ADT Security Frequently Asked Questions
ADT has been offering home security services for over 145 years. It’s been a pioneer in many of the solutions we use today, consistently finding new ways to keep its customers safe.
Given its long history and extensive security solutions, there’s a lot to learn about this security provider. To help you understand everything you need to know about ADT, we’ve gathered answers to its most frequently asked questions.
Explore the information below to learn more about the security services it offers and the ways you can benefit from its solutions.
Plans & pricing
How much does ADT cost per month?
When calculating your monthly costs, you will need to include both your equipment costs and the monthly monitoring fee.
Your equipment costs will vary depending on the devices you choose. You can choose one of ADT’s pre-built equipment packages or build a custom package from scratch. You can also include any number of add-on devices, though you will have to pay extra for each item you add.
Your monthly monitoring fee is determined by the types of devices you choose. If you only have security products, such as sensors and motion detectors, you can use the monitoring plan with the lowest cost. For plans that include smart home devices or security cameras, however, you will pay more to support the additional capabilities.
Can I pay my ADT equipment off early?
You can, though it won’t get you out of your contract. Customers who prefer to pay for their equipment upfront can make the payment at the start of their service. You can also pay your installation fee in full. You will continue to make monthly payments for your professional monitoring service throughout the length of your contract.
Do I need a contract to get ADT?
Yes, every home security system comes with a service agreement. You can choose from 24-month, 36-month, and 60-month contracts.
How much does ADT charge for installation?
According to ADT, the average customer will pay about $150 for their security system’s installation. This cost is calculated based on the size and complexity of your security system. You will get a quote for the professional installation service when you purchase your equipment.
How much does ADT charge for monitoring?
Your monthly monitoring charge will depend on the type of equipment you use. Simple systems require the lowest cost for monthly monitoring, for example. You will pay more to use smart devices with your security system and an additional charge on top of that for video surveillance support.
Can you cancel ADT at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your ADT service agreement at any point throughout your contract. If you cancel it early, however, you will have to pay a cancellation fee. This fee is based on the amount of time left in your agreement, so you will have to speak to ADT directly to learn more.
If your home security system is no longer working for you and your home, you may be able to modify it to better suit your needs. Contact ADT to speak to a representative and explore your options.
Can I transfer my ADT service to someone else?
You can transfer your equipment to someone else, but you aren’t able to transfer your contract. When you move out of your home, for instance, the new owners can use the equipment you left behind. They will have to start their own contract to do so.
If you no longer want your ADT security service, you will either have to pay to cancel it or modify your system to fit better.
Does ADT offer discounts?
ADT is almost always running a special. You may be able to get installation discounts, free equipment, monitoring discounts, or another exclusive deal when you purchase a security system as a new customer. Check the Deals & Special Promotions page for current savings offers.
Does ADT have a referral program?
As an existing ADT customer, you can earn money by referring new customers to the security provider. Every time someone signs a contract and has a system installed based on your referral, you will receive a $200 Visa Reward Card. The new customer will get a discount on their service as well.
There are no limits to the number of referrals you can make. Only new customers qualify for the program.
Equipment
Do I own my ADT equipment?
No, you won’t own the equipment used for your security system. Instead, ADT leases its equipment to its customers during their contract. If you move or cancel your service, the equipment will remain in your home and can be reactivated for use at any time.
Is ADT hardwired or wireless?
ADT offers both wired and wireless home security systems. You can only use a hardwired system if your home is properly wired for the system, but ADT is one of the few providers that offers this type of security solution.
When choosing your equipment, you can decide if you want wired or wireless models. Most of ADT’s products, including sensors and cameras, are available in both types of designs.
Does ADT work without internet?
Some devices work without an internet connection, but others do not. Your security sensors, safety alarms, and ADT Command panel will continue to keep your home protected during an internet outage.
Your smart devices won’t be able to connect to the system without internet. Some, however, will offer limited functionality until you can restore the connection. Your smart lock can be unlocked with access codes and keys, for instance, but won’t work with voice commands, the app, or any automated routines.
Your Nest cameras won’t be able to live stream video, but they will store up to an hour of video events during an internet or power outage.
Does ADT work if the power goes out?
Your ADT Command control panel is equipped with a 24-hour battery backup. During a power outage, this backup will power your system and keep your security sensors armed. It will alert you when the battery starts to die.
