Approach a locked door, chest, or container
Select the lockpick in your inventory
Activate the lock
Move each tumbler upward one at a time
Watch for the tumbler that rises and stays up briefly
Press the action button at the exact moment the tumbler stays up
Repeat for each tumbler until the lock opens
If a tumbler falls quickly, wait for the next rise and try again
Use higher-quality lockpicks for easier attempts
Increase Security skill to improve lockpicking success
Use the Auto Attempt option if you want the game to try for you
Save before difficult locks if needed