Back to blog
Article

Office Chair Recline Lock

Admin October 11, 2026

When the office chair cannot be locked in the reclined position, you can follow the methods below, with specific steps varying depending on the chair type:

1. Knob-type adjustment
If the chair uses a knob-type recline lock design, first locate the circular knob beneath the seat. Turning the knob clockwise increases the backrest resistance. When the resistance increases to the point where the backrest can no longer recline further, the lock is engaged. If it still cannot be fixed after turning, the knob may not have been tightened enough. Continue to turn it with force to the limit position, or check if the knob is damaged.

2. Lever-type adjustment
The lever-type locking mechanism is usually located on the side or beneath the chair. Observe the markings on the lever (such as 'Lock' or 'Fixed'). Move the lever to the corresponding marked position to fix the backrest. If there are no clear markings on the lever, try pushing it to the outermost or innermost position. Some chairs require simultaneous adjustment of the lever and the backrest angle to achieve locking.

3. Button-type adjustment
Some computer chairs are equipped with an independent button for locking the recline angle, which may be located beneath the backrest or on the side of the armrest. After pressing the button, the backrest will remain at the current angle and will not move. If the button does not respond, it may be stuck or the internal spring may have failed. Gently tap around the button or check if it is blocked by foreign objects.

4. Adjustment rod-type adjustment
For chairs with an adjustment rod, two steps are required:

  • Step 1: Locate the adjustment rod on the side or front beneath the seat, and lean back to the desired angle;
  • Step 2: Operate the second gear function of the adjustment rod (such as lifting it up or pressing it down), or adjust the resistance in conjunction with the knob to complete the locking. If the adjustment rod does not have a second gear, it may be necessary to continuously press the adjustment rod while leaning back on the backrest to fix the angle.

If the chair still cannot be locked using the above methods, it is recommended to first consult the chair's instruction manual to confirm that the operating steps match the chair model. If the manual is lost or the operations are ineffective, the internal mechanical structure of the chair (such as springs or gears) may be damaged. Contact the manufacturer's after-sales service or a professional repair technician for inspection and repair, and avoid disassembling it yourself to prevent further damage.