Need to cancel your ADT contract? Whether you’re moving, switching to a DIY system, or tired of paying $40-60/month for a system you barely use, this guide covers every cancellation path — including how to avoid or reduce the early termination fee that ADT doesn’t want you to know about.
Can You Cancel ADT Service Without a Penalty?
If you are cancelling ADT service, check your contract date before you call. ADT Self Setup customers can usually cancel with notice, while professional-install customers may owe an early termination fee if the initial term is still active. This guide walks through the phone call, written notice, fee math, and lower-cost alternatives such as Abode and SimpliSafe.
ADT Contract Terms: What You Actually Signed
Before calling ADT, understand exactly what you’re dealing with. ADT has two very different contract structures depending on how you signed up:
| Contract Detail | ADT Professional Install | ADT Self Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Contract length | 36 months mandatory | No contract — month-to-month |
| Early termination fee | 75% of remaining monthly payments | $0 — cancel anytime |
| Trial period | 30 days (full refund) | 30 days (full refund) |
| Money-back guarantee | 6 months (new customers only) | 6 months (new customers only) |
| Cancellation notice | 30 days written notice | 30 days written notice |
| Auto-renewal | Month-to-month after 36 months | Already month-to-month |
| Equipment ownership | ADT may own it (check contract) | You own everything |
| Monthly rate | $28.99-$59.99/mo | $5.99-$24.99/mo |
Key insight: If you’re on ADT Self Setup, you can cancel anytime with zero penalty — just call and give 30 days notice. The rest of this guide focuses on ADT Professional Install contracts, which is where cancellation gets complicated.
How to Cancel ADT: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Check Your Contract Status
Call ADT at 1-800-238-2727 and ask these exact questions:
| Question to Ask | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| “When does my initial contract term end?” | If you’re month-to-month, you can cancel with $0 ETF |
| “Am I still in the initial 36-month term or month-to-month?” | Many people don’t realize their term already expired |
| “What is my exact early termination fee right now?” | Get the number in writing — don’t accept a verbal estimate |
| “Am I still within the 6-month money-back guarantee?” | New customers can get a full refund within 6 months |
| “Do I own my equipment or does ADT?” | Determines what happens to your panel and sensors |
| “Has my rate increased since I signed?” | Price increases without notice may give you grounds to cancel |
Pro tip: Log into your MyADT account first to find your contract start date. If you signed up 36+ months ago, you’re already month-to-month and can cancel for free.
Step 2: Calculate Your Early Termination Fee
ADT charges 75% of your remaining monthly payments. Here’s what that looks like at different points in your contract:
| Months Remaining | Monthly Rate | ETF (75%) | What You’d Save Switching to Abode ($0-$20/mo) | Break-Even |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 months | $45.99 | $1,035 | $780-$1,380 over 30 months | 14-24 months |
| 24 months | $45.99 | $828 | $624-$1,104 over 24 months | 12-20 months |
| 18 months | $45.99 | $621 | $468-$828 over 18 months | 10-16 months |
| 12 months | $45.99 | $414 | $312-$552 over 12 months | 7-11 months |
| 6 months | $45.99 | $207 | $156-$276 over 6 months | 4-6 months |
| 3 months | $45.99 | $103 | $78-$138 over 3 months | Worth paying |
| 0 (month-to-month) | $45.99 | $0 | Immediate savings | Day 1 |
The math: Even with a $400+ ETF, switching to Abode (free self-monitoring) or Ring ($10-$20/mo) typically saves $1,000-$1,500 over the next 2 years. The ETF pays for itself within 7-14 months.
Step 3: Send Written Cancellation
ADT requires written notice to process cancellation. Here’s how to make it bulletproof:
| Method | Details | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | Call 1-800-238-2727 to start the process | ✅ Required first step |
| Certified mail | ADT Security Services, P.O. Box 650823, Dallas, TX 75265-0823 | ✅ Best — creates legal proof |
| Through your MyADT account portal | ⚠️ OK but no delivery proof | |
| In-person | Local ADT office (if one exists near you) | ⚠️ Possible but inconvenient |
Critical: Always send certified mail with return receipt requested (USPS costs ~$4). This creates legal proof ADT received your cancellation. Without it, ADT can claim they “never received” your notice and keep charging you — this is one of the most common complaints on BBB and Trustpilot.
Include in your letter: account number, full name, service address, requested cancellation date (30 days out minimum), your signature, and the phrase “I am formally requesting cancellation of all ADT services.”
