Guides

How to Set Your Lock

Your Portar suitcase comes with two TSA approved combination locks, one on each latch. Follow this guide to personalize both codes and travel with confidence.

How to Set Your Lock

Important: Set Both Locks

Your Portar case has two combination locks, one at the top latch and one at the bottom. You must program each lock individually. Complete all five steps below, then repeat the full process on the second lock.

Before you start

Both locks ship pre-set to 0 – 0 – 0. The dials may read other numbers after transit. That is normal. The factory code is always 000, regardless of where the dials rest.

Your lock uses a SET / OFF toggle on the back of the lock body to enter and exit programming mode. Have the suitcase closed on a flat surface before you start.

Step by step

Setting Your Combination

Align the Dials to 0 – 0 – 0

Rotate each of the three dials until they all read 0. This is the factory default and the required starting point for programming a new code.

If you have previously set a custom code, use that combination here instead of 0-0-0.

Align the Dials to 0 – 0 – 0
Lock face: align all three dials to 0

Slide the Toggle to SET mode

Flip the suitcase or open the packing section to access the back of the lock body. You will see a small sliding toggle marked SET ←→ OFF.

Slide the toggle towards SET. The toggle moves with light finger pressure, no tools required. The lock is now in programming mode and ready to accept your new combination.

Slide the Toggle to SET mode
Slide the toggle to SET. Programming mode is now active.

Dial in Your New Combination

With the toggle in the SET position, rotate each dial to your chosen three-digit code. Pick a number that is easy for you to recall but not predictable. Avoid obvious sequences like 1-2-3 or repeated digits.

Take care that each digit sits precisely in the window. A partially-turned dial is the most common cause of a lock that won't open after programming.

Slide the Toggle Back to OFF mode

Once all three dials show your chosen code, slide the toggle back to OFF. This saves your combination and exits programming mode.

Do not move the dials while sliding the toggle. Disturbing a dial at this stage will shift the registered combination.

Slide the Toggle Back to OFF mode
Return the toggle to OFF to save your new combination

Scramble and Test

Spin the dials away from your new code to scramble them, then enter your combination and confirm the lock opens correctly. Test at least twice before relying on it for travel.

If the lock does not open, return to Step 1 and repeat, ensuring the toggle is fully in the SET position before you change the dials, and fully back to OFF before you scramble.

Good to know

LOCK TIPS

TSA Access

Your lock features a universal TSA key slot. Airport security can open the case without knowing your code and without damaging the lock. Only authorised TSA master keys fit this slot.

Both Locks, Same Code?

You can set both locks to the same combination for convenience, or to different codes for extra security. The choice is yours; each lock is programmed independently.

Record Your Code

Store your combination somewhere secure and separate from your bag: a password manager, a note in your phone, or with a trusted travel companion. Portar cannot retrieve a forgotten code.

Changing Your Code Later

You can reprogram the combination as many times as you like. Simply start from Step 1 using your current code instead of 0-0-0, then follow all five steps again.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How do I set lock combination for my suitcase?

We have a guide that walks you through setting up lock combination.

What is the default combination for my Portar locks?

Both locks are pre-set to 0 – 0 – 0 from the factory. The dials may appear at different numbers after shipping. Simply align them to 000 before beginning the programming process.

Do I need to set both locks, or just one?

You must set both locks. Your Portar case has one lock at the top latch and one at the bottom, each operating independently. Repeat all five steps for each lock. If only one lock is set, the other will remain at 0-0-0.

I forgot my combination. What can I do?

There is no master override for personal combinations. This is by design to keep your belongings secure. If you are locked out, contact us at help@portar.co and our team will discuss your options.

My lock won't open after programming. What went wrong?

The most common causes are: the toggle was not slid fully into the SET position before the dials were changed; a dial shifted while moving the toggle back to OFF; or the dials were not set to the correct previous combination at the start. Return to Step 1 and repeat carefully.No. The TSA key slot is a separate mechanism from the combination. Agents insert a universal master key into the round slot on the lock face, inspect your bag, and relock it without affecting your personal code or the lock's physical integrity.Yes, as many times as you like. Follow the same five steps, but in Step 1 enter your current combination instead of 0-0-0. Then slide the toggle to SET, dial in your new code, and return the toggle to OFF.

Will TSA opening my bag damage the locks?

No. The TSA key slot is a separate mechanism from the combination. Agents insert a universal master key into the round slot on the lock face, inspect your bag, and relock it without affecting your personal code or the lock's physical integrity.

Can I change my combination again later?

Yes, as many times as you like. Follow the same five steps, but in Step 1 enter your current combination instead of 0-0-0. Then slide the toggle to SET, dial in your new code, and return the toggle to OFF.

Still need help?

Our team can help with lock setup and troubleshooting.

Contact us