how do you unlock a locked car door

[VictoriaFitz]

The fastest way to unlock a locked car door is to use a spare key, either a physical key or a digital key fob if your car supports it. If that's not an option, the next best step is to call a professional locksmith or your automotive roadside assistance service (like AAA). They have the tools and expertise to open your car without causing damage. Attempting to unlock it yourself with makeshift tools like a coat hanger can easily scratch the paint, damage the window seals, or harm the door's locking mechanism, leading to costly repairs.

Before you panic, double-check all doors and the trunk. Sometimes, only one door gets locked. Also, many modern cars have mobile apps (e.g., GM's OnStar, Toyota's app) that allow you to unlock the doors remotely if you have an active subscription.

If you're in a situation where you must act quickly, like if a child or pet is inside, and you can't wait for help, here are the least damaging methods. These are last resorts and require caution:

• String/Shoelace Method (for cars with post-type locks): This only works on older models with a visible lock post on top of the door window frame. You tie a loop in a sturdy string or shoelace, slip it between the door and the frame, maneuver the loop over the lock post, and pull up.
• Professional Tool Kits: You can purchase specialized, non-damaging tools like a long-reach tool or an air wedge kit online. These are what locksmiths use, but they require practice to use effectively without causing damage.

The best choice depends entirely on your car's model and your specific circumstances. The table below compares the primary options.

Unlocking Method	Average Cost	Time Required	Risk of Damage	Best For
Spare Key / Digital Key Fob	$0	1-5 minutes	None	Anyone with access to a spare key.
Roadside Assistance (e.g., AAA)	$0 (with membership)	30-60 minutes	Very Low	Members; safest, most reliable option.
Professional Locksmith	$50 - $150	20-40 minutes	Low	Non-members; often faster than roadside assistance.
String/Shoelace Method	$0	5-15 minutes (if it works)	Moderate	Older cars with visible lock posts; emergency only.
DIY with Coat Hanger	$0	10-30 minutes	High	Not recommended; high likelihood of cosmetic and mechanical damage.

[DeRobert]

Been there. First, don't waste time jiggling the handle. Call your roadside assistance right away—it’s what you pay them for. If you don’t have that, a locksmith is your next best bet. While you wait, just check if any other door might be open. It sounds obvious, but in a panic, you might miss it. Trying to force it open yourself almost always ends with a big repair bill.

[McNorah]

Check your car's mobile app. Many newer cars, from brands like Hyundai and Ford, have a remote unlock feature built right into their official app. It requires a data connection and an active subscription, but it’s instant and damage-free. If that’s not an option, your key fob might have a hidden physical key inside it. Look for a small release latch on the fob to pop it out. That physical key can unlock the driver's side door.

[MacColin]

As a former tow truck driver, I’ve seen countless DIY attempts go wrong. The biggest mistake is using a screwdriver or a coat hanger, which bends the lock mechanism or ruins the door’s weather stripping. A professional uses an air wedge to create a small gap and then a long-reach tool to press the unlock button from the inside. It’s a precise skill. Paying a locksmith is cheaper than replacing a damaged door assembly. Your best move is to call for professional help and wait safely.

[DeZoey]

If a child or pet is locked inside, your immediate action is to call 911. Emergency responders are trained to handle these situations quickly and safely. Do not attempt to break a window unless it is an absolute, life-threatening emergency, as flying glass can cause serious injury. While waiting, try to keep the child or pet calm from outside the vehicle. Inform the dispatcher exactly what is happening so they can send the appropriate help. Your safety and theirs is the top priority.