Getting out of an ADT contract early usually requires paying an Early Termination Fee (ETF) equal to 75 % of your remaining balance. However, depending on your situation, you can navigate your exit or minimize costs using a few specific strategies:
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 charges an early termination fee (ETF) equal to 75% of your total remaining monthly contract charges if you cancel before your initial 24-month (California) or 36-month (most other states) commitment ends. Once your initial agreement is fulfilled, the service rolls over to a month-to-month basis with no cancellation fee.
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.
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.
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If you simply stop paying your ADT bill, ADT will remotely disable your system's monitoring capabilities, send the past-due balance to collections, and heavily damage your credit score. You will also face early termination penalties.
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.
ADT generally does not remove equipment after you cancel your service. In most cases, they will leave the hardware (keypads, sensors, etc.) at your property.
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.
ADT does not offer a standalone "senior discount," but seniors aged 50+ who are AARP members receive 5% off monthly professional monitoring services. To redeem this, you must call ADT directly (e.g., at 1-800-973-0958) and provide your AARP membership number.
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.
ADT's standard professionally installed security systems require a 36-month monitoring contract (24 months for residents of California). Some financing agreements or upgrades may extend this commitment up to 60 months. If you cancel early, you may be charged up to 75% of your remaining monthly balance.
How Much Does ADT Charge to Cancel Early? ADT charges up to 75% of your remaining monthly contract charges as an early termination fee (ETF). ADT's standard contract is 36 months in most states, and 24 months in California. If you cancel before the contract ends, the fee applies to the remaining balance.
If you break your ADT service agreement early, you will be required to pay an Early Termination Fee (ETF) equal to 75% of your total remaining monthly charges, due immediately. Typical ADT residential contracts last 36 months (or 24 months in California).
Whether you can use your ADT cameras without a subscription depends on the model and whether you own or lease the hardware. In most cases, standard ADT cameras require an active plan (like the Secure or Smart service tiers) to function through the ADT+ app.
A: Currently Blink only integrates with IFTTT and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices, you could certainly use the Blink System and the ADT System in the same location however they would not integrate with each other.
Do I have to cancel my existing contract when I move? In most cases, yes. ADT monitoring contracts are typically tied to the location of the home being monitored. However, there are certain exceptions.
Despite growth challenges, ADT generates robust cash flow, maintains 52.5% EBITDA margins, and has expanded its share repurchase program to $1.5 billion. Origin AI acquisition offers a credible long-term lever for improving retention and product differentiation, but its financial impact remains uncertain.
If you are professionally monitored, you can set up a unique Duress Security Code (different from your system security code and other user codes). This code can be used when you or a member of your household is in danger and your assailant is forcing you to disarm your system.
Yes, ADT prices and monthly monitoring fees are negotiable. You can lower your bill by calling their customer retention department and leveraging competitors’ quotes, threatening to cancel your service, or requesting to remove optional add-ons.
Canceling your ADT service typically results in an early termination fee (ETF) of up to 75% of your remaining contract balance. You will also lose professional monitoring, but your hardware will generally continue to function as a local alarm without smart app features.
When you cancel your ADT service, your physical alarm panel will continue to function as a local siren and noisemaker, but it will no longer contact ADT or the police.
Yes, ADT reports to the major credit bureaus, but usually only under specific circumstances like missed payments or breaking your contract early.