7 Ways to Cancel ADT Without Paying the Full ETF
| # | Strategy | ETF Savings | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wait for month-to-month — after 36 months, cancel with $0 penalty | 100% | Anyone within a few months of contract end |
| 2 | 30-day trial period — full refund within first 30 days | 100% | New customers only |
| 3 | 6-month money-back guarantee — new customers can get full refund | 100% | Customers within first 6 months |
| 4 | Military PCS/deployment — provide orders for ETF waiver | 100% | Active duty military with PCS or deployment orders |
| 5 | Negotiate with retention — call and ask for ETF reduction or rate cut | 25-75% | Anyone — be firm and polite |
| 6 | Moving to unserviceable area — international or very rural moves | 50-100% | People moving outside ADT’s service area |
| 7 | Price increase dispute — if ADT raised your rate without proper notice | 50-100% | Customers whose rate increased mid-contract |
Strategy #5 Deep Dive: Negotiating with ADT Retention
When you call to cancel, ADT routes you to their retention team. These reps have authority to offer significant discounts — but only if you push. Here’s what to say:
| What to Say | What They May Offer | Should You Accept? |
|---|---|---|
| “I’ve found a system for $0-$20/month with no contract” | Rate reduction to $29-$35/mo | ⚠️ Only if you’re keeping ADT — the rate usually creeps back up |
| “I want to cancel because the ETF is too high” | 50% ETF reduction | ✅ Yes — if it makes the switch math work |
| “I’m switching to Abode/Ring because of no contracts” | Free equipment upgrade or reduced rate | ❌ Usually not worth staying in a contract for “free” hardware |
| “My rate increased from what I originally signed” | ETF waiver or rate restoration | ✅ Definitely — price increases are a strong negotiation lever |
| “I need to speak to a supervisor about my cancellation” | Higher authority = bigger discount offers | ✅ Supervisors have more flexibility |
Script that works: “I appreciate ADT’s service, but I’ve decided to switch to a no-contract system that costs $0-$20 per month. I’d like to cancel effective [date]. If there’s any way to reduce or waive the early termination fee, I’m happy to discuss that, but my decision to cancel is final.”
Strategy #7 Deep Dive: Price Increase Disputes
ADT includes a clause allowing them to raise prices during your contract — but many states require advance written notice. If ADT raised your rate and you didn’t receive proper notification:
| State Consumer Protection | Notice Requirement | Your Rights |
|---|---|---|
| California | 30 days written notice required for price increases | Cancel without penalty if notice wasn’t given |
| New York | Written notice required; auto-renewal laws apply | Strong grounds to dispute ETF |
| Texas | Contract terms must be clear; DTPA protections | File complaint with TX Attorney General |
| Florida | Unfair trade practices act | Report unauthorized charges |
| All states | FTC rules on unfair/deceptive practices | File FTC complaint + BBB complaint |
Action step: Check your original contract rate vs. your current bill. If there’s been any increase you didn’t explicitly agree to in writing, you have strong grounds to request a full ETF waiver. File a BBB complaint if ADT refuses — ADT responds to almost all BBB complaints because they maintain an A+ rating despite terrible consumer reviews.
What Happens to Your ADT Equipment After Cancellation
| Scenario | Equipment Ownership | What Happens | Can You Reuse It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADT Professional Install | ADT likely owns it (check contract) | ADT may request panel return; sensors usually stay | ⚠️ Panel is proprietary — limited reuse options |
| ADT Self Setup | You own everything | Keep it all — it’s yours | ❌ ADT Self Setup equipment only works with ADT |
| Bought from previous homeowner | You own the hardware | Wired sensors may still work with monitoring adapters | ✅ Wired sensors work with Alarm Relay or Alarm Grid |
| ADT Pulse system | Mixed — check lease terms | Pulse panels are being phased out by ADT | ❌ Pulse is proprietary and dying |
Reality check: Most ADT professional-install equipment is proprietary and can’t be moved to another provider. This is by design — it’s how ADT keeps customers locked in. When you switch to a DIY system like Abode, you buy equipment you actually own and can take with you forever.
What to Do With a Hardwired ADT Panel (Legacy System)
If your home has a hardwired ADT panel (Honeywell VISTA, DSC PowerSeries, or similar), you have options beyond just ripping it out:
| Option | How It Works | Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alarm Relay | Keep existing panel + wired sensors, switch to cheap cellular monitoring | $10-$15/mo | Homes with extensive wired sensor networks |
| Alarm Grid | Keep panel, add Alarm.com communicator, get monitoring + app control | $15-$35/mo | Want to keep existing equipment + get modern app |
| Replace with Abode | Remove old panel, install Abode Smart Security Kit — wireless sensors on all entry points | $0-$20/mo | Clean start with modern system — recommended |
| Replace with Ring | Remove old panel, install Ring Alarm — wireless sensors | $10-$20/mo | Amazon/Alexa households |
Best ADT Replacements by Pain Point
| If You Hated This About ADT | Switch To | Why It’s Better |
|---|---|---|
| High monthly cost ($40-$60/mo) | Abode ($0-$20/mo) | Free self-monitoring forever; pro monitoring at $6-$20/mo, no contract |
| 36-month contracts | Ring (no contract) | Month-to-month, cancel anytime, $10-$20/mo for alarm + cameras |
| No smart home integration | Abode (HomeKit/Alexa/Google) | Only system supporting HomeKit + Alexa + Google + Z-Wave + Zigbee |
| Expensive cameras | SimpliSafe | Own cameras + Fast Protect video verification for police dispatch |
| Poor customer service | Abode or SimpliSafe | Both have significantly better customer ratings than ADT |
| Proprietary equipment lock-in | Any DIY system | You own everything; take it when you move |
| Door-to-door sales pressure | Any DIY system | Buy online, install yourself, no salespeople involved |
3-Year Cost: ADT vs. DIY Alternatives
| System | Equipment | Monthly | Contract | 3-Year Total | Savings vs ADT Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADT Pro Install | $0-$399 | $45.99-$59.99 | 36 months | $1,656-$2,559 | — |
| ADT Self Setup | $199-$449 | $5.99-$24.99 | None | $415-$1,349 | $210-$1,241 |
| Abode | $199-$349 | $0-$20 | None | $199-$1,069 | $587-$1,490 |
| Ring Alarm | $199-$329 | $10-$20 | None | $559-$1,049 | $607-$1,510 |
| SimpliSafe | $199-$399 | $0-$27.99 | None | $199-$1,407 | $249-$1,152 |
| Cove | $0-$299 | $14.99-$24.99 | None | $540-$1,199 | $457-$1,360 |
The bottom line: Even after paying an ADT early termination fee, most people save $500-$1,500 within the first 18 months of switching to a DIY system. Abode’s free self-monitoring plan means your only cost is the $199 starter kit — then $0/month forever if you don’t need pro monitoring.
