How To Open A Locked Bathroom Door: 10 Steps (with Pictures)

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Open a Locked Bathroom Door (Twist & Push Locks) PDF download Download Article All the tools, tips, and quick hacks you need to unlock your bathroom Co-authored by Ray Lawrence and Aimee Payne, MFA

Last Updated: December 16, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Unlocking Bathroom Doors from the Outside
    • |
  • Unlocking Bathroom Doors from the Inside
    • |
  • Video
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  • Expert Q&A
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  • Warnings
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  • Things You'll Need
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This article was co-authored by Ray Lawrence and by wikiHow staff writer, Aimee Payne, MFA. Ray Lawrence is a Locksmith and the Owner of NorCal Locksmith in the Placer County, California area. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in residential, commercial, and safe locksmithing services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Economics from the University of California-Chico. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. 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 476,521 times.

Trying to open a locked bathroom door can be a stressful situation, especially if you’re running late or a child is locked inside. Luckily, most bathroom doors are equipped with privacy rather than security locks, which means they can usually be opened in just a few minutes with items you have around the house. Read on to find out the fastest ways to open a locked bathroom door.

Easy Ways Unlock A Bathroom Door

  • Open privacy twist locks with an emergency key, thin screwdriver, or paper clip.
  • Unlock push-button locks with a butter knife or bobby pin.
  • Or, slide a credit card along the door's seam to disengage the lock from both the inside or outside.

Steps

Section 1 of 2:

Unlocking Bathroom Doors from the Outside

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  1. Step 1 Use an emergency key or screwdriver to unlock a twist bathroom lock. 1 Use an emergency key or screwdriver to unlock a twist bathroom lock. Place an emergency key directly into the pinhole in the doorknob (many locks come with these keys in case of lock-outs). Slide the key around until you feel it slide into a notch inside the knob. Then, turn the key to unlock the door.[1]
    • Check the ledge on the trim above the door for an emergency key. Many people store the keys there.
    • If you don’t have the emergency key, use a screwdriver to unlock the door. Simply insert a small flathead screwdriver straight into the hole in the middle of the doorknob and twist it until you hear the door unlock. You don’t need to turn the doorknob while using the screwdriver.[2]
    • Choose a small screwdriver like the ones that are used to repair eyeglasses, watches, or electronics. Screwdrivers with thicker rods won’t work as these will not fit inside the door handle.
  2. Step 2 Bend a paper clip or flatten a wire coat hanger for a makeshift key. 2 Bend a paper clip or flatten a wire coat hanger for a makeshift key. If you don’t have the emergency key or a small screwdriver, use a large paperclip to unlock the door. Unbend one end of the paper clip to make a longer, straight piece. Then, use needlenose pliers to bend the end into a U-shape about ½ an inch (12.7 mm) long. Place the bent end of the paperclip straight into the hole on the doorknob. Turn it gently until you feel it slip into the notch, then turn it more firmly to unlock the door.[3]
    • Be sure that the width of the “U” is small enough to fit in the hole on the knob.
    • Small paper clips are too thin and flimsy to turn the lock.
    • Alternatively, straighten the top hook of a wire coathanger. Then, place the hanger on a hard surface like concrete and hit it with a hammer to flatten the end.
    • Put the flattened end of the hanger inside the doorknob hole and turn to open the lock.
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  3. Step 3 Place a butter knife in the keyhole to open a push-button lock. 3 Place a butter knife in the keyhole to open a push-button lock. If you are locked out of a bathroom in your home, use a butter knife to unlock the door. Place the butter knife into the keyhole in the same way you would use a key. Twist the knife to gently release the lock and then turn the doorknob to open the door.[4]
    • Locksmith Ray Lawrence says if there's enough gap, you could shim the latch back with a butter knife much like you would with a credit card. However, he cautions against it. “I would probably advise anyone not to use a butter knife. Use a credit card instead.”[5]
  4. Step 4 Use a bobby pin to unlock a bathroom door with a push-button lock. 4 Use a bobby pin to unlock a bathroom door with a push-button lock. Place the rounded end of the bobby pin in the hole on or near the doorknob. Keep the bobby pin straight and push until the end meets the lock release button on the inside of the locking mechanism. Once you hear the click of the lock opening, turn the knob to open the door.[6]
    • Bobby pins are often used to pick locks, even on doors with key locks. This is because they’re easy to find and manipulate into the right shape.
  5. Step 5 Try using a credit card to unlock the door. 5 Try using a credit card to unlock the door. Slide the card between the door and the frame, just above the lock. Tilt the card towards the doorknob. Then, bend the card towards the doorknob to try and get it to slip in between the lock and the frame. Lean on the door and wiggle the card back and forth to unlock the door.[7]
    • Use a card or other thin piece of plastic that you don't mind damaging. A loyalty card may be a good choice, as it is easier to replace than a credit card, gift card, or identification card.[8]
    • Lawrence says it’s not possible to use a credit card on an internal door with a key lock.[9]
  6. Step 6 Remove the door handle if you can’t otherwise unlock the door. 6 Remove the door handle if you can’t otherwise unlock the door. If the door handle has exterior screws, use a drill or screwdriver to unscrew them. Once the screws are out, place the screwdriver into the lock mechanism of the door handle and twist it gently to undo the lock.[10]
    • For door handles that don’t have exterior screws, place a flathead screwdriver under the slit in the throat of the doorknob. Then pull the screwdriver up to lift the exterior away to expose the screws underneath. Unscrew these screws using a screwdriver or drill.
    • Only remove the knob after trying the other options. Not only does it take longer, but it can also damage your doorknob or door.
  7. Step 7 Use a tool from a lock-picking set if you have one. 7 Use a tool from a lock-picking set if you have one. A lock-picking set is invaluable if you frequently have trouble with the lock on your bathroom door. Because most interior doors have a simple locking mechanism, you most likely won’t need the full lock-picking set. Select a long, slim tool that fits into the hole on the doorknob. Then, place the tool inside and turn it to release the lock.
    • You most likely won’t need a lock pick set to open the interior doors of your home.
    • Lock-picking sets are most commonly used to pick key locks. The multiple tools allow you to manipulate the springs inside the lock to mimic the unique ridges on a key.
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Section 2 of 2:

