If you’re wondering where to hide a spare key, the honest answer is: ideally nowhere outside. The safest choices are a locked combination lockbox, a trusted neighbor or a keypad smart lock that removes the need for a hidden key. If you must hide one, choose a spot away from the door that isn’t a “classic” hiding place.
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We’ve all done it: the key under the mat, the fake rock by the steps. The trouble is that burglars have done it too, and they know exactly where to look.
5 spots burglars check first
Skip these, no matter how clever they feel:
- Under the doormat. The first place anyone looks.
- Above the door frame. A quick reach is all it takes.
- Under a flowerpot or planter by the door. Lifted in seconds.
- Fake rocks near the steps. They often look slightly too perfect, and they sit right by the entrance.
- Inside the mailbox or porch light. Easy to check and close to the door.
Where to hide a spare key: 7 smart options
- A combination lockbox. The best physical option. The key sits behind a code, and you can share the code with family or a dog walker and change it later.
- A trusted neighbor or nearby family member. Old-fashioned and very effective, especially if they’re home a lot.
- A keypad or smart lock. No key needed at all. Codes can be shared and deleted, and many apps show when someone used the door. Read our guide on how to choose a smart lock.
- Your car (if it’s parked in a locked garage). Not on the street, and never with your address attached.
- A spot far from the door. If you must hide one, a less obvious place in the backyard is better than anywhere near the entry.
- A disguised container that doesn’t look like a hider. Something that blends into your garden or shed, away from paths.
- At work or with a friend across town. Not quick, but nobody near your home knows about it.
Compare your options
| Option | Security | Convenience | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — |
| Combination lockbox | High | High | Low |
| Trusted neighbor | High | Medium | Free |
| Keypad smart lock | High | Very high | Medium |
| Hidden outdoor spot | Low to medium | High | Free |
| Under the mat or a fake rock | Very low | High | Free |
How to choose a good key lockbox
Not all lockboxes are equal. Look for a sturdy metal body, a weather-resistant cover over the dial or buttons, and a code you can reset yourself. Wall-mounted boxes that screw into the house are harder to carry off than the hang-on type that clips to a railing. Mount it somewhere out of direct view from the street, like a side wall or behind a fence gate, so it doesn’t advertise that a key is nearby. Renters can ask the landlord before mounting one, or use a shackle-style box on a fixed object.
A few extra key safety tips
Don’t tag keys with your address, and change a lockbox code after a contractor or house sitter is done. If a key goes missing, consider rekeying the lock, it’s usually cheaper than replacing it. The National Crime Prevention Council has more home safety advice for families and renters.
Smart locks need a backup plan too. See what happens when a smart lock battery dies so you’re never locked out.
Quick FAQ
Is it safe to hide a key outside? It’s always a risk; a combination lockbox or trusted neighbor is much safer than a hidden key. Do fake rocks work for hiding keys? They’re well known to burglars, so they offer little real protection. What’s the best alternative to a spare key? A keypad or smart lock, because you can share and cancel codes instead of hiding metal keys.
Where to hide a spare key: a quick recap
- Avoid: doormats, door frames, planters, fake rocks and mailboxes.
- Best options: a lockbox, a trusted neighbor or a keypad lock.
- Extra care: no address tags, change codes, rekey if a key goes missing.
Final thoughts
The best place to hide a spare key is somewhere a stranger would never think to look, or better yet, behind a code. A small lockbox or a keypad lock gives you the convenience without the risk. For more ways to toughen up your entry, read how to make your front door more secure.
Your turn: be honest, where is your spare key right now? Tell us in the comments (no exact locations, please!).
This guide is based on research and crime prevention guidance, not our own testing.
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