Trying to open a locked bathroom door can be stressful. Fortunately, most bathroom doors come with a privacy lock, not a security lock, so they're relatively easy to open. To open the bathroom door from the outside, try using a butter knife, bobby pin, screwdriver, or a door unlock kit. If you are locked in the bathroom, don't panic and seek attention so that someone else can help from the outside. Call a locksmith if you cannot open the door or call the fire department in an emergency.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Unlocking the Bathroom Door from Outside
Step 1. Insert a butter knife in the keyhole to unlock the bathroom door using the push-button
If you can't unlock your own bathroom, a butter knife can be used to deal with that. Insert the knife into the keyhole like a key. Gently turn the knife to release the lock, then turn the handle until the door opens.
Step 2. Try using bobby pins to unlock the push-button if the butter knife doesn't work
Bend the bobby pins until they are no longer curled and straighten as neatly as possible. Insert the end into the keyhole. Turn the doorknob and wiggle the bobby pin at the same time. The push-button locking mechanism will open so you can open the door.
- Hair clips can often be used as unlocking tools. This is because they are easy to find and manipulate until they fit.
- If the door doesn't open, bobby pins can replace a butter knife and do a great job.
Step 3. Use a small screwdriver to open a standard bathroom lock
Insert a very small screwdriver into the keyhole in the center of the doorknob. Shake the screwdriver until you hear the sound of the key opening. You do not need to turn the doorknob when using a screwdriver.
A thick screwdriver cannot be used because it will not fit into the doorknob
Step 4. Try using a credit card to unlock the door
Slide the card between the door and the frame, in the area above the lock. Tilt the card toward the doorknob. After that, bend the card in such a way as to try to slip it between the lock and the jamb. Lean against the door and shake the credit card back and forth until the door opens.
Use an unused card. Plastic membership cards are usually the best choice because they are relatively easy to replace than credit cards, gift cards, or identity cards
Step 5. Remove the doorknob if you still can't unlock the door
If the doorknob has a visible exterior screw, use a drill or screwdriver to remove it. Once the screws are removed, place the screwdriver in the door lock mechanism and gently twist it until the door opens.
- To open the doorknob without exterior screws, place a flat-blade screwdriver in the gap on the side of the doorknob. Then, pull the screwdriver up to pry out the exterior and expose the screws underneath. Remove the screws with a screwdriver or drill.
- This method can be used after you've tried using a butter knife, bobby pin, or screwdriver as the process takes a relatively long time.
Step 6. Use a door lock set if you have one
The unlocking kit is a very useful tool if your bathroom door lock often has problems. Follow the instructions for using the set to choose the best tool and unlock the bathroom door.
You can buy a door unlock set at some department stores or online stores
Method 2 of 2: Opening the Locked Bathroom Door from Inside
Step 1. Take a few deep breaths and stay calm
Even if being locked in the bathroom can be scary at times, be as calm as possible. Try to control your breathing and think about the situation rationally.
A person is very easy to feel panic if suddenly trapped in a narrow space. However, panicking isn't going to help you get out any faster. Panic can actually cloud your mind and your judgment of the situation, making it difficult for you to open a locked door
Step 2. Scream to get the attention of those closest to you
If you're in a crowded location, like an office or a public bathroom, this is the easiest way to open a locked door. Shout for attention while explaining that you are locked inside. If people can't hear you, try using an object in the bathroom, such as a trash can, to attract attention.
It is much easier to open a locked bathroom door from the outside than from the inside. This is because there are more people out there who can help. The equipment needed to open the lock is also more widely available outside the bathroom
Step 3. Use a thin plastic card to slip it between the door and the frame
You can use credit cards, identity cards, or gift cards. Place the card on top of the locking bar, then tilt it slightly in the direction the bar comes out. Turn the doorknob slowly and slide the card sharply downwards to open the door.
- This method may need to be done several times to get it right. The goal is to unlock it by turning the doorknob while the card holds the lock bar from the frame. This allows the bars to slide so that you can open the door.
- Use a card that is not very important because this method may damage the card.
- The plastic card was the only way to unlock the bathroom door from the inside. Butter knives, hair clips, and screwdrivers can only be used to open doors from the outside.
Step 4. Check the bathroom for another way out if the lock won't open
Pay attention to the conditions around the room to see if there are windows that you can climb out of. While bathroom windows are usually very small and narrow, some may be large enough for someone to pass through. Check the area outside the window before climbing to make sure you can get out safely and safely.
- You can only climb up the window if the bathroom is downstairs. If the bathroom is upstairs, this may be too dangerous.
- Do not attempt to climb the window if there are trellises or areas that don't appear sturdy enough to land on.
Warning
- If you can't unlock the bathroom door by yourself, call a locksmith. He can usually easily unlock the lock for you.
- In an emergency situation, such as a sick person, a small child being involved, or some other danger, call the fire department as soon as possible if you are unable to unlock the door.
