Power outages are common in Texas because of extreme temperatures and storms. In January 2025, over 135,000 homes and businesses across Texas lost power during a severe snowstorm. Many families were stranded at home with their cars locked behind garage doors. Hence, everyone must know how to open garage door during power outage without relying on electricity.
Power outages are not the only time you may face trouble with your garage door. Sometimes the opener fails. Batteries die. Cables loosen. Motors wear out.
And worst of all, these failures can happen when you are in a rush or an emergency. That’s when manual garage door opening becomes necessary. This skill can save time and reduce stress during blackouts, motor failures, or natural disasters. Let’s get started so you are never stuck behind a closed garage door again.
What Happens During a Power Outage?
The electric opener stops working during a power outage. The motor cannot move the door up or down. If the door is halfway open, it may shift suddenly due to lost tension, which creates a serious safety hazard.
Some newer openers come with battery backup systems. But if yours does not, you must rely on the manual release system to operate the door. This system is safe to use only if you follow proper steps.
Steps to Open a Garage Door Manually
Power outages and opener failures are stressful. But opening your garage door manually during a power outage is simple when you follow the right steps. Below is a complete guide to help you do it safely and correctly.
1. Locate the Emergency Release Cord
All electric garage door openers come with a built-in emergency release cord. It is usually a red rope hanging from the trolley rail above the center of your garage door.
This cord connects to the trolley system that moves along the rail. When the opener is powered, the trolley pulls the door open or closed. When the power is off, you must disconnect the trolley to switch to manual mode.
If you are inside the garage, stand underneath the rail and look for the red cord. It often hangs down near the front of your vehicle or slightly behind it.
If you are outside the garage and cannot get in, look for a small lock cylinder at the top center of the door. This is part of an emergency release kit. Use your key to unlock it and pull the attached cable. This will release the door from the opener track.
2. Disconnect the Opener Using Emergency Release
Once you locate the cord, pull it straight down and away from the door. This motion disconnects the trolley from the opener carriage.
If the door is open or halfway up, releasing the trolley can cause it to crash down. This can damage the door or cause serious injury.
Pulling the release while the door is closed ensures that the door stays in place and is safe to lift by hand. A click sound after pulling the cord confirms that the opener is now disengaged and the door is in manual mode.
3. Manually Lift the Garage Door
Stand centered in front of the garage door. Bend your knees slightly and grip the handle at the bottom of the door.
Lift the door slowly and evenly. Use both hands and keep your body balanced. The springs should assist the lift. If the door feels heavy, stop and check for issues like a broken spring or track blockage.
Do not yank or jerk the door. Sudden force can throw the door off track or damage the panels. Lift the door until it is fully open and sits securely in the horizontal track above.
If you need to leave it open for a while, prop it up with strong support. Use a wooden beam or locking clamp to prevent the door from slipping down.
How to Reconnect the Opener Once Power is Restored
Once the power returns, you can reconnect the garage door opener. This is quick and does not require tools. First, make sure the door is fully closed.
Then pull the emergency release cord again, but this time gently push the door toward the opener rail. These lines up the carriage with the trolley.
Press the wall control button or your remote. The motor links back to the trolley and pulls it along the carriage rail. You may hear a snap as it locks back into place. Test the door by using the remote.
How to Open an Electric Garage Door Without the Emergency Cord
This can happen in older openers or models with hidden mechanisms. Follow these alternative steps carefully.
Alternative Release Options: Look for a manual release lever near the motor. Many openers have a release switch or slide lock built into the opener rail. This allows you to disengage the motor from the trolley by hand. If you see a small plastic cover on the opener housing, it may be hiding a manual override.
Use the Manual Override Switch: Check the opener body for a labeled switch or pull lever. Some models use a rotating dial or a push-release tab. Switch it to manual mode and attempt to lift the door slowly. If you feel resistance or hear grinding, stop.
Open the Motor Housing (Advanced): Only use this step if no other method works. Use a screwdriver to open the motor casing. Inside, you will see a chain or belt drive and a gear housing.