Unlocking Bathroom Doors from the Inside

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  1. Step 1 Take a few deep breaths and remain calm. 1 Take a few deep breaths and remain calm. Although it can be frightening to suddenly be locked inside a bathroom, stay as calm as possible. Try to control your breathing and think about the situation rationally.[11]
    • Being locked in a small space, like a bathroom, can cause some people to panic. However, this may cloud your thinking, which can make opening the locked door more difficult.
  2. Step 2 Call to get the attention of others who may be nearby. 2 Call to get the attention of others who may be nearby. If you’re in a busy location, like an office or public restroom, calling for help is the easiest way to get out of the locked bathroom. Shout for attention, explaining that you’re locked in the bathroom. If people can’t hear you, use your hand or an object inside the bathroom, like a trash bin, to make enough noise to get someone’s attention.[12]
    • It’s much easier to open a locked bathroom door from the outside than from the inside. This is because there are more people around outside who are able to help, like a homeowner in a private residence or a janitor or building manager in a public space. These people may have access to keys or tools that can be used to get the door unlocked.
  3. Step 3 Use a thin, plastic card to slide between the door and the frame. 3 Use a thin, plastic card to slide between the door and the frame. As with opening a bathroom door from the outside, a credit card, identification card, or gift card can help you get a door open from the inside. Place the card just above the bolt and angle it slightly towards where the bolt retracts. Slowly turn the handle and pull the card downward sharply to open the door.[13]
    • This may take a few attempts to get right. The aim is to disengage the lock by turning the handle while using the card to hold the bolt slightly away from the frame. This allows the lock to retract and for you to open the door.[14]
    • Try to use a nonessential card, as this method of opening the door may damage it.
    • A plastic card is one of the only ways to unlock a bathroom door from the inside. Butter knives, bobby pins, and screwdrivers can only be used from the outside.
  4. Step 4 Check the bathroom for other ways to exit. 4 Check the bathroom for other ways to exit. If you aren’t able to get anyone’s attention and the lock isn’t coming open, look around the room to see if there’s a window large enough for you to climb out. While bathroom windows are often very small and don’t open very wide, some windows may be large enough for a person to fit through. Check outside the window to make sure it’s safe to climb out.[15]
    • Only climb out a window if the bathroom is on the ground floor. If the bathroom is higher up, climbing out of a window could be dangerous.
    • Don’t try to climb through the window if there are bars in the way or if you don’t have a good place to land.
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Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How can I open a sticky lock? Ryaan Tuttle Ryaan Tuttle Home Improvement Specialist Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. Ryaan Tuttle Ryaan Tuttle Home Improvement Specialist Expert Answer First, you should spray a little WD40 or lithium grease on the lock. Then try to wiggle it open. 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 18 Helpful 10
  • Question Can a bathroom door be opened from the outside using a credit card? Community Answer Community Answer Some can be opened that way. It depends on the type of lock. 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 20 Helpful 39
  • Question What will happen if I panic? Community Answer Community Answer Nothing fatal will happen if you panic, but you'll lose focus on opening the door, and instead, you'll be focusing on the fact that you may not get out, which will cause stress. 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 26
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Warnings

