Forgot Your Luggage Lock Combination? Here’s What to Do

“I forgot the code. Can I open my bag without breaking the lock?” We hear this from customers who use our suitcases and the ReeYee N6. It’s especially frustrating when you’re about to leave for a trip or you’re already traveling and need something inside. Here’s how a common three-dial lock works, what to try if you’ve forgotten the code, and how to set a new one once the bag is open.

Two Common Three-Dial Lock Layouts

Some locks, like the one on the N6, have recessed dials, with mainly the edges of the wheels visible. Others have exposed roller dials, so you can see more of each wheel’s numbered surface. Both are three-dial combination locks.

The basic principle is similar: each dial turns a part inside the lock. If any dial is in the wrong position, the release is blocked. When all three are set correctly, the internal parts line up and the release can move, freeing the zipper pulls.

What to Try If You Forgot the Combination

If you’ve never changed the code, check your product manual for the factory combination first. If you’ve changed it, the suitcase lock below shows one way to look for the original code.

1. Shine a flashlight into the gap beside each dial and slowly turn the wheels until you see the small reference notches. The arrow in the top-right photo shows where to look.

2. Line up the notches so they appear in the same relative position beside each wheel. Read the digits on the front. In this example, the starting reading is 648.

3. Try that reading first. If it doesn’t open, advance all three dials by one digit and try again. After 9, go back to 0. In this example, the sequence was 648 → 759 → 860 → 971 → 082 → 193 → 204 → 315. The lock opened at 315.

Why it works: On a lock built this way, the aligned notches put all three wheels the same number of steps away from their opening positions. Moving the wheels together preserves that relationship and lets you check up to ten possible combinations. If you can’t see the same marks or the lock still won’t open, don’t force it. Contact the manufacturer or retailer for help with your model.

How to Change the Combination on a ReeYee N6

Finding the code recovers the original combination; changing it sets a new one after the lock is open.

1. Enter the current combination and unlock the bag.

2. Use a pin to press and hold the small black reset button.

3. While holding it down, turn the dials to your new combination.

4. Press the unlock button next to it. When the reset button pops back up, the new code is set.

Test the new code with the zipper pulls out of the lock before locking the bag again. These steps are for the ReeYee N6. For other locks, follow the instructions in your product manual.

If Someone Can Open a Lock Without the Code, What’s the Point?

Fair question. But if a thief has already walked off with your suitcase, do you really think they’ll sit there guessing the combination? A knife or a hammer will do. At that point, the lock isn’t your biggest problem—the suitcase is already gone.

A combination lock makes it harder for someone to quietly unzip your bag while you’re distracted. It’s like locking your front door: it doesn’t make a break-in impossible, but that’s no reason to leave it unlocked. Use the lock, keep an eye on your luggage, and have a great trip!