ADT Cancellation Red Flags: What to Watch For
| Red Flag | What’s Happening | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Charged after cancellation | ADT’s billing system is slow — charges may continue 1-2 billing cycles | Dispute charges with your bank/credit card if not resolved within 60 days |
| “We never received your cancellation” | Common tactic if you didn’t send certified mail | Always use certified mail with return receipt — this is your proof |
| Retention offers you can’t refuse | They’ll offer steep discounts to keep you — rate usually creeps back up | Stick to your decision unless the offer is genuinely compelling |
| Equipment removal threats | ADT may threaten to remove equipment from your home | Check your contract — often they won’t actually come remove it |
| Sent to collections | If you stop paying without formally canceling | Always formally cancel first, then stop paying after confirmed cancellation date |
| Auto-renewal into new term | Some older contracts auto-renew for additional 12-month terms | Check contract renewal clause — most newer contracts go month-to-month |
ADT Customer Rating Reality Check
Before you feel guilty about canceling, consider how other ADT customers feel:
| Platform | ADT Rating | Common Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| BBB | A+ rating but 1.06/5 customer reviews | Billing disputes, ETF complaints, equipment issues |
| Trustpilot | 1.2/5 (19,000+ reviews) | Cancellation difficulty, hidden fees, poor service |
| Google Reviews | 1.5-2.5/5 (varies by location) | Technician quality, response times, billing |
| ConsumerAffairs | 3.6/5 | Mixed — some positive, many about billing and contracts |
ADT maintains a BBB A+ rating not because customers love them, but because they respond to complaints. The actual customer satisfaction scores are among the lowest in the industry. Compare that to Abode (4.5★ app ratings) or SimpliSafe (4.7★ app ratings).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel ADT online?
Not fully. You can start the process through your MyADT account, but ADT requires a phone call to 1-800-238-2727 to complete cancellation. They’ll route you to retention and try to keep you — be prepared with your reasons and a firm “no.” Follow up with certified mail to create a paper trail.
Will canceling ADT hurt my credit?
Not if you pay the ETF and formally cancel. If you simply stop paying without canceling, ADT will send your account to collections, which damages your credit score. Always cancel formally first, pay any final balance, then confirm in writing that your account is closed with $0 owed.
Can I transfer my ADT contract to a new homeowner?
Yes — ADT allows contract transfers when you sell your home. The new owner assumes your remaining contract terms and monthly payments. This avoids the ETF entirely, but requires the buyer to agree and pass ADT’s credit check. Get it in writing during the home sale process.
Does ADT charge a cancellation fee after the contract ends?
No. Once your 36-month term expires, ADT converts to month-to-month billing. You can cancel anytime with 30 days notice and $0 early termination fee. Many customers don’t realize their contract has already expired — check your start date.
What if ADT won’t stop charging me after I cancel?
If charges continue after your confirmed cancellation date: (1) call ADT with your cancellation confirmation number, (2) dispute charges with your bank or credit card company, (3) file a BBB complaint at bbb.org, (4) file a complaint with your state Attorney General’s consumer protection division. ADT responds quickly to BBB complaints.
Is ADT Self Setup worth keeping?
ADT Self Setup ($5.99-$24.99/mo, no contract) is far better than ADT Pro Install. But even Self Setup costs more than alternatives: Abode offers free self-monitoring with better smart home integration (HomeKit, Z-Wave, Zigbee), and pro monitoring at just $6-$20/month. Unless you specifically need Nest camera integration through ADT, Abode is the better value.
Related Resources
- ADT Home Security Review 2026 — full plans, pricing, and verdict
- ADT Security Cameras Review 2026
- How to Cancel Any Home Security Contract
- Door-to-Door Security Scams Guide
- Abode Home Security Review 2026 — our #1 ADT replacement
- SimpliSafe vs ADT 2026
- Ring vs ADT 2026
- ADT vs Frontpoint 2026
- Best No Monthly Fee Security Systems
- 7 Signs Your Alarm System Is Outdated
June 2026 refresh: plan your replacement before the cancellation call
Before calling ADT, decide what replaces the system on day one after cancellation. The biggest mistake is cancelling monitoring and then leaving the home without entry sensors, camera alerts, or a response plan while you shop for a new setup.
- Keep coverage active until the replacement kit is installed and tested.
- Export or photograph key contract details before the call: start date, monthly price, remaining term, and equipment financing.
- Compare the replacement workflow before accepting a retention offer, especially if the offer still locks you into long terms.
- Test the new app alerts with front door, back door, garage, and camera events before removing old equipment.
