Honeywell is a reputable company from North Carolina. They mainly focus on aerospace, building technologies, performance materials and technologies, and safety and productivity solutions. Among many other things, they are known for producing high-quality thermostats. The company offers smart Wi-Fi thermostats with room sensors and humidification control, programmable, and non-programmable manual thermostats.
A thermostat is a regulating device that senses the temperature in a room or environment and maintains it at the desired setpoint and a staple of any modern home. As such it can be extremely frustrating if this little device that determines whether your home will be nice and warm during the winter and pleasantly cool during the summer gets accidentally locked and we find ourselves trapped under its mercy. To make your life easier, we have created this article that will help you unlock any Honeywell thermostat as quickly and effortlessly as possible.
Why Do Thermostats Have Lock Functions
The ‘lock’ function may be a relatively new invention in the world of thermostats, however, it is a valuable one. Thermostat manufacturers have created this option to help ensure the user that no one else (a guest, a child, etc.) can access the device and change the temperature and other settings. Instead of having to reset your thermostat on a regular basis, you can simply lock it and make sure that nobody will mess with it.
Do All Honeywell Models Have Lock Functions
While some users love the lock function and certain situations may demand it, other customers see no use in it. Luckily, not all Honeywell thermostat models have lock functions, and the clients who dislike it can simply buy a model that doesn’t lock.
While there are many Honeywell thermostats without a lock function, all the Wi-Fi-compatible models do have a lock feature. If you wish to have a Wi-Fi-enabled Honeywell thermostat, you can simply unlock the device and keep it that way.
When Does It Make Sense To Lock Your Thermostat
Single people and married couples who don’t share their home and thermostat with anyone else certainly don’t need a lock function, as it simply doesn’t make any sense to lock some settings from yourself. However, there are certain situations and living conditions, in which you may benefit greatly from having the lock function. Below, you can find some situations when it makes sense to lock your thermostat.
- If you have children who tend to mess with appliances. For them, it’s just fun and game, but for you, it may be incredibly irritating.
- If you own a building that is being used by various clients and are legally allowed to mandate the temperature. Keeping the thermostats in offices and common apartment areas locked may save you a lot of money.
- If you have an Airbnb. In most states, it is allowed to lock your thermostats in Airbnb apartments to cut down on expenses.
How To Unlock Your Honeywell Thermostat
As we have mentioned before, Honeywell offers a large variety of different thermostats – some are smart and Wi-Fi-enabled, others are programmable, and some are non-programmable. Each model is a bit different and each can be locked and unlocked in its own way. You can follow the more general instructions provided below, but your best bet to unlock the specific type of Honeywell thermostat you have is to follow the owner’s manual.
In case you have lost your owner’s manual and you don’t know what your thermostat’s model number is, look at the thermostat’s ID plate located on the back of the device. Then, you can follow the simple steps provided below – you either follow the general instructions or the ones for your specific model, if included.
General instructions
- Step 1: Press ‘Menu’ on the thermostat and find the ‘Lock’ option by using the +/- signs. Press ‘Select’.
- Step 2: In case the device offers you to choose a lock setting, select ‘Off’ (to partially lock the screen, press ‘Part’ and to lock it fully press ‘On’). Other models are designed to ask you if you wish to unlock your honeywell thermostat. In this case, select ‘Yes’.
- Step 3: Press and hold the center button to unlock the keypad. Doing so will enable you to enter the passcode to turn off your lock.
- Step 4: Enter your keypad code. Most Honeywell thermostat models have the same default keypad code – ‘1234’. You can enter this code by scrolling through the available numbers using the +/- buttons. Your default code may vary from model to model, therefore, check your owner’s manual to find the code in case ‘1234’ doesn’t work.
- Step 5: Once you have entered your code, you can confirm it by pressing ‘Select’.
- Step 6: If the keypad code you have entered is correct and if your specific model fits these general instructions, your thermostat will be unlocked. In case you have entered the wrong code, you will see a ‘–‘ sign blinking on the screen and then you will be asked to enter another code. In this case, it’s best to call Honeywell’s customer service and ask them to help you out.
Note that the typical Honeywell thermostat has 3 screen lock settings – unlocked, partial lock, and full lock.
- When the device is unlocked, all settings are adjustable.
- When it’s partially locked, setpoint changes are allowed and other settings are locked.
- When the device is fully locked, no changes are allowed.
- When the screen lock is active, a lock icon will appear on the screen.
How to Unlock the T4 Pro Series Programmable Thermostat
- Step 1: Press the ‘Unlock’ center button.
- Step 2: Enter the default password (1234). To do so, press the + or – keys on the display to select the first number and press ‘Select’ to set it.
- Step 3: Repeat the number selecting process for the remaining three digits and make sure to input them in the correct order.
- Step 4: Once you do so, your thermostat will be unlocked.
How to Unlock the T6 Pro Series Smart Thermostat
- Step 1: Press the lock symbol on the display.
- Step 2: Enter the PIN code. To change the individual digits, press the + or – keys. Once you set a digit, confirm it by pressing ‘Select’.
