Losing or forgetting the combination to a safe is one of the most annoying things that can happen. Not being able to access valuables is a big inconvenience. Luckily, there is almost always a solution to the problem.
You can change the combination on a SentrySafe if you know its current user code(s), have the factory code your safe came with, or if the safe is currently unlocked. Some models can also be opened with a physical key that overrides any user keys saved in the safe’s memory.
If the safe is locked and you don’t have the codes and/or a key that can open it, write to SentrySafe to ask for a replacement key and factory code. Once you have these, you can change the safe combination yourself.
How To Change the Combination on a SentrySafe
SentrySafe’s website lists 127 different products that include everything from tiny cash boxes and gun safes to heavy-duty wall safes. Each is likely to have a slightly different locking and security mechanism.
Some safes have rotary dials, and others have touchpads. Some models can store more than one security code in their memory. Other models come with keys for an additional layer of security or use biometric inputs such as fingerprints to serve the same function.
To get the most accurate and detailed information, it’s best to look up the product manual for your specific product.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a quick answer to your problem and are hoping to avoid going through a lengthy manual, you could try the process outlined below.
Scenario 1: The Safe Is Unlocked
If your SentrySafe is unlocked, changing its combination is relatively straightforward. To do so, follow these simple steps:
- Swing open the door of the safe.
- On the inside face of the safe’s front door, look for a small reset button. In some models, the reset button is located on the side of the battery compartment. In other models, you may have to open the battery compartment to find the reset button. The reset button may be red or black, but it will always have a small key icon on it.
- Press the reset button.
- The yellow light on your safe’s keypad or rotary dial should now turn on.
- Enter the new combination you wish to use.
- Depending on the model, you may be able to enter between two to eight digits.
- After entering the combination, press the hashtag icon on the keypad or dial.
- Close the lock and test the new combination.
The following video illustrates the above process and indicates the position of the reset button on a SentrySafe:
If your SentrySafe is locked, consult the procedures outlined in the following two sections to see if they resolve the issue.
Scenario 2: The Safe Is Locked, and You Have a Key That Unlocks It
Some SentrySafe models come with a key that can unlock the safe, even without factory or user security codes. If you have one of these models and the key that opens it, you can easily open the safe.
Once the safe is open, follow the steps described in the previous section. Doing so will allow you to reprogram your safe’s user code(s).
Scenario 3: The Safe Is Locked, and You Have a Factory Code
If your SentrySafe does not come with a key or you cannot locate it, you could still delete your safe’s user code(s) and program new code(s) as long as you have its factory code.
You will find the factory code printed on the owner’s manual of your SentrySafe. Locate it before following the rest of the procedure outlined below.
To delete your SentrySafe’s primary user code, follow these steps:
- Press the “P” key on the safe’s touchpad.
- Enter the five-digit factory code.
- Enter 00000 (five zeros).
Your primary user code should be deleted. You can now enter a new code. To do so:
- Press the “P” key on the safe’s touchpad.
- Enter the five-digit factory code.
- The green light on the keypad should now come on for five seconds.
- Enter your new code before the green light turns off.
If you have only one user code saved in your safe’s memory, or if your model only allows for a single user code, this is all you need to do. Your old user code has been deleted and replaced with a new code.
It is always a good idea to test your safe’s lock before closing it once you’ve opened it with your new code(s). This way, if you’ve made an inadvertent error, you can fix the problem before you lock yourself out of your SentrySafe.
Related Average Safety Deposit Box Cost (By Size and Bank).
If you have previously saved a secondary user code in your safe’s memory, you will need to delete and program the secondary user code of your SentrySafe as well.
To delete the secondary user code on your SentrySafe, follow these steps:
- Press the “P” key on the safe’s touchpad two times.
- Enter the five-digit factory code.
- Enter 00000 (five zeros).
Your secondary user code should be deleted. You can now enter a new code. To do so:
- Press the “P” key on the safe’s touchpad two times.
- Enter the five-digit factory code.
- The green light on the keypad should now come on for five seconds.
- Enter your new code before the green light turns off.
