SwitchBot Lock Not Strong Enough (Or Gets Jammed A Lot)

SwitchBot Locks are a great smart security system, but they’re not infallible to being jammed and being unable to open the door sometimes.

I’ve faced these issues too, and it can be quite a hassle if you still have to use your key to open the door because the Lock isn’t strong enough. 

Now, there are a few common causes, like low battery power, but some other issues take more time and hands-on work to fix. So I’ve compiled this quick guide to help you navigate the SwitchBot Lock and troubleshoot it effectively so it operates normally again. 

Why Is My SwitchBot Lock Not Strong Enough or Jamming Frequently?

Your SwitchBot Lock may be jamming frequently or not able to move the door lock due to low battery levels, outdated firmware, loss of calibration, misaligned thumb-turner, improperly placed magnet, and more. 

Now before you panic, take a breath and work through the troubleshooting steps below to figure out the issue and resolve it. Hopefully, it’ll be a quick and easy fix, so let’s get to it. 

How to Troubleshoot Your SwitchBot Lock: Step-by-Step Guide

Identifying the Issues: Weakness vs. Jamming

First, it’s important to know whether your SwitchBot Lock is actually jamming, or if it appears too weak to lock/unlock the door. 

Signs of a Weak Lock

If you’re having difficulty locking and unlocking your SwitchBot Lock, that's a red flag and could point to a weak lock. 

Observe the lock while locking/unlocking from the SwitchBot app. Is it properly moving into place each time, or is it having difficulty to move the lock? Does it seem like it’s using excessive rotational force? 

If the lock doesn't click into place securely, you're likely looking at a weakness issue instead of a jamming issue.

Signs of a Jammed Lock

If you find yourself unable to move the lock mechanism – basically, the lock won't budge – even when you use the app or manual controls, then your lock might be jammed.

Perhaps turning the key or rotating the lock switch feels harder than it should, or maybe it's not moving at all. Or maybe you hear grinding or jamming noises. If you’re getting error messages on the SwitchBot app, that's a clear sign something's jammed. 

Sometimes the jamming is not persistent, but it happens occasionally too. It’ll fail to lock/unlock every once in a while. 

Now once you know whether your SwitchBot Lock is jammed or weak, you can troubleshoot it more effectively. 

2. Causes and Fixes for a Weak or Jammed Lock

Check Battery Level and Replace Batteries

If your lock's battery is low, the mechanism won't have enough juice to operate properly. Your SwitchBot Lock uses a set of two CR123A batteries, and the ones that come with the product should last about six months, on average, before you have to replace them. 

You can check the SwitchBot app or Hub to see if there are any low-battery level indicators. Even if there’s none, but you’ve been using the Lock for at least 4-5 months regularly, it’s probably a good idea to change the batteries. 

SwitchBot recommends Panasonic batteries, but it’s important to make sure they’re CR123A and 3V. Don’t use rechargeable ones; they tend to have an unstable voltage and may not be able to operate the Lock properly. 

And always replace both together, never mix an old battery with a new one. You wouldn’t know which one is the problem. 

Update App and Firmware

First, you must ensure that you’ve got the latest version of the SwitchBot App. Head to your respective App Store, and make sure it’s updated. 

A firmware that’s not up-to-date can mess things up, both for a jammed or a weak lock. Your SwitchBot Lock must be running the latest firmware update to function optimally. So open the SwitchBot App, navigate to the Lock’s device settings, check the firmware version, and update if needed. 

Sometimes you might just have to remove the Lock from the app and re-add it; this can resolve certain software glitches. It’s a time-consuming process, so reserve it till you’ve tried the other steps. 

Door Lock/Deadbolt Is Jammed

Sometimes the issue is not with the SwitchBot Lock, but with the actual door lock or deadbolt that you have. Because of factors like weather changes, high humidity, temperature fluctuations the deadbolt can become jammed, so the Lock will not be able to move it smoothly. 

Try removing the Lock and see if your deadbolt works smoothly with each lock/unlock. If you feel any resistance, you can consider using a lubricant to reduce the friction. Then you can test the Lock again to see if it works efficiently now. 

