check if any of the Lock’s components are damaged;
• Verify that the Lock can remain firmly in place;
• Examine the battery case’s condition.

If any components look odd, but the Lock is still under warranty, you must contact Yale.

4. Check The Connection

Perhaps the Yale lock is losing connection to your router and can’t receive every command you send from the smartphone.

In that case, you must restart your router and see if any change occurs.

If it doesn’t, do the following:

• Move the router closer to the Lock so the signal becomes stronger;
• Alternatively, buy a signal repeater to place halfway between both devices;
• Or check for interferences from other devices or other neighbors’ routers.

Change The Wi-Fi Channel

Since the Yale Lock uses 2.4GHz, it can easily catch Wi-Fi interference. 2.4GHz has fewer channels than 5GHz, so perhaps your neighbor is using the same channel (not on purpose!).

Here is what you can try:

1. Open your web browser;
2. Enter your router’s IP and press enter;
3. Find “Wireless settings”;
4. Click on “Channels”;
5. Change the 2.4GHz network to a different channel.

5. Investigate The Access Module

Another component on your Yale Lock that might cause problems is the Access Module. It is responsible for the Wi-Fi communication to the app.

Thus, if you cannot control the Lock from the app, you can suspect that component.

Here is how to assess it:

1. Remove the battery cover;
2. Remove the batteries;
3. Detach the escutcheon;
4. Adjust the access module placement;
5. Hold down the reset button for 3 seconds while putting the batteries back;
6. Put the cover back.

When the access module is reinstalled, all the connectivity between the Lock and the app should be re-established. You might want to replace the Access Module if it doesn’t work.

6. Update The Lock’s Firmware

If the Lock has been acting weird for some time, that might mean it needs a firmware update. The firmware update is only possible through the app.

If your Lock is already connected to it, all you have to do is open the app and enable Bluetooth near the Lock.

If you still haven’t paired them, do the following:

1. Turn the Lock on;
2. Turn Bluetooth on your phone;
3. Open the Yale Access app;
4. Touch “Set Up A Device”;
5. Scan the QR code (on the Lock’s quick guide).

Allow The Firmware Update

If it is the first time the Lock has connected to the app, it will probably download a firmware update.

However, you must allow it:

1. Wait for the app to search for a firmware update;
2. If found, allow it to install the update;
3. Wait some minutes to finish.

The installation cannot finish if you switch the app to the background. So instead, let the app open on your phone and wait for it to finish.

7. Reset The Lock Manually

Is the Lock still stuck, refusing to unlock? Then it might be necessary to reset it.

Unfortunately, resetting the Lock will wipe out all your data, including access codes you set up for family and friends.

1. Remove the Lock’s cover;
2. Remove the batteries;
3. Hold the lock button;
4. Wait a minute;
5. Put the batteries back;
6. Hear for the lock/unlock with beepings.

If step 6 takes place, that’s a good sign. After all, it can unlock, and the cause is not physical.

After the resetting happens, you should be able to set up everything again.

8. Reset Through The App

If you would rather reset the Lock from the app, that’s also possible. That way, you don’t need to risk damaging the batteries or the Lock’s cover.

Here are the steps:

1. Activate Bluetooth on your phone;
2. Ensure the phone recognizes the device;
3. Open the Yale Access app;
4. Open “House Settings”;
5. Choose “Yale Smart Keypad”;
6. Tap on “Disconnect Keypad”;
7. Confirm by tapping “Disconnect.”

A reset code will be sent to your phone. You must then press the Yale button on the Lock’s keypad and insert the code. 

What We Learned

Was your Yale Lock not unlocking, and now the problem is gone? We hope all the solutions listed in the guide above have helped you.

Remember that changing the batteries or the access module might be necessary. Those can help keep the device functional.

Read Next: Why Is My Yale Smart Lock Beeping?