How to Change a Key Safe Code: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on: 17.04.2024

Walk down any residential street in a city centre, quiet market town, or rural village and it is not uncommon to see a small box mounted on the wall near an entranceway. In recent years, outdoor key safes have become an accepted part of modern home security and access.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to grant access to family, friends, a carer, or a property manager needing to provide temporary access to guests or a tradesperson, a key safe is the perfect solution. They provide a convenient way to store spare keys safely outside your property without having to dish out keys to your Aunty or a neighbour or store them under a plant pot or in the eaves of your porch.

Management of your 5 lever lock or cylinder lock keys is a basic part of physical security and access management. With a key safe box, you know where your keys are, but so do others. This means that understanding how to change a key safe code is as fundamental as having one in the first place.

This guide covers five popular models, ensuring you can reset your key safe combination lock with confidence. Either watch our YouTube videos or follow the step by step process for your chosen model.

Supra C500

The Supra C500 is renowned for its Secured by Design Police approved specification. To change the code:

● Pull open the weather cover.

● Open the lid by turning the handle clockwise 180°.

● Remove the instruction card by sliding it towards the hinge of the key safe.

● Turn the handle back 180° counterclockwise whilst the safe is open.

● On the plastic card is the code change tool*. Use this to set the combination you want.

○ Each letter/number can only be used once.

○ Arrows pointing away from the hinge are off.

○ Arrows pointing towards the hinge are on. These are what make up the combination.

● Replace the plastic card in place at the back of the lid.

● Before closing the door, test the new code to ensure it has been set correctly. The open handle must be in the locked position first. When the correct code is entered the handle will be able to fully turn to the open position.

*Do not use a screwdriver to change the code.

Asec Vital 4

The Asec Vital 4 key safe is a popular choice for its matte black finish and capacity to hold up to 5no keys. Follow these steps to change its code:

● Slide the weather shield down to reveal the combination dial wheels.

● The factory code is 0-0-0-0, then push down the button to open.

● Move the reset lever from position A to B by pushing it left and down.

● Turn each of the four dials to the combination you want to use.

● Move the reset lever from position B to A by pushing it up and right.

The new combination is now set. Here are the manufacturer’s recommendations for what to do now your key safe is set up:

● ‘Scramble’ the dial wheels so they’re not left on the access combination.

● To maintain performance, regularly rotate the dial wheels.

● Always close the weather shutter over the dials so they’re protected and concealed from view.

Abus KeyGarage One 787 Smart Key Safe

The Smart Abus KeyGarage One 787 offers a blend of traditional security with Bluetooth features. To reset the code of this 20-key capacity IP54 rated key box, follow these steps:

● Download the ABUS HomeTec Pro app (Google Play and Apple App Store).

● Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone.

● Open the app and follow the instructions to log in.

● You need to add the KeyGarage to the app. Press the ‘Add HomeTec Pro’ button on the screen.

● Scan the QR code on the keycard.

If you have multiple ABUS key safes to set up, make sure you’re scanning the correct card for each unit.

● Once the unit is recognised, swipe right on the app or enter the code into the key safe.

● To change the 6-digit code in the app, select ‘Code’ then ‘Change My Code’. You can create a random one or enter your own.

ABUS provides the following guidelines for effective operation and security:

● Install any app updates plus software and firmware updates.

● Keep the key card in a safe place and not in the unit itself.

● Do not pass the key card on to third parties.

Abus KeyGarage 787

For those using the more traditional ‘analog’ Abus KeyGarage 787, the process is straightforward:

● Slide the weather shield down to reveal the combination dial wheels.

● Open the safe using the preset factory code 0-0-0-0.

● Press the reset button down and left.

● Set the new 4-digit code by turning each dial.

● Push the reset button back to its original position.

The new combination is now set. As with the Asec model take note of what to do next:

● ‘Scramble’ the dial wheels so they’re not left on the access combination.

● Close the weather shield over the dials so they’re protected and concealed.

If the code is forgotten or lost there is no way to access the contents so make sure the numeric code is a memorable one, but nothing too obvious to guess, and it should always be changed during its initial commissioning.

Master Lock 5401

Probably the most well known key lock box, the 5401 Master Lock key safe is easy to fit, use, and update. To change the code:

● Slide the weather shield down to reveal the release button and combination dial wheels.

● Rotate the wheels to the factory code 0-0-0-0 then press down the release button to open the compartment door.

● Move the reset lever down and to the left.

● Move each dial to the desired 4-digit combination.

● Return the reset lever to its original position by moving it up and to the right.

Now close the compartment and follow the common guidance for combination key safes, as we’ve mentioned above:

● ‘Scramble’ the dial wheels. Do not leave them on the access code combination.

● Always close the weather shutter over the dials so they’re protected and concealed from sight.

Unlocking physical key security

Changing the code on your key safe is a crucial task for maintaining the security of your property and ensuring only authorised individuals have access. By following the above steps for your specific model, you can easily reset your key safe code, ensuring your property remains secure.

Remember, always test your new code several times before closing the safe to avoid any access issues. Like a physical key, think about who knows the existing code, do they still need access, and who might need the new code. If you prefer to see the code changes being done before trying it yourself, remember our Door Controls Direct YouTube channel where our videos provide step-by-step instructions to assist you in resetting your key safe access code effectively.