Useful comparison paths: ADT vs Ring, ADT vs SimpliSafe, Cove vs ADT, and the broader home security systems guide.
Growing up with Law and Order and CSI shows taught Isabelle Landau one thing: if people back then had high-quality home security systems, those series would have been way shorter. In our modern world, technology helps us keep burglars away easily, and this is what Izzy studies and writes about: alarm systems, home security, protection systems, and more.
Eve Gals says
I’m considering terminating my contract with ADT home security because I intend to list my house for rent, and this page helps me run my contract end so smoothly because of the information they input into it. Thanks, and more power!
Antoinette Rich says
I was mislead during COVID lockdown and not given the opportunity to view my contract on a full screen. All I saw was a sign line on my phone ! I believed her when she said three years. The lie was I signed for 5yrs . I am sending my cancellation letter starting immediately since they probably lied about the 30 prior notice to cancel. Warning to anyone who might have same issues.
Ashley Neon says
Good day to everyone who is interested in learning more about ADT contract cancellation. Actually, I do not anticipate any changes in my job location. However, I must also relocate to the nearest address to where my job has been relocated so that I don’t need to travel for many hours to reach the office. And it was just a couple of weeks ago when I installed my ADT home security alarm under contract. When I read this information about ADT contract cancellation, I asked for help from their customer service or support, and I am so happy that I am still under the 30-day trial period. I am very thankful that I read this information, and I contacted customer service right away. At the very least, I informed them as soon as my 30-day trial period ended.
Cyrus Lim says
Due to my busy schedule and the fact that I don’t have anytime to visit their office or contact them, I asked my sister-in-law to mail the ADT for my contract because it will be ending next month. And I’d like to sign a new contract, but in a different location, because I just moved three weeks ago and have been very pleased with the ADT security system.
Vin Sparks says
I’ve been using the ADT security system for the past 7 months, and I need to relocate because I want to be near my parents. And I signed a 36-month contract with them, only to discover that I had to pay a 75% cancellation fee. And, thanks to this page, I now have a thorough understanding of the cancellation fee.
Treshia Marie Gem says
I am not a fan of contracts because they may cause me to neglect my responsibilities, particularly when I need to relocate. But with this ADT contract, I find it very helpful, and at some point I understood the protocols and rules for why they need it under a contract. And thank you for explaining it so well on this page. Kuddos!
Mary Jane Nobadz says
I’m in the second half of the year of my ADT contract, and since they are moving, I am thinking of ending my contract with them. And thanks to this page, which I just read about how to cancel your ADT contract, I am thankful that it was updated. At least now I have knowledge when talking to their agents that I want to end my contract so that it will be easy for them to process it and not bother me anymore to explain everything.
Ollan Carreon says
I’ve already updated my free days trial of my ADT with the help of this website. And now I understand how to cancel my contract at ADT without any penalties. However, if you decide to cancel your contract after the six-month period, there will be a payment, and thankfully, this security system will allow you to pay 75% of your remaining balance, which is not a penalty because that was part of the days that I used my ADT. This website has been extremely helpful in understanding how to cancel a contract if ever I would decide to cancel my ADT.
L A says
Be real careful. ADT swears they don’t have a 30 trial. They deny it
Annie Long says
I waited out my 3-year contract and called to cancel. Just like others, ADT is still billing me. I’ve sent the certified letters, fax, etc and jumped through every hoop. They won’t remove my credit card on file so they just keep charging me for stuff and my system is disabled! They disabled my system and it says so on the website but somehow they get to keep charging me random amounts of money? 5.95 here, 17.80 there. I usually don’t see the charges right away and forget to stop the payments. I feel like my only recourse is to cancel my credit card and get a new one. I’ve spent hours on hours trying to get rid of this company. They are literally the herpes of the security world.
Uma says
oh wow! I am trying to cancel my account for 2 days. Update the credit card end date year .
judith huntington says
Under no circumstances should you enter into a business contract with this company. Avoid them at all costs. Their service and business model is terrible.
Edmundo Silva says
The most terrible company at time to canceled they find excuses and they don’t canceled if you don’t know a password and when you sing a contract everything is smiles
Andy Leppi says
It is over a month and a half since I signed my contract with ADT and they still have not completed the installation! Sub-contractors came and installed 9/10ths of it then disappeared without arming it or teaching us how to use it. It is missing parts and they are avoiding my calls. In the meantime, we experienced a break in! We have not paid our first invoice, and I am trying to get out of the contract. It is technically 30 days after the contract was signed, but not even day 1 of having the whole thing installed.
Taylor says
What has transpired over the last month? I have a similar situation. I have cameras installed, not a single completed burglar alarm and ADT corporate is saying they dont have to honor my right of rescission letter because I entered the contract in July and that is the date I am held liable to.
tiff says
file the police report for them to compensate for the break in. also, they have a 6 month guarantee, so if they have 3 service calls and dont resolve the issue you can get out…
right now im fighting to get back my install and monitoring costs
Rachel E Freeman says
Why should you pay for a contract with a security alarm company like Defender and there are people continuing entering the apartment, and this system does not alert ADT. I think this is a fraud against me because I am a senior citizen. I am not paying for a dishonest company contract, just because It does not work for me.
