When you cancel your ADT service, your ADT cameras will generally stop working through the ADT Control or Pulse mobile apps. Because ADT cameras operate on their proprietary or Alarm.com backend servers, app access, live viewing, and cloud storage require an active monitoring subscription.
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.
After canceling ADT, your equipment will generally stop working. ADT will usually lock you out of the mobile app and remotely disable cellular communicators or smart panels (like ADT Command). The specific functionality that remains depends on your system ownership status and configuration:
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 bypass a zone or sensor on your ADT system, disarm the system and access your keypad or touchscreen. Navigate to the Zones menu, select the sensor you want to deactivate, and choose Bypass. Enter your User Code to confirm. The system can now be armed.
The factory default Master Code for most ADT alarm panels is 1234. If the previous owner or installer changed it, you can program a new one or change your user codes directly on the panel, via the keypad, or using the ADT+ mobile app.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Purchased Equipment
You are NOT required to return security systems or devices purchased without a lease agreement. If returning a system or device purchase made within 30 days of the original order date, please follow the 30-Day Money Back Guarantee Return Instructions.
Whether you can use your ADT cameras with another company depends on the specific hardware you have and your contract status.
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.
An ADT camera system costs between $𝟐𝟒.𝟗𝟗 and $𝟔𝟒.𝟗𝟗+ per month for professional monitoring and video storage. The exact monthly cost depends on your chosen plan, whether you self-install or use professional installation, and if you opt for advanced features like 24/7 video history.
People are removing their Ring doorbells due to rising subscription fees, privacy concerns over how footage is shared, and a desire to avoid cloud reliance in favor of local storage.
We will not share our customer's audio or video with a first responder without our customer's consent, except when required by a lawful subpoena, warrant, court order, or other legal process.
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.
To lower your ADT bill, call their retention department, leverage competitor pricing, and be prepared to negotiate.
SimpliSafe is widely considered the overall best home security system. It offers the ideal balance of beginner-friendly DIY installation, no long-term contracts, and robust 24/7 professional monitoring. Hardware packages generally range from $150 to $450, with optional professional monitoring starting at around $20 to $30 per month.
When you cancel your ADT subscription, you won't lose your physical hardware, but you will lose access to professional monitoring and most smart app features. What exactly happens depends on your hardware, your contract, and how you decide to proceed.
Yes, ADT calls the police, but not always immediately. To prevent false alarm fines, ADT follows a verification process before dispatching local authorities:
No. ADT cancellation must be done by phone. Call 800-238-2727 during business hours. Online cancellation is not available.
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.
The most common cause of false alarms is human error, accounting for roughly 50% to over 80% of all incidents, often involving untrained users, forgotten codes, or pets triggering motion sensors. Other leading causes include faulty or low batteries, faulty installation, dirty sensors, and environmental factors like steam or drafty windows.