How to Cancel an ADT Contract without Penalty

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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.

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Can you get out of an ADT contract?

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.

SimpliSafe: Our recommended alternative to ADT

Affordable no-contract home security
SimpliSafe security
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Starts at
$19.99
/mo
  • pro
    No contracts
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    Live video feed available
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    Great options for renters
  • con
    Basic smart home compatibility

How can I cancel my ADT contract?

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

Is there a fee to cancel ADT?

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.

ADT contract termination fees

PlanEssentialsSecureSmartVideoComplete
Monthly price$28.99/mo. $45.99/mo. $49.99/mo.$56.99/mo. $59.99/mo.
More than 30 months left$0.00*$0.00* $0.00*$0.00*$0.00*
30 months left$652.28 $1,034.78 $1,124.78 $1,282.28 $1,349.78
24 months left$521.82 $827.82 $899.82 $1,025.82 $1,079.82
18 months left$391.37$620.87 $674.87 $769.37 $809.87
12 months left$260.91 $413.91 $449.91 $512.91 $539.91
6 months left$130.46 $206.96 $224.96$256.46$269.96
0 months left$0.00$0.00$0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Note: These estimates come from base plan prices as of post date and do not include taxes or equipment financing.
This data applies to states outside of California (California has 24-month contracts).
*$0.00 termination fee before 30 months applies only if you qualify under the six-month money-back guarantee.

What is the ADT cancellation policy?

  • 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.

About ADT's six-month service guarantee

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.

Can I cancel my ADT service online?

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.

What happens when I cancel my ADT contract early?

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.

What happens when ADT contract ends and I don’t cancel early?

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.

How does ADT compare to other home security systems?

Brand
Installation
Monthly cost Icon Tooltip  Dark
Best for
Starter equipment price
Contract required
Smart home compatibility Icon Tooltip  Dark
Learn more
ProfessionalBest professional home security$599.00No *Amazon,
Google,
Z-Wave
ProfessionalMost trusted security brand$0.00YesAmazon,
Google,
Z-Wave
DIY or ProBest customer ratingQuote required
Online quiz
No *Amazon, Google
Ring
DIYBest budget-friendly pick$199.99NoAmazon, Google, Z-Wave
DIY or ProBest DIY home security$245.00NoAmazon,
Google

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
Full ADT disclaimer

More about ADT

ADT is the biggest home security company in the US. Its six monitoring centers allow it to respond quickly to alarms and summon the police or fire department. ADT’s one of the most experienced alarm companies, making it a reliable option for most people.

But ADT is typically more expensive than most other security systems, especially when you get extra features like a smartphone app, security cameras, and smart home devices.

Read our full ADT review to learn more.


Sources

  1. ADT Security Services, “ADT Home Security Terms and Conditions.” Accessed November 03, 2021.
John Carlsen
Written by
John Carlsen
John is a technology journalist specializing in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. He has over a decade of experience researching, testing, and reviewing the latest tech—he was the Smart Home Editor for Top Ten Reviews and wrote for ASecureLife before joining SafeWise as a Staff Writer in 2020. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism emphasis from Utah Valley University. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking, and starting countless DIY projects he has yet to complete.

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