Ryan byrd says
Defender sales your contract to ADT after 3 months
Oluchi says
I sign up on 14th August, called on 16th August to cancel, send an email mistakenly instead of faxing the cancellation form, its 19th August I repeated the call to confirm they cancelled the contract. Now they say sorry you should have fax the cancellation document instead of emailing it and so it’s too late to cancel it.
Tell me what is wrong with this situation
Oluchi says
Never and never activate ADT, they lure you into their service and tell you that you can cancel.
I activated on 14th Aug , I called in 16th to cancel, I was told to fill a form and send to them, I repeated the call today 19th to verify if my mail was received and then they say I should have faxed and so it’s too late to cancel.
What do you think of that. They are the thiefs they say they want to protect you from. Please I dont want your service
Cindy Moreno says
ADT are scams. They deliberately make it hard to cancel a contract. Called tactics….passing you around to several phone numbers, transferring to another second line / affiliate company confusing the customer. Keeps you on hold for over 15 minutes, website not helpful to cancel the contract and has pop ups like cookies notice that will not close causing the customer to shut down the website. Would not recommend ADT. Took me 3 years to finally be successful to cancel.
Patty says
I was told nothing but lies with this company. They signed my name on paperwork I never saw and when thy started billing me and making threats against my system the customer service person laughed and said (we do EVERYTHING electronically so you can’t get us for forgery). I don’t have a job so I have nothing to take. I am not worried about credit because it really doesn’t amount to anything anyway. I am paying double what they said I would and I will pay that until they cut my system off an then I plan to stop that as well. I can not believe someone has not brought a class action lawsuit on them.The bbb has over a thousand complaints on them so how do people get together and stop this scam?
VS says
ADT is pure SCAM. Avoid them at any cost. I’m certain thier karma will make them pay dearly.
Jay Station says
Wow, its amazing how all of these people belly aching about having to pay a fee to cancel. you dont like your car after driving it for 2 years do you think the dealership will just take it back after you signed an agreement to pay because you no longer want it or lost your job. boo freakin hoo. get over it and either understand you chose to sign up and there is a penalty for breaking a CONTRACT!
Oluchi says
I sign up on 14th August, called on 16th August to cancel, send an email mistakenly instead of faxing the cancellation form, its 19th August I repeated the call to confirm they cancelled the contract. Now they say sorry you should have fax the cancellation document instead of emailing it and so it’s too late to cancel it.
Tell me what is wrong with this situation
tiff says
with some of these comments, they are not following their own terms and conditions. I am waiting to have a full refund because they upgraded my system when I didnt want it upgraded, and because they made 3G obsolete my system was just an occasional surprise wake up call at 2 am because 4G is unreliable… on the 6th service call, they installed ATT based system and it IMMEDIATELY failed. They gave me the option of a phone line connection but did not want to pay for the full install(house was designed without landline) and upkeep of line….
So I got out of my contract and have a pretty paperweight on my wall, and they are to refund everything, but I know, like any company, I have to stay on their asses…. my neighborhood had to switch out of ADT, and they are not getting the signal that they messed up.
Jeff says
Fully agree with all cancellation complaints noted on this site. I talked to 2 different customer reps to get the full story that we had to pay off 75% of our 36 month contract to get free of them, $400. Frankly, neither myself, my wife or one of our adult children even knew we had a contract and we were all present when the installation tech went over the hardware, the trial period and the billing. Their camera system is crap; detects motion, records for 30 secs then needs to reset before it can record again. Watching their video is like a magic show, cars pull up, a person exits the car and then it disappears. While the camera is resetting they could have walked off with my whole house.
Stacey M Vincent says
Please please avoid ADT at all cost! I was coerced into signing the contract with promises of 6 months to change my mind with no penalty, and being told it functions with Alexa, etc etc.. the system doesn’t work, has never worked from day one and they can not fix it but refuse still to release me from the contract or uphold the lies told to me by their contractor. I have been through this for days now battling them and the best thing they can tell me is tough luck, now pay us $1700 more dollars to get out of this contract we hooked you into with our lies.
Jason says
I too missed the 75% termination fee clause. Moving back to our home country with our 9 month old son to be with family. Called to cancel, that process was easy enough but they wanted to slap me with a $460 termination fee. The gentleman that processed the cancellation said he would put me through to someone whom I could negotiate with, that new person redirected me back to the cancellation team…1.5 hrs and a carousel of customer representatives later and I still have not spoken to anyone who is able to negotiate the termination fee. Guess we will be avoiding ADT if we come back to the US and I DO NOT recommend them to anyone. Shame really…..
SHARON TULLY says
My senior mother-in-law cancelled her alarm service, and noticed they were still taking funds from her bank. When she called to advise she was told she had entered into another 3 year verbal contract. She does not remember this and has asked for phone transcripts of the conversation. Her reply email came back stating if she wanted a copy she would have to get a subpoena. This is truly bullying a senior in the most tasteless way. If she truly did agree then whats the problem handing over the call transcript. Is this legal?
