How To Open a Garage Door Manually​ During a Power Outage

You're stuck in your garage, the power’s out, and the remote won’t do a thing. The lights are off, the opener is silent, and suddenly your garage door feels more like a wall than a way out. If this situation sounds familiar, or if you’re preparing for the next big storm, knowing how to manually open your automatic garage door can save you serious frustration.

This guide walks you through exactly how to manually open a garage door during a power outage. We’ll explain how it works, when it’s safe, and how to do it from both inside and outside your garage. Whether you’re heading out for work or need to get your car out in an emergency, here’s what to do.

Can You Manually Open a Garage Door?

Yes, most automatic garage doors are designed with a built-in manual release system. This system allows you to disengage the door from the electric opener and operate it by hand. It’s a reliable safety feature intended for exactly these kinds of situations, power outages, opener malfunctions, or emergency evacuations.

But a quick word of caution:

Never attempt to use the manual release when the door is partially open. The full weight of the door can come crashing down, putting you or anyone nearby at serious risk of injury. Always make sure the door is completely closed before pulling the release cord.

How to Manually Open a Garage Door From the Inside

If you're already in the garage and need to get out, here’s how to open the door safely:

Step 1 – Unplug the Garage Door Opener

Before doing anything, disconnect the garage door opener from its power source. This ensures it won’t suddenly reactivate while you’re working on it, especially when the power comes back on.

Step 2 – Locate the Emergency Release Cord

Look for a red cord hanging from the trolley rail, usually located near the top center of the garage. This is your manual release. It’s designed to be pulled to disconnect the door from the opener.

Step 3 – Pull the Cord Down and Toward the Door

Firmly pull the cord downward and slightly back toward the door. This motion releases the trolley from the opener carriage. You’ll often hear a click when it disengages.

Step 4 – Manually Lift the Garage Door

Using both hands, lift the door slowly and evenly. It should move relatively smoothly if the springs and rollers are in good condition. If the door is extremely heavy or doesn’t move, stop—this could mean a broken spring or another issue that requires professional help.

Step 5 – Secure the Door if You Need It to Stay Open

If you're going to drive your car out or need to keep the door open for any length of time, use a prop to hold it up or engage the door’s manual lock (if available). Never assume it will stay open on its own.

How to Open an Automatic Garage Door Manually From the Outside

If you’re locked out and the power is out, your only option is the external emergency release, which is only available on some garage door systems. If your garage is your main way into the house, this is a must-have feature.

Here’s how it works:

1. Locate the emergency release lock on the center panel above the garage door.
2. Insert your key and turn it to release the lock.
3. Pull the lock tumbler out to expose the emergency release cable.
4. Pull the cable to disengage the door from the opener.
5. Once disengaged, you can manually lift the door using the bottom handle.

Important Note: If your garage door doesn’t have this feature, consider having it installed. It’s inexpensive and can be a lifesaver during power failures.

Reconnecting the Garage Door After Power is Restored

Once the power comes back, you’ll want to get your automatic opener working again. Here’s how to re-engage the opener safely:

Step 1 – Make Sure the Door is Fully Closed

Never try to reconnect the opener while the door is partially open. This could cause it to slam shut unexpectedly.

Step 2 – Pull the Emergency Cord Toward the Opener

This resets the connection between the trolley and the opener. You might hear it snap back into place.

Step 3 – Test the Opener

Use your remote or wall switch to operate the door. If everything was reconnected correctly, it should resume normal operation.

Safety Tips Before and After Manual Garage Door Operation

Before you attempt to manually open your garage door—and once you’re finished—it’s important to follow a few key safety guidelines. These will help protect you from injury and prevent damage to the door system:

• Don’t force the door if it feels stuck, off-balance, or unusually heavy.
• Avoid pulling the emergency cord on a partially open door.
• Inspect the springs, tracks, and rollers for damage once the power returns.
• Call a professional if anything looks or feels off. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Manual operation is designed to be a backup, but it’s not a substitute for regular maintenance or repairs.

When to Call a Professional Garage Door Opener Company

Some situations call for more than just a DIY approach. If:

• The emergency release cord doesn’t work
• The door won’t budge even after disengaging the opener
• The door slams shut or feels unstable
• You hear loud noises or grinding when lifting the door

… it’s time to bring in the experts.

At Mammoth Garage Door, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Fresno and surrounding areas safely manage power outages, broken springs, and non-functioning openers. Whether you need a quick repair or want to upgrade your opener system, our team is ready to help.

Call Mammoth Garage Door for Expert Help

If you're unsure about your garage door’s manual release system or suspect a malfunction, don’t wait until the next outage. Call Mammoth Garage Door for expert advice, reliable service, and peace of mind. We’re proud to serve homeowners throughout the Fresno, California, area, with fast, professional garage door solutions.