> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.researchanddesire.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Emergency Unlock

> Use the Emergency Unlock safety feature on your Lockbox and understand what happens when you do

Emergency Unlock is a safety feature that lets you open your Lockbox locally when you need immediate access and your Keyholder isn't available. Use it only in genuine emergencies.

<Warning>
  Emergency Unlock is for real emergencies. Using it without a valid reason may damage trust with your Keyholder and affect your experience.
</Warning>

## Use Emergency Unlock

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the device menu">
    While the Lockbox is locked or a lock timer is running, press and hold the Lock/Enter button for about 2 seconds until the menu appears.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Emergency Unlock">
    Navigate to <b>Emergency Unlock</b> and select it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm">
    Confirm your decision. A QR code linking back to this guide appears on the screen.

    <Check>
      Verify success:

      * The device displays that it is unlocked and the lid can be opened.
      * In your dashboard, the active lock session shows as ended.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What happens when you use it

Using Emergency Unlock triggers important consequences:

1. **Immediate session end** — Your current lock session ends right away.
2. **Partner notification** — If you have a Keyholder or partners linked to your account, they receive an alert via email and the dashboard.
3. **24‑hour cooldown** — After an emergency unlock, the Lockbox cannot start a new lock for 24 hours. You may see "Emergency Mode" during this period. After the cooldown ends, locking becomes available again.

<Info>
  Activity related to Emergency Unlock appears in your device's activity history in the dashboard.
</Info>

## Before you use Emergency Unlock

<Tip>
  Try messaging your Keyholder to request a break first. Open communication is usually the best path.
</Tip>

Consider these checks before proceeding:

* Confirm the situation is a genuine emergency requiring immediate access
* Try contacting your Keyholder directly for a temporary break
* Remember you may be asked to explain your reasons afterward

## Disable Emergency Unlock (optional)

If you find Emergency Unlock too tempting, you can disable it from your dashboard so it cannot be used under any circumstances.

<Warning>
  When Emergency Unlock is disabled, the only way to access the device without your Keyholder is to physically break the backplate. Consider this carefully.
</Warning>

### What to know

* You can change this setting only while the device is unlocked
* Once disabled, Emergency Unlock cannot be used
* The only way to unlock will be through your Keyholder

### How to disable it

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open your dashboard">
    Sign in and go to your Lockbox dashboard.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the session settings">
    Navigate to your current lock session settings.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Locate Emergency Unlock">
    Find the <b>Emergency Unlock</b> section.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Toggle to disable">
    Toggle <b>Disable Emergency Unlock</b> and confirm.

    <Check>
      Verify the toggle remains enabled after refresh.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Disabling adds commitment and security, but it also means you cannot access the device in a real emergency without your Keyholder's help.
</Note>

## If the software menu isn't available

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Emergency Unlock is disabled or blocked">
    If your Keyholder or lock template disabled Emergency Unlock, the software option won't appear. As a last resort, you can perform a hardware emergency unlock by breaking the backplate. See <a href="/lkbx/support/emergency-backplate">Emergency Unlock: Break the Backplate</a>.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Device is unresponsive">
    Restart the device, then try again. See <a href="/lkbx/device-states/restarting">Restarting your device</a>.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="No internet connection">
    Emergency Unlock works locally on the device and does not require an internet connection. If Wi‑Fi is down, you can still use the device menu.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related guides

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quick Start" icon="rocket" href="/lkbx/quick-start">
    Connect, pair, and learn the basics, including emergency options.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Hardware Emergency Unlock" icon="wrench" href="/lkbx/support/emergency-backplate">
    Destructive backplate method for when software unlock isn't possible.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Restarting your device" icon="rotate" href="/lkbx/device-states/restarting">
    Safe restart steps and what to expect after reboot.
  </Card>

  <Card title="FAQs" icon="circle-question" href="/lkbx/faqs">
    Common questions about locks, control, and emergency scenarios.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>