How to Open a Locked Interior Door

All interiro door locks are able to be unlocked from the outside.

An interior door knob with a lock will also have some way to unlock it from the outside. They are set up this way to make them essentially child proof so that a small child cannot inadvertently lock themselves into a room. Although these types of locks are available for any interior door, they are most commonly found on bathroom doors. Different door knobs have different types of locks, but they will either have an access hole or a set screw which will unlock the door.

Things You'll Need

• Interior door lock key
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver

Instructions

1. Use a flathead screwdriver to unlock an interior door that has a center set screw on the outside. Turn the screwdriver in a counterclockwise rotation and the door will unlock.

2. Insert a special key into a small hole in the middle of the knob on other types of interior door locks. Push the key in firmly to unlock the door.

3. Push a thin Phillips screwdriver into the small hole if an interior door key is not available. The Phillips head will act just like the door key, and once inside of the hole, push it firmly to unlock the mechanism. Alternately, any stiff piece of metal will work to do the same thing. A clothes hanger will work as well as a solid piece of electrical wire, and even the plastic ink tube from a ballpoint pen will accomplish the same task.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have an exterior door lock on an interior door, a locksmith will have to be called.