The fastest way back in depends on your lock type and whether you have tools
If you are locked out of your patio door, the method that works depends on whether you have a sliding glass door or a hinged patio door, and what kind of lock is installed. Most sliding glass doors can be opened from outside in under five minutes using basic tools you may already have. Hinged doors with deadbolts are harder to open without a key and usually require calling a locksmith.
Before you try anything, check whether a window or another door is unlocked—that is always faster and safer than forcing the patio door. If the patio door is your only option, the method depends on the lock mechanism. A sliding glass door with a straightforward latch can often be opened with a flathead screwdriver or a butter knife. A deadbolted hinged door almost always requires professional help unless you have a key hidden nearby.
Key Takeaways
- Sliding glass patio doors with straightforward latches can usually be opened from outside using a flathead screwdriver or butter knife inserted between the frame and the sliding panel.
- Hinged patio doors with deadbolts cannot be opened without a key or professional help, so check for a hidden spare key first.
- Before forcing the door, always check whether another window or door is unlocked—it is faster and causes no damage.
- If you do force the door and damage the lock, document the damage with photos for your insurance or landlord before cleaning up.
- A locksmith can open most patio doors in 15 to 30 minutes, and the cost is usually between $75 and $150 depending on your location and lock type.
Opening a sliding glass patio door with a flathead screwdriver
This method works on most sliding glass doors with a straightforward latch (not a deadbolt). You will need a flathead screwdriver, a butter knife, or a thin metal shim. Insert the tool into the gap between the sliding panel and the frame, about 4 to 6 inches above the latch. Push upward gently while sliding the door sideways—the goal is to lift the latch out of its catch.
If the latch does not budge, try inserting the tool lower, closer to where the latch actually sits. Some doors have the latch mechanism higher or lower than others. Work slowly and do not force it—if you push too hard, you risk bending the frame or breaking the latch, which will cost more to repair than calling a locksmith.
Once the latch lifts, slide the door open. If it still will not move, the door may have a secondary lock or a pin lock at the bottom—check the floor of the track for a small metal pin or bolt. If one is present, you will need to remove it before the door will slide.
Removing a pin lock or floor bolt from the track
Many sliding glass patio doors have a small metal pin or bolt at the bottom of the track that prevents the door from sliding even if the latch is open. This is a security feature. If you see a small bolt or pin sticking up from the track at the bottom of the door, you will need to remove it before the door will move.
The pin is usually held in place by a small screw or a clip. Use a screwdriver to unscrew it, or use pliers to pull the clip and lift the pin straight up. Once it is removed, the door should slide freely. Keep the pin in a safe place so you can reinstall it later.
What to do if the door has a deadbolt
A deadbolt on a hinged patio door cannot be opened from outside without the key. Deadbolts do not have a latch you can manipulate from the outside—they are designed specifically to prevent this. If your patio door has a deadbolt, your options are limited: find a hidden spare key, call a locksmith, or break the glass (only if it is a genuine emergency).
Check common hiding spots first: under a planter, inside a fake rock, on top of the door frame, or with a trusted neighbor. If you do not have a spare key and cannot reach one, a locksmith is your best option. They can open the door without damaging it in most cases, though the cost will be higher than for a straightforward latch.
Calling a locksmith and what to expect
A locksmith can open most patio doors in 15 to 30 minutes. The cost varies by location and time of day—expect to pay between $75 and $150 for a standard daytime call. Emergency calls (nights, weekends, holidays) usually cost more, sometimes $150 to $300. Before you call, have your address ready and be prepared to show ID to prove you live there.
When the locksmith arrives, they will ask what type of lock you have and whether you have a key. They may try non-destructive methods first (picking the lock or manipulating the latch) before resorting to drilling or breaking anything. If the lock is damaged in the process, ask them to document it with photos—you will need those for insurance or your landlord.
To find a locksmith, search online for "locksmith near me" or ask your landlord or property manager for a recommendation. Check reviews on Google or Yelp before calling. Some locksmiths require a deposit or credit card information over the phone before they arrive.
Preventing lockouts in the future
The easiest solution is to prevent the lockout from happening. If you use your patio door regularly, consider installing a keypad lock or a smart lock that opens with a code or your phone. These cost between $100 and $300 but eliminate the risk of being locked out.
If you prefer a traditional key lock, hide a spare key in a find location outside—a lockbox attached to the frame, a fake rock, or with a trusted neighbor. Mark the location clearly in your phone or write it down somewhere safe so you remember where it is. Never hide a key under a doormat or in an obvious planter.
You can also install a door wedge or stopper on the inside of the door so it cannot close all the way. This prevents accidental lockouts but reduces security, so use this method only if you are home and awake.
What to do if you damage the door while opening it
If you bend the frame, crack the glass, or break the latch while trying to open the door, stop when ready and document the damage with photos. Take pictures of the entire door, the damaged area close-up, and the surrounding frame. If you rent, send these photos to your landlord or property manager right away with an explanation of what happened.
If you own the home, contact your homeowner's insurance to report the damage and ask whether it is covered. Most policies do not cover lockouts or damage from lockouts, but it is worth asking. Get a repair estimate from a glass or door company and keep the receipt.
If you had to call a locksmith, keep the receipt as well. Some insurance policies will reimburse locksmith fees if the lockout was caused by a break-in or theft, so check your policy details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I break the glass to get in?
Breaking the glass should be your last resort because it is dangerous, expensive to repair, and leaves your home unsecured. If it is a genuine emergency (fire, medical crisis, someone trapped inside), break the glass closest to the lock so you can reach in and unlock it from the inside. Wear gloves and eye protection. Otherwise, call a locksmith.
Will a locksmith damage my door?
A professional locksmith will try non-destructive methods first, such as picking the lock or manipulating the latch. Most patio doors can be opened without damage. If the lock is very old or broken, the locksmith may need to drill it, which does cause damage—ask them to explain the options before they start work.
How long does it take a locksmith to arrive?
Response time depends on how busy the locksmith is and how far away you are. Daytime calls usually arrive within 30 minutes to an hour. Emergency calls (nights, weekends) may take longer. Always ask for an estimated arrival time when you call.
What if the door is stuck and will not slide even after I remove the latch?
The door may be stuck because of dirt, debris, or swelling in the frame. Try spraying the track with WD-40 or silicone lubricant and letting it sit for a few minutes. Then try sliding the door again. If it still will not move, stop—forcing it may break the track or frame. Call a locksmith instead.
Is there a way to open a deadbolted patio door without a key?
Not safely or without professional help. Deadbolts are designed to prevent this. Your only options are finding a spare key, calling a locksmith, or breaking the glass. A locksmith can pick some deadbolts, but it takes longer and costs more than opening a straightforward latch.