If you have a wireless system, most of your equipment will be battery-powered and won’t be affected by the lack of power. Any smart devices won’t be able to connect to the rest of the system without Wi-Fi, however.
A hardwired system won’t work until the electricity is restored to your home.
If triggered, your Google Nest cameras will record and store video events on built-in local storage for up to an hour. You won’t, however, be able to view these videos until the power and internet are back.
Does ADT have a warranty?
ADT has a limited equipment warranty that you can extend with its Quality Service Plan (QSP). This plan covers any replacement and repair costs for your equipment. For more information about this service plan, contact ADT.
If your service has a system-based problem that cannot be resolved within the first six months of your contract, ADT guarantees your money back. The company will remove the equipment before processing your refund.
How long does an ADT battery last?
Most batteries will last three to five years in your ADT devices. The batteries for your cameras, however, will only last a few months. When they get low, you will need to recharge them.
The length of your battery life will depend largely on how much use your devices get. Any equipment that is frequently triggered will have a shorter battery life than your other devices.
How do I know if my ADT battery is low?
When the batteries in any of your equipment are low, the device will send an alert to the system’s hub. You will get a notification on your phone from the mobile app and on the ADT Command control panel. As long as you change the batteries right away, your system will function without pause.
How often does ADT do maintenance and testing?
ADT recommends that you test your system every 30 days. You should also check it after you’ve completed any home renovations or changed your phone or internet service.
To check your system, you can log into your MyADT account. After selecting the My Alarm tab, you will click the Systems Management option from the menu on the left side of the screen. You can then click Test System to make sure your system is working properly.
Alternatively, you can call 800-ADT-ASAP to initiate test mode for your security system.
Can ADT systems be hacked?
ADT has never had a systems hack that put its customers or their data at risk. It is top-rated for both its safety services and the strength of its network security.
That said, you should always use a strong password with your ADT account. If your data is leaked or compromised from another source, we recommend replacing your current password with another strong option. Prevent hacking by following internet best practices and never sharing your password with anyone else.
Can I use different security equipment with an ADT system?
ADT can sometimes take over the security equipment left in your home, even if it’s from another security provider. Call the company to see if they are able to work with any or all of the equipment in your home.
Security cameras
What cameras does ADT offer?
ADT customers can add four types of security cameras to their systems. Thanks to a partnership with Google, you can enjoy the power features and cutting-edge technology offered by Nest Cams.
The security cameras ADT provides include:
All of the cameras integrate seamlessly with your security system. Top features include:
- Familiar Faces, an exclusive facial recognition software
- Live video streaming and 30 days of recorded video
- Two-way communication
- Smart home automation
Every purchase of a security system with a camera includes a Nest Aware subscription.
Can I add a camera to my ADT system?
Yes, you can either choose an equipment package that includes a security camera or add any number of cameras to your system.
Do ADT cameras work without Wi-Fi?
Nest Cams require an internet connection to stream video to the app and communicate with the rest of your security system. If you lose your Wi-Fi connection for any reason, your cameras will record event-triggered videos for up to an hour and save them to their built-in local storage. You can view these videos on the app when the internet is working again.
Do ADT cameras record all the time?
Your cameras will be active at all times, but they will only record clips when they are triggered by motion or another pre-set trigger. The length of these clips can be adjusted in the camera settings.
You can access up to 60 days of your event video history on the app. If you choose to upgrade your Nest Aware plan to Nest Aware Plus, your cameras will provide up to 10 days’ worth of 24/7 video recordings.
How do I view my ADT camera history?
The live feed and previously recorded videos from all of your cameras are available through the ADT Control mobile app. Your complimentary Nest Aware subscription offers 30 days of event-triggered videos. Along with watching these videos, you can use the app to save and share clips from them.
Additionally, you can view your recorded and live videos on your ADT Command control panel and computer. If you have smart devices, you can use voice commands to watch your video on smart TVs or other connected devices with screens, such as the Google Nest Hub.
How do I know when my ADT cameras are recording?
All Nest Cams include an LED light that indicates their status. If the light is green and pulsing, it means that someone is actively watching the live feed from that camera.
If you see this light, check with your family to see if any of them are watching. If not, change your login information to include a stronger password to protect your account. You can also contact ADT about your concerns.
Can I still use my ADT cameras without service?
No, if you don’t have an active ADT service plan, you won’t be able to use your cameras.
