Kwikset Lock Not Working After Battery Change: How to Fix

If the batteries in your Kwikset Smart Lock are low, you want to replace them to ensure continuous, reliable operation. But the opposite could be the case sometimes; your lock stops working after changing the batteries.

If that sounds like what you’re currently experiencing, keep reading! In the following paragraphs, I’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot a Kwikset Lock that won’t work after changing the batteries. Let’s dive in!

In short, here’s what to do if your Kwikset Lock won’t work after replacing batteries:

Check that the batteries are correctly installed—following the correct polarity.
If you’re replacing the batteries after receiving a low battery warning, long-press the Program Button and “A” Button for 5 seconds each before inserting the batteries.
Restore default settings on the lock if the problem persists.

Not enough information to help you fix your Kwikset lock? I get that! Keep reading for more details about the highlighted troubleshooting tips.

Table of Contents

Tips to Troubleshoot a Kwikset Lock that Won’t Work After Changing Battery

1. Ensure that the Batteries Are Correctly Installed

Issues like this (lock not working after battery replacement) may happen if the new batteries are not correctly installed. So if you’re currently having this issue with your lock, first check that the batteries are correctly placed—following the correct battery polarity (+ -).

Next, you want to make sure you’re using good quality alkaline batteries, as substandard batteries may not power up the lock. If needed, remove the batteries from the lock and try them on another electronic device to confirm that they’re active.

Also, ensure you don’t mix new batteries with old ones and only use high-quality alkaline batteries—Duracell and Energizer are excellent battery brands to consider.

If your lock is still not working, continue to the next step.

2. Press the Program Button and Button “A” Before Inserting the Batteries

Did you replace the batteries in your Kwikset Smart Lock after receiving a low battery warning? If so, you’ll need to first press the Program Button and Button “A” for 5 seconds each before installing the batteries.

In detail, here’s how to replace the batteries on your Kwikset Lock after receiving a low battery warning:

Remove the battery cover and then remove the battery pack.
Long-press the Program Button for 5 seconds, then long-press the Button “A” for another 5 seconds. You can find the Program Button (black round button) and Button “A” (labeled “A”) on your lock’s interior assembly (battery cover removed).
Confirm that the batteries are correctly placed into the battery pack, then replace the battery pack and cover.

Your lock should restart in seconds. If not, continue to the next step.

3. Restore Default Settings on Your Lock

If your lock is not working after trying the above troubleshooting steps, then it’s safe to suspect that there’s a glitch in your lock. Now the next thing you want to do is try restoring factory settings to possibly clear off any glitch preventing the lock from receiving power.

But before you reset the lock, keep in mind that this action will permanently delete all of your custom settings, including User Codes and integration with your Smart Home system. So you’ll have to start all over again to program the lock, as you did when you just installed it. And ensure you have the default Programming Code handy, as you may need it to program some functions in your lock.

With that being said, here’s how to restore factory default settings on your Kwikset Smart Lock:

Remove the battery cover and then remove the battery pack.
Press and hold the Program Button, and while holding the Program Button, replace the battery pack.
Keep holding the Program button (for 30 seconds or so) until you hear a single beep, followed by a red flash from the LED indicator.
Press the Program Button. If the lock beeps twice and flashes green, it means the operation was successful.

Now your lock is reset, and that should fix the issue you’re having with it.

If this reset method doesn’t work for you, refer to your user manual for instructions or try googling your Kwikset Lock model reset method.

Note: Most Kwikset Lock models require you to perform the door handing identification process after restoring factory settings. If you performed the door-handling identification when you first installed the lock, you’ll need to do that again whenever you restore factory settings—to ensure optimal functionality. Refer to your user manual or google your lock model for details about the door handing identification process.

Wrapping Up

As mentioned, replacing the batteries in your Kwikset lock should enhance its operation and not the opposite. But if your lock stops working after changing the batteries:

First, check and ensure the batteries are installed properly.
Press the Program Button and Button “A” before putting in the batteries.
Factory reset the lock if the problem persists.

And if your lock is still not working after everything, contact Kwikset Customer Support for assistance or consider getting another smart lock.

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