Do you want to cancel your ADT contract and switch to another provider? Before you decide, you should learn ADT’s cancellation policies and what you can expect. As home security specialists, we have helped many of ADT’s customers cancel their contracts.
In simple terms, you can cancel your ADT contract through the following steps:
- Call Customer Service Helpline
- Connect With An Account Information Representative
- Give Them Your Account and System Information
- Request For a Cancellation of Your Contract
- Ask For Confirmation in Writing About The Cancellation
While this is a simple answer to canceling a contract, more details will determine the process for your specific contract. Keep reading further to learn how to cancel your ADT contract and avoid a penalty.
Can You Cancel ADT Contract Without Penalty? (Updated 2023)
When installing an ADT security system, the standard contract length is 36 months for alarm systems. California is the only state with a reduced minimum contract length of 24 months for ADT customers.
Most customers are concerned about the fee when canceling their ADT contract. While you can cancel your ADT service contract at any time, the penalty will depend on the time of cancellation.
If you decide to cancel your ADT contract within the first six months of ownership, you aren’t required to pay a fee. Fortunately, ADT stands by its system’s quality and provides a money-back guarantee for unsatisfied customers.
However, if you have owned your ADT system past this ownership period, the standard fee is 75% of your remaining contract balance. Additionally, an authorized dealer may charge a $150 fee to remove your alarm system.
How to Cancel Your ADT Contract
Now that you know canceling your ADT contract is possible, you must learn the different processes. The process of canceling your contract during and after the initial trial period will differ.
We created sections that will provide the steps you need to cancel your ADT contract for both situations.
Cancelling During Trial Period
After installing an ADT system for the standard contract length, you have an initial three-day period to cancel your contract. The “Buyer’s Remorse” cancellation period offers an option if you suddenly change your mind after installation.
Once you’ve passed the three days, you are subject to ADT’s Money-Back Guarantee for six months. However, these cancellation terms are subject to ADT’s Terms and Conditions, which state the following:
“Money-back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system-related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first six (6) months of your contract. Equipment must be fully removed before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer.”
ADT will attempt to resolve any system issues and work with you until you are satisfied with the service. Unfortunately, the cancellation terms are vague, so you must speak with an ADT representative for more information.
Canceling your ADT contract online is not possible, so you will need to contact them via their customer service number at (800) 788-0013. When contacting a representative, they will provide instructions on the cancellation process.
ADT Cancellation After Trial Period
Once you’ve owned the ADT security system for more than six months, you will not have an opportunity to cancel without penalties. Fortunately, ADT has lower cancellation fees than similar providers like Vivint or Brinks.
The standard cancellation is paying 75% of the remaining balance on the contract. Depending on when you cancel your ADT contract, these costs will differ. Our team has created a table to help you better understand the estimated cancellation costs at the date of writing this article.
ADT Contract Termination Fees
| Plan | Secure Home | Smart Home | Video & Smart Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $45.99/mo | $49.99/mo | $57.99/mo |
| > 30 Months | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| 30 Months | $1,034.78 | $1,124.78 | $1,304.77 |
| 24 Months | $827.82 | $899.82 | $1,043.82 |
| 18 Months | $620.87 | $674.87 | $782.86 |
| 12 Months | $413.91 | $449.91 | $521.91 |
| 6 Months | $206.96 | $224.96 | $260.95 |
| 0 Months | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
ADT offers these three primary residential alarm system packages, but your costs may vary if you have upgrades. Additionally, these costs document the cancellation if you didn’t put in any upfront payment for your ADT system with the initial installation.
When speaking to an ADT customer support representative, you can negotiate a better payment plan for your budget. While you may not be 100% satisfied with the system, we have found ADT to be accommodating to customers.
Do Any Security System Companies Buyout ADT Contracts?
A question we frequently receive is if another security system company can pay the balance on your ADT contract to switch. After in-depth research, we have confirmed that no system provider offers contract buyouts.
However, we have heard of instances of Vivint sales representatives offering to cover switching costs if the customer had a low remaining balance. Unfortunately, we wouldn’t count on someone generous enough to cut their commission to help you.
While it may be frustrating, we recommend finishing the ADT contract if you don’t want to pay a cancellation fee. Additionally, once you reach the end of your contract, you can test a new provider and see if it’s an upgrade over ADT.
Most security system companies offer a three-day cancellation grace period without any questions. If you find the next provider to be better than ADT, you can confirm the cancellation of your subscription with the support staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
When canceling an ADT contract, the standard penalty is 75% of the remaining contract balance. If you cancel before the six-month grace period, you can receive a refund once you return the equipment. If you work with an authorized dealer, you must pay a $150 fee for them to remove the equipment.
Once you’ve canceled your ADT contract, you can keep the equipment at your home. If you ever want to use ADT again, you can reactivate the system and pay the monthly fee without installation costs. However, you must return the equipment in a prepaid box if you request a refund from ADT.
Yes, ADT still requires a contract for its professional monitoring services. If you purchase a home self-monitoring system and don’t want professional monitoring, you don’t need to sign a contract. The average contract length for ADT services is 36 months, with California customers being the exception with a contract minimum of 24 months.
Conclusion
By following the advice in this article, you can stay informed on how to cancel your ADT contract. If you need guidance with the cancellation process, the ADT support staff will help assist.
As a home security website, we love hearing feedback from viewers on their security system providers. We would love to hear the reasons why you canceled your ADT contract in the comments!