How to Manually Open a Garage Door During a Power Outage

Every garage door opener has a manual release for exactly this situation. Here’s how to use it safely.

Before You Start

This process assumes your door and springs are in normal working condition. If your door has been making unusual noise, feels unusually heavy, or you suspect a spring issue, do not attempt to manually lift it, a weakened spring can make the door far heavier and less predictable than normal. See our disclaimer for more on when this isn’t a safe DIY situation.

Step 1: Find the Emergency Release Cord

Look for a red cord with a handle hanging down from a track near the front of the opener, usually close to the top of the door. This connects to the trolley that links the opener to the door.

Step 2: Pull the Cord Straight Down

Pulling the release cord disconnects the trolley from the drive chain or belt, freeing the door to move independently of the opener. You should feel or hear a small click.

Step 3: Lift the Door Manually, Using Both Hands

With the trolley disconnected, grip the door firmly with both hands (using the bottom handle or edge) and lift evenly. A properly balanced door should feel manageable and stay in place partway up on its own. If it feels unusually heavy or drops back down, stop, this suggests a spring problem, not a normal manual-open situation.

Step 4: Reconnecting the Opener When Power Returns

Close the door manually first. Most openers automatically reconnect the trolley the next time the opener runs, you may hear it reset. If it doesn’t reconnect on its own, check your opener’s manual for the specific reconnect procedure, it varies slightly by brand: LiftMaster, Chamberlain, or Genie.