How to Cancel an ADT Contract without Penalty in 2024

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.

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 may be able to cancel in the first six months with no penalties thanks to the company’s money-back service guarantee. However, