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Glam Journal

Are outside garage door keypads safe?

Author

David Craig

Updated on April 09, 2026

Are outside garage door keypads safe?

Garage keypads are typically located on the exterior of the home and can come with over 10,000 possible code combinations. They can be added at any time (and even won for free). The long and short of it is that garage keypads are as safe and effective as you make them.

Do you need a garage keypad?

As long as you keep your code a secret, no one else should be able to access your garage. While you don’t have keys or a remote to carry around, you do still have to remember a code for your entry keypad.

Does a garage door need sensors?

The simple answer: yes. All garage doors in the U.S. have to have safety features, such as sensors, installed. The U.S. Federal Law UL 325 requires all garage doors to include safety mechanisms, such as garage door sensors. Even though there are other safety tools, sensors are the most common.

Can garage door keypads be hacked?

Yes, garage door openers can be hacked. Older garage door openers use a “fixed code” which makes it incredibly easy. More sophisticated ones that use rolling codes make it harder to hack, but it is still possible. Smart garage door openers can be hacked too through the WiFi network if it has weak security attributes.

What kind of security should I put on my garage door?

Each leaf should be fitted with a drop bolt to secure them open when driving in and out of the garage. The second opening leaf should have additional bolts at the top and bottom for extra security before applying the padlock. (See Padlocks )

Can a person have access to a garage door?

You can authorize multiple people to have access to the garage. It sends notifications if you forget to close the door, which makes it also a garage door monitor. It has security encryption and real-time activity log so you can always be aware if the door is being open and closed by someone even when you’re away from home.

Do you need a code to open a garage door?

Don’t use an exterior keypad, if possible. Many garage doors feature a security keypad on the outside of the house that can be used to open the garage door with a code. If you have one, do you know how secure it is?

What should I do if I have a burglar in my garage?

To protect the rest of your home in the event that someone does access your garage, treat the door from the garage to the house like any other exterior door. Lock it behind you, and make sure it’s connected to your alarm system. Install a secure deadbolt lock and don’t make a habit of leaving this door open or unlocked.

What’s the best way to protect your garage door?

Top 10 Garage Door Security Tips to Prevent Break-Ins Garage doors are a common weak point in home security. Don’t leave your home unprotected. Secure your garage door & prevent break-ins with these security tips. Garage doors are a common weak point in home security. Don’t leave your home unprotected.

Can a garage door opener be used as a security system?

Many modern home security systems are compatible with garage door openers that you can activate to control your garage door when you’re not nearby. Another easy way to prevent break-ins is to never keep the garage door remote inside your car, whether you’re at home or when you’re away.

What can I do to increase security in my garage?

Even frosted windows will increase garage security, with the added benefit of allowing light to get in. Forget the automatic garage door opener. Going “old school” will get you added garage security but at the cost of convenience. Disconnect the garage door opener and use a manual latch to lock the door.

Don’t use an exterior keypad, if possible. Many garage doors feature a security keypad on the outside of the house that can be used to open the garage door with a code. If you have one, do you know how secure it is?