Craftsman garage door openers are well-known for their reliability, security features, and modern technology. But like any automated system, sometimes they don’t behave the way you expect. One of the more confusing and concerning problems is when your Craftsman Garage Door Opener When Locked Still Open With Remote—a situation that seems to contradict the whole point of locking the garage in the first place.
If this has happened to you, don’t panic. This article breaks down what’s actually going on, why it happens, and how to properly fix or prevent this unexpected behavior. We’ll also explore common misunderstandings about the lock function, how remotes interact with your system, and when it’s time to consult a professional.
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Understanding the Lock Feature on Craftsman Garage Door Openers
First, it’s essential to clarify what “locking” a Craftsman garage door opener means. Unlike traditional deadbolt-style door locks, the “lock” feature on most Craftsman models doesn’t physically prevent the door from opening. Instead, it is an electronic lock that disables remote control signals.
When activated:
- The lock button on your wall-mounted control panel is pressed and held.
- The unit then blocks remote signals, so remotes, keypads, and wireless devices won’t open the garage.
- However, the manual wall control button still works.
So, if your Craftsman Garage Door Opener When Locked Still Open With Remote, that suggests the locking feature is either not properly activated or is malfunctioning.
Why Does My Craftsman Garage Door Opener When Locked Still Open With Remote?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common causes behind this issue and how to resolve it.
1. Lock Feature Not Properly Activated
Sometimes the lock feature may not have been successfully turned on, or it was unintentionally deactivated.
What to Check:
- Hold the “lock” button on your wall-mounted control unit for at least 3-5 seconds until the LED light blinks or turns on.
- Try using the remote. If it still works, the lock didn’t activate properly.
- Try repeating the lock activation process.
Tip: Some units use visual indicators like blinking lights to confirm that the lock is active. Double-check your model’s manual to understand your unit’s behavior.
2. Software Glitch or Reset Issue
Garage door openers are, in essence, mini computers. Like any digital device, they can experience temporary bugs or software glitches.
What to Do:
- Unplug the garage opener for about 30 seconds and plug it back in.
- Re-activate the lock mode.
- Test the remote again.
This simple reset may resolve a temporary malfunction with the locking mechanism.
3. Faulty Wall Control Console
Your wall unit could have a faulty lock button or circuit board. If pressing the button doesn’t change how the opener functions, that might be your culprit.
Signs to look for:
- The lock button doesn’t light up or blink.
- No change when pressing the lock/unlock button.
- Remote still works regardless of lock status.
Fix: Replace the wall control console. They’re relatively inexpensive and can be installed in under 30 minutes.
4. Remote or Keypad Bypasses
Older or universal remotes may not respond to lock features depending on frequency, programming, or model compatibility.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Try a Craftsman-brand remote to see if it behaves differently than a universal remote.
- Reprogram the remote after activating the lock feature.
- Check if your remote is paired using Security+ 2.0 or older Security+ technology—Security+ 2.0 offers better lock control features.
5. Firmware or Hardware Incompatibility
Craftsman garage openers may have compatibility issues when older models are used with newer wall consoles or remotes.
What to Do:
- Check the model number and production year of your Craftsman unit.
- Visit the Sears or Chamberlain support page for firmware compatibility details.
- Update firmware if your model supports it (via Wi-Fi-enabled models only).
6. Security Lock vs. Manual Lock Confusion
Some homeowners confuse the built-in opener lock with a manual door lock, such as slide bolts or T-handles.
Manual locks physically prevent the door from moving, regardless of remote signals. If your system has both, but only one is activated, you might experience inconsistent behavior.
Double-check:
- If you’ve physically locked the door, remote operation should result in loud sounds but no movement.
- If the opener moves the door, then no physical lock is engaged.
7. Remote Signal Interference or Reprogramming
It’s possible that the lock mode was recently turned off or the unit reset after a power outage.
Solutions:
- Reprogram your remotes.
- Reset the wall control and remote system.
- Use a surge protector to prevent random resets after storms or outages.
How to Properly Use the Lock Feature
To ensure your Craftsman Garage Door Opener When Locked Still Open With Remote issue doesn’t persist, follow these best practices:
Step-by-Step Guide to Activating Lock Mode
- Press and Hold the lock button for 3-5 seconds.
- Look for a blinking LED light on the wall console, indicating that lock mode is activated.
- Test your remote — it should no longer open the garage.
- To disable the lock, press and hold the lock button again until the LED turns off.
Additional Safety Features to Consider
If you are concerned about unauthorized access through remotes, consider adding the following upgrades:
- Rolling Code Remotes: Prevent cloning by changing codes after every use.
- Smartphone Integration: Use apps like myQ to lock/unlock from anywhere.
- Motion-Activated Cameras: Monitor who’s coming in and out of your garage.
- Manual Deadbolts: For extra security when traveling or leaving your home for an extended time.
When to Replace Your Craftsman Unit
If you’ve tried all the steps above and your Craftsman Garage Door Opener When Locked Still Open With Remote issue continues, it may be time for an upgrade.
Signs you may need replacement:
- Opener is over 10–15 years old
- Frequent glitches, resets, or loss of remote signal
- Incompatible with newer accessories or remotes
- No longer supports lock features or updates
Modern units offer enhanced features like:
- Remote monitoring
- Smartphone access
- Wi-Fi control
- Stronger encryption and security
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can someone hack into my Craftsman garage opener remote?
A: If you’re using older remotes that don’t have rolling code technology, they are more vulnerable. Upgrade to Security+ 2.0 for improved protection.
Q: What if the lock function never worked?
A: Try replacing the wall unit or updating the remote. Also, check for firmware compatibility between components.
Q: Does a power outage affect lock settings?
A: Yes, power interruptions may reset your lock mode. Always test the system after outages.
Conclusion
Understanding why your Craftsman Garage Door Opener When Locked Still Open With Remote can seem like a technical mystery—but the solution is often straightforward. Most commonly, it’s a misunderstanding of how the lock function works or a minor technical issue that can be resolved with a reset or hardware replacement.
Be proactive: know your system, test your lock function regularly, and don’t hesitate to upgrade or replace faulty components. By keeping your garage opener system updated and well-maintained, you’ll enjoy both convenience and peace of mind.