Smart home automation
What is an ADT smart system?
A smart home system uses a variety of internet-connected devices to automate certain tasks and provide remote access. With ADT, for instance, you can smart devices such as a smart lock to lock and unlock your front door through the ADT Control app.
More importantly, a smart system helps you stay aware of everything happening at home. You’ll get instant alerts when your sensors are triggered, if an outdoor camera detects an intruder, and when you leave home without arming your system. This level of connectivity and convenience helps you keep your home and family safe.
What smart devices work with ADT?
When you purchase your equipment, you can select any number of the smart devices ADT offers, including:
- Outdoor Google Nest Cam
- Google Nest Cam with floodlight
- Indoor Google Nest Cam
- Google Nest WiFi and Point
- Google Nest Mini
- Google Nest Hub Max
- Google Nest Thermostat
- Smart door locks
- Smart plugs and switches
- Smart garage controller
- Smart sensors
These devices integrate seamlessly with your entire security system. Other smart integrations include Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant devices, as well as any smart devices that operate on Z Wave protocol.
What is home automation with ADT?
If your home security system includes smart devices, you can automate certain tasks with your ADT Control mobile app. These automations might include:
- Disarming the security system when your garage door opens or your smart front door lock disengages
- Turning smart lights on when your motion detector senses movement at night
- Having your smart thermostat turn the temperature up when you leave and cool it back down to a comfortable temperature by the time you get home
- Recording a video through your doorbell camera or indoor camera at a specific time every day or when the front door unlocks
Along with individual automations, you can create scenes with similar customizations. When you select the “At Home” scene, for instance, you can have the thermostat cool the house while your smart lights turn on automatically.
Does Alexa work with ADT?
Yes, you can add a voice integration with Alexa to your security system. Simply add a new skill to your Amazon Echo devices to connect the two systems. Once integrated, you can use Alexa voice commands to control and adjust your ADT devices.
Installation
Can I install an ADT system myself?
No, ADT does not allow customers to install any of its devices. After purchasing your equipment, you will schedule a professional installation appointment. A trained technician will bring your equipment to your home and install it all during the appointment.
How long does an ADT install take?
The length of your installation appointment will depend on the number of devices you’ve purchased and the complexity of your system. A simple install may only take about an hour. For a more extensive installation, however, the ADT technician will need several hours to set everything up. You can ask for an estimate when scheduling your installation appointment.
Monitoring
What does ADT do when the alarm goes off?
When your system is triggered, such as by a door or window opening while it’s armed, the system will send an alert to your phone and to the ADT monitoring center. A monitoring agent will try to call you to make sure it isn’t a false alarm.
If you don’t answer or if you tell them that you need help, the agent will then contact your local emergency responders and send them to your home.
Can I self-monitor an ADT system?
Every ADT security system comes with a professional monitoring plan. This means that a monitoring agent is always available to respond if your home is burglarized, catches fire, has a carbon monoxide leak, or experiences another threat. No matter what happens, ADT can send local services to your home while you focus on protecting your family.
A self-monitored system isn’t connected to a monitoring center. If anything goes wrong, you will have to call 911 yourself to get the help you need.
Does ADT alert the police?
If your alarm goes off, ADT will first check with you to see if it was a false alarm. For a true threat, the monitoring agent will dispatch the local police to your home within seconds. In the event of a fire or carbon monoxide leak, they will send the local fire department as well.
Does ADT call if your alarm goes off?
Yes, the first thing the professional monitoring team will do is try to contact you to check for a false alarm. If you don’t answer the phone or if you ask for assistance, they will dispatch emergency responders.
Does ADT monitor fire?
ADT’s professional monitoring responds to alerts from both security devices and environmental sensors. Your smart smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors will notify your system as soon as they detect a threat. A professional monitoring agent will then reach out to see if you need help and, if so, send emergency responders to your home.
Miscellaneous
Do you take your ADT equipment with you when you move?
ADT owns all of its equipment, so you will leave all of your devices in your home when you move. If you haven’t finished your contract, you will either have to pay to cancel your service or start a new contract with new equipment in your new home. For information about moving offers and discounts, contact the company directly.
Since your old home is already set up with a security system, the new owners can start their own service agreements with ADT to reactivate it.
Does ADT have 24-hour customer service?
You can call ADT at any time of day or night for assistance. They boast excellent customer service ratings and can help with any of your needs.
