How to Open a Locked Bathroom Door

Co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle

Last Updated: January 27, 2023 References

Trying to open a locked bathroom door can be a stressful situation. Luckily, most bathroom doors are equipped with privacy locks rather than security locks, which means that they can usually be opened relatively easily. To open a bathroom door from the outside, try using a butter knife, a bobby pin, a screwdriver, or a lock-picking kit if you have one. If you are stuck inside a locked bathroom, try not to panic and call out for attention so that somebody can help you from the outside. Contact a locksmith if you cannot unlock the door or call the fire department in emergency situations.

Things You Should Know

Unlock push-button locks with a butter knife or bobby pin.
Get through twist-privacy bathroom locks with a thin, rod-like screwdriver.
Slide a credit card along the seam of the door if you're trapped outside or inside of the bathroom.
Yell for help or look for alternate ways to escape if you're locked inside of a bathroom.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Unlocking Bathroom Doors from the Outside

1
Place a butter knife in the keyhole to open a push-button bathroom lock. If you are locked out of a bathroom in your home, a butter knife is an easy tool to use to help you unlock the door. Place the butter knife into the keyhole in the same way that you would use a key. Twist the knife to gently release the lock and then turn the doorknob to open the door.^{[1]
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2
Try using a bobby pin for a push-button lock if a butter knife doesn’t work. Bend the bobby pin to remove the curves in the metal and try it get it as straight and flat as possible. Spray WD40 or lithium grease on the lock.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Ryaan Tuttle
Home Improvement Specialist
Expert Interview. 13 January 2021.} Insert the bobby pin into the keyhole. Turn the doorknob and wiggle the bobby pin at the same time. The push-button mechanism should unlock and you will be able to open the door.^{[3]
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- Bobby pins are often successful lock-opening tools. This is because they are easy to find and to manipulate into the right shape.^{[4]
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- The bobby pin works well if you cannot unlock the door with a butter knife.
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3
Use a screwdriver with a thin rod to unlock a twist-privacy bathroom lock. Insert a very thin screwdriver into the hole in the middle of the doorknob. Wiggle the screwdriver around until you hear the door unlock. You don’t need to turn the doorknob while you are using the screwdriver.^{[5]
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- Screwdrivers with thicker rods will not work as these will not fit inside the door handle.^{[6]
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4
Try using a credit card to unlock the door. Slide the card in 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 the card to slip in between the lock and the frame. Lean on the door and wiggle the card back and forth, and the door should unlock.^{[7]
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- Try to use a card that you don't mind if it gets damaged. A loyalty card may be a good choice, as it is easier to replace than a credit card, gift card, or identification card.^{[8]
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5
Remove the door handle if you cannot unlock the door otherwise. If the door handle has exterior screws that you can see, use a drill or screwdriver to undo these. Once the screws are undone, place the screwdriver into the lock mechanism of the door handle and twist it gently to undo the lock.^{[9]
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- For door handles that do not have exterior screws, place a flat head screwdriver under the slit in the throat of the doorknob. Then pull the screwdriver up to lift the exterior away and to expose the screws underneath. Undo these screws using a screwdriver or drill.
- This method should be used after trying to use a butter knife, bobby pin, or screwdriver, as it takes a longer amount of time.
6
Use a lock-picking set if you have one. A lock-picking set is an invaluable tool to have around if you have a bathroom door which frequently has trouble with the lock. Follow the directions with the lock-picking set to select the best pick to use and to open the locked door.^{[10]
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- You can purchase a lock-picking set from some department stores or online.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Opening Locked Bathroom Doors from the Inside

1
Take a few deep breaths and remain calm. Although it can be frightening to suddenly be locked inside a bathroom, keep as calm as you possibly can. Try to control your breathing and think about the situation rationally.^{[11]
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- It can be easy to panic if you suddenly find yourself locked in a small space. However, panicking will not help you to get out faster. It will cloud your thinking and judgment, which can make opening the locked door more difficult.
2
Call to get the attention of others that may be nearby. If you are in a busy location such as an office or a public restroom, then this is the easiest way to get the door unlocked. Shout for attention, explaining that you are locked in the bathroom. If people cannot hear you, try to use an object inside the bathroom such as a bin to get someone’s attention.^{[12]
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- It is much easier to open a locked bathroom door from the outside than it is from the inside. This is because there are more people around outside who are able to help. There are also generally more tools available outside the bathroom that can be used to help get the door unlocked.
3
Use a thin, plastic card to slide between the door and the frame. A credit card, identification card, or gift card all work well. Place the card just above the bolt and angle it slightly towards where the bolt will retract. Slowly turn the handle and pull the card downward sharply to open the door.^{[13]
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- 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 will allow the lock to retract and for you to open the door.^{[14]
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- 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
Check the bathroom for other ways to exit if the door isn’t unlocking. Look around the room to see if there is a window that you are able to climb out of. While bathroom windows are often very small and do not open wide, some windows may be large enough for a person to fit through. Check outside the window before you climb out to make sure that you will be able to safely get outside.^{[15]
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- Only climb out a window if the bathroom is located 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 where you will land doesn’t look sturdy.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I open a sticky lock?

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

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

First, you should spray a little WD40 or lithium grease on the lock. Then try to wiggle it open.
Question

Can a bathroom door be opened from the outside using a credit card?

Community Answer

Some can be opened that way. It depends on the type of lock.
Question

What will happen if I panic?

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.

Warnings

If you cannot unlock the bathroom door yourself, call a locksmith. They will be able to easily unlock the door for you.^{[16]
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In an emergency situation such as someone is unwell, a child is involved, or if there is a hazard, call the fire department if you cannot quickly unlock the door.^{[17]
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