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uk Personal safety & immediate danger smart lock failed attempts • keypad wrong code alerts • repeated pin failures • door lock tamper alert • someone trying door code • attempted break in at door • lock keypad beeping repeatedly • smart lock lockout mode • door handle tried outside • doorbell camera motion at door • unknown person at front door • suspicious entry attempts • home alone door security • apartment entry keypad attempts • night time door code tries • smart home security alert • keypad lock keeps flashing • lock app shows attempts

What to do if…
your smart lock or keypad shows repeated failed entry attempts while you are inside

Short answer

Treat it as a possible attempted break-in until you’re sure it’s not. Move everyone to a safer interior position, secure a room, and call 999 if you think someone is trying to get in or you feel at risk.

Do not do these things

  • Do not open the door “to check” or argue through it.
  • Do not go outside to investigate, even if it goes quiet.
  • Do not stand in front of glass panels or windows that face the door while you look.
  • Do not disable the lock or unlock it remotely “to reset it”.
  • Do not shout details like “I’m alone” or “I’m calling the police”.
  • Do not share entry codes or confirm who is inside if someone calls/messages claiming they “just need the code”.
  • Do not assume it’s a harmless glitch if the attempts are repeated or timed like guesses.

What to do now

  1. Get to a safer pause. Bring children/pets into an interior room (ideally upstairs or away from the entry door). Lock that room if you can. Take your phone and (if safely reachable) your keys.
  2. Create distance from the entry point. Quietly lock any internal door between you and the entry door (hall door, stair door, utility door). Stay out of line-of-sight to the door and any nearby windows.
  3. Check what’s happening without approaching the door. If you have a doorbell camera, peephole viewer, or indoor camera, use that rather than going to the door. If it’s safe, start recording and save the clip.
  4. Change the outside “signal” without exposing yourself. If you can control exterior lights from your phone, turn them on. If you can safely switch on a hall light from where you are, do so (only if it doesn’t put you in view of the door).
  5. Use your lock’s safety features (only if you can do it calmly). If your lock/app offers a keypad lockout, “vacation mode”, or temporary keypad disable after failed attempts, enable it. Avoid making multiple changes that could accidentally unlock the door.
  6. Call for help based on risk.
    • Call 999 if you believe someone is trying to break in, you hear the handle/door being tested, you can see someone at the door, the attempts are continuing, or you feel in danger.
    • If you call 999 and can’t speak safely, stay on the line if you can and follow the operator’s prompts. If you can, whisper, cough, or tap to show it’s real. From a mobile, you may be prompted to press 55 (or tap) to be put through to the police.
    • If it has stopped and you’re confident there’s no immediate danger, you can use 101 later for non-emergency reporting/advice.
  7. If you live in a block or building: contact building security/concierge (if you have one) and ask them to check communal areas/CCTV while you stay inside. If you can quietly contact a trusted neighbour, ask them to stay alert and call police if they see someone at your door.
  8. Keep key details ready. Your exact address, which door it is, how many people are inside, what you’re seeing/hearing, and any description from a camera/peephole.

What can wait

  • Resetting the lock, changing codes, adding/removing users, or updating firmware.
  • Calling the lock manufacturer or installer.
  • Reviewing long activity logs or trying to identify the person right now.
  • Touching the outside door/handle area if there are signs of tampering (take photos later, once you’re safe).

Important reassurance

It’s reasonable to take this seriously. Smart locks can log failed attempts for innocent reasons, but you don’t have to “prove” it’s real before prioritising your safety.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance to stabilise the situation and avoid risky moves. After you’re safe, you can decide what follow-up (reporting, lock changes, extra security) makes sense.

Important note

This is general safety information, not personalised legal or security advice. If you feel at risk or unsure, choose the safer option and contact the police.

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