Safe lock help · Sentry Safe
Safe lock troubleshooting › Sentry Safe › Sentry Quick Access pistol safe (QAP1E, QAP2E)
The SentrySafe Quick Access Pistol Safe (the QAP1E and the larger QAP2E, and the biometric versions) has a row of four buttons on the lid, a key lock at the end, and a spring-loaded lid. It runs on four AA batteries and uses a 4 to 6 digit code. This guide covers how to open it, use the override key, replace the batteries, and what the lights mean.
Want the whole manual? Jump to the manufacturer download links.
Is this your lock?
- A small black pistol safe with a row of four buttons (lit) on the lid and a key lock on the end. The lid springs open when it is unlocked.
- It uses four AA alkaline batteries in a battery pack and a 4, 5 or 6 digit code. Biometric versions (QAP1BE, QAP2BEL) also read fingerprints.
- An override key opens it if you lose the code or the batteries run out.
- Sentry’s manual numbers are P56411 (QAP1E, QAP1BE), P57660 (QAP2E, QAP2EL, QAP2BEL) and P63700 (the QAP1BLX and QAP2BLX biometric models).
How to open it
- Press any button once to wake the safe from standby.
- Enter your programmed user code.
- The green LED lights and the lid opens.
With the override key
- Put the override key in the key hole.
- Turn it clockwise. The lid opens.
Biometric models (fingerprint)
- Press any button once, or touch the fingerprint scanner, to wake the safe.
- Swipe a programmed finger.
- To lock: close the lid. Once it is closed, the safe is securely locked. The override key must be in the locked position: take it out and keep it somewhere safe. Sentry says not to lock the key inside the safe.
- When it is not in use the safe goes into standby, a low-power mode. Pressing a button wakes it up.
- Test your code several times before you put valuables inside.
How to change the battery
The safe uses four AA alkaline batteries (we recommend Procell). Do not use rechargeable batteries or any other non-alkaline type, and do not mix old and new batteries. The red LED blinks once every ten seconds when the battery is low. The code or fingerprints you programmed are not erased when the batteries are taken out.
- Open the safe with your code or the override key.
- Take off the battery pack cover.
- Pull out the battery pack, and keep it connected to its wires.
- Put in four new AA alkaline batteries.
- Put the battery pack back and the cover back on.
- Test the code before you close the safe.
- The “reset” button used to set a new code sits behind the battery pack. We are not putting those steps on this page: use your owner’s manual or call us.
What the lights mean
| What you see | What it means and what to do |
|---|---|
| Green LED | The code (or fingerprint) was accepted. The lid opens. |
| Red LED blinks three times | A wrong code or fingerprint, or a programming error. Check it and enter it again. |
| Red LED blinks slowly for two minutes | A wrong code or fingerprint was entered five times. Wait two minutes, or use the override key. |
| Red LED blinks once every ten seconds | The batteries are low. Replace them with four AA alkaline batteries. |
Wrong codes
Five wrong codes (or fingerprints) start a two-minute lockout: the red LED blinks slowly. Wait the two minutes, or open the safe with the override key.
QAP1BLX and QAP2BLX (biometric, fingerprints)
These models open with a code, a programmed finger or the override key. Sentry’s manual (P63700) gives the fingerprint steps. A primary user can program up to 2 fingerprints, and a secondary user up to 8. Secondary users cannot program or delete fingerprints or change the light setting.
- Add a primary fingerprint (up to 2): with the safe locked, enter your user code. Once it is open, within 10 seconds press and hold keypad digit 1 for 3 seconds. The LED flashes purple 2 times. Place a finger on the sensor, and when the LED turns green, take it off. When the LED turns blue, place the same finger again. The LED turns green once for each good scan. Repeat until the LED flashes green 3 times (usually 5 good scans).
- Add a secondary fingerprint (up to 8): the same steps, but hold keypad digit 2 for 3 seconds.
- Erase all primary fingerprints: with the safe open and within 10 seconds, hold digit 1 for 3 seconds (the LED flashes purple twice), then press and hold digit 4 for 4 seconds. The LED flashes red-green twice when they are erased. For secondary fingerprints, use digit 2 and then digit 4.
- Interior light: the light is on for 10 seconds when the safe opens. To switch it off or on, hold digit 3 for 3 seconds within 10 seconds of opening: the interior light flashes 3 times.
- A single fingerprint cannot be deleted: all fingerprints are deleted and users must register again. Red LED 3 flashes = programming failed. Yellow LED 3 flashes = batteries are low. Red LED 6 flashes = the fingerprint storage is full. Red-blue LED 3 flashes = that finger is already enrolled. Red LED 5 flashes = system error (power failure): replace the batteries. Tips: do not use a finger with a cut or scar, keep hands clean and dry, clean the sensor with a dry lint-free cloth, and note that the sensor may not work well when cold. If the lid does not open with the override key, the gas strut may have failed: contact SentrySafe customer service.
If it still won’t open
The red light blinks once every ten seconds
The batteries are low. Replace all four AA batteries.
The lid will not open
Try the code again after waking the safe with one button press. Try the override key. If the batteries are dead, replace them. If it still will not open, contact SentrySafe customer service or call us.
I lost the override key
SentrySafe can send a replacement key if you give them the model and serial number (the serial number is on the small label on the outside of the safe). Call us if you need the safe opened.
Download the full manufacturer instructions
This page is a quick-reference summary. For every feature and diagram, use the official manual for your model:
- SentrySafe Quick Access Pistol Safe owner’s manual P56411 (QAP1E, QAP1BE)Sentry’s manual. Linked from SentrySafe.com’s Product Manuals page.
- SentrySafe XL Quick Access Pistol Safe owner’s manual P57660 (QAP2E, QAP2EL, QAP2BEL)The larger models.
- SentrySafe Quick Access Biometric Safe owner’s manual P63700 (QAP1BLX, QAP2BLX)The biometric models.
- SentrySafe Product Manuals (find your model)Type in your model number to get your own manual.
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Steve’s Lock, Safe and Alarm · 3401 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
More lock guides
About this guide. This is an independent guide from Steve’s Lock, Safe and Alarm, a safe and lock dealer. Brand and model names belong to their owners and are used only to help you identify your lock. We are not affiliated with the manufacturers. These steps summarize the manufacturers’ own instructions; your lock may be a different version, so if anything here does not match what your lock does, follow your manual or call us. Always change codes with the safe door open, and test the new code several times before you close the door.
Steps last checked against the manufacturer documents on October 19, 2026.