Driving a Car - Others

How To Unlock A Car When The Keys Are Locked In

Nidhi Nangia
By Nidhi Nangia, Writer and researcher. Updated: August 24, 2025
How To Unlock A Car When The Keys Are Locked In
Image: pixabay.com
Already following us? Mark us as a preferred source
Add us on Google

There are times when you lose your car keys, forget them somewhere, but the worst is when you somehow manage to lock your keys inside your car itself. If you have ever done that, you can understand how frustrating a situation that can be. Calling a locksmith can be time-consuming, and expensive too. So, here at OneHowto.com, we have put together some information about how to unlock a car when the keys are locked in.

You may also be interested in: How to Unlock your Car Steering Wheel

Steps to follow:

1

If your car lock unlocks by pulling up, then the readiest tool you have to open your car is your shoelace. Drag a shoelace from your sneakers, tie a small loop in its middle, and try to work the shoelace into your car’s door. You will need some practice to grab the lock with this loop. As soon as it gets hold on the lock, tighten the loop around it and pull it up. This method seems too easy to be true, but you can definitely do it with some time and practice. It should be noted that this technique works best on older models of cars where the lock can be accessed easily through the door frame.

How To Unlock A Car When The Keys Are Locked In - Step 1
2

If you have a wire hanger that is usually used to hang coats, then you can successfully use one of these to unlock your car door from the outside. Take a wire hanger, untwist it, make a hook in its end, and let it go into your car window’s weather stripping. Now, you have to move it around until you reach your car lock. This may take a few minutes, but it's worth the money you save by not calling the locksmith or a tow truck. For example, this method is highly effective for cars with horizontal locks. However, be cautious to avoid scratching the glass or damaging the weather stripping.

pixabay.com

How To Unlock A Car When The Keys Are Locked In - Step 2
3

You can use an inflatable wedge to force open the car door without causing any damage to the car’s body or paint. Insert a wedge into the top right corner of the driver side door, and start inflating the wedge. Once enough space is created, you can insert an access tool to reach the car lock. Similarly, this technique is often used by professionals because it minimizes the risk of damage. Be sure to have the right type of access tool to avoid complications.

4

Instead of calling a locksmith in an emergency, have a spare car key already stored in a safe place. Remember, any service provider will charge you extra for emergency services. By having a spare key, you will be saved from frustration and waste of time as well. Keep an extra key anywhere in your home, and use it to unlock the car easily, in case you happen to leave the keys locked inside. Additionally, consider using magnetic key holders to securely store spare keys under your vehicle in a hidden spot.

How To Unlock A Car When The Keys Are Locked In - Step 4
5

Now that you have tried all the possible methods to unlock your car without the keys, it is better not to force it open with metal tools, as it can cause serious damage to the body and paint of your car. It is better to call an emergency car locksmith in the end, and have the issue resolved professionally. Furthermore, locksmiths are equipped with specialized tools and expertise to handle various types of locks efficiently. This ensures that your car remains intact and the locking mechanism is not compromised.

If you want to read similar articles to How To Unlock A Car When The Keys Are Locked In, we recommend you visit our Cars category.

Related articles
Write a comment
What did you think of this article?
1 comment
Rating:
madalitso kachingweh
I need demostration on how to unlock a car when the keys are locked inside
Image: pixabay.com
1 of 4
How To Unlock A Car When The Keys Are Locked In