  • If you can’t unlock the bathroom door yourself, call a locksmith. They’ll be able to easily unlock the door for you. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
  • In an emergency situation, such as a sick person or child stuck in a bathroom, or if there is a hazard, call the fire department if you can’t quickly unlock the door.[16] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Things You’ll Need

  • Emergency key
  • Small electronics screwdriver
  • Large paperclip or coathanger
  • Needlenose pliers
  • Hammer
  • Butter knife
  • Bobby pin
  • Drill
  • Lock-picking set
  • Plastic card

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References

  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/uV2LRlrJxmE?t=75
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/U10l9KEc7wk?t=105
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/L--Z_Lt3jlU?t=109
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/5WNCLYwjA78?t=32
  5. ↑ Ray Lawrence. Locksmith. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/E3FdxwcvW84?t=32
  7. ↑ https://www.safewise.com/blog/what-to-do-when-youre-locked-out-of-your-house/
  8. ↑ https://www.safewise.com/blog/what-to-do-when-youre-locked-out-of-your-house/
  9. ↑ Ray Lawrence. Locksmith. Expert Interview
More References (7)
  1. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/doors/removing-an-interior-doorknob
  2. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-get-out-of-a-locked-roo-99459
  3. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-get-out-of-a-locked-roo-99459
  4. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-get-out-of-a-locked-roo-99459
  5. ↑ https://pickeroflocks.com/how-to-pick-a-lock-with-a-credit-card/
  6. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-get-out-of-a-locked-roo-99459
  7. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-get-out-of-a-locked-roo-99459

About This Article

Ray Lawrence Co-authored by: Ray Lawrence Locksmith This article was co-authored by Ray Lawrence and by wikiHow staff writer, Aimee Payne, MFA. Ray Lawrence is a Locksmith and the Owner of NorCal Locksmith in the Placer County, California area. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in residential, commercial, and safe locksmithing services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Economics from the University of California-Chico. This article has been viewed 476,521 times. 5 votes - 40% Co-authors: 17 Updated: December 16, 2025 Views: 476,521 Categories: Bathrooms | Locks and Keys Article SummaryX

To open a locked bathroom door from the outside, place the point of a butter knife into the keyhole if it’s a push button lock, and turn the knife sideways. If this doesn’t work, put a straightened out bobby pin into the lock. Then, turn the door knob and shake the pin, which should cause the lock to open. For a twist lock, insert a thin screwdriver into the hole in the middle of the doorknob. Wiggle the screwdriver around until you hear the door unlock. Alternatively, try sliding a credit card between the door and the frame just above the lock. Bend the card towards the knob and move it backwards and forwards to try to get it to slip between the lock and the frame. After you’ve tried all of these measures without success, remove the door handle by unscrewing the screws with a drill or screwdriver. For tips on how to unlock a bathroom door from the inside, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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  • Diane Feefoo

    Diane Feefoo

    Apr 3, 2022

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