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How to Lower and Raise Cordless Blinds Download Article Plus, what to do if they won’t open or close Co-authored by Michael Fox and Aly Rusciano
Last Updated: January 20, 2025 Fact Checked
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This article was co-authored by Michael Fox and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Michael Fox is a Window Repair Specialist and the President at Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com, based in Westminster, South Carolina. With over 25 years of experience, Michael specializes in commercial window repair and service. He holds a business degree from Monroe Community College and SUNY Brockport. Michael has helped Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com become an industry leader in commercial window repair and hardware distribution, servicing schools and businesses and training large public school systems. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 220,021 times.
Cordless blinds can be a great addition to any room, but their lack of strings may leave you questioning just how to adjust them. In this article, we’ll teach you how to open and close cordless blinds like a pro—it’s easier than you may think! Plus, we’ve even thrown in some tips on how to fix cordless blinds if they won’t go up or down.
How do you close blinds without a string?
To close cordless blinds, gently pull on the bottom rail until you reach your desired stopping point. To open the blinds, push up on the bottom rail. The tension mechanism in the blinds holds and releases the blinds based on whether you pull or push.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
How to Put Blinds Up & Down Without a String
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Gently push and pull the bottom rail of the blinds up and down. All you have to do to open and close cordless blinds is lift up (to raise) and pull down (to lower)! Simply place your hand on the bottom rail. Then, either pull down or push up gently. The blinds will follow suit.[1]XResearch source
If your blinds are installed hanging from the top of your window, the rail should be at the base of your slats or shade. If your blinds are installed at the bottom of your window, the rail should be at the top of your slats or shade.
If you are having trouble lowering your blinds with the rail, contact the company that installed them or your local window treatment store to get an inspection.
If your cordless blinds are motorized, simply use their remote or an app to control them. This will be specified when the blinds are installed.
Carey Brothers, Home Improvement and Maintenance Experts
Cordless blinds are fuss-free and functional window dressings. Just lift or lower the bottom rail to open or close with ease. For further control, utilize the twist wand to rotate slats—turning the wand left or right rotates the blinds for privacy or light filtering. If your blinds don't have a wand, you can still tilt the slats: gently push or pull the bottom rail inwards or outwards to achieve the desired slat angle. This slat rotation allows you to modulate incoming light. Combined with a clean, cord-free look, cordless blinds offer convenient operation and a modern style for your windows.
Advertisement Section 2 of 3:
How to Fix Cordless Blinds
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1 When the blinds won’t lower If your blinds won’t close, you likely need to activate the spring mechanism. Pull on the bottom rail of the blinds gently to as far as it will go. Tug quickly 3 or 5 times to reactivate the spring to release tension and lower the blinds.[2]XResearch source
2 When the blinds won’t go up If your cordless blinds won’t open, chances are it’s because the spring mechanism inside is locked in place. Remove the blinds, then look along the top or bottom of the blinds for a pin. Turn the pin clockwise to increase the tension. Remount the blinds once they’re adjusted.[3]XResearch source
The pin is usually located where the tension mechanism is on the top or bottom of the blinds, in the headrail or bottom rail.[4]XResearch source
You may need pliers to reach and turn the pin.
3 When the blinds are uneven If your blinds are starting to look topsy-turvy, pull them all the way down. Then, grab the inner cords in the left and right section of the blind. Tug and pull them out as far as you can. Let go quickly so the cords snap back.[5]XResearch source
4 When the blinds are stuck If your cordless blinds are stuck in one position, it’s likely because the tension mechanism is jammed. Remove the blinds and check for kinks in the strings or broken pieces.[6]XResearch source If the string is bunched up and cannot be moved, or something is broken within the mechanism, it’s time to replace the blinds.
Advertisement Section 3 of 3:
FAQs
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1 Why do your blinds not have strings? Your blinds likely don’t have strings because they’re cordless. This means that the blinds move up and down by pulling or pushing on the bottom of the blind, not yanking a cord.
2 How do cordless blinds work? Cordless blinds raise and lower without needing to pull a visible string. This style of blind has a tension mechanism insider the headrail or bottom rail. When pushed or pulled, strings move along the mechanism to increase or decrease tension, allowing the blinds to stay up or down.[7]XResearch source
3 Why aren’t your cordless blinds working? There are a few reasons why your cordless blinds may not be going up or down. Here are some of the most common:[8]XResearch source
The spring mechanism inside the blind needs to be re-engaged.
The spring mechanism is worn out and needs to be replaced.
The blind cords are tangled.
4 How do you close blinds manually? If your blinds do have a string, test it to see how they work. Pull one side of the cord—do the blinds move up or down? Experiment by pulling on either side of the string cord until your blinds are in the desired position.
5 How do you move panel track shades? Use the guiding wand to move the shades left or right. Panel track blinds are another type of shade that doesn’t involve cords; however, these move side to side. Either use a guiding wand (or your hand) to pull the blinds forward or back.
