How to Cancel an ADT Contract without Penalty
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, although ADT’s Terms and Conditions aren't clear on what qualifies as a refund-worthy cancellation reason.
- After six months, you can cancel your contract by paying 75% of your remaining balance.
To start the cancellation process, call ADT or your ADT dealer.
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. This is actually lower than many home security companies such as Brinks, Protect America, 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
*Note: These estimates come from base plan prices as of 09/22/2021 and do not include taxes or equipment financing.
*This data applies to states outside of California (California has 24-month contracts).
What is the ADT cancellation policy?
- Customers pay 75% of remaining monthly charges when canceling early.
- ADT has a 36-month contract (24 months in California).
- There’s a six-month money-back service guarantee.
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 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.
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.
Compare the best home security systems
|
Brand
|
Best for
|
Lowest monitoring price
|
Starter equipment price
|
Contract required
|
Installation
|
Smart home compatibility
 |
Learn more
|
Read review
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Best overall | $29.99/mo. | $599.00 |
 No * |
Pro | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave |
View Packages | Read review |
 |
High-end DIY pick | $34.99/mo. | $99.00 |
No |
DIY | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave |
View Packages | Read review |
 |
Reader favorite | $14.99/mo. | $229.00 |
No |
DIY | Amazon, Google | View Packages | Read review |
 |
Best customer experience | $14.99/mo. | Quote required |
No * |
DIY | Amazon, |
View Packages | Read review |
 |
Most experienced | $27.99/mo. | $0.00 |
 Yes |
Pro | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave |
View Packages | Read review |
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*$0 due up-front with consumer financing.
†No-contract options available with outright equipment purchase.
^Or $9.49/mo. with consumer financing.
‡Landline monitoring only. Some restrictions apply. (Full disclaimer)
**With $99 installation charge and new monitoring agreement. Early termination fee applies. See full disclaimer for full offer details, terms, and conditions.
Sources
- ADT Security Services, “ADT Home Security Terms and Conditions.” Accessed September 22, 2021.
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