How To Bypass Electronic Door Locks?

Do you wish to know how to bypass electronic door locks? Yes, as homeowner sometime if you have lost your key or forgotten your code, there are some methods that you can try in order to enter your building.

Electronic and digital door locks have become increasingly popular in recent years as they offer convenience and perceived security advantages over traditional mechanical lock systems.

However, these high-tech locks also introduce potential weaknesses that can be exploited to bypass or unlock them without authorization.

This guide will provide an overview of common electronic lock types and methodologies that can be utilized to defeat them.

Key Takeaways on Bypassing Electronic Door Locks 

• Electronic door locks can often be bypassed by exploiting weaknesses in their design, such as battery compartments or using a strong magnet. 
• Lockpicking tools like snap guns or electric pick guns can be highly effective at rapidly unlocking pin tumbler locks. 
• Combination locks can sometimes be decoded through audio recordings or by looking for button wear patterns. 
• Many keypads or keyless entry systems have default codes that are easy to find online or have codes that are easy to guess. 
• RFID and wireless door locks are vulnerable to signal interception/amplification attacks to clone access tokens. 
• If all else fails, brute force can be used by systematically trying all possible codes, but this is time-consuming.

How To Bypass Electronic Door Locks? Examining Common Lock Types

Before delving into bypass techniques, it is helpful to understand the most prevalent forms of electronic door locks and their compositions.

Below is a comparison of the major types:

Lock Type	Composition	Weaknesses
Magnetic Card Locks	Read the magnetic stripe on the keycard	Magnetic stripe cloning; Brute force codes
Keypad/Touchcode Locks	Enter code on an external keypad	Default/weak codes; Brute force
RFID Locks	Present RFID token to the reader	Signal interception/amplification; RFID cloning
Keyless Smart Locks	Open with smartphone/wearable via Bluetooth	Intercept/amplify wireless signals; Firmware exploits
Biometric Locks	Scan fingerprints, iris, face	Spoof biometric with molds or high-res photos

As shown, while electronic locks may seem high-tech, most still have inherent vulnerabilities.

The rest of this guide will go into more specifics on bypass techniques for each lock type.

Magnetic Card Locks

Magnetic card locks operate by reading a magnetic stripe on a keycard that contains an access code.

While this is more advanced than a mechanical key, magnetic stripe technology is outdated and suffers from the following flaws:

• Magnetic stripes are easily cloned using inexpensive writers purchased online. An attacker can steal a keycard, make a copy, and access the door.
• Many magnetic card systems only use a facility code and access code. Brute forcing all possible code combinations is feasible.
• Poor encryption or unencrypted codes are common, allowing magnetic stripes to be decoded.

To bypass magnetic card locks, cloning a stolen card or brute forcing codes are thus simple and effective tactics.

Additionally, vulnerabilities in the card readers themselves may exist, allowing attackers to bypass the magnetic stripe completely.

Keypad/Touchcode Locks

Keypad and touchcode electronic locks are characterized by an external panel that requires the user to input a numeric or alphanumeric code to unlock the door.

While these codes are longer than traditional keys, keypad locks still have inherent weaknesses:

Bypass Method	Description
Default/Weak Codes	Many systems have default codes set by the manufacturer that are easily found online. Weak codes users have set themselves like “1234” can also be tried.
Brute Force	They are systematically trying all possible key code combinations, though very time-consuming for longer codes.
Wear Pattern Analysis	If the keypad buttons are worn, frequently pressed numbers can sometimes be identified.
Thermal Imaging	Capturing residual heat signatures on the buttons may help determine the code pattern.
Acoustic Analysis	Recording and analyzing the distinct audio tones when keys are pressed to determine the code.

Keypad locks are also vulnerable to issues like keypad button failure, allowing codes to be entered in unintended ways.

Overall, exploiting default/weak codes or brute force are the most utilized methods for bypassing keypad locks.

RFID Locks

RFID (radio frequency identification) locks operate by reading an RFID token held near the lock. However, RFID signals are susceptible to the following attacks:

• Signal Interception – Intercepting and recording the RFID code as it’s transmitted, then replaying this code to unlock the door.
• Signal Amplification – Using an antenna to amplify the RFID signal so the code can be read from a greater distance. This also allows relay attacks where the code is transmitted to an accomplice standing at the door to gain entry.
• RFID Cloning – Duplicating the RFID code from a stolen key fob or access card onto a new RFID token. This cloned token can then access the door.

RFID locks are clearly vulnerable to having their access codes captured in transit and replicated.

While encryption and authentication protocols like HID Prox can improve security, many systems still neglect to implement these measures properly.

Keyless Smart Locks

Smart locks that integrate with smartphones and open by proximity are increasing in popularity.

