How to Reset a Smoke Alarm That Won't Stop

Plus, Consumer Reports' top picks if you need a replacement

By Daniel Wroclawski
Senior Home & Appliances Writer

By Courtney Lindwall
Home & Tech Writer

Updated September 18, 2024

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Image of a fire alarm with illustrated shapes to connote the alarm noise. — How you deactivate a false alarm depends on your smoke alarm's power source.

Always assume a sounding smoke alarm means there’s a fire and you should get to safety as quickly as possible.

But what do you do when it’s a false alarm that doesn’t stop? A scenario like that can be caused by dust, humidity, electrical malfunctions, and even spiders crawling inside the device, says Bernie Deitrick, a senior test engineer at CR.

To fix the problem, you may need to understand how the alarm operates. Your approach will vary based on the type of power the alarm uses:

Replaceable batteries
Long-life lithium batteries
120-volt hardwiring (with batteries as a backup power source)

Top-Rated Smoke Alarms From CR's Tests

Here are top-performing smoke alarms, including hardwired and battery-powered options, plus one combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm from our lab tests.

Daniel Wroclawski

Dan Wroclawski is a home and appliances writer at Consumer Reports, covering products ranging from refrigerators and coffee makers to cutting-edge smart home devices. Before joining CR in 2017, he was an editor at USA Today’s Reviewed, and launched the site’s smart home section. In his spare time, you can find him tinkering with one of the over 70 connected devices in his house. Follow Dan on Facebook and X: @danwroc.

Courtney Lindwall

Courtney Lindwall is a writer at Consumer Reports. Since joining CR in 2023, she’s covered the latest on cell phones, smartwatches, and fitness trackers as part of the tech team. Previously, Courtney reported on environmental and climate issues for the Natural Resources Defense Council. She lives in Brooklyn, N.Y.