What Happens to a Digital Safe When the Battery Dies?

May 27, 2025 Blitz

More people are opting for digital safes. Their convenience, ease of use and advanced security features make them a great choice. However, there is a common question we get from potential buyers. What happens to a digital safe when the battery dies?

No one wants to face an unexpected lockout when they urgently need what is in their safe. Be assured, the design and engineering behind digital safes account for this and other possible scenarios. Here is everything you need to know.

Battery Types Used in Digital Safes

Most digital safes run on standard alkaline AA or AAA batteries. Some models may also support lithium options. High-quality alkaline batteries can last between 12 and 24 months with moderate use. Their actual lifespan depends on the model, quality and frequency of use.

On the other hand, lithium batteries last a little longer compared to alkaline batteries. Similarly, their durability depends on usage, quality and environmental conditions. A safe in a humidity-controlled environment set to open once a week will see longer battery life. One in an office where it is regularly accessed, multiple times a day, might experience shorter battery life.

Fortunately, digital safes feature battery indicator systems to prevent surprises. The notifications vary depending on the mode. It could be blinking LED lights, audio beeping or icons on the digital keypad display. Once you get the alert, it is best to act fast and replace the battery to avoid interrupted access.

What Happens When the Battery Dies?

A myth going round is that the safe forgets the pin or the unlock code when the battery dies. False. Digital safes have non-volatile memory chips that retain the stored PIN or user code even if the battery dies. Even with a drained power source, your safe will ‘remember’ its programming. Therefore, after replacing the battery, your safe will resume normal function.

Manufacturers include some fail-safe measures to help you navigate dead battery scenarios. There are backup manual key options or external battery terminals that you can use to temporarily power the safe and regain access.

Solutions for a Dead Battery

There are several solutions if your digital safe battery dies.

Use the external battery backup

Does your safe have an external battery backup? Connect the terminals to an external battery with the recommended voltage, usually a 9V. Activate the keypad and unlock the safe. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Find the external battery terminal. It could be on your safe’s keypad or below a sliding cover
Connect the recommended external battery. Most manufacturers recommend the 9V.
Enter your PIN or unlock code
Once the safe opens, replace the internal batteries

Use the Backup Key

Earlier, we mentioned storing your backup key in a secure, external location. Here is how to use it:

Remove the cover hiding the keyhole on the safe
Insert the backup key and turn to unlock the safe
Open the safe door and replace the batteries to restore digital functionality

Get professional assistance

Contact a professional if your safe doesn’t have external terminals, or you cannot find your backup keys. We recommend contacting the manufacturer first before reaching out to a locksmith to avoid voiding your warranty.

Common Digital Safe User Mistakes

When did you last replace the batteries for your digital safe? Do you have an extra pair just in case? Here are common user mistakes you should avoid.

Ignoring low-battery warnings- it may not seem urgent to act on a low-battery warning. Ignoring the warning or procrastinating acting on it might lead to a lockout.
Misplacing backup keys- yes, it may be a digital safe, but you need to store backup keys securely and AWAY from the safe. Do not store the key in the safe. Choose a secure external location.
Using improper replacement batteries- a lockout may be inconvenient. Nevertheless, don’t use an incompatible type of battery to restore access. Use the manufacturer’s recommended battery specifications to avoid malfunctions.

Ready to Order Your Digital Safe?

Was the fear of a lockout holding you back from getting a digital safe? Now, you understand why you have nothing to worry about. At Safes Australia, we have a selection of digital safes to meet your needs and budget. Browse through and let us know which one you would like to order.

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