Thursday, August 12, 2021

Blue by ADT Frequently Asked Questions

Blue by ADT Frequently Asked Questions

If you like the reassurance of a name like ADT but don’t want the hassle of a three-year contract, this is the flexible option you’ve been waiting for. Blue by ADT is a refreshing addition to the DIY home security landscape. You can either choose 24/7 monitoring by ADT’s monitoring centers or monitor it yourself through the app.

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ADT Blue Doorbell Camera Package
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/mo
Pro Bullet Includes video doorbell
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Pro Bullet 2 sensors and one motion detector
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About Blue by ADT

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Equipment

What type of equipment do Blue by ADT home security systems offer?

Blue by ADT has a wide range of security equipment including an outdoor camera, indoor camera, doorbell cameras, motion sensors, door and window sensors, flood sensors, and fire safety sensors. You can learn more about Blue’s equipment and its compatibility to other smart home products in our Blue by ADT equipment guide.

Are ADT devices compatible with Blue by ADT devices?

You would think so, but no. Unfortunately, if you already have ADT equipment, the devices will be useless with a Blue by ADT system.

Are Blue by ADT devices compatible with LifeShield systems?

Just the cameras. You can only use Blue by ADT cameras with LifeShield systems. Other Blue products can’t be used with LifeShield. 

Can I take my Blue by ADT home security system with me when I move?

Yep. Since Blue only offers DIY security systems and equipment, you can easily remove your old home’s equipment and reinstall it in your new home.

Does Blue by ADT have security cameras and doorbell cameras?

Yes, it has three different cameras: 

Does Blue by ADT security systems have 1080p cameras?

Yes, all of Blue’s cameras are 1080p quality.

Can I use Blue by ADT cameras without a system?

Yes, you don’t need a Blue security system or monitoring plan to use its cameras. You can also use Blue cameras without a storage subscription plan. If you need extra storage, you can simply add a microSD card to the Blue Indoor Camera or Blue Wireless Outdoor Camera.

What is the video range on the Blue by ADT cameras and how far can they detect motion?

The Blue by ADT Indoor Camera and the Blue by ADT Outdoor camera have a field of view of 130°. This is pretty typical for security cameras, though there are some security cameras with much wider fields of view. The Blue by ADT Doorbell Camera has a wider field of view at 180°, which is excellent when compared with other top doorbell cameras.

When it comes to motion detection, both the Blue Wireless Outdoor Camera and the Blue Indoor Camera can detect motion up to 16.4 ft. (5 meters). The Blue Doorbell Camera has a shorter range of 9.8 ft. (3 meters).

Do I need the ADT Extender + Chime?

You don’t need one, but it does make your doorbell camera’s chime louder. If you or a loved one has trouble hearing doorbell chimes, we would definitely recommend getting the ADT Extender + Chime. It also makes your Wi-Fi signal go farther and increases your cameras’ battery life.

family on couch together

General questions

Is Blue by ADT the same as ADT?

Blue by ADT is ADT’s version of a DIY security system. Instead of a professionally installed security system, Blue offers security equipment that can be easily installed by just about anyone. You can learn more about Blue by ADT in our review.

Does Blue by ADT have professional monitoring?

Yes. Like its parent company, Blue by ADT offers professional monitoring. 

Does Blue by ADT have its own monitoring centers?

Yes, sort of. It uses ADT-owned monitoring centers. ADT has nine monitoring centers located around the country. Blue also practices redundant monitoring, which means when one monitoring center goes down (maybe because of a computer malfunction), monitoring is routed to another monitoring center. So you’re always covered. Centers are also backed up with generators so they can work through power outages.

Does Blue by ADT require a landline?

Nope. It uses a cellular connection to link your system with the monitoring site. With cellular, you don’t need to worry about the extra cost of a landline or loss of landline service during a storm.

Where can I find Blue cameras’ video footage?

Blue videos can be viewed on the Blue by ADT. You can get the app from Google Play or the Apple Store. Blue also allows users to view camera footage by logging into Blue’s customer portal on the website.

Google Home vs. Amazon Alexa

Compatibility

Is Blue by ADT home security compatible with Nest thermostats?

Yes, Blue is compatible with a number of Nest smart home products including Google Nest Mini. Even better, syncing is easy. Use these steps to connect Blue with your devices: 

  1. Open the Google Home App.
  2. Tap +.
  3. Choose Set Up Device.
  4. Select Works with Google.
  5. Pick Blue by ADT from the list.
  6. Follow the on-screen steps.

Are ADT devices compatible with Blue by ADT devices?

You would think so, but no. Unfortunately, if you already have ADT equipment, the devices will be useless with a Blue by ADT system.

Are Blue by ADT devices compatible with LifeShield systems?

Just the cameras. You can only use Blue by ADT cameras with LifeShield systems. Other Blue products can’t be used with LifeShield.

$100 bills in hand

Money concerns

How much is blue by ADT a month?

You can get a month-to-month monitoring plan for just $19.99 per month. This is quite a bit cheaper than other security companies like Vivint and Frontpoint.

Does Blue by ADT require you to sign a contract?

No, Blue doesn’t require its customers to sign a home security contract, which we love. We wish its parent company, ADT, would follow suit.

Does Blue by ADT have a return policy?

If you don’t like Blue, you can opt out in your first 30 days. Blue has to receive the equipment back 60 days after your purchase before it will process a refund.

How Blue compares to other security systems

Top pick Reader favorite Whole-property pick Pro monitoring pick No-contract DIY pick
Brand
Vivint

Vivint
SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe
Frontpoint

Frontpoint
ADT

ADT
Blue by ADT

Blue by ADT
Lowest monitoring price
Starter equipment price $599.00 $229.00 $99.00 $0.00 $199.15
Contract required
Icon Yes LightNo *
Icon Yes LightNo
Icon Yes LightNo
Icon No LightYes
Icon Yes LightNo
Installation Pro DIY DIY Pro DIY
Smart home compatibilityIcon Tooltip Dark Amazon, Google,
Z-Wave
Amazon, Google Amazon, Google,
Z-Wave
Amazon, Google,
Z-Wave
Amazon, Google,
Z-Wave
Learn more
Read review

Info current as of 06/07/2021. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Alina Bradford
Written by
Alina Bradford
Alina has been reviewing the latest tech for more than a decade and has contributed her insights to CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, and many others. She specializes in smart home and security technology, working to make gadgets less mystifying one article at a time. In the early 2000s, Alina worked as a volunteer firefighter, earning her first responder certification. Her activities aren’t nearly as dangerous today. Her hobbies include fixing up her 100-year-old house, doing artsy stuff, and going to the lake with her family.

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