How to Rekey A Kwikset Lock? Precise Step by Step Guide

We’ll discuss how to rekey a Kwikset lock so that you can feel more secure in your home and not have to worry about replacing all your locks.

Last Updated on April 28, 2024 by Vincent Zhu

Kwikset locks are one of the most popular brands on the market. They offer high-quality electronic door locks and are easy to use, but their popularity also means burglars often target them.

If you have Kwikset locks on your doors, it’s essential to ensure they’re properly secured. One way to do this is by rekeying them if some of your keys go missing or someone else gets ahold of one and uses it to enter your home without permission.

The approximate rekey a Kwikset smart lock steps are as follows:

• Step 1: Prepare your lock and door.
• Step 2: Insert the current key.
• Step 3: Insert the SmartKey tool fully and firmly into the SmartKey hole.
• Step 4: Remove the SmartKey tool, then remove your current key.
• Step 5: Insert the new key you wish to use with your lock.
• Step 6: Remove your new key.
• Step 7: Test the old key.

What do you need to rekey a Kwikset smart lock?

To rekey your lock, you’ll need the following tools:

A SmartKey rekey tool.

This piece does all the work, so ensure you have one before rekeying. If you don’t already own one, you can purchase one online or at most hardware stores for less than $10.

Your current key.

This is what you have to have to rekey your Kwikset lock.

The new key.

A new Kwikset key of the same type as your existing lock. The new key will be used to turn to unlock the door once it’s been rekeyed.

Here are kwikset smartkey rekey instructions:

Step 1: Prepare your lock and door.

• Ensure your Kwikset Deadbolt lock is installed on your door, and keep your door always open.

• If you have a Kwikset deadbolt, Kwikset knob, or lever, ensure it is in the locked potion.

• Ensure your door cannot close independently or you have another way to open it.
• If you have Kwikset electronic or Kwikset smart locks that enable auto-lock, please remove the battery pack before rekeying your lock.

Step 2: Insert the current key.

Insert your existing key that can open your lock. Rotate the key 90 degrees clockwise.

Step 3: Insert the SmartKey tool fully and firmly into the SmartKey hole.

You may feel the tool click inside the lock.

Step 4: Remove the SmartKey tool, then remove your current key.

Step 5: Insert the new key you wish to use with your lock.

• Make sure your new Kwikset key is FULLY inserted. The edge of the key touches the indent in the cylinder face.
• Without pushing or pulling the key, rotate it 180 degrees counter-clockwise. Then, rotate the key 180 degrees clockwise.
• Pull the key to ensure it will NOT come out in this position. Rotate the key 90 degrees counter-clockwise back to the starting position.

Step 6: Remove your new key.

You have successfully rekeyed your lock.

Step 7: Test the old key.

Insert your old key and test it to ensure it no longer operates. If the old key still works, you must call Kwikset consumer service.

Please note: These rekey instructions are applicable to almost all Kwikset SmartKey locks, whether you are trying to rekey a Kwikset deadbolt lock, lever lock, or other entry lock.

If you still have trouble rekeying a Kwikset lock, please check this official rekey video:

How to Rekey Lock in 4 Easy-to-Follow Steps

How to rekey a Kwikset lock without a key?

What if you don’t have the current key and want to rekey your Kwikset lock? Can I rekey a Kwikset lock without the original key?

The answer is yes; you can rekey your Kwikset Smart Key lock without the original key.

The only way to rekey your Kwikset locks without a key is to pick it open. This can be done with a hook pick or a bump key, but it’s not difficult if you follow the proper procedure.

If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, you may want to hire a locksmith for assistance.

The easiest way to rekey a Kwikset SmartKey lock is to use the original keys. However, rekeying a lock without the original key is more complex and expensive.

You may wonder how to rekey a Kwikset lock without the original key; here is a Kwikset SmartKey rekey instructions YouTube video about how to rekey a Kwikset lock without the original key:

How to rekey a Kwikset lock without the original key

Kwikset SmartKey rekey failed.

As with anything, your Kwikset SmartKey rekeys may fail if the rekeying process is not carefully executed. Such as, the Kwikset smart key tool will not be inserted.

If you run Kwikset SmartKey rekey failed, please check this article: Details Kwikset Smart Key Problems and Troubleshooting Guide.

Kwikset rekey manual

If you want to learn more about how to rekey a Kwikset lockset, you can check and learn this Kwikset rekey manual pdf.

Conclusion

With any luck, this article has answered how to rekey a Kwikset smart key lock. As mentioned, rekeying protects your home from intruders and thieves.

If you need any more, please get in touch with ShineACS Locks at any time.