Garage door security is often neglected when safeguarding the home. Yet, it remains one of the easiest access points for intruders. As criminals become more tech-savvy and smart home devices continue to evolve, so must your approach to protecting this vulnerable entry.
Modern security is no longer about a single strong lock—it’s about layering intelligent solutions with proactive awareness.
Common Garage Door Security Risks to Avoid
Outdated Locking Mechanisms
Old manual locks and basic padlocks can be picked or broken in seconds. These are no match for today’s opportunistic burglars, particularly if the door itself is worn or damaged.
Remote Control Signal Theft
Traditional garage remotes that use fixed codes are easily hacked. Criminals can intercept the signal using inexpensive equipment, gaining entry without setting foot near your property.
Limited or No Surveillance
Garages without cameras or motion sensors become blind spots for home security systems. This gives intruders time and cover to work without being noticed.
Weak Internal Access Doors
If your garage connects to your home, the internal door must be secure. Hollow-core doors without deadbolts provide little resistance to forced entry.
Top Garage Door Security Features for 2025
Smart Garage Door Openers
Today’s leading garage door openers use rolling-code technology, which changes the access code every time the remote is used. Brands like Chamberlain and LiftMaster offer models that connect to smartphone apps, giving you remote access, real-time alerts, and scheduling functions.
Wi-Fi and App Control Integration
With apps such as myQ, Alcidae, or even Home Assistant, homeowners can monitor garage activity, receive instant alerts, and remotely open or lock the door. Many are compatible with smart speakers for voice control.
Built-In Cameras and Motion Detection
Smart openers often include HD cameras and infrared motion detection. These record activity in real time, deterring criminals and offering valuable footage in the event of a break-in.
Auto-Close and Alert Systems
Leaving the garage open is a common security lapse. Built-in timers and mobile notifications prompt you to close the door—or do it for you—avoiding accidental exposure.
Additional Ways to Improve Garage Security
Upgrade the Interior Door to a Solid-Core Model
Use a solid-core door between the garage and your home, fitted with a heavy-duty deadbolt. This adds an extra layer of defence against intruders who bypass the main door.
Use a Garage Door Shield or Latch Guard
A simple latch shield or shield plate prevents burglars from using tools like coat hangers to reach through the top of the garage door and release the emergency lever.
Install Motion-Activated Outdoor Lighting
LED security lights with motion sensors around your garage deter intruders before they get close. Consider placing them above entry points and along driveways or paths.
Perform Regular Inspections and Maintenance
A poorly maintained door is easier to tamper with. Inspect rollers, hinges, locks, and springs routinely. Arrange annual servicing by a professional to keep your garage secure and functional.
Mistakes to Avoid with Garage Security
- Leaving the Remote in Your Car: If your vehicle is broken into, the remote becomes a key to your garage—and your home.
- Using Default Access Codes: Change factory-set keypad and remote codes as soon as you install the device.
- Ignoring Windows: Uncovered garage windows allow thieves to see what’s inside. Use blinds, frosting, or privacy film to obscure the view.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Overlook Your Garage
Your garage may be one of the largest and most exposed entry points into your home. In 2025, securing it requires a combination of upgraded technology, physical reinforcement, and common-sense practices.
Whether you’re enhancing an existing setup or building a new smart security system from scratch, don’t let this weak spot go unprotected. A secure garage equals a safer home.
