ADT Frequently Asked Questions

American District Telegraph started back in 1874. Its original line of business involved telegraph delivery and was an affiliation between 57 telegraph delivery companies. Once the telegraph started fading into obscurity, ADT expanded and eventually ended up as the home security powerhouse that it is today.

ADT’s pricing is two-part: the equipment cost and the monitoring cost. Currently, there are several equipment packages available, ranging in price from $269 for a basic system to $1,593 for a comprehensive one. For monitoring, rates depend on whether you’re buying a professionally installed ADT system or an ADT Self Setup system. For the pro-installed system, prices range from $34.99 to $49.99; for ADT Self Setup, $24.99 to $39.99 per month.

ADT requires a contract for professionally installed systems, but ADT Self Setup customers don’t need to sign a contract. An ADT contract typically lasts three years, except in California where they can only be up to two years.

If you’re unhappy with the service you’re receiving and ADT is unable to fix the problem for you, you can get a refund in the first six months. This refund covers monitoring fees and installation fees. You also get up to $500 of your home insurance or renters insurance deductible paid for if you get robbed while your ADT system is armed.

ADT does require you to keep a monitoring package to get full usage out of your equipment. Without the package, many features are unavailable and you don’t get complete protection. Note that because professionally installed ADT systems require a contract, they won’t work at all without a monitoring package.

ADT checks your credit score when you first sign up for the home security package, but only if you’re financing your system. Depending on your creditworthiness, ADT may require different payment terms or deposit amounts. Those with excellent credit typically qualify for the best financing options and monthly rates.

That being said, ADT Self Setup is a good security system for people with a low credit score. Since you’ll have to pay for the equipment upfront, ADT won’t run a credit check.

ADT offers the ADT+ app, which gives you complete mobile control over your security system and connected smart home devices. Through the app, you’ll receive instant notifications for alarms and detected events, can remotely control lights, thermostats, and smart switches, and check your video doorbell feed from anywhere. The app comes standard with all ADT monitoring plans and works on both iOS and Android devices.

Yes, ADT systems integrate seamlessly with popular smart home platforms. They work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other third-party smart devices such as Yale smart locks. These integrations allow you to control your security system, adjust smart thermostats, manage lighting, and lock doors using simple voice commands or automated routines.

ADT offers a comprehensive lineup of security cameras including indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras. These cameras are actually from Google Nest, one of the top security cameras manufacturers today. They offer at least a 1080p HD resolution and advanced features like person detection. They can even recognize faces, but only if you’re on ADT’s top-tier monitoring plan.

ADT can take over monitoring of certain existing security systems through their takeover service, which starts at $28.99 per month. They’ll evaluate your current equipment to determine compatibility and may be able to integrate sensors, keypads, and other components into their monitoring platform.

If you have a compatible third-party home automation device, such as Google Home or Alexa, you can send commands via the device.

ADT supports some third-party equipment, such as sensors from an old home security system or certain home automation devices. The system works with Z-Wave compatible devices, allowing you to add smart locks, thermostats, and lighting from various manufacturers. Contact ADT’s customer support team to verify compatibility before purchasing any third-party equipment.

ADT’s Movers Security Program helps you transfer service to your new home. They typically offer free basic installation at your new address, plus discounts on any additional equipment you need. In most cases, you’ll leave the existing system for the next homeowner and receive new equipment at your new location. Your contract continues without interruption during the move.

ADT motion sensors feature pet-immune technology that ignores movement from animals weighing up to 85 pounds. The sensors analyze the size, weight, and movement patterns to distinguish between pets and potential intruders, significantly reducing false alarms while maintaining security.

With the ADT+ app included in all monitoring packages, you can arm or disarm your system from anywhere with an internet connection. The app also lets you create custom arming schedules, receive notifications when family members arrive home, and check your system’s status in real-time.

Your ADT cameras always have live streaming available, but your device settings may not allow you to check on them if you’re on mobile data. You can customize recording schedules and motion detection zones to optimize storage and bandwidth usage while maintaining security coverage when you need it most.

Yes, all current ADT systems use dual-path (internet and cellular) connectivity as the primary communication method, eliminating the need for a landline. The cellular connection in particular is more reliable and secure than traditional phone lines, as it can’t be cut by intruders and continues working during power outages.

Yes, you can add-on new devices as you discover new needs or want to expand your home security capabilities. Just contact ADT whenever you want to order new products.

ADT provides wireless key fobs that allow you to arm, disarm, and trigger panic alarms with the push of a button. These water-resistant remotes work from up to 100 feet away from your control panel, making it convenient to control your system without rushing to the keypad.

ADT provides professional monitoring services in-house, so you’re never interacting with anyone outside of your home security company. Their six interconnected monitoring centers across the United States ensure redundancy and reliability, with average emergency response times under 30 seconds. The centers are UL-listed and Five Diamond Certified by The Monitoring Association.

Modern ADT systems use dual-path connectivity, combining cellular and broadband connections for maximum reliability. The cellular connection serves as the primary communication method, while Wi-Fi enables video streaming and smart home features. This redundant setup ensures your system stays connected even if one pathway fails.

You must have an active monitoring subscription with ADT to use the equipment that it provides. Otherwise, you miss out on most of the functionality.

The professional monitoring center will determine the proper authority to notify, based on your information and the type of emergency that’s happening. ADT’s trained operators first attempt to contact you to verify the alarm, then dispatch the appropriate emergency services if needed. This two-step verification process helps reduce false alarms while ensuring genuine emergencies receive immediate attention.

ADT systems include a 24-hour backup battery that automatically activates during power outages. The cellular connection continues functioning independently of your home’s power, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring and protection. You’ll receive an alert when running on backup power and when power is restored.

ADT employs certified professional technicians who handle complete system installation and setup. These experts undergo extensive background checks and training to ensure proper equipment placement and configuration. Installation typically takes two to four hours depending on your package and home size.

Additionally, you can install ADT systems yourself, if you go with the ADT Self Setup option. They even offer live video assistance to those who need it.

You still need to pay for ADT professional monitoring, but you can monitor your ADT system through its ADT+ app. The app provides real-time alerts, live video feeds, and system status updates. You can also use the app’s Smart Chime feature to receive notifications when doors or windows open, helping you stay aware of activity in your home.

If you trigger your ADT alarm by accident, you can disarm it and inform the monitoring center that it was an accident. ADT will call you within seconds to verify the alarm – simply provide your verbal password to cancel the dispatch. The ADT+ app also includes a cancel alarm feature for quick false alarm prevention.

Yes, ADT offers several sensors. Their comprehensive sensor lineup includes door/window sensors, glass break detectors, motion sensors with pet immunity, smoke and heat detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, flood sensors, and temperature sensors. Each sensor uses encrypted wireless technology for reliable communication with your control panel.

Many insurance providers offer discounts ranging from 5 percent to 20 percent on homeowners insurance premiums for homes with ADT security systems. The exact discount depends on your insurance company, location, and the specific ADT package you choose. Contact your insurance agent to confirm available discounts and required documentation.

You can update your emergency contacts on ADT by logging onto your online account or ADT+ mobile app. Navigate to the “My Contacts” section where you can add, remove, or reorder contacts. You can also call ADT’s customer service at 1-800-ADT-ASAP for assistance with updating your contact list over the phone.