Microwave - Can't Open Door While Microwave is Running

If you can't open your microwave oven door to check your food while it is running, this is normal for new models. Countertop microwaves now have a two-step child lock safety feature for opening the door while the microwave is running.  The door automatically locks during a cooking cycle, so you will need to pause the cycle before opening the door to check for doneness or to stir your food.

 

About the Child Resistant Oven Door

Starting April 1st, all countertop microwave ovens come equipped with a Child Resistant Oven Door. Opening the microwave door now requires a two-step process for enhanced child safety. The use of child-resistant oven door latches by all manufacturers of microwave ovens help reduce the likelihood of young children handling hot foods and beverages items.

 

Opening the Door While the Microwave is Running 

This two-step safety feature for opening the door only applies while the microwave is running.  The door automatically locks when the microwave is heating; however, once you're finished cooking and open the door, it stays unlocked until next time you start cooking.

 

Follow the 2-step process below to open the door while cooking. 

  1. Press either Start/Pause or Cancel/Off. Models with a Lock pad, press and hold Lock instead.
  2. Press the door latch release "push" button to open the door.
 

Disabling the Child Resistant Door

For households without young children or where users may have physical limitations that make it difficult to operate the child resistant door, this safety feature can be turned off. There are two ways to disable this safety feature, depending on your model. Your microwave's Owner's Manual will provide instructions specific to your microwave.

 

Additional Information

This is different than the Control Lock feature that is sometimes referred to as a Child Lock. Control Lock/Child Lock is also a safety feature that locks out the control panel pads so the microwave is not accidentally turned on when not in use. For more about locking out the control, visit: Microwave - Child Lockout Feature.