Once again, open the safe and test your new code(s) while the safe is open. This will confirm you’ve got the correct code(s) to open your safe in the future.
The following video illustrates how to program the codes on your SentrySafe:
The last segment of the same video also demonstrates how to delete existing codes.
By combining the two processes, you can reprogram the code(s) on your SentrySafe, even if you are locked out and don’t have a key. Remember, you will need your SentrySafe’s factory code to follow this procedure.
If you do not have either a factory code or a key that will open the safe, move on to the next section.
Related How to Store Large Amounts of Cash (With Locations to Avoid).
Scenario 4: The Safe Is Locked, and You Do Not Have a Key or Code
Because SentrySafes are designed to deny global access, changing the combination on a locked safe without access to a master key or factory code is more complicated than changing the codes on an open safe or a locked safe for which you have a key or factory code.
If it weren’t, anyone with the knowledge of how to do so would be able to get into your safe. So, while it is incredibly frustrating to be locked out of your SentrySafe, remember that your safe’s security features are designed to keep intruders out. These kinds of features are what make it a great product.
That said, even if you do not have a key or factory code for a locked SentrySafe, there are still steps you can take to reset its user code(s). To do so, you will need to approach SentrySafe and request for new keys and combinations to be sent to you.
If you are in the US, you can make the request online on the lost key and combination page of the SentrySafe website. Besides your address and contact information, SentrySafe will need the following details to process your request:
- The model number of your SentrySafe
- The serial number of your safe
- The key (lock) number — this is usually printed on both the key and the lock.
SentrySafe will charge you $29.95 plus taxes or $59.90 plus taxes, depending on whether you request two or four keys. You will also need to pay $29.95 plus taxes as a processing fee.
Once you’ve provided the necessary details and made the payment, new keys and a combination should be mailed to you within 7-10 business days. With these in hand, you can follow one of the processes outlined earlier in this article to change the combination on your SentrySafe.
You can also call SentrySafe Monday through Friday at 800-828-1438 between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM US Central Time.
How Do I Reset the Code on My SentrySafe?
You can reset the code on your SentrySafe by pressing the reset button inside the safe and entering a new code or using the factory code to set a new combination. If the safe is locked and you don’t have the code, the key, or the factory code, you’ll have to get a new combination from SentrySafe.
Can I Change the Combination on a SentrySafe Without the Code?
You can change the combination on a SentrySafe without the code if the safe is currently unlocked. If the safe is locked, and you don’t have the user code(s), the key, or the factory code, you’ll have to request a new combination from SentrySafe.
Can a Locksmith Change a SentrySafe Combination?
A locksmith can change the combination on a SentrySafe using a factory code, a master key, or if the safe is unlocked. While some locksmiths claim to be able to jack a locked safe, I do not recommend doing so, as tampering with your safe’s lock will void its warranty.
Final Thoughts
You can change the combination on an unlocked SentrySafe by pressing a single button. If your safe is closed, you will need a master key to open it to follow the same process. Alternatively, you could use the safe’s factory code to change its combination.
If you do not have a factory code or a key for a locked SentrySafe, you will need to write to SentrySafe to provide you with new ones. When doing so, you will need to provide SentrySafe with information confirming you are the safe’s owner.
Jim James is a published author and expert on the outdoors and survivalism. Through avid research and hands-on experience, he has gained expertise on a wide variety of topics. His time spent at college taught him to become really good at figuring out answers to common problems. Often through extensive trial and error, Jim has continued to learn and increase his knowledge of a vast array of topics related to firearms, hunting, fishing, medical topics, cooking, games/gaming, and other subjects too numerous to name.
Jim has been teaching people a wide variety of survivalism topics for over five years and has a lifetime of experience fishing, camping, general survivalism, and anything in nature. In fact, while growing up, he often spent more time on the water than on land! He has degrees in History, Anthropology, and Music from the University of Southern Mississippi. He extensively studied Southern History, nutrition, geopolitics, the Cold War, and nuclear policy strategies and safety as well as numerous other topics related to the content on survivalfreedom.com.