The battery in your LiftMaster keypad usually lasts one to two years and takes about two minutes to swap out

When your LiftMaster keypad stops responding or the buttons light up dimly, the battery is almost always the culprit. The keypad uses a standard 9-volt battery that you can buy at any hardware store or supermarket for a few dollars. Replacing it requires no tools and no special knowledge—just opening the back cover, sliding out the old battery, and sliding in a new one.

The exact steps depend slightly on which LiftMaster keypad model you own, but the process is the same across all of them. This guide covers the most common models: the 971LM, 972LM, 973LM, and 974LM. If you have a different model, the battery compartment will be in the same location, and the swap works the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • LiftMaster keypads use a standard 9-volt battery that slides into a compartment on the back of the unit.
  • You do not need tools or special equipment—just push the battery cover tab and the old battery will come free.
  • A new 9-volt battery costs between $5 and $10 and lasts one to two years depending on how often you use the keypad.
  • If the keypad still does not work after you install a fresh battery, the unit itself may be faulty and you should contact LiftMaster support or a garage door technician.

Locate the battery compartment on the back of the keypad

Turn the keypad over so you are looking at the back. You will see a small rectangular slot or cover near the bottom edge. This is the battery compartment. On most LiftMaster models, the cover is held in place by a small plastic tab or a friction fit—it does not screw on.

If your keypad is mounted on a wall or garage frame, you may need to gently pull it away from the surface to access the back. The keypad usually sits in a mounting bracket that allows you to slide it out. If it feels stuck, do not force it; check whether there are any screws holding the bracket itself to the wall, and remove those first.

Remove the old battery

Push the small tab on the battery cover toward the center of the keypad. The cover will pop out or slide free. Set it aside somewhere you will not lose it.

Inside the compartment, you will see a 9-volt battery sitting in a plastic holder. The battery has two metal terminals—one marked with a plus sign and one with a minus sign. Gently pull the battery straight out of the holder. It should come free with light pressure; do not pry or twist it.

Install the new 9-volt battery

Take your new 9-volt battery and check that the terminals are clean and free of corrosion. Slide the battery into the holder with the plus terminal facing up (or in the direction the old battery was facing). The battery should fit snugly and sit flat in the compartment.

Push the battery cover back into place until you hear or feel a click. The cover should sit flush with the back of the keypad. If it does not close all the way, the battery may not be seated correctly—pop the cover off, reseat the battery, and try again.

Test the keypad to confirm it works

Flip the keypad over and press one of the buttons. You should see the button light up and hear a beep. Press your garage door code (usually a four-digit number) to confirm the keypad is transmitting to the opener. The garage door should begin to open or close.

If the buttons light up but the door does not move, the problem may be with the opener itself or the connection between the keypad and the opener, not the battery. If the buttons do not light up at all, remove the cover again and check that the battery is seated all the way in the holder and the terminals are making contact.

What to do if the keypad still does not work

If a fresh battery does not restore the keypad to working order, the issue is likely inside the unit itself. Keypads can fail due to water damage (especially if they are mounted outdoors), worn-out circuit boards, or damaged buttons. At this point, the keypad will need to be replaced rather than repaired.

Contact LiftMaster customer support with your keypad model number (printed on the back or inside the battery compartment) and describe what is happening. They can tell you whether a replacement is available and how much it costs. Alternatively, a local garage door technician can order and install a new keypad for you. In the meantime, you can still open and close the garage door using the wall button inside the garage or the remote control in your car.

How often to replace the battery

A 9-volt battery in a LiftMaster keypad typically lasts between one and two years. The exact lifespan depends on how often you use the keypad. If you press the buttons several times a day, the battery will drain faster than if you use it once or twice a week. Cold weather also drains batteries more quickly than warm weather.

You do not need to replace the battery on a schedule. straightforward replace it when the buttons stop lighting up or the keypad stops responding. Keeping a spare 9-volt battery in a drawer means you can swap it in when ready if the keypad fails when you need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a rechargeable 9-volt battery in my LiftMaster keypad?

Rechargeable 9-volt batteries work in LiftMaster keypads, but they drain faster than standard alkaline batteries and may not hold a charge as long. Most people find that a standard alkaline 9-volt battery is more reliable and costs less over time. If you do use a rechargeable battery, check it every few months to make sure it has not lost its charge.

What if I lose the battery cover?

The battery cover is a small plastic piece that is straightforward to misplace. You can order a replacement cover from LiftMaster using your keypad model number, or you can contact a local garage door technician who may have one in stock. In the meantime, you can tape over the battery compartment with electrical tape to keep dust and moisture out.

Why does my keypad battery die so quickly?

If a new battery lasts only a few weeks, the keypad may have a short circuit or a faulty component draining power even when you are not using it. Water damage is another common cause. If the battery drains unusually fast, the keypad itself is likely failing and will need to be replaced.

Do I need to reprogram the keypad after changing the battery?

No. Changing the battery does not erase the keypad's memory or reset its code. Once you install the new battery and confirm the buttons light up, the keypad will work exactly as it did before without any reprogramming.