How to cancel ADT service

To cancel ADT service, you need to call ADT directly at 1-800-ADT-HELP (1-800-238-4357) and request cancellation. ADT does not process cancellations online or by email. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill or in the ADT mobile app. The representative will confirm your service address and ask why you are cancelling, but your reason does not affect whether they will process the request.

Cancellation takes effect on the date you request it, but you may owe an early termination fee if you are still under contract. ADT contracts typically run 36 or 60 months from installation. If you are past the contract end date, there is no fee. If you are within the contract period, the fee is usually $150 to $480, depending on how much time remains on your agreement. Ask the representative for the exact amount before you confirm the cancellation.

Key Takeaways

  • Call ADT at 1-800-238-4357 to cancel; online or email cancellation is not available.
  • Have your account number ready when you call, which you can find on your monthly bill or in the ADT app.
  • If you are still under contract, you will owe an early termination fee ranging from roughly $150 to $480 depending on your contract length and how much time remains.
  • Cancellation takes effect when ready on the date you request it, but equipment removal may take several days to schedule.
  • Ask for written confirmation of your cancellation date and any fees before you hang up.

Understanding your contract and early termination fees

ADT contracts are typically 36 months or 60 months long, starting from the date your service was installed, not from the date you signed. You can find your contract end date by logging into your ADT account online, calling customer service, or checking your original installation paperwork. If the end date has passed, you can cancel with no fee.

If you are still within the contract period, ADT charges an early termination fee. This fee is calculated based on the remaining months on your contract. A 36-month contract cancelled after 12 months, for example, would have 24 months remaining and a fee of roughly $150 to $200. A 60-month contract with 30 months left might cost $300 to $480. The exact amount depends on your contract terms and your location, so ask the representative for a specific number.

Some ADT customers have negotiated lower fees or waived fees by asking to speak with a retention specialist before confirming the cancellation. This is not may provide, but it costs nothing to ask. The representative may also offer a discount on your current service as an alternative to cancellation.

What happens to your equipment after cancellation

ADT owns the equipment installed in your home — the control panel, door and window sensors, motion detectors, and any cameras or keypads. When you cancel, you must return this equipment or pay a non-return fee, typically $100 to $300 per item depending on what was installed.

After you cancel, ADT will schedule a technician to remove the equipment. This usually happens within 5 to 10 business days, though you can request a specific date. The technician will disconnect the panel, remove sensors, and patch any holes in walls or door frames where equipment was mounted. If you prefer to remove the equipment yourself and return it, ask the representative whether ADT allows this; some locations do, others do not.

If you do not return the equipment and do not pay the non-return fee, ADT may send the bill to a collection agency. Keep any shipping labels or return instructions the company provides, and take photos of the equipment before you ship it to document its condition.

Cancelling before your contract end date without a fee

ADT allows penalty-free cancellation in a few specific situations. If you move to an area where ADT does not offer service, you can cancel without a fee if you provide proof of your new address. If ADT fails to provide service for more than 30 days, you may have grounds to cancel without penalty, though you will need to document the outage in writing.

Some states have laws that allow you to cancel within a certain period after installation — typically 30 days — without penalty. This is called a "cooling-off period." Check your state's consumer protection laws or ask ADT whether your state offers this protection. If it does, you must request cancellation within the window; ADT will not volunteer this information.

If you are a military member being deployed, ADT may waive the early termination fee if you provide military orders. Call and ask to speak with a representative who handles military cancellations.

Confirming your cancellation and avoiding surprise charges

After you request cancellation, ask the representative for a confirmation number and the exact cancellation date. Write this down or take a screenshot if the representative provides it on screen. Ask whether any final bill will be sent and when you should expect it.

Check your credit card or bank account for the next two billing cycles to make sure ADT does not continue charging you. If you see a charge after your cancellation date, call ADT when ready with your confirmation number and ask them to reverse it. Keep your confirmation number and any written cancellation notice for at least a year in case a dispute arises.

If ADT continues to bill you after cancellation and does not reverse the charges when you call, you can dispute the charges with your credit card company or bank. Provide them with your cancellation confirmation number and the date you cancelled.

Transferring service to a new owner if you are selling your home

If you are selling your home and the buyer wants to keep ADT service, you can transfer the account instead of cancelling. Call ADT and ask to transfer the service to the new owner. ADT will need the buyer's name, phone number, and the date of the sale. The buyer may be able to assume your existing contract, or ADT may offer them a new contract with different terms.

If the buyer does not want ADT service, you still need to cancel your account before closing. Make sure this is done at least a few days before the sale so that the final bill is processed and there are no charges pending on the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel ADT online or through the app?

No. ADT requires you to call 1-800-238-4357 to cancel. You cannot cancel through the website, mobile app, or email. The company requires a phone call so a representative can confirm your identity and discuss your account status.

What if I cannot reach ADT by phone?

ADT customer service is available 24/7, so you can call at any time. If you experience a long wait, try calling early in the morning or late at night when call volume is lower. If you have a hearing or speech disability, you can use the relay service by dialling 711 before calling ADT.

Do I have to pay the early termination fee if I move?

Not if you move to an area where ADT does not offer service. You will need to provide proof of your new address. If you move within an area where ADT operates, you can transfer your service to the new address instead of cancelling, or you will owe the early termination fee if you choose to cancel.

How long does it take for ADT to remove my equipment?

Equipment removal usually takes 5 to 10 business days after you cancel. You can request a specific date when you call to cancel. If you need the equipment removed faster, ask whether ADT offers expedited removal and what it costs.

What if I lose my account number?

You can still cancel without it. Call 1-800-238-4357 and provide your name, phone number, and service address. The representative will look up your account and process the cancellation. Having your account number speeds up the process, but it is not required.