- Step 3: Repeat the number selecting process for the remaining three digits and make sure to input them in the correct order.
- Step 4: Step 4: Once you do so, your thermostat will be unlocked.
Note: In case you forgot your t& Pro Series Smart Thermostat PIN, you can find it by removing the thermostat’s faceplate. There, you will see a four-digit number located in the top right corner. Enter this number and ‘1234’. This 8-digit number is your PIN.
How to Unlock the T6 Pro Series Z-Wave Thermostat
- Step 1: Press the lock symbol on the display.
- Step 2: Enter the PIN code. To change the individual digits, press the + or – keys. Once you set a digit, confirm it by pressing ‘Select’.
- Step 3: Repeat the number selecting process for the remaining three digits and make sure to input them in the correct order.
- Step 4: Step 4: Once you do so, your thermostat will be unlocked.
How to Unlock the Honeywell 8000 Series Thermostat (Including VisionPro)
- Step 1: Press and hold both the ‘System’ and ‘Auto’ buttons on the screen simultaneously.
- Step 2: Press and hold the blank key located in the bottom center of the keypad until the display changes. On some models, hold the second and fourth blank buttons.
- Step 3: Change the digits displayed on the left side to ‘0670’ using the up and down keys located in the middle of the screen.
- Step 4: Change the digit displayed on the right side to ‘0’ using the up and down keys.
- Step 5: Press ‘Done’ to confirm and unlock the device.
How to Unlock the Honeywell RTH9580WF Smart Thermostat
- Step 1: Press ‘Menu’ in the top right corner of the screen and press the down arrow button to locate the ‘Security Settings’ option. Press it.
- Step 2: You will be asked to enter your password. Enter the code you assigned when you password-protected the thermostat using the arrow buttons. Press ‘Done’.
- Step 3: Tap the ‘Change Lock Mode’ option. If your device is currently locked, the ‘Fully Locked’ option is highlighted. To unlock it, tap the ‘Unlocked’ option and now this option will be highlighted.
- Step 4: Press ‘Done’ to confirm and unlock the device.
How to Unlock the Honeywell TH8320 Programmable Thermostat
- Step 1: Press the ‘Menu’ button and try accessing the device’s settings.
- Step 2: You will be asked to enter your password. Enter the code ‘0670’ on the screen using the keypad.
- Step 3: Press ‘Done’ to confirm and unlock the device.
How to Unlock other models, such as the VisionPRO TH8321WF or VisionPRO Series with RedLINK models (with the -R suffix)
- Step 1: Press ‘Menu’
- Step 2: Find ‘Security Settings’ using the arrow buttons and press ‘Select’.
- Step 3: Enter your password using the arrow buttons and press ‘Done’.
Should You Always Keep Your Honeywell Thermostat Unlock
It is entirely up to you and your preferences if you choose to have your thermostat locked or unlocked. If you only share your home with reasonable adults capable of following the rules, then you don’t need the device to be locked. Moreover, if you are the only one using it, you probably wouldn’t want it to be locked, as in this case you are always required to enter your password if you want to change the settings, which is a lot more time-consuming.
How To Lock The Honeywell Thermostat Again If Needed
As goes for unlocking, locking a Honeywell thermostat also depends on the model you are using. Again, it’s best to check your owner’s manual. If you don’t have one and your device is in the list below, you can follow these simple steps.
How to Lock the T4 Pro Series Programmable Thermostat
- Step 1: Press the ‘Menu’ button on the screen.
- Step 2: Find the ‘Lock’ setting by using the + or – buttons. Once you find it, press ‘Select’.
- Step 3: Again, press the + and – buttons to select the lock mode (Locked or Partially locked). Once you make your choice, press ‘Select’ to confirm it.
- Step 4: This will either lock or partially lock the device.
How to Lock the T6 Pro Series Smart Thermostat
- Step 1: Press the ‘Menu’ option on the screen and go to the ‘Screen Lock’ setting by pressing the arrow buttons. Press ‘Select’.
- Step 2: Select either the ‘Unlocked’ or ‘Partly Locked’ option using the arrow buttons. Confirm the choice by pressing ‘Select’.
- Step 3: Finalize the option by pressing ‘Yes’. This will successfully lock the device.
How to Lock the T6 Pro Series Z-Wave Thermostat
- Step 1: Press the ‘Menu’ option on the screen and go to the ‘Screen Lock’ setting by pressing the arrow buttons. Press ‘Select’.
- Step 2: Select either the ‘Unlocked’ or ‘Partly Locked’ option using the arrow buttons. Confirm the choice by pressing ‘Select’.
- Step 3: Finalize the option by pressing ‘Yes’. This will successfully lock the device.
How to Lock the Honeywell 8000 Series Thermostat (Including Vision Pro)
- Step 1: Press the ‘System’ option on your display.
- Step 2: Press and hold the blank center button until the display changes.
- Step 3: Change the digits displayed on the left side to ‘0670’ using the up and down keys located in the middle of the screen.
- Step 4: Change the digit displayed on the right side using the up and down keys. If you want the device to be partially locked, select ‘1’, and select ‘2’ to fully lock it.
