A common reason for getting locked out of the house is losing your keys. Because of this, people are increasingly switching to keyless electronic locks, which often use a numerical code to grant entry. It's a great solution if you're prone to losing things, or if you just worry about finding yourself locked out.

While this solves one of the major causes of lockouts, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll never find yourself stuck outside. If your keyless lock has let you down and you can't get into your home, here are some tips to help you.

Double-check you're entering the right code

Even when it's a code you use more than once every day, it's possible to have a moment of confusion, especially when you probably have all sorts of other numbers stored in your memory. Call another household member to check you're entering the right code before you panic that the lock isn't working.

Make sure the keypad is working properly

Some keypads light up when they're in use, and many of them make a quiet beeping noise as the keys are pressed. If there are signs of life in the keypad, the problem isn't its ability to accept the right code.

If you can't see anything that suggests the keypad is working, its battery might be dead if it uses one. If it's connected to the mains, there could be a power supply issue. Otherwise, it could have developed an electronic fault. You may be able to sort a battery problem yourself, but anything else likely needs a locksmith to help you.

Switch to manual mode if possible

Electronic locks usually have an emergency manual mode, which may take a traditional key to let you in. If you know how to do this, it can help you regain entry to your home. If you're not sure how to enter the manual mode or you don't know if your lock has one, it's best not to mess around trying to figure it out, or you could make the problem worse.

Listen for telltale sounds

When you enter the code, you might be able to hear the lock trying to move. If you can, there could be a physical problem that's preventing it from working properly. Like traditional locks, electronic ones can jam or become stiff, stopping it from unlocking as it should. You might hear the lock struggling if this is the problem.

Call a locksmith for help

Locksmiths can help with many of the issues you'll find with an electronic lock, so don't feel like you can't call one if you can't sort the problem out easily.

If you're in any doubt about what's causing your lockout and you can't see a way to sort it out on your own, call a mobile locksmith as soon as possible.