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Question Why won’t my cordless blinds go up? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer You may simply need to reset the springs inside your blinds. Try pulling the blinds down as far as they will go, which may be enough to reactivate the spring. If the blind is already pulled down as far as possible, try pulling it out toward you at a 45° angle and see if it springs back after that. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 4
Question How do I adjust the tension on my cordless blinds? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Most tension blinds have a pin that you can turn to adjust the tension. Take your blinds off the brackets, make sure they’re wound evenly and tightly around the tube, and then unwind them halfway by hand. With a pair of pliers, turn the pin on the side of the shade with the spring clockwise until you feel tension. Then, turn it counterclockwise until you feel it latch. Wind the blinds back up and put them on the brackets again, then test them to make sure they work correctly. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question How do you shorten cordless blinds? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Take the end caps out of the bottom rail of the blinds, then slide the bottom slat out of the rail. Decide which slat you want to be the new bottom, then cut the connector cords to remove all the slats underneath that slat. Your blinds should have come with some eyelets that you can thread the cord ends through. Use scissors to trim off any excess cord, then tuck the cords into the bottom rail and slide the new end slat into place. Replace the end caps on the rail. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
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Co-authored by: Michael Fox Window Repair Specialist This article was co-authored by Michael Fox and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Michael Fox is a Window Repair Specialist and the President at Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com, based in Westminster, South Carolina. With over 25 years of experience, Michael specializes in commercial window repair and service. He holds a business degree from Monroe Community College and SUNY Brockport. Michael has helped Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com become an industry leader in commercial window repair and hardware distribution, servicing schools and businesses and training large public school systems. This article has been viewed 220,021 times. 5 votes - 100% Co-authors: 4Updated: January 20, 2025 Views: 220,021 Categories: Housekeeping ToolsArticle SummaryX
Cordless blinds can be a neater option, but at first they can seem a little confusing to open and close. If your blinds have a rail system, gently pull the rail down to close them and lift the rail to open them. They should move easily with a little pressure. If there’s no twist wand hanging down, tilt the rail itself to rotate the blinds. If you have motorized blinds, they may have buttons on them, a remote control, or an app to open and close them. For sideways blinds, look for a guiding wand at the top, which you can pull to open and close them. If there’s no wand, try gently pulling or pushing the blinds. For more tips, including how to program your motorized blinds to open and close automatically, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Michael Fox Window Repair Specialist Co-authors: 4Updated: January 20, 2025 Views: 220,021100% of readers found this article helpful. 5 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
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Download Article Plus, what to do if they won’t open or close Co-authored by Michael Fox and Aly Rusciano 
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Co-authored by: Michael Fox Window Repair Specialist This article was co-authored by Michael Fox and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Michael Fox is a Window Repair Specialist and the President at Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com, based in Westminster, South Carolina. With over 25 years of experience, Michael specializes in commercial window repair and service. He holds a business degree from Monroe Community College and SUNY Brockport. Michael has helped Window Repair Systems and WindowHardwareDirect.com become an industry leader in commercial window repair and hardware distribution, servicing schools and businesses and training large public school systems. This article has been viewed 220,021 times. 5 votes - 100% Co-authors: 4 Updated: January 20, 2025 Views: 220,021 Categories: Housekeeping Tools Article SummaryX
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Gently push and pull the bottom rail of the blinds up and down. All you have to do to open and close cordless blinds is lift up (to raise) and pull down (to lower)! Simply place your hand on the bottom rail. Then, either pull down or push up gently. The blinds will follow suit.[1] 
Carey Brothers, Home Improvement and Maintenance Experts 
1 When the blinds won’t lower If your blinds won’t close, you likely need to activate the spring mechanism. Pull on the bottom rail of the blinds gently to as far as it will go. Tug quickly 3 or 5 times to reactivate the spring to release tension and lower the blinds.[2] 
2 When the blinds won’t go up If your cordless blinds won’t open, chances are it’s because the spring mechanism inside is locked in place. Remove the blinds, then look along the top or bottom of the blinds for a pin. Turn the pin clockwise to increase the tension. Remount the blinds once they’re adjusted.[3] 
3 When the blinds are uneven If your blinds are starting to look topsy-turvy, pull them all the way down. Then, grab the inner cords in the left and right section of the blind. Tug and pull them out as far as you can. Let go quickly so the cords snap back.[5] 
4 When the blinds are stuck If your cordless blinds are stuck in one position, it’s likely because the tension mechanism is jammed. Remove the blinds and check for kinks in the strings or broken pieces.[6] If the string is bunched up and cannot be moved, or something is broken within the mechanism, it’s time to replace the blinds. Advertisement 
1 Why do your blinds not have strings? Your blinds likely don’t have strings because they’re cordless. This means that the blinds move up and down by pulling or pushing on the bottom of the blind, not yanking a cord. 
2 How do cordless blinds work? Cordless blinds raise and lower without needing to pull a visible string. This style of blind has a tension mechanism insider the headrail or bottom rail. When pushed or pulled, strings move along the mechanism to increase or decrease tension, allowing the blinds to stay up or down.[7] 
3 Why aren’t your cordless blinds working? There are a few reasons why your cordless blinds may not be going up or down. Here are some of the most common:[8] 
4 How do you close blinds manually? If your blinds do have a string, test it to see how they work. Pull one side of the cord—do the blinds move up or down? Experiment by pulling on either side of the string cord until your blinds are in the desired position. 
5 How do you move panel track shades? Use the guiding wand to move the shades left or right. Panel track blinds are another type of shade that doesn’t involve cords; however, these move side to side. Either use a guiding wand (or your hand) to pull the blinds forward or back. Advertisement 
wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 