Garage door sensors are essential to prevent accidents and protect property and individuals.
They work by detecting obstructions in the garage door’s path, causing it to stop or reverse its movement to avoid collisions.
While these sensors are crucial for maintaining a secure environment, there may be situations where you find yourself wanting to override or trick them.
One of the easiest ways to bypass garage door sensors is to simply press and hold the garage door button.
In this way, you will be able to override the sensors and open your garage door. It is, however, important to take note that this method only works if the sensors are not damaged.
It is important to note that tampering with garage door sensors is not recommended and may lead to unsafe conditions or damage to your property.
By understanding how garage door sensors work, you can ensure their proper functioning and address any issues that arise through appropriate maintenance and professional assistance.
How To Bypass Garage Door Sensors?
There’s probably a problem in your life that can be a significant headache. The dilemma of a garage door that won’t close is very inconvenient.
You just need to learn how to bypass garage door sensors so you can continue your life as usual.
Ensure you follow this guide only if you are positive that the sensors are the problem. It might be a good idea to hire a professional garage door repair company if you are unsure what the problem is.
Bypassing your sensors will be possible only through the wall button. We regret to inform you that this is NOT a permanent “hack” of the opener. But it can be used with any garage door opener, regardless of the brand.
Sensors that don’t function properly are not a good idea. Because the opener may know nothing is blocking the way, we have to convince it otherwise.
It’s pretty straightforward. It’s just a matter of holding the wall button down (don’t press and release it). To release the garage door, hold the wall button all the way down until the garage door hits the ground.
The door will reverse once you let go of the button, and the sensors will initiate operation again.
When you use the opener to close the door, the door will be locked into the down position. The door doesn’t have to be left open 24/7, so you do not have to leave it open 24/7.
1. Use a Reflector
You can redirect the infrared light back onto the sensor using a reflective surface. In this way, you can open your garage door because it will think nothing is blocking the light.
2. Use a Laser
It is also possible to bypass garage door sensors with a laser pointer. Pointing the laser at the sensor will reflect off the surface and back into the sensor.
Using this method, your garage door will open because the sensor thinks there is no obstruction.
3. Use a Piece of Tape
The sensors can be bypassed by simply using a piece of tape if you don’t have a reflector or laser pointer. You can place the tape over the sensor to reflect the light back onto it.
In this way, you will trick the sensor into thinking there is no obstruction, enabling you to open your garage door. There are several different ways to get around sensors. Bypassing them is relatively easy.
You can bounce the light back onto the sensor using a reflector or laser pointer. In addition, you can use a piece of tape to bypass the sensors. Any way you choose, you will be able to open your garage door with ease.
4. Hack the Sensor Alignment
The sensor alignment can be hacked if you’re skilled with tools. The process is slightly more complicated, but it can be accomplished.
To begin, you must first disconnect the garage door opener’s sensors. Keeping the sensors pointing in different directions will require you to realign them.
It is possible to do this by moving them up or down. Proper alignment will make it possible for you to open your garage door without any hassle. You need the help of a professional.
5. Switch To Manual Operation
Another alternative is to switch from automatic to manual operation. The red cord that connects the garage door can be pulled to do this.
Your garage door will now open and close manually without the help of the automatic opener. As with the previous method, this will only work if the sensors are not damaged.
6. Understanding Garage Door Sensors
As you have probably already discovered, garage door sensors prevent your garage door from closing.
No need to worry. I’m sure you’re not the only one who has this problem. There are tens of thousands of homeowners who face this problem every single day.
You’ll be a pro as soon as you’ve fixed it once. The least that can be said is that they did an excellent job at dealing with this simple garage door repair issue.
There are times when there is a valid reason for this. Even though we think it’ll be great if the door closes, we don’t want it to.
We should address the issue whenever this situation arises and not simply bypass the garage door sensors. As a result of these scenarios, we are at step one of the processes.
7. The Sun May Block Your Garage Door Sensors
The sun may block your sensors without your noticing it right away. An easy test can be performed to determine if the sun is the problem. Place your shadow outside the garage door and use it to cover the garage door sensor.
Try to open the garage door using your remote (or ask someone else to do it). When the door closes, you must switch the sensors’ side.
Your problem should now be resolved. A few tools are all that you need. It may be necessary to use a wire stripper, electrical tape, a Phillips head screwdriver, or a screw gun as well.
8. Check the Garage Door For Physical Obstructions
A garage door opener will prevent any damage or injury from occurring if something could be damaged or injured.
Therefore, the easiest thing you can do is ensure no objects block the path between the two sensors.
Often, garbage cans, gas cans, and spider webs are responsible. The simplest way to get rid of something is to remove it and then close your garage door.
9. No Obstructions?
That’s fine, so you already noticed that the sensors are the problem. A button is pressed on the wall or the remote control.
After the door begins to open, it shuts down and goes back up. The lights on your opener start flashing.
No actual obstructions were found blocking the sensors. It’s time to bypass the garage door sensors now that we can close the door with the opener without causing any damage.
Bypassing The Garage Door Sensors Is Not A Garage Door Repair
After bypassing the garage door opener sensors, you were able to close the garage door. Once you return home, you can even open the garage door with the remote.
There is, however, still a problem. A reason for tripping the sensors exists, and we need to find it out.
Often it is obstructions, alignment, wiring, or faulty sensors that cause it to fail. To solve a problem, it is best to troubleshoot it, starting with the easiest issue and working your way up.
Check The Alignment
To begin, check the alignment. Regardless of which brand of garage door opener you have, all garage door sensors have LED lights. A LiftMaster light will be green, and a LiftMaster light will be yellow.
The genie may have one red, one green, or even two reds. The Chamberlain and Craftsman models are the same as the LiftMaster models. A green light will be on each line, and a red light will be on one.
It is easiest to check the sensor if one light is out to start. It may take some time, but the goal is to get that light to light up and remain lit until the end. Blinking or flickering are not allowed.
Check The Wiring
After you’ve adjusted the sensor and are not able to resolve the problem, you can check the wiring. There are times when pets or pests can be to blame.
These wires are a favorite chewing object for some reason. There won’t be any harm done to your pet.
Make sure that a disconnected wire is connected. You can splice the wire together after it has been chewed on and cut out the wrong part.
A garage door repair company may be able to assist you if your wires are behind the wall.
Final Words
There are several ways you can bypass garage door sensors. Even though they are all good, sometimes the most effective solution is just calling a garage door professional.
You should not attempt to fix garage door sensors alone; make sure you call a company specializing in garage doors if you are experiencing problems.
If your problem is quick to diagnose and fix, they can quickly get you back on track. You should choose this alternative if you feel uncomfortable working with tools or are short on time.
