What to Do After Losing Your House Keys
If you’ve lost your house keys, the most important step is to assess your security risk and decide whether rekeying or replacing your locks is necessary. While not every lost key results in a security issue, taking prompt action helps protect your home and prevent unauthorized access.
Here’s what homeowners should do next.
1. Stay Calm and Retrace Your Steps
Before assuming the worst, retrace recent movements:
- Check bags, coat pockets, and vehicles
- Contact places you recently visited
- Ask family members if they moved the key
According to consumer behavior studies, a significant percentage of “lost” items are later recovered in frequently used spaces, such as vehicles or inside the home.
“We often find that keys are misplaced rather than permanently lost.” - KeyMe Locksmiths
If the key turns up quickly, further action may not be necessary.
2. Consider Where the Key Was Lost
Location matters when assessing risk.
Ask yourself:
- Was it dropped near your home?
- Did it have identifying information attached?
- Was it lost in a public place?
If your address was attached to the key, or if it was lost close to your property, taking security precautions becomes more important.
3. Decide Between Rekeying or Replacing
If the key cannot be recovered, homeowners typically choose between:
Rekeying
Rekeying changes the internal pins of the lock so old keys no longer work.
- Keeps existing hardware
- Provides new keys
- Restores key control
Replacing
Replacing involves installing new lock hardware.
- May be recommended if locks are worn
- Useful for upgrading security
- Necessary if locks are damaged
According to FBI data, a substantial portion of residential burglaries involve unlawful entry through doors, underscoring the importance of properly secured locks.
“If there’s any doubt about who might have access, rekeying is often the most practical next step.” - KeyMe Locksmiths
4. Check for Spare Key Exposure
If you previously shared spare keys with:
- Contractors
- Housekeepers
- Former roommates
- Neighbors
Now may be the right time to update access control. Lost keys combined with unknown copies increase potential risk.
5. Plan for Future Prevention
Once security is restored, consider ways to reduce future risk:
- Create spare keys proactively
- Use a secure key storage solution
- Avoid attaching identifying information to key rings
- Consider upgrading to smart locks for controlled access
“Losing a key is inconvenient, but it’s also an opportunity to improve your home’s security plan.” - KeyMe Locksmiths
When Immediate Action Is Critical
You should act quickly if:
- Your address was attached to the key
- The key was stolen (not just misplaced)
- You recently experienced suspicious activity
- You live in a multi-unit building with shared access areas
Prompt action helps reduce exposure and restore peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I change my locks immediately after losing my keys?
It depends on where the keys were lost and whether they can be traced back to your home.
Is rekeying enough after losing a key?
In many cases, yes. Rekeying prevents the lost key from working while keeping your existing hardware.
What if I find my lost key after rekeying?
The old key will no longer operate the lock once rekeyed.
Can a locksmith help if I’m locked out?
Yes. Professional locksmiths can assist with home lockouts and evaluate next steps for security.
How can I avoid losing keys in the future?
Designated storage spots, spare keys, and access upgrades can reduce future risk.
Take Smart Steps to Protect Your Home
Losing your house keys can feel stressful, but acting quickly and thoughtfully helps restore security. Whether you choose rekeying or replacement, addressing the issue promptly protects both your home and your peace of mind.
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About KeyMe Locksmiths
KeyMe Locksmiths is a leading provider of local locksmith services and key copy kiosks across 50 states and the District of Columbia. Proud to serve over 5 million customers, KeyMe Locksmiths cuts over 10 million keys annually. With more than 7,500 self-service kiosks in major retailers, an e-commerce platform delivering over 10,000 keys weekly, and a nationwide locksmith network, KeyMe Locksmiths provides fast, reliable solutions for residential, commercial, and vehicle needs. KeyMe Locksmiths is committed to delivering exceptional service backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. KeyMe Locksmiths also operates one of the nation’s leading retail media networks, connecting consumers to other brands seeking to advertise in-store and delivering over 2B monthly impressions.