How to Open a Stuck Garage Door from the Outside Safely

Published Date: Nov 18, 2025

You pull into your driveway during a storm, the power is out, and your garage door is stuck. You’re locked out of your garage, and your tools — or even the main house entry — are inside.

The quickest solution is often the exterior emergency-release lock. It lets you disconnect the electric opener from the door’s trolley so you can lift the door by hand. This guide from Up & Down Garage Doors shows how to open a stuck garage door from the outside safely, step by step, using the garage door emergency release — whether the door is stuck because of a power-outage garage door issue or a mechanical problem.

Garage Door Emergency Release: Your Key to Gaining Access

The proper technique to open a garage door manually from the outside is to disengage the opener’s trolley mechanism, which usually holds the door closed. When a manual garage door won’t open from outside after you’ve disengaged the trolley, recheck that the door is fully unlocked and the opener arm isn’t binding. There are two primary ways to access the internal release cord from the exterior.

Method A: Using an Exterior Release Kit

Most modern automatic doors have a small keyhole near the top center of the door — this is the access point for the garage door emergency release mechanism. If you have this kit installed, follow these steps:

Locate and unlock. Insert your garage door release key and turn it. This releases the lock cylinder and cable.
Pull the cord. Pull the cylinder straight out. It’s attached to a small cable that connects to the red emergency release cord inside the garage.
Disengage the trolley. Pull the cable or the release handle smoothly. You should hear a click as the door disengages from the trolley so it can move freely.
Lift the garage door manually. Use the lift handle and raise the door slowly. If it feels unusually heavy, stop — this can indicate a broken spring or cable.
Secure the door. Once open, secure it in the full upright position with C-clamps or a sturdy prop before walking under it.

If you still have a stuck garage door or the door drops when released, stop and have the springs and cables inspected by a professional.

Method B: The “Fishing” Technique

If your door doesn’t have an exterior lock, or you are trying to open the garage door from the outside without a key, you may need to “fish” for the release mechanism. This method is challenging and is generally not recommended unless you are certain the door structure is intact and you have exhausted other options.

Acquire a tool. Straighten a wire coat hanger or stiff wire and bend a small hook on one end.
Locate the gap. Slide the wire between the top of the door and the frame near the opener rail.
Hook the lever. Feel for the red cord and try to hook the lever where it attaches to the trolley.
Pull the lever. When you feel resistance, pull gently toward you to release the door.

If you’re wondering how to open a garage door from the outside without a key, this “fishing” method is a last resort and only for intact doors.

For more detailed information on internal access and standard operation, check out our full guide on how to open a garage door manually. This step-by-step guidance by Up & Down Garage Doors covers all parts of the manual process.

Emergency Garage Door Service: Recognizing When to Call for Help

If the door remains stuck, feels too heavy to lift, or is only partially closed — for example, if the garage door is stuck on one side — the problem is structural and not just a power issue. Continuing to try to lift a structurally damaged door can cause the tracks to warp, cables to snap, or panels to detach.

Here are the clearest signs you should stop and call for emergency garage door service:

Door is too heavy to lift: This indicates a broken spring (torsion or extension) or a snapped lifting cable. These parts store extreme tension and require specialized tools (winding bars) for replacement.
Door is stuck in the tracks: The door may have an obstruction, or its track alignment may be off. Inspect the tracks for dents, debris, or rust. A professional can check the track radius (e.g., 12-inch/15-inch) and alignment.
Garage door not opening but motor running: When the garage door won’t open, yet the motor runs, you’re probably dealing with a worn drive gear in the opener or a damaged trolley carriage.

Get Back Inside Safely

Now you know how to open a stuck garage door from the outside: start with the exterior emergency-release lock to disconnect the opener, lift slowly, and secure the door at the top. Work slowly, secure the door fully open, and stop if it feels unusually heavy or sits crooked.

If you’d rather not wrestle with it or you’re seeing any of the red flags above, Up & Down Garage Doors can help. Visit garage door repair to set an appointment. We’ll pinpoint the issue, set the hardware correctly, and get the door operating as intended so you can get on with your day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the garage door emergency release key do?

The garage door emergency release key and lock kit lets you disengage the door from the automatic opener when you’re outside and can’t reach the interior emergency release cord. This is most often used during a power outage garage door situation.

Can I open a garage door without the key if I’m locked out?

Yes. If you don’t have the garage door release key, you can try the “fishing” technique with a stiff wire (like a coat hanger) to reach the red emergency release cord lever inside the opener rail. However, this is difficult and should be a last resort.

What should I do if my garage door is stuck closed?

If your garage door is stuck closed and you’ve confirmed the opener is disconnected, inspect the springs and cables. If you see broken cables, a visible gap in a torsion spring, or the door is very hard to lift, don’t operate it. Call for emergency garage door service to prevent further damage.

How do I open a LiftMaster garage door manually from the outside?

The process for how to open a LiftMaster garage door manually from outside is the same as with other brands: locate the exterior lock cylinder (if installed), use the key to pull out the cylinder, and pull the attached cable to disengage the trolley.

How to open the garage door from the outside with the keypad during an outage?

A keypad only sends a signal to the opener. It won’t lift the door by itself. If power is out, it will work only if your opener has a battery backup. Otherwise, use the emergency release cord.

Can I open a broken garage door from the outside?

If you’re wondering how to open a broken garage door from the outside, the safe answer is: don’t. Broken springs, cables, or panels require professional repair.

Detached garage, no side door, and now you’re locked out of your garage on a cold November night. If your door has a round emergency release lock near the top panel, that keyed cylinder links to the red cord inside — one turn and pull, and you can lift the door by hand. No kit installed? Up & Down Garage Doors explains how to open a locked garage door without damage: when the careful “fishing” method is worth a try, what to avoid on reinforced doors, and the warning signs of a broken spring. If the door feels heavy or drops hard, stop and call a professional.

How to Open a Garage Door with a Broken Spring: Safe Manual Method

A garage door spring does the heavy lifting every time you open or close your door. When it breaks, the door becomes difficult to move and potentially dangerous. If you’re wondering how to open a garage door with a broken spring, this guide walks you through safe, manual steps. Whether you need to get your car out or access your garage temporarily, here’s how to lift a garage door with a broken spring the right way.

From Manual to Smart: How Garage Door Tech is Evolving

Garage doors have changed a lot over the years. What started as a heavy, manual mechanism has turned into a convenient and efficient system. Today’s garage doors come with smart features that make them easier to use and add extra safety. So, how did these changes happen so quickly? What innovations have shaped the systems we rely on today? If you’re curious about the journey of garage door technology or looking for ways to upgrade your garage, you’re in the right place! This guide will take you through the evolution of garage doors, from the early manual models to the advanced options available now. By the end, you’ll understand the modern features available, helping you choose the best option for your needs.