Many homeowners overlook garage door security, assuming a closed door means peace of mind. But garages are often targeted precisely because they're easy to forget and easier to access than you'd think. From old locks to forgotten entry points, small gaps can lead to big problems.
This guide walks you through practical, easy-to-apply tips to strengthen your garage door security—without overcomplicating things. At eufy, we focus on simple, smart ways to protect your space, starting with real knowledge and useful tools. Let’s make sure your garage isn’t the weak spot in an otherwise secure home.
12Tips for Garage Foor Security
Here are 12 practical ways to tighten garage door security and stop break-ins before they start—no complicated installs or costly upgrades required.
Mimic a Thief
The best defense starts with understanding your opponent. Here’s a simple but eye-opening exercise: Take a step back and look at your garage the way a burglar would. Are there windows that offer a clear view inside? Is the door left open longer than it should be? Are there signs of neglect or wear that could be exploited? Thieves look for opportunity and ease. When you think like one, you begin to spot the vulnerabilities before they do.
Upgrade to a Smart Garage Door Opener
A lot of garages still use old-school openers with fixed codes. The problem? They’re easy to hack using cheap code-grabbing tools. On top of that, they don’t tell you if you accidentally leave the door open. A smart garage door opener is a safer alternative. It lets you open and close the garage remotely using your phone and notifies you if it’s been left open too long.
Install Motion-Activated Lighting
Thieves love the dark, so don’t give them any. You need to mount a few motion-sensor lights around the garage, especially near doors and windows. When they light up unexpectedly, it’s usually enough to scare someone off. It is suggested to go for LED versions with wide-angle coverage, so there are no easy hiding spots.
Reinforce the Garage Door Itself
Some garage doors look tough but are actually pretty flimsy. If yours feels like it could be kicked in, it’s time to upgrade or reinforce it. Steel or solid wood doors are much harder to break through.
And don’t forget about the garage door latch—a strong, secure latch adds serious stopping power. If your current latch feels loose or flimsy, swap it out for something more heavy-duty.
Install Smart Sensors
Locks are helpful, but smart sensors give you real-time awareness. A garage door sensor lets you know if the door is open or closed and alerts you to unexpected changes. Pair it with a eufy Motion Sensor inside the garage to detect movement—great for catching activity when no one should be there. These tools work quietly in the background but make a big difference when you’re away.
For full coverage without piecing things together, go with the eufy 5-Piece Home Alarm Kit. It includes motion detection, a loud alarm, and app control so you can manage it all from your phone. Whether you’re heading out for the day or away on vacation, it keeps you informed and protected. Setup is simple, and you can expand the system later if needed.
Add Interior Security Cameras
Installing garage security cameras inside the garage adds another layer of protection. They let you check in anytime and see what’s going on—whether it’s someone snooping around or just your dog knocking over a broom. One with night vision and app alerts is better as you never miss anything important.
Make a Garage Door Shield
This one’s an underrated DIY trick. A garage door shield covers the emergency release lever inside your garage. That’s the red cord that lets you manually open the door—and unfortunately, it’s easy for thieves to hook with a coat hanger from outside. A shield makes that hack nearly impossible.
Secure the Emergency Release
The emergency release cord is great in an actual emergency, but also a weak spot if it’s not secured. To prevent that, secure the cord with a zip tie or install a protective cover. It keeps the cord out of reach without stopping you from using it in an actual emergency.
Cover Your Garage Window
Blocking the view into your garage is a quick way to reduce risk. A simple cover, like frosted film or blinds, keeps tools, gear, and stored valuables out of sight. To strengthen that setup, add a eufy Entry Sensor to the window. It sends alerts if there’s any tampering, giving you an extra heads-up without needing anything complicated.
Establish a Routine Check
Once a month, you may give your garage a quick check-up. You need to test the opener, look at the sensors, and make sure nothing’s wearing out or getting loose. A garage door lock kit can help you quickly fix or upgrade parts as needed. Staying on top of little issues prevents bigger security problems later.
Use Landscaping Strategically
Believe it or not, your shrubs might be helping burglars. Overgrown bushes and tall shrubs give burglars a perfect hiding spot. So, you may keep greenery trimmed and windows clear. Better yet, plant thorny bushes under windows to make break-ins uncomfortable—literally. A little smart planting goes a long way in deterring unwanted visitors.
Be a Nice Neighbor
Sometimes your best security tool is just a good relationship with your neighbors. Let them know if you’re leaving town and ask them to keep an eye out. Good neighbors notice things you might miss—like a strange car in your driveway or unfamiliar footsteps near your garage. It’s simple: watch out for each other, stay safer together.
Conclusion
Garage door security doesn’t have to be high-tech or high-cost—it just needs to be thoughtful. Small actions, like better lighting or smarter sensors, can quickly close off easy access points. With a few smart choices, your garage can be just as secure as the rest of your home.
Ready to take the next step? Explore more smart tools at eufy.com.
FAQs
How do I make my garage door more secure?
You can reinforce physical barriers like a solid garage door and latch, then incorporate smart technology like door sensors and motion-activated cameras. Don't forget to protect the emergency release cord and establish regular security checks.
How do I burglar proof my garage?
You can use multiple deterrents: motion lighting, emergency release, entry sensors, and a comprehensive alarm system. You can also keep landscaping trimmed and never leave your garage remote in your car.
What is a garage door shield?
A garage door shield is a device that covers the emergency release lever, preventing it from being accessed through the top of the garage door. It blocks a common entry method used by burglars and is one of the simplest, most cost-effective upgrades for garage security.