- Step 5: Press ‘Done’ to confirm and lock the device.
How to Lock the Honeywell RTH8500 Wi-Fi Series or TH8000 Series Thermostats
- Step 1: Press the ‘System’ option on your display.
- Step 2: Press and hold the blank center button until the display changes.
- Step 3: Change the digits displayed on the left side to ‘0670’ using the up and down keys located in the middle of the screen.
- Step 4: Change the digit displayed on the right side using the up and down keys. If you want the device to be partially locked, select ‘1’, and select ‘2’ to fully lock it.
- Step 5: Press ‘Done’ to confirm and lock the device.
How to Lock the Honeywell RTH9580WF Smart Thermostat
- Step 1: Press ‘Menu’ in the top right corner of the screen and press the down arrow button to locate the ‘Security Settings’ option. Press it.
- Step 2: Tap the ‘Change Lock Mode’ option. If your device is currently unlocked, the ‘Unlocked’ option is highlighted. To lock it, tap the ‘Fully Locked’ option and now this option will be highlighted.
- Step 4: Press ‘Done’ to confirm and lock the device.
- Step 5: Tap the ‘Create Password’ option. The ‘Your Password has been created’ screen will appear and you will be able to see the 4-digit provided password that you will need to unlock the device.
- Step 6: Write down the provided password or remember it as you will need it to unlock the device. Press ‘Done’.
How to Lock the Honeywell VisionPRO TH8321WF or VisionPRO Series with RedLINK models (with the -R suffix)
- Step 1: Press ‘Menu’ and locate the ‘Security Settings’ using the arrow buttons. Press ‘Select’.
- Step 2: Select ‘Change Lock Mode’ or ‘Create Password’ by using the arrow buttons. Once you have made your selection, press ‘Done’.
- Step 3: Select ‘Lock’ in ‘Change Lock Mode’. In case you have created a password, make sure to write it down or remember it.
What To Do If You Forget Your Lock Pass
In case you forget your lock pass, you will have to reset your Honeywell thermostat. There are two ways to do so – manually or through the device.
Method 1 – through the device
- Step 1: When in the ‘Run’ position, press ‘Set Slide’.
- Step 2: Take your thermostat and find the ‘HW RST’ (stands for Hardware Reset) button located at the back of the device.
- Step 3: Press and hold the button for three or more seconds.
- Step 4: Once you release the button, the device should be reset and you will see an unlocked screen.
Method 2 – manually
- Step 1: Press the ‘Off’ button to turn the device off.
- Step 2: Carefully remove the screws. The screws near the screen are especially sensitive.
- Step 3: Remove the batteries by using a coin, the tweezer, or lever them out.
- Step 4: Insert the batteries back in the opposite order – place the negative pole of the battery to the positive pole of the battery bed. Maintain this position for 5 to 7 seconds.
- Step 5: Insert the batteries back in the right order.
- Step 6: Screw the lid back on and turn on your device. It should now be unlocked.
What Are The Different Lock Modes In Honeywell Thermostats
There are three different lock modes available in the Honeywell thermostat – full, partial, and unlocked.
- The ‘Full’ (On) mode prevents access to the thermostat settings.
- The ‘Partial’ (Part) mode allows you to change the temperature but prevents access to other settings.
- The ‘Unlocked’ (Off) mode unlocks the keypad of your thermostat and allows access to all settings.
The first two options can be unlocked by entering the correct PIN. Those users who often override the schedule tend to keep the device partially locked, as having it fully locked would be too time-consuming.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Change Your Thermostat’s Passcode?
No, most Honeywell thermostats don’t allow you to change the password that is set as default. As such, make sure that the people who shouldn’t mess with the settings don’t find out what the password is.
Why Can’t You Change Your Thermostat’s Passcode?
We don’t really know. Some believe that it’s the company’s way of ensuring that you can switch homeowners without locking the new homeowner out of their thermostat settings. Others believe that it was simply easier to program or that it’s a way of foolproofing the setup.
What Do Each Of The Lock Settings On A Honeywell Thermostat Mean?
As we have established before, there are three thermostat modes – full (On), partial (Part), and unlocked (Off). The ‘On’ setting disables access to settings and you can only change them by unlocking the device. The ‘Part’ setting means that you can change the temperature, but not the other settings. The ‘Off’ setting, on the other hand, means that anyone can access and change the settings.
Could a low battery affect the way my thermostat is acting?
Yes. If your thermostat has been acting strangely, check if the battery is low and replace it. If that doesn’t help, make sure to call Honeywell’s customer support. They will be able to help you out.
How do you change the temperature on a locked Honeywell thermostat?
If the device is locked, you must first unlock it. Then, simply press the up or down buttons. If you want to change the program on your programmable thermostat, press ‘Schedule’ and you will see each day or period. Select the period you wish to set your thermostat for by using the plus and minus icons. Then, select the temperature tab and adjust the temperature. Press and hold the ‘Select’ button until it says ‘Done’. Touch the ‘Select’ button again to save your new temperature reading.
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