Oluchi Ajuzie says
Same thing I requested for. They refused
Rambutan says
I am dealing with trying to cancel my elderly mother’s service, these guys are the scum of the earth, she moved out of her house due to severe health issues and has income of less than $700/month and they won’t cancel it
TIFF says
EXACTLY WHY I RECORD MY PHONE CALLS! GET A RECORDING APP ON YOUR PHONES!! Mine is just “call recorder”, app icon with green phone, red dot…. just try a few and check call quality and record everything!!
graham hollister says
thanks but no thanks. please don’t contact me in any way again.
once again thanks but no thanks
Sam Highsmith says
I’ve been with ADT for 13 years. Decided to move to a non contract company (Simplisafe). Called ADT to cancel. I was told there is a 30 day cancellation period. I will be billed for the next month and I have auto-payment set up. This s a blatant ripoff. I would never use or recommend ADT for anything to anyone. Virtually everyone else is better. They do know how to bill, however Stay far, far away from ADT.
Albert says
Woow, Im surprise about all the negative comments. I’ve ADT for over 8 years and never had a problem. Once every year I check my system to make sure is working fine.
I have to say that Im lucky but ADT works really well for me.
tiff says
it happens, my parents system for the 90s may still work, but its landline. Mine was from the previous owner and they had no issues with it, it was 3G though. I wanted to keep it and they made it obsolete, so I had wonderful wake up calls from the system losing signal from 4G system. 2 new systems, a extended antenna… nothing, so they werent willling to pay for the phone line install which would be possibly drilling though the foundation, so I had a surprise wake up machine on my wall until i ripped out the wires.
venissa driggers says
ADT is a SCAMMMMMMM they tell you it is one rate and charge a higher rate. Then the service doesn’t work and they charge you to come out to fix it and then when you want to cancel your contract they want almost $800 there nuts!!!!
Sylvana Marcello says
ADT is the worst! I started my service with Protection1. If I knew they would be selling and taken over by ADT I never would have signed. I had a horrible experience with them 10 years ago so would never agree to signing with them again. I just got off the phone because my lease was only 2 years and they said I signed a 3 year deal with them. I had them send me a copy and its a simulated one with an auto sign and I didn’t recognize the salesman name that sold me the contract. My equipment is outdated and I’ve got a false alarm warning from local police when I was not even contacted about alarm!
Absolutely the worst!
Angry Female says
I was with ADT for 3 years and tried to cancel my service. They said that I needed a password that wasn’t even an option when receiving it in the beginning. So now I had to wait for over 7 days to receive a letter in the mail with a password that I’d NEVERED set up in the first place. Just for them to try and give me a lower amount, just to keep it. I was adamant about cancelling my service. They said okay but I got a notification saying that my bill was ready for viewing. So, I went to the bank to stop payment, I get an email statement saying that I owe over double of the original amount. Once again, I called ADT and talked to a lady and told her the situation, she apologized for the situation then stated that I would be receiving a bill in the mail for $97 due to the last couple of months and I said that I haven’t received the actual service in the past couple of months. No form of chime, no door ajar, NOTHING but you still want to pull from my account, yet I am NOT in contract. ADT sucks and their way of conducting business is like this…they’ll get you in a compromising position, go really deep in the back hole…EVERYTIME…and when they’re done, they leave you helpless and burning with anger…I’m just saying!!!!!
Helen says
We signed up with engard tv service didn’t realized we were with adt. Now engar d is supposedly getting ripped off by adt Pretty soon no tv and stuck with a adt.
Peter Millar says
Avoid ADT
I had to have a security system for my home insurance. ADT advertised a $25 per month fee and free install. When the guy came, the wanted to charge me $750 in equipment, and I told him that he could leave. The rep then called his office and then agreed to give me the equipment for free, what a scam! After he completed the install, he told me the system needed a “cell” connection and that doubled the price. However he told me it could be changed at anytime, however this is a lie. Do not sign up for anything without a complete review and make sure everything is 100% correct before you sign anything. There are much better options, and I would advise against anyone using ADT.
Adrienne says
My contract was over.. so I phoned and cancelled any future business with them. the company continued to charge me on my credit card ,,,I was under the impression that in Canada.. a company can not renew their contract without a new contract agreement signed by you…now ADT is sending me collection notices through a collection agency who does a person contact to get get ADT out of my life
Justin Holloway says
Be advised avoid ADT/protection One. I had trouble with my alarm system and they tried to double charge me for a service request. After five phone calls they still were charging me for an unwarranted service charge. I had been with them for over ten years before Protection One became ADT. I cancelled my service with them and they are still sending me a bill. I am definitely not under contract or they would have fixed my equipment for free. Beware of ADT/Protection One
Frank Asensio says
ADT is the worst ever, i singed a contract for 3 years and wanted to cancel they said the contract was for 5 years , i asked for a copy of the contract ,they do not have one, but say it was for 5 years . They also charge my credit card 2 payments the same month, i entered a complaint , the promised to call me still waiting for their call ( so far 2 months) . Please avoid ADT there are better companies out there.
Denise prive says
The exact same thing is happening to me. They are crooks and don’t stand behind what they say to HOOK you into signing. We should start a class action lawsuit. Bullshit
LHS says
I too am so livid with this ADT crooks. I cancelled with the 3 day period, and they claim I can not cancel. Well I am not paying this bastards a dime. I can see that they have pissed off thousands of people, and we should all get together, live to bring this parasites, evil SOB’s down. I am diabetic, and my numbers got really high. I could have had a stroke, or go to the hospital. I am getting constant phone calls, and I send them a notice of system non operabal, and the Noitce of Cancellation, and Please everyone who they have lied too let’s all go live on TV to expose this crooks, and bring them down, they should already have put ADT out of business. This is literally stealling. They bastards don’t have a concience. I hope Karma comes teo ADT like yesterday. Please people once again let’s all get together and bring this parasites down. In the mighty Name of Jesus I know GOD will be the winner on all this k Oz they have incurred on thousands of customers. We all need to stick together, and do something. This is wrong what they are doing.
