Defiant Electronic Deadbolt Manual (Programming Instructions)

Programming a Defiant Electronic Deadbolt involves changing the Master Code, adding/deleting User Codes, resetting factory settings, and more.

If that sounds like what you’re looking to do, then this article is your go-to resource. Let’s start with changing the Master Code on a Defiant Electronic Lock.

But first, if you’ve just installed a new Defiant Keypad Lock or whenever you reset the lock, you need to perform the bolt direction determination. This teaches the lock the orientation of your door—whether it’s a right-handed or left-handed door.

Make sure you don’t skip the bolt direction determination process because your lock may not lock/unlock electronically if you don’t do this.

To perform the Bolt Direction Determination, all you need to do is to enter the default Master Code—123456. Then wait 10 seconds—the latch bolt will extend and retract to learn the orientation of your door.

Once the latch bolt extends and retracts, the bolt direction determination is process complete.

How to Change the Master Code on a Defiant Electronic Lock

Before we head over to the instructions, keep in mind that a new Defiant lock comes with a default 6 digits Master Code—123456. This code allows you to put the lock in programming mode and then make changes to the lock programming. 

However, you need to change the default Master Code to ensure security. Also, if you’ve acquired a previously owned Defiant lock or you think someone is spying on your existing code, you want to change it to ensure no one else can change the lock programming.

With that being said, here’s how to change the Master Code on a Defiant lock:

1. Go to the interior assembly of the lock and remove the battery cover to find the SET button—a red circle button. The image above should also help you locate the SET button.
2. Press and hold the SET button until the lock beeps. Then release it. 
3. Enter your current Master Code. Then press the Lock button (for a new Defiant lock, use your default Master Code—123456).
4. Press 1, 0, and then press the Lock button.
5. Now enter your new Master Code (6 digits) and press the Lock button to complete the process.

Note: The Master Code can also be used to unlock your door from the outside. 

How to Add/Change User Codes

A User Code (also known as an access code or passcode) is a unique code that you can enter on the lock keypad to unlock your door. So, after installing your Defiant lock and probably changing the Master Code, the next thing you want to do is add new User Codes.

Here’s how to do that:

1. Press and hold the SET button until you hear a beep before releasing it.
2. Enter your current Master Code and press the Lock button.
3. Press 2, 0, and then press the Lock button.
4. Now enter a new User Code (4-6 digits) and then press the Lock button.
5. That’s all about adding a new User Code. Repeat the process to add more User Codes—if you want to.

Note: Defiant Electronic Deadbolt can only store up to 10 unique User Codes (4 to 6 digits). If you’ve programmed up to 10 codes, you’ll have to delete an existing code to add a new one.

Deleting an Existing User Code

You can delete a single User Code or delete all codes at once on a Defiant electronic lock. Let’s start with deleting a single User Code:

• Press and hold the SET button until the lock beeps. Next, release the SET button.
• Enter your current Master Code and then press the Lock button.
• Press 3, 0, and then press the Lock button.
• Enter the User Code you want to delete and press the Lock button to complete the process.

Now the existing User Code has been deleted. You should, however, try to use it to unlock the lock to confirm if it was successfully deleted.

Deleting All User Codes at Once

To delete all User Codes at once, here’s how to go about it:

• Press and hold the SET button until you hear a beep and then release the SET button.
• Enter your current Master Code and press the Lock button.
• Press 4, 0, and then press the Lock button. Next, press the Lock button again to complete the process.

This will delete all programmed User Codes. You can use your Master Code to unlock the lock if you haven’t added new User Codes yet.

Enabling Auto-Lock on a Defiant Electronic Deadbolt

As you probably know, the auto-lock function on electronic keypad locks automatically locks the lock if left unlocked for some time—depending on the configuration. However, the feature is usually disabled by default and you have to enable it if you want it active.

So here’s how to enable the auto-lock function on a Defiant Electronic Deadbolt:

1. Press and hold the SET button until the lock beeps and then release the SET button.
2. Enter your Master Code and press the Lock button.
3. Press 8, 0, and then press the Lock button.
4. Press 1 and then press the Lock button to complete the process.

