Receiving the notification that states the invalid access limit has been reached can catch Kwikset lock owners a little off guard.
But this is nothing too serious.
The lock is not broken.
There are, however, a few caveats and misconceptions that you should be aware of, though.
What Causes the Alert
The Kwikset Invalid Access Limit Exceeded notification is caused by entering a wrong user code 3 times in a row in a short span of time, usually in less than 1 minute. After using the wrong user code 3 times and receiving the Invalid Access Limit Exceeded alert, the lock gets blocked for 60 seconds.
During this time, you will not be able to enter another code.
After receiving the Invalid Access Limit Exceeded notification on your smartphone, you do not have to reset the lock or do anything beyond wait out the lock-out period.
When the 60 seconds expire, you can make more attempts.
Generally, you are free to do as many attempts as you like. But keep in mind that each succession of 3 invalid codes results in a 1-minute lockout.
The good news is that the Kwikset Halo Touchscreen, Halo Keypad, and Aura can still be used with a physical key even after receiving the Invalid Access Limit Exceeded alert. So, even if you have forgotten your code, you can still unlock the lock if you have the physical key on yourself.
Possible Reasons Why the User Code May Not Be Working
Generally, there are a few things that you may have to look into if you are getting the Invalid Access Limit Exceeded message.
Forgotten User Code
If you have forgotten your user code, you can add a new user code through the Kwikset app.
Alternatively, you can factory reset your Kwikset smart lock by using a smartphone that is already paired with the lock, thus removing all previously programmed user codes. After factory resetting the lock, you can proceed and set up new entry codes.
If this is happening because of somebody else who is not the owner, you can resend, reset, or generate a new code for them.
Disabled, Deleted, and One-Time User Codes
If you are sure you are using the correct code, make sure your code has not been deleted or disabled and is not a one-time user code.
One-time user codes will get deleted immediately after being used once.
Also, ensure your user code is not set to be available only within a specific time frame during the day. This can be helpful when giving out codes to cleaners and maintenance workers, but it can spell trouble sometimes.
If all user codes have been disabled, the lock can only be used with a physical key until the user codes are enabled again. For example, this can happen if you have gone on a vacation or have been away for a while and have disabled the codes.
If you are giving out codes to other people, remember to let them know that if their code does not work, they should reach out to you so you can create a new user code for them or adjust the settings on their current user code.
Firmware and Hardware Issues
It’s not impossible for those notifications to be caused by the rare firmware bug, especially with new, recently released software updates.
Check if any firmware has been recently updated.
There could also be a hardware issue interfering with how the lock operates. Remember to check if the batteries are not running low because this can also interfere with how the lock works.
In some cases, it might be necessary to contact Kwikset customer support to inquire about recent firmware changes or perform specific troubleshooting steps.
How to Know the Wrong User Code Is Being Entered
Each Kwikset smart lock has a way of informing the user that the wrong entry code has been entered.
There are some minor differences, but overall, Kwikset system alerts are pretty uniform.
Kwikset smart locks that have a touchscreen like the Kwikset Premis, Obsidian, and Halo Touchscreen, one beep and one X-shaped pattern on the touchscreen will flash when the wrong user code is entered.
Kwikset smart locks that do not have a touchscreen but rather a touchpad, like the Kwikset Aura, SmartCode Lever, 888, 910, 913, 914, and Halo Keypad, one beep, and the keypad will flash red one time if the wrong entry code is used.
Other models, like the Kwikset 264, will produce 5 beeps and 5 red keypad flashes after entering a wrong entry code.
The Kwikset 270, 260, 909, 910, 911, 912, and 913 will produce 3 beeps and 3 red flashes when the incorrect code is used.
And most of those will produce 15 beeps and 15 red flashes when the 3 wrong code limit is exceeded. Those locks will, too, lock out for 60 seconds.
The 905 behaves the same way but without the red flashes.
An important thing to mention here is that beeping can be turned off on most Kwikset smart locks. If the auditory alerts have been switched off, you will not hear any beeping while entering a user code or getting locked out.
Some of the older Kwikset smart locks, such as the Kwikset 264, will get temporarily disabled after entering 5 different wrong codes. The lockout on those lasts 45 seconds, after which new attempts can be made. However, those locks do not have the capability of sending you a notification over the Kwikset app.
In other words, to receive that notification, your lock needs to be connected to the internet in some way. Not all Kwikset models are able to be used like that, especially some of the older and simpler models.
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