Denise says
Been with ADT for over 12 years. Since I am moving to an apartment and trying to downsize. The want to charge me a cancellation fee of $487
The only reason I had to sign another contract is because my system was not working properly and needed to be upgraded. This is unheard of!!!!
I would not recommend this company to anyone.
Dan says
Ive had my ADT system for 7 Months, its gone off for no reason multiple times. They never took the old ADT system out when they installed the new ones so i have 2 sensors on every door / window. took them 20 minutes to install with stickers. look like garbage. in the AZ heat one of the sensors fell off the window and set off the alarm. I got the message on my phone and rushed home to “catch the intruder” no call from ADT. no cops, nothing. Total waste of $60 / month after they told me they could hook up my existing system for $20 per month. all lies. this company is unethical to the most incredible degree. Tried to cancel today, after 45 minutes on hold I have to pay $1,152.75. what a scam. The sign they put in my yard fell over after a week. Its all a joke. an Expensive one at that. we have no recourse, and they prey on that.
Jeanette W says
When you first sign up, ever thing is usually wonderful but it was not, I had problems from the beginning. I asked the representative taking the information if I would get hit with a hard inquiry on my credit report and I was told no, they check the same way utility companies do; that was a lie 5 minutes later I receive an alert stating someone has checked my credit. Now here comes install day, we went from $105 initial fee with money for upgrades to over 7k in equipment which the guy kept lowering and lowering down to 1700, dumb on my part I agreed to make the 4 payments. (If I have to pay for my own equipment, why is there a credit check, a hard one at that) One payment into it, I had buyers remorse so bad because I did not have the new panel like everyone else, the cell signal is always bad, the pulse app does not work half the time, the camera did not connect, the latest and greatest window sensor went off for some unknown reason causing a false alarm, when the tech came out to look at the system, he did not put it in test mode causing another false alarm and it has been so much back and forth with getting a strong signal only to blame it on my wifi which is the best one the company offers. I am not sure why they use so many different companies for install but I have found defender to be the worse. I have been with a few other companies before, price wise ADT monitoring is ok but everything else is a rip off I say stay far away from this company I am not a happy camper and I have only been with the company for 2 months. I am about to see how their 6 month money back guarantee will work.
Torrance Foreman says
I literally experienced a house firehouse within my first month of having ADT. I chose not to stay with the company due to the fact of where i was moving to the security was not needed any further but i am now being forced to pay $900 for service i had less than thirty days. This company is horrible for not allowing me to cancel service after my house fire. Not sure on what I should do next but I definitely dont have the funds to pay.
Lois Warren says
ADT is the worst company to deal with. Not only did they take advantage of my elderly 83 Year old mother who is is suffering with Alzheimer’s, in order for me to cancel it will cost another $700.00. Outrageous!! She has no money left. Just trying to stay alive, all of her social security money is gone. The system has been broke since day one. They want money just to come out and look at it. Consumer Beware. Do Not Do Business with ADT!!!
rambutan says
this is the exact situation I am in. These people are the worst.
Terra Zdenek says
I have paid 600.00 a year with ADT. My alarm has gone off several times and never one phone call. This alarm company is horrible. Not worth the money at all. What if I had a real break in? No one would come. I’ve accidentally set it off… nothing!
Alarm Reviews says
Have you tried calling them and letting them know your monitoring does not seem to be active with the equipment? There may be many issues why this is going on, definitely call them as they are not a company who soles purpose is to scam people and not call. Monitoring only costs them a couple dollars a month per customer, they would rather keep you paying $50 then be upset and lose that MMR rate. Thanks for your comment!
Joe Morena says
Adt is horrible . We called to cancel within the 30 days and we told we couldn’t ! What happens now ? We have a 3 year contract the system hasn’t worked properly since the 4 th day . Isn’t there something that protects the customer from this a lemon law of some kind ? If the equipment is not functional what good is it ?
Amber Cutter says
My glass breaks went off at 430am first I barely heard the alarm, I turned it off a couple minutes later when it finally woke me. Well my phone was dead so I sat in my room holding my kids waiting for the police to arrive to check everything out while charging my phone. Yup no cops ever came, I turnt my phone on to call police myself. I called adt and asked (well flipped ) why no cops, no call. They told me well since you put your code in we dont respond… what are you kidding me I said what if the intruder made me put in the code when u called I could atleast given the wrong password so then hopefully you would send help. This has happened the 4 out of ten times I have set it in 8 months. I refuse to set it now, what’s the point except to scare us. Now my mom has had adt for 25 yrs. Her alarm goes off it’s so loud u cant stand it. They are calling before she can turn it off.. and she pays 20less a month then me. I thought I was getting her system but better but all I got was $50monthly anxiety
Pissed off says
Had ADT for 18yrs and when I tried to cancel told in 5yrs contract. I would need to pay $716 to break agreement . In 3/2017 I noticed charge increase so I called to cancel service . I was offered lower rate but not told that I was in a contract for 5yrs and fee for cancellation! ADT sucks .. be ware! Scam
Gwen says
Beware signing a contract with ANY company especially the ones that now are asking for 60 month long ones!
