Yes, if you have a leased or rented system, you generally must return your ADT equipment after canceling your service. However, policies vary by whether your equipment was leased or purchased outright.
Any system or device received within the first 30 days of the original order date must be returned within 21 days of receiving the RMA label to avoid Non-Returned Equipment Fees*.
In order to cancel your ADT contract, you must call ADT customer service at 800-238-2727. Security system customers pay up to 75% of the remaining monthly charges when they cancel early (see breakdown in the table above). ADT's professional monitoring service has a 36-month contract (24 months in California).
Getting rid of old ADT equipment requires a few steps depending on whether the system is wired or wireless. Follow these guidelines to safely disconnect, remove, and dispose of the hardware.
Yes, ADT is currently facing multiple class action lawsuits, most notably a large-scale data breach lawsuit filed in April 2026 alleging that a cyberattack exposed the private information of millions of customers.
The best alternatives to ADT depend on what you need most: zero-contract flexibility, robust smart home integration, or DIY affordability.
Yes, ADT generally charges an Early Termination Fee (ETF) if you cancel your monitoring service before your contract ends.
An electrician or another qualified service provider will be able to complete this job quickly, neatly, and safely. Remember that the purpose of having an alarm system in the first place is to protect your well-being. If you have any questions about electricity, don't risk everything just to save a few bucks.
You can unplug your ADT system, but simply pulling the plug won't instantly shut it off. Because of built-in security features, the system has a backup battery that will keep running, and it will likely trigger beeping alerts.
Contact ADT so we can place your system in Move Status. This will prevent the system from sending any alarms to the Monitoring Center during your move. Collect all the components of your system from around your home and pack them safely for the move. Be sure to collect any device back plates, screws and power cords.
You can cancel your ADT contract at any time, but if you are still within your 36-month (or 24-month in California) initial agreement, you may be charged an early termination fee of roughly 75% of your remaining balance.
Pro install starts at $45.99 per month. †Requires system purchase and pro monitoring plan (one month minimum) w/ADT Self Setup starting at $34.99 OR pro install w/36-month monitoring contract starting at $56.99/mo.
Yes, ADT calls the police, but not always immediately. To prevent false alarm fines, ADT follows a verification process before dispatching local authorities:
Financial Liability: In some cases, companies may deduct the cost of unreturned equipment from your final paycheck. However, this practice is subject to labor laws that vary from one jurisdiction to another. Damage to Professional Reputation: Not returning company property could harm your professional reputation.
Canceling ADT can be a frustrating process, known for long hold times and aggressive retention tactics. To cancel, you must call their customer retention department at 1-800-238-2727.
Whether you own your ADT equipment depends entirely on your specific contract and how you acquired the system.
If you own your existing ADT-compatible equipment, you don't need to buy a new system to stay protected. Most ADT alarm panels and sensors work with third-party monitoring services — meaning you can keep your existing hardware and simply switch to a provider that doesn't require a long-term contract.
If so, the device will run on its backup battery for up to 24 hours, and you will get a low battery alert as it is depleted. If AC power is not restored before the battery dies, the device will power down. Once the power comes back on, the device will turn on, and the backup battery will begin to charge.
If you use MyADT, log into your account on myadt.com, click Account > Manage Subscriptions, and fill out the cancellation form. If you use ADT+, log into your account on plus.adt.com, click Billing > under Manage Subscriptions click Cancel Subscription and fill out the cancellation form.
To remove ADT equipment, power down the system by unplugging the main panel's transformer and disconnecting the backup battery in the main control box. Remove sensors by peeling adhesive-mounted devices or unscrewing hardware, then patch holes as needed. Wireless devices can be removed via the ADT+ app.
Most home monitoring services will automatically dispatch local police if your system loses power. Disconnecting wiring or causing the old system to lose power may set off a false alarm, resulting in an unnecessary emergency response that could land you with a fine.
ADT packages start at $199, after discounts. Monthly professional monitoring starts at $24.99, while the top-tier plan starts at $39.99. If you opt for professional installation, you'll need to pay a $100 fee and expect a three-year contract.
For cheaper home security, top DIY and contract-free brands like SimpliSafe, Ring, and Cove offer better affordability than ADT. You'll save heavily on both upfront equipment and monthly professional monitoring, avoiding the long-term contracts and steep installation fees that come with ADT.
Yes, ADT offers discounts for seniors, primarily through a partnership with AARP, which provides 5% off monthly monitoring services for new customers. While they do not have a dedicated, generic "senior plan," this AARP benefit, along with potential free installation or equipment, can be secured by calling ADT and mentioning the membership.