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.
To cancel your ADT service without paying an early termination fee, you must either qualify for a specific penalty-free window, leverage contract protections, or reach the end of your initial term.
If you're canceling ADT because of high monthly fees or long contracts, you're not alone. Many people switch to home security systems with no contracts, lower monthly costs, and easier setup. Fortunately, it's easy to find top-rated home security systems that don't require long-term commitments.
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.
ADT’s early termination fee is 75% of your total remaining monthly charges for the balance of your initial contract term. For example, if you have 10 months left on a $50/month plan, your fee would be roughly $375. The fee is payable in full immediately upon cancellation.
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.
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.
When your ADT contract ends, the plan automatically converts to a month-to-month basis. You are free to cancel at any time with 30 days' notice without incurring early termination fees, but your equipment status and monthly rates depend on how your system was originally financed.
Yes, you can use ADT without a subscription, but your options depend on the equipment type.
6-Month Service Guarantee - Refunds the installation price and pays all monitoring fees if, after we have attempted to resolve your concerns, you are not satisfied within six months of installation.
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.
Whether you are referring to Abstract Data Types in computer science or ADT Security services, the primary drawbacks center around performance overhead, high costs, and restrictive contracts.
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.
To temporarily turn off or disarm your ADT system, enter your user code and press the OFF or Disarm button. To permanently shut it down, power down the control panel by unplugging its electrical transformer from the wall outlet and disconnecting the backup battery.
However, if your alarms are wired into your home and you're not skilled or comfortable with electrical work, it's time to hire an electrician. A professional electrician can ensure the system is fully deactivated and that all components are removed safely.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Common causes include:
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.
Professional Monitoring Costs
Monthly monitoring fees include 24/7 emergency response and will assist in the case of burglary, fire, flood, carbon monoxide, and more. Prices can range from $29 to $60 per month.
To lower your ADT bill, call their retention department, leverage competitor pricing, and be prepared to negotiate.
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