Gregory Martin says
I wished I had read these reviews before getting into a contract with ADT Never, never, again well I sign another contract with anyone. Trust me, I’ll do without first! When a major company does business like this I have no confidence in any company here out
Prashant says
Never with ADT. Been with them for over 9 years and during the NBN transition I was told that I have to replace the whole system, where as RACV offered me to install a small 4G gaget for small price. Now asked them to cancel they are charging me 30 days notice.
Eduardo Ferrari says
ADT 30 day policy is not there. I tried to get out of it but the sales person and account manager won’t accept it. They said it is 3 days and that’s it.
How should I go about escalating this?
Alarm Reviews says
Every company has a mandatory 3 day (business days) right of rescission for the customer. Frontpoint offers 60 day trial period (thus why we put them as #1). ADT does not, there isn’t much you can do except fight it out the hard legal way.
MARY Lou Wittenauer says
I hope adt read this had adt since may and I want to cancel I am on disalability can’t afford I told them they don’t liston when I called the guy said buy one get one free 59.99 so I thought buy one get one free 59.99 for 32 months that’s when tech install he sign my name to contract its all email I don’t even have paperwork they been at my house like 3 times does not work right back door sensor fall off after 3 days of fixing sensor screen don’t work right so now I have no phone cause at a time charge me like my bill is 489 phone service I am on my 3 phone since may have insurance and still have to pay 200 to 299 because of this router hD to be replaced and cord and had identity theft on my phone or alert they never did nothing about at at the lady Darley rhumann in home Manger called her lots of time no reply now I think she scam me is she reL or fake at a time I want adt to call me 618 514 8850 and cancel and pick up equipment only had forn3 months I have to do therapy on Friday have no phone have medical transportation but at at would not do nothing they do not care and should of took like 200 off my bill but no I have house payments electric water sewer trash etc so I just pay house payment at at no money for no other bills so very depression of whT these people do to me they should put there shoes in mine how would they like no phone have medical appoints and now how I will be able to go bad back u should be ashamed of your self do I need to get my disability lawyer and sue so please call 618 514 8850
Philip Quaglino says
If they would even request proof I lost a job or Moving for reasons beyond my control and ask for 2 months of pay? THAT I would have even considered using them again. Their solution? pawn their service on my own to another sucker OR they want my to continue to pay for a year for something I do not have OR they can be nice and EXTEND LMFAO!!!! my contract for 2 years to reduce payments. I will never…repeat NEVER use them ever again. Even my family saw this and are all cancelling and never returning after seeing this. With all kinds of smart tech nowadays, you do not need ADT, self monitor, sensors I am stunned they are in business still, but one day they will no longer be. Mostly due to practices like this. Even cellphones today are not locked in contracts.
Literally their business model repulses me so much I will never return, so what they make short term will cost them long term. If you work for them, get out now before the executives lay you off to offset customer loss.
Max says
I will never in my life use ADT again. Such a joke of a company that literally just steals money from customers. Customer service is rude, and virtually can not answer any questions for you. Even if you relocate, they charge an insane cancellation fee (the remainder of your service) without any type of waiver. The only thing they offer is to move to your new location for installation costs, AND an additional 3 year contract. Yeah right, I’ll save the headache and dealing with their crap services.
Jason Conrad says
ADT is a joke , they want me a existing customer to pay $99 to install at my new home from the old home. They said they would wave the fee by giving me a $99 visa gift card. First of all I can go to a store and buy myself a $99 dollar gift card, and I’m still paying $99 dollars. Second to cancel my ADT they will charge me 75% of my contract for my old address which I’m not going to live at anymore. What a rip off!
See above says
I agree.This ambiguity between cancellation with in 3 days or within the 30 day trial period.Which is factually correct make all the difference in the world to me.
Mark says
Dear CEO at ADT,
I hope you Social Media Manager finds this webpage and shares all the negative comments with you! I hope your stock takes a plunge! Maybe then you will find your soul and do the right thing for your customers instead of gouging them!
Alarm Reviews says
A bit harsh? ADT can definitely work on customer relations but as consumers it is our/your job to always read over the contract and make sure what you are getting into. Worse comes to worse just put a block on their payment with your bank or credit card company. (But then again this is not recommended as they may come back years later with debt collectors).
Mark says
I would never recommend ADT. I lost my job and they still would not cancel my contract. I’m back to work and I have 8 months left to go with them. I’m being patient while you bill me $51.00 a month for something that should be $25.00 a month.
You’re contract and billing practices are skating on the edge of law! I will leave you and never return!
Arturo Domingue says
Buyer Beware, ADT is losing customers and so My best advice is don´t sign up with ADT, their service is terrible and even after having been with them for over 12 years they still stuck it to me because they convinced me to upgrade to Pulse since that would finally solve all my problems… Well it only worked half the time and I still got stuck with $679 in cancellation charges because I´d finally gotten fed up after a year…
John Rodriguez says
The cancellation process is grueling and to take 75% of what’s left on the contract is absurd! It’s just an arbitrary number that is probably the most they felt they could collect. I signed up for a trail with ADT and cancelled before the trail was over and did not have any issues. I found this post through google search and everything mentioned was accurate. Thanks for the info.