Magnetic lock door won’t lock, or opens when it shouldn’t?
For property managers, building operators and front desk staff. Applies to any magnetic lock.
The quick answer
A magnetic lock only holds when the door is fully closed and the plate on the door sits flat against the magnet. If the door doesn’t close fully, the plate is dirty or misaligned, or the lock has no power, the door won’t stay locked.
We’ll do it for you
We’ll realign the lock, service the closer and check the power and fire alarm release. Same-day service available.
Before you start
Works with: Any magnetic lock (maglock)
Who it’s for: Property managers, building operators and front desk staff
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Quick checks
- Is the door closing fully? A slow or badly adjusted closer, or weatherstripping in the way, stops the plate meeting the magnet.
- Is anything on the plate or magnet, such as tape, a sticker, dirt or ice? Remove it with a dry cloth.
- Is it one door, or every maglock? Every door usually means power or the fire alarm release.
- Did a fire alarm just happen? See doors stayed unlocked after a fire alarm.
Released on purpose
Maglocks unlock when they lose power. That’s by design, so people can always get out. See doors in a power outage. They also release on a fire alarm and when someone presses the exit button or uses the exit sensor.
What our technicians do
- Realign plates and magnets.
- Service door closers.
- Check the power supply and the fire alarm release.
- Replace failed locks, or change to a different lock type where it suits the door better.
Door still not locking?
We’ll check the lock, the door, the closer and the power together.
Stuck with a system nobody will fix?
We repair and take over cameras, access control, intercoms and alarms installed by other companies, when your current provider has fallen short.
Questions
Why does the door pull open with a little force?
The plate isn’t sitting flat on the magnet, the door isn’t fully closed, or the lock is getting low power. Call us.
Is a maglock door safe in a power outage?
Yes. Maglocks unlock when they lose power, so no one is locked in.
Can you change it to a different lock type?
Often, yes. An electric strike or electrified lever may suit some doors better, subject to the fire and building codes.
More answers: Access control questionsGlossary: credentialfail-safe vs fail-secure
Book a maglock service call
Tell us the building, which door and what it does. We’ll follow up to sort it out.
Call and a real person answers, 24/7 for emergencies.