How to Cancel an ADT Contract without Penalty

Don't think ADT is one of the best home security systems? Wonder how to cancel an ADT contract? We answer common questions about canceling an ADT contract to help make the process smoother. We’ll show you what to look for and what to expect when it’s time to part ways with ADT.

Yes, you can cancel your ADT contract anytime by calling customer service at 800-238-2727. Whether you pay penalties or not depends on how many months you have left on your contract.

• You can cancel in the first six months with no penalties thanks to the company’s money-back service guarantee. However, this guarantee only applies if only if the system breaks or is faulty within the first six months and ADT is not able to resolve the issue. 
• After six months, you can cancel your contract by paying 75% of your remaining balance.

To start the cancellation process, call ADT at 800-238-2727.

If you’ve had your ADT alarm system for longer than six months, you’ll pay 75% of the remaining balance on your contract as the cancelation fee. This is actually lower than many home security companies such as Brinks, Vivint, and Alder, which charge between 90% and 100% but have shorter trial periods.

In the table below, check out estimated termination fees you might pay at certain points in your ADT contract.

• Security system customers pay 75% of the remaining monthly charges when canceling early.
• ADT security service has a 36-month contract (24 months in California).
• There’s a six-month money-back service guarantee on ADT security systems.

On the surface, ADT’s money-back guarantee looks like a pretty good deal. Still, it’s surprisingly vague on whether an ADT customer can cancel out of dissatisfaction or for reasons other than technical problems:

"Money back service 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 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."¹

Since ADT’s terms and conditions don’t refer to any other type of return policy other than a “system related issue,” we don’t advise getting an ADT system if you’re banking on the six-month guarantee.

No. ADT cancellation requires a customer service phone call to 800-238-2727. During the call, the customer service agent gives you instructions and may ask you to submit a written request. This call is the best time to ask if you’re getting a refund.

You’ll pay the applicable early termination fees (75% of remaining monthly charges), and ADT will send you a prepaid box with instructions on how to return your ADT equipment.

If you cancel in the first six months, you might get a refund to the payment method on your ADT account after ADT receives your equipment.

ADT doesn’t specify exactly what’s included in the refund, but it should cover equipment costs, installation fees, and monitoring fees.

After you fulfill your initial contract term, it automatically renews on a month-to-month basis until you cancel. There are no termination fees when you cancel a monthly contract. In some cases, your contract might renew for a longer term, so it’s a good idea to check your copy for exact renewal details.

See how ADT's policies compare to other top home security companies' cancellation policies.

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1. ADT Security Services, “ADT Home Security Terms and Conditions.” Accessed November 03, 2021.