Note that if you don’t fix this problem soon, the Lock may use excessive rotational force with each try, and that can potentially damage it.

If you're still having trouble and your door lock itself seems to be the problem, try replacing your deadbolt with a new one or contact your local locksmith for help.

Re-Calibrate the Lock

Sometimes the Lock loses its calibration, perhaps due to regular wear and tear, or an error during one of the lock/unlock procedures. 

The calibration process is done through the SwitchBot app, which gives you on-screen instructions. Follow the instructions to make sure the Lock has a proper record of the locked and unlocked positions, and is able to switch between them consistently. 

You can check this YouTube video for a demonstration of the calibration procedure. 

Lock Alignment with Knob

Coaxial alignment issues between the thumb-turn and the knob could be your problem with a jammed lock. Proper alignment is crucial for smooth operation. 

You must make sure that the center of the thumb-turn of the lock is coaxial (symmetrically aligned) with the center of the knob, as explained in this SwitchBot support article. 

This process of re-installation can also solve many issues and get the Lock running properly again. 

If you keep running into alignment issues, there may be a more complex issue that requires help from SwitchBot’s support team. 

Magnet Placement and Alignment

The SwitchBot Lock comes with a magnetic sensor that helps it understand its current positioning, which also prevents calibration issues from happening. The magnet is also important for the Lock’s Auto-Lock functionality, 

So check if you’ve installed the magnet properly: it should ideally be about 3cm (1.2 inches) away from the Lock, and placed on the doorframe; not the door itself. It should be parallel and aligned properly with the top of the Lock, so the sensor can get a good reading. 

Check the Unlocked Position Mode

Some doors in Europe and other places don’t have handles on the outside, which makes it difficult to work with smart lock systems, but the SwitchBot Lock does have a solution for that as well. 

As discussed in this support forum post, the latest firmware includes an unlock mode that can ‘hold’ the door in the unlocked position for a few seconds, which lets you open the door easily.

3. Contact SwitchBot Support If Issues Keep Occurring

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting solutions listed here, but your Lock is still not working, it’s best to contact SwitchBot support, as the issue might be more complex, such as a defective piece. 

You can send a request using the SwitchBot app’s Feedback section. Include all the relevant information about your account and device, and mention that you’ve already tried all these troubleshooting steps; it’ll save a lot of back and forth.

SwitchBot support is very helpful and will usually send you replacement parts or new devices quickly. If you have any further questions, feel free to post on the forums too.  

Remember that regular maintenance of your Lock can also help prevent these issues from happening in the future, so it’s a good idea to check it once in a while and make sure everything is clean and smooth.

Emergency Measures for SwitchBot Lock Issues

What to Do in Case of a Lockout

Let's say you're locked out because the Lock is jammed. Try not to panic. The SwitchBot Lock comes with an emergency unlock feature. Even if it’s not calibrated, the Lock can rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise as far as possible to try and unlock the door. 

To use this, just press on the Emergency Unlock function in the app. 

If it does work and you’re able to enter your house again, it’s best to recalibrate the SwitchBot Lock immediately and check that everything is functioning again. Consider replacing the batteries as well. 

But if it doesn’t work and you don’t have a spare key, you’ll likely have to get a locksmith to help open the door for you. Unfortunately, the SwitchBot warranty does not cover the charges for such situations, but do let them know in case of such an incident.

I do recommend you carry a spare key with you in the future, because it’s always best to be prepared for worst-case scenarios. The SwitchBot Lock is very convenient, but it’s not foolproof yet. 

FAQs

Conclusion

Issues with your SwitchBot Lock are frustrating indeed, but I hope this guide helped you through the troubleshooting process to get your smart lock working again. Whether your Lock was jammed or not strong enough, it’s important to maintain it regularly to prevent reoccurrences. 

Also, always have a backup plan, like a hidden spare key or one that’s always in your bag/pocket. Smart tech isn’t 100% reliable, and it’s best to be prepared than locked out of your own home.