Now the auto-lock function is active, meaning the lock will automatically lock whenever it’s left unlocked for 10 seconds.

To disable auto-lock, repeat all steps above but press 0 and the Lock button in the last step (instead of 1 and the Lock button).

Note: 10 seconds is the default time value for this lock, but you can extend it from 10 to 99 seconds.

See how to set up the auto-lock with your preferred time value:

1. Press and hold the SET button until the lock beeps and then release the SET button.
2. Enter your Master Code and press the Lock button.
3. Press 7, 0, and then press the Lock button.
4. Enter your preferred time value (10 to 99 seconds) and then press the Lock button to complete the process.

So the lock will now automatically lock based on the time value you set.

Enabling/Disabling Vacation Mode on a Defiant Electronic Deadbolt

Putting your lock on vacation mode will make all User Codes ineffective. That is, no User Code can unlock the lock except the Master Code. Here’s how to enable vacation mode on a Defiant Lock:

1. Press and hold the SET button until the lock beeps and then release the SET button.
2. Input your current Master Code and press the Lock button.
3. Press 5, 0, and then press the Lock button.
4. Press 1 and then press the Lock button to turn on the vacation mode.

To disable vacation mode, repeat step 1 to 3 above and then press 0 and the Lock button in the last step.

How to Turn off the Beeper on a Defiant Lock

Not comfortable with the beeper sound when operating your lock? You can easily turn it off via the keypad. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Press and hold the SET button until you hear a beep. Next, release the SET button.
2. Enter your Master Code and press the Lock button.
3. Press 6, 0, and then press the Lock button.
4. Press 0 and then press the Lock button to turn the beeper sound off.

To turn it on, repeat steps 1 to 3 and then press 1 and the Lock button in the last step.

Note: Beeper will still sound during programming.

How to Reset a Defiant Lock to Factory Default Settings

Keep in mind that resetting your lock will erase all stored information, including your current Master Code and all user codes.

You should only reset the lock if it’s malfunctioning or if you lost your Master Code. As Mentioned earlier, this will remove all the existing codes and restore the factory default codes. So you can reprogram the lock using the default Master Code.

That said, here’s how to reset a Defiant Electronic Lock:

1. Remove the battery cover and remove one battery.
2. Press and hold the SET button. Next, replace the battery while still holding the SET button.
3. Continue holding the SET button until you hear a long and short beep.
4. Now release the SET button—after the long and short beep is heard.
5. Go to the keypad (exterior assembly of the lock) and enter the default Master Code—123456. Then wait for about 10 seconds for the latch bolt to extend and retract.
6. Once the latch bolt extends and retracts, the process is complete.

So that’s how to reset a Defiant electronic lock Master Code. Ensure you change the Master Code for security reasons.

You may also read about how to program/reset Trilogy DL2800.

Defiant Electronic Deadbolt Problems and Troubleshooting

Why is my keypad not responding?

Check that the batteries are still active and installed properly. If the batteries are low, replace them with four new alkaline batteries for the best performance.

Also, ensure the cable is correctly connected to the port.

If it still doesn’t work, try to reset the lock. See how to reset a Defiant lock above.

Why can’t I change my Defiant Lock Master Code?

Assuming you’re entering a valid Master Code during the process but still unable to change it, your best bet is to factory reset the lock and then reprogram all codes.

Why is the auto-lock function not working?

The auto-lock function is disabled by default and you need to enable it before it works—see how to enable auto-lock above.

But if enabled and still doesn’t work, check if your batteries are still active and replace them if they’re low.

What is the reset code for Defiant Electronic Deadbolt?

Your reset code is your current Master Code. See how to reset a Defiant lock above.

How do you lock/unlock a Defiant Electronic Lock via the Keypad?

To lock: Press the Lock button.

To unlock: Enter a valid User Code or your current Master Code.

Wrapping Up

So that’s how to program a Defiant Electronic Deadbolt.

Note: When adding a User Code or changing the Master Code, ensure you enter the code within 10 seconds, otherwise the unit will time and you may have to start all over again.