How to Reprogram a Sentry Safe with or without the Factory Code

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Reset the combination on fire safes, security safes, & more

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Getting the Factory Code

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Resetting a Fire Safe

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Resetting a Security Safe

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Resetting a Depository Safe

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Resetting a Pistol Safe

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Expert Interview

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Tips

Sentry Safes are great for storing all your valuable personal items and protecting them against water and fire. But if you’ve forgotten your combination or accidentally revealed it to someone, how do you reset it? Luckily, resetting your Sentry Safe’s combination is easy—all you need is your safe’s factory code. Don't have it? We'll cover what to do in that case too. Keep reading to learn how to find your safe’s factory code and reset the combination on popular models like the fire, security, depository, and pistol safes.

Things You Should Know

Look for your safe’s factory code in your owner’s manual. It is either listed on the back of the last page or in the programming instructions.
If you don't have a physical copy, find your safe’s owner’s manual online at Sentry Safe’s website.
If you don’t have your combination or factory code, get a replacement by verifying your ownership of the safe and paying a fee on Sentry Safe’s lost combo page.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Getting Your Factory or Reset Code

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1
Check your safe’s owner’s manual. Most Sentry Safes provide the factory code, which is the code you enter to start the combination reset process, inside the owner’s manual. This code is usually printed on the back of the manual or listed in the instructions about programming your user code.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Some Sentry Safes have default codes that open the safe and reset the combination. All Security Safes come with the factory code 1-7-5-0-0-# while all Pistol Safes have the default code 1-2-3-4-1.
- If you have a safe with a default factory code, reset it as soon as possible. If you keep the combination as the factory code, anyone can look up the code and open your safe.
- Other safes, like the Fire Safe, come with factory codes that are unique to each safe. This code can’t be changed or deleted and always opens your safe.
2
Look up your owner’s manual online if you don’t have a physical copy. Go to Sentry Safe’s website and enter in your safe’s model or serial number. This information is usually printed on a white sticker that’s stuck to the outside of your safe.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Or, use Sentry Safe’s model and serial number lookup tool to find exactly where the sticker is and how to read it.
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3
Get a replacement factory code from Sentry Safe if you can't find your old one. If you’ve lost your safe’s unique factory code or don’t remember your combination, go to Sentry Safe’s lost key or combo page to request a recovery code. To get your code, enter your safe’s model and serial number, fill out and notarize the verification form, and pay a small fee.
- Or, call Sentry Safe’s Customer Care line at 1-800-828-1438.
- A replacement code costs $29.95 in the US, $40 in Canada, £19 in the UK, and €21 in most countries in the EU.
- It usually takes 7 to 10 days to receive your replacement code.
- Sentry Safe also offers key replacements if you’ve lost your safe’s keys.
4
Scan the barcode inside the door of your safe if it has one. Open your safe and look for 3 vertical notches along the left side of the back of the door. Then, insert and pry a flat-head screwdriver into each notch to peel the plastic panel from the back of the door. Towards the top, right-hand corner of the door, look for a white barcode sticker. Simply scan it with your phone using a QR or barcode scanning app to receive the factory code.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Depending on your safe model, the panel covering the back of the door might be secured by screws.
- If you can’t scan the barcode because it’s covered by gears or other locking mechanisms, simply peel off the sticker.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Resetting the Combination on a Fire Safe

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Whenever you change your Sentry Safe’s combination, or user code, open up the door. This prevents you from getting locked out of your safe before you reset the code. So, enter the 5-digit factory code listed on the back of your user manual and open the safe.^{[4]XResearch source}
2
Press “P” on the keypad and enter the factory code. With the safe door open, push the “P” button on the safe’s keypad. On some safes, the “P” key might be labeled “PROG.” Then, enter in the safe’s 5-digit factory code again.^{[5]XResearch source}
- On Fire Safes, creating a user code doesn’t delete the factory code. The factory code stays the same and you can use it to open your safe if you forget your user code.
3
Put in your user code when the “Proceed” light flashes green. After you punch in the factory code, you have 5 seconds to enter a new, 5-digit user code. While the “Proceed” light is green, put in your combination. The “Proceed” light will flash again to indicate your user code is set.^{[6]XResearch source}
- If you don’t enter your new user code in 5 seconds, simply start the process again.
- Test your user code to make sure it unlocks your safe while the door is still open.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Resetting the Combination on a Security Safe

