Open a Lockbox locally in an emergency and understand the device state that follows.
Emergency Unlock is a local safety feature for immediate access when a normal or Keyholder unlock is unavailable.
Use it when you need it
Do not delay emergency access because of a cooldown, notification, score, relationship rule, or concern about explaining the decision. Attend to safety first.
Unlock from the device
- Press and hold the Enter/Lock button for about two seconds to open the lock menu.
- Select Emergency Unlock.
- Confirm the action.
- Confirm the device reports unlocked and that you can open it without forcing the mechanism.
What happens next
The current documentation records these behaviors after software Emergency Unlock:
- the active session ends immediately;
- linked partners may receive an email or dashboard notification;
- the action appears in device activity; and
- the Lockbox enters a 24-hour cooldown before another lock can start, unless the current dashboard behavior provides an earlier resolution.
The cooldown affects starting another lock, not your right to retrieve the key. Dashboard wording and recovery controls can change; follow the state shown on your account and contact support if it does not clear as expected.
See E-Lock 20 for the post-unlock state.
Availability
Emergency Unlock works locally without internet when the option is enabled. Some session settings can disable the software option while the Lockbox is unlocked. Before any lock, verify whether the option will be available and review the hardware fallback.
Disabling software Emergency Unlock removes the normal local release path. The remaining fallback is destructive hardware access. Never disable it without the informed agreement of everyone affected and a practiced recovery plan.
If the menu is unavailable
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Emergency Unlock option is disabled or absent | Use Hardware Backplate Emergency Access |
| Device is unresponsive and access is not urgent | Try one documented restart, then reassess |
| Device reports it cannot unlock | Follow E-Lock 2, starting with the emergency path |
| Immediate access is still impossible | Contact local emergency services and do not use powered tools near the device battery |
Keep this available offline
Save or print Lockbox Safety and Emergency Access and Hardware Backplate Emergency Access before a long or remotely managed lock.