Locate the manual disengage mechanism inside. Gently shift it into manual position. Do not touch any wiring or internal electronics. Close the housing securely after releasing the system.
Only proceed if you understand how your opener works. Otherwise, call a garage door technician.
How to Open Industrial or Commercial Garage Doors Manually
Industrial garage doors are heavier and more complex than residential ones. They require specific tools and steps for manual operation.
Overhead Steel Roll-Up Doors
Locate the brake release chain. Pull it slowly to unlock the door. Some models have a motor disengage lever instead. Turn or pull the lever to switch to manual mode.
Use the lift handles on the bottom of the door to raise it. If the door is very heavy, use the crank system often stored nearby. Insert the crank into the socket and rotate evenly until the door opens.
Sectional Commercial Doors
Pull the wall chain to unlock the drive system. Some openers have a release pin near the ceiling mount. Once released, the door enters manual mode.
Use the chain hoist to lift the door. Pull one side of the chain down to raise the door and the other to lower it. If the door is very large, ask another person to help guide and support it.
Heavy Material or Insulated Garage Doors
At least two people should attempt to open these doors by hand. One person lifts while the other guides the door and watches for any sudden movement. Always wear safety gloves and hard-toe boots.
If the counterbalance system fails, the full weight of the door can drop without warning. Never work under a door that is not fully supported.
How to Open a Garage Door from Outside During a Power Outage
- If you are locked out and there is no power, use a Garage Door Emergency Release Kit
- Most kits include an external release lock near the top center of the door
- Insert the correct key, turn it, and pull to trigger the internal manual release
- This disconnects the opener so you can safely lift the door by hand
- Always store your emergency key in a place that is safe and easy to access
Preventive Tips for Future Power Outages
You cannot prevent every power failure. But you can reduce the stress by preparing your garage door ahead of time.
Install a Battery Backup: Many openers now support battery backup systems. These units keep your door operational even when the power is out. In some states, like California, they are now required by law for new installations.
Lubricate and Test the Manual Release: Every few months, check the emergency cord. Pull it and lift the door to make sure it still works smoothly. Lubricating metal parts keeps the door moving freely.
Upgrade to Auto-Reconnect Systems: Some modern openers reset automatically after power returns. They reconnect the trolley without manual action. This saves time and prevents accidents. Look for models with auto-sync or smart reconnect features.
Use Smart Garage Technology: Smart openers can alert you to door failures, power outages, and forced entries. They work through apps and can even control the door remotely. These systems also send maintenance reminders and help you track usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to open a garage door manually from outside without an emergency release?
Check if the bottom panel lifts. If loose, remove the rubber seal. Slide a wire or coat hanger through the top to hook the release bar. Use a flat tool to press the latch through the gap.
Try unlocking side latches with a long tool. If needed, unscrew a lower panel to reach inside. Drill a small hole to access the release bar if all else fails. Call a technician if nothing works.
Is it safe to manually open a garage door every time there’s a power outage?
Yes, if the door is in good condition and you follow the correct steps. Avoid lifting if the springs are broken or if the door feels unstable.
How to open the LiftMaster garage door manually from the outside?
Use the LiftMaster-compatible release key. Insert it into the lock at the top center of the door. Pull to disengage the opener, then lift the door by hand.
How to open an electric roller garage door manually?
Look for the manual release chain or handle near the motor box. Pull or turn it to release the brake. Then lift the door using even pressure.
Final Words
Sudden blackouts can leave you stuck inside or outside the garage with no idea what to do next. If your garage door is electric, these outages can trap your vehicle inside when you need it most. In extreme cases, a jammed garage door can block emergency exits and put your family at risk.
That is why knowing how to open ga arage door manually during a power outage is important. Understanding your door type and spring system helps you act with confidence. Manual garage door operation should be safe and simple. But in some cases, it is better to let a trained expert handle the job.
Need fast, reliable help with your garage door during a power outage? Call us when your door feels unusually heavy and the emergency release cord does not work. We help you stay safe and get your garage door working again, no matter the weather or situation.