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1
Open the safe and press the key button inside the battery compartment. Enter in the safe’s factory code 1-7-5-0-0-# to open the door, or use your set of keys. Then, look for the black, rectangular battery compartment on the back of the door and towards the bottom. Slide back the cover and then press the button with the key symbol on it.^{[7]XResearch source}
- If you’ve already reset your Security Safe’s factory code, enter your combination to open the safe.
2
Enter a 2 to 8-digit code followed by “#” when the yellow light turns on. After you press the key button, you have 20 seconds to punch in a new, 2 to 8-digit user code. Just enter your combination and then press the “#” button. When your new code is accepted and set, the yellow keypad light will turn off.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Programming a new user code deletes the factory code, meaning you can’t use it to open your safe.
Before you close your safe, make sure your code is set and unlocks the door. Just punch in your new combination followed by the “#” key and turn the door knob.^{[9]XResearch source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Resetting the Combination on a Depository Safe

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Most Depository Safes come with a unique master code printed in the owner’s manual that works like a factory code. Just enter in the master code to open the safe and keep the door open as you reset the combination.^{[10]XResearch source}
2
Press “#,” the master code, and then “#” again. To start the combination reset process, press the “#” key on the keypad. Then, punch in the master code followed by the “#” key again.^{[11]XResearch source}
- For example, press #-7-7-7-7-7-7-#.
3
Push 1-* then enter the new code and “#” twice when the light is orange. When the safe is ready for your new code, the keypad light turns orange for 10 seconds. Within this time, press “1” and then “*” on the keypad, punch in a new, 1 to 10-digit combination, and press the “#” key. Then, enter the new code and “#” again to set in your combination.^{[12]XResearch source}
- For example, press 1-*-5-6-7-8-9-#-5-6-7-8-9-#.
- Setting a new master code deletes the one that came with the safe, making it unusable.
Make sure your combination is fully set before you close the safe. Just enter “*,” your new code, and then “#” on the keypad. Then, pull on the safe’s door handle to see if the lock successfully retracts.^{[13]XResearch source}

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Resetting the Combination on a Pistol Safe

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1
Enter the safe’s factory code to open the door. Use the safe’s keypad to enter the factory code 1-2-3-4-1. Opening the door when you reprogram the combination ensures that you don’t get locked out of your safe while setting the new code.^{[14]XResearch source}
- If you already reset the factory code, use your combination to open the safe.
Once the safe door is open, immediately push 1 on the keypad. Keep pressing it down for 1 to 3 seconds. This starts the combination reset process.^{[15]XResearch source}
3
Punch in a 4 to 6-digit code after the keypad light flashes purple twice. Wait for the keypad light to flash purple 2 times to indicate that the safe is ready for your new user code. Then, enter a unique, 4 to 6-digit code. After 15 seconds, the light will flash green.^{[16]XResearch source}
- Creating a user code deletes the Pistol Safe’s default factory code. You won’t be able to use the factory code to open your safe anymore.
4
Reenter your code when the keypad light turns purple. When the light changes from green to purple, punch in your new combination again. Then, wait 15 seconds for the green light to flash 3 times. This means your new code is set, active, and unlocks your safe.^{[17]XResearch source}
- Test that your new code works by closing the safe door and entering your combination.

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Tips

Store your new user code in a safe location. Write it down and tuck it away somewhere only you know to look, or type it into a password-protected document.
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Or, create an account on Sentry Safe’s website and store your code online.
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If you don’t have your factory code and need to get into your safe immediately, pick the lock with a rare earth magnet, nail file, or paperclip.
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