However, these connected locks also provide new attack surfaces:

• Weak Bluetooth Encryption – Older Bluetooth versions may have vulnerable encryption that allows brute forcing of pairing codes.
• Wireless Signal Interception – The Bluetooth Low Energy signals can sometimes be intercepted to obtain pairing codes/tokens. Signal amplification attacks may also be feasible.
• Firmware Exploits – Bugs in the lock’s firmware, protocols, or companion apps may enable unlocking without proper credentials.
• Relay Attacks – An attacker can use one device to intercept and relay the wireless signal to an accomplice device actually at the lock.

Smart locks offer convenience but have numerous vulnerabilities when not properly secured.

Keeping firmware updated and using secure protocols/encryption is critical, yet insufficiently implemented in many locks.

Biometric Locks

Biometric locks like fingerprint, facial, or iris scanners can also potentially be bypassed:

• Latent Fingerprints – Leftover fingerprints on the scanner surface can be used to unlock without the authorized user.
• Fingerprint Molds – Molds of fingerprints can fool scanners if using image-based detection instead of capacitance sensing.
• Printed Iris Images – High resolution images of irises printed on laser engraving paper could potentially spoof some iris scanners.
• Facial Spoofing – Printed masks or even high resolution digital photos of registered faces may be able to bypass facial recognition, especially on basic systems.

While biometrics offer better security over keys or codes, many cheaper systems still have vulnerabilties to spoofing attacks using molds, photos, or lifted fingerprints.

Physical Bypass Methods

Aside from attacking the electronic mechanisms directly, Sometimes the most effective approach is exploiting physical weaknesses:

• Accessing Internal Components – Opening unlocked battery compartments, control panels or using shims to access circuitry.
• Destructive Entry – Forced dismantling of locks or doors through drilling, hammering, etc. Often used as a last resort.

Bypass Tool	Description
Snap Gun	Grabs and rapidly pulls pin tumblers to open pin tumbler locks. Very fast but can damage locks.
Electric Pick Gun	Uses electric energy to vibrate a pick to bounce pin tumblers into the open state. Lower damage risk than a snap gun.
Shim	Slide thin shims between the lock and door frame to press apart locking bolts.
Pry Bar	Force apart door frames or shear locking bolts/latches if door frame is weak.

While messy and sometimes damaging, physical methods are often a direct path to bypass if you can access internal components or have the tools to apply brute mechanical force.

Decoding Combination Locks

Combination locks on doors, safes or lock boxes operate without keys or electronics. However, decoding combination locks is possible:

• Look for slight scratches or marking indicating routinely used numbers on the combination dial.
• Use a sensitive stethoscope placed near the dial to listen and determine when each tumbler falls into place when dialing the combination.
• Observe a user spinning the dial and look for hesitations or pauses that indicate dial locations of larger numeric increments in the combination.
• Use a borescope camera to view the lock internals and tumblers directly while dialing to identify the combination.

Combination locks still have vulnerabilities due to their mechanical nature. Paying close attention when combos are entered or looking for telltale wear patterns can often reveal the full sequence.

Brute Forcing Codes

If other more elegant bypass techniques fail or are not feasible, there is always the brute force approach:

• Systematically trying every possible code – Starting from 0000 and incrementing one digit at a time until hitting the correct code. Very time consuming for longer codes.
• Trying known default codes – Many systems have standard default codes or passwords that can be looked up. Trying these first may provide quick access.
• Guessing weak codes – Many users still unfortunately use birthdays, anniversaries, phone numbers, or repeating digits as their “secure” codes.

While not as efficient as the earlier techniques, brute forcing through all possible code permutations is essentially guaranteed to eventually succeed if provided enough time.

Executing Bypass Attacks Securely and Responsibly

Now that we’ve reviewed techniques for bypassing the most common electronic lock types, it’s important to cover how to practically and ethically implement these methods:

• Never use for unlawful entry – Bypass techniques should only be used for legal purposes on property/locks you own or have explicit permission to access.
• Evaluate security levels first – Try lower risk non-invasive attacks before attempting destructive or higher visibility techniques.
• Work discreetly – Use lookouts, act natural, and avoid drawing unwanted attention when bypassing locks in public areas.
• Have contingency plans – If confronted, be able to explain your actions and connection to the property/locks calmly.
• Document damages – Photograph and log any damages caused to locks or property when forced entry methods are utilized.
• Consider hiring a locksmith – In many cases it may be safer and more ethical to have a licensed professional bypass or replace locks for you.

Bypassing electronic locks certainly has legitimate uses – from recovering access to a malfunctioning lock to testing one’s own security systems.

However, stay on the right side of the law, use responsible discretion, and keep safety at the forefront.

FAQs

Is It Easy To Hack Electronic Door Locks?

Electronic door locks can be vulnerable to certain hacking techniques, but it depends on the type of lock.

Keypad locks are susceptible to code hacking via brute force attacks, decoding worn keys, thermal imaging, etc. Wireless smart locks can be hacked by intercepting Bluetooth signals.

However, hacking methods often require specialized tools, technical expertise, and physical access to the lock.

Overall, while not always “easy,” common electronic locks have security flaws that can be exploited by determined hackers.

How Do You Unlock An Electric Door Lock?

Most electric door locks have a way to manually unlock from the outside as a failsafe. Many have a concealed keyhole to insert a backup key.

Others have a hidden button or switch to disengage the electric lock. You can also remove power to the lock by taking out batteries or disconnecting external power to deactivate the electric locking mechanism.

As a last resort, the lock assembly can be disassembled to mechanically free the bolt.

Do Electric Door Locks Work Without Power?

No, most electric door locks require power to function. Without batteries or external power connected, the electrified locking bolt or latch will not engage or disengage.

The lock will revert to manual operation, allowing the door to swing freely open unless it has a secondary mechanical deadbolt system.

Test electric locks periodically by powering them down to ensure the failsafe mechanical override still functions properly.

How Do You Lock And Unlock A Keypad Door?

To lock a keypad door from the outside, simply close the door and ensure the latch bolts fully extend.

Automatic keypad locks will re-lock on their own by design. To unlock from outside, enter the full multi-digit access code into the keypad.

The lock mechanism will retract the latch bolt and allow the door to be opened during a short timeout period. Locking from inside is usually done by a manual thumb turn or latch.

What Happens To Electronic Door Lock If Power Goes Out?

With most electronic door locks, loss of external power will cause the lock to revert to a mechanical failsafe mode allowing manual operation.

A battery backup can provide limited temporary power, but electronic locking features will eventually cease.

Mechanical key access, manual thumb turns, and lever handles should continue to function even without power to allow entry or exit.

What Happens When An Electric Lock Runs Out Of Battery?

Running out of battery will disable electronic functionality and keypad access for locks without an external power source.

However, the mechanical components allowing manual key or thumb turn operation should still work to prevent full lockout.

If not, and the lock is totally dead, the assembly may need to be disassembled or drilled out unless an alternate entry point exists. Testing with low batteries is wise.

What Controls The Power Door Locks?

Power door locks are controlled by a central module that links to electric latch mechanisms, door sensors, and input controls.

Driver controls like lock buttons or key fobs communicate wirelessly with the module to command the locks. Manual lock buttons, rear passenger controls, or child safety locks provide passenger control inputs.

The central module provides coordination and logic for power lock operation.

What Powers Electronic Door Locks?

Most standalone electronic door locks are powered internally using common batteries like AA or CR123.

Some connect to an external low voltage DC power source from a plug-in transformer or wired connection to a building’s access control system.

Built-in battery backups provide reserve power if external power is disrupted. Periodic battery changes are required for maintenance.

How Does Electronic Door Lock Work?

Electronic door locks contain an electric actuator motor or solenoid that controls the extension and retraction of a bolt into a strike plate.

This connects to an electronic control board that actuates the bolt based on inputs from an onboard sensor, keypad, or other external electronic control signal.

When powered on, the electronically controlled bolt movement enables locking and unlocking functions.

How Long Do Electronic Door Lock Batteries Last?

Typical battery life for electronic door locks ranges from 1-2 years with normal usage. Higher traffic locks may require replacement yearly.

Factors like battery type, weather, mechanical friction, and software efficiency affect duration.

Lithium batteries can last 2-3 years. Installing fresh high-quality batteries, adding weather stripping, and lubricating bolts helps maximize battery life.

Can A Locksmith Unlock An Electronic Lock?

Yes, an experienced locksmith should be able to unlock most electronic and digital door locks.

They have specialized tools and expertise for bypassing keypads, decoding RFID locks, overriding electronic hotel latches, and more.

If keys are lost or damaged, they can extract broken pieces and originate replacement keys.

Locksmiths can also assist with installation or programming of electronic locks.

Do Electronic Door Locks Use Batteries?

The vast majority of standalone electronic door locks utilize batteries as their primary internal power source.

Common battery sizes include AA, AAA, 9V, and CR123. Some connect to an external low voltage wired power source as primary power with batteries only for backup.

A few high-end locks have built-in rechargeable batteries. Basic maintenance involves periodically replacing batteries.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned a comprehensive overview on how to bypass electronic lock, always ensure that you keep locks properly maintained, use complex unique codes, update to advanced security protocols, and address any physical vulnerabilities can help mitigate your risk significantly.

However, any determined or skilled adversary willing to invest the time and resources can eventually bypass most electronic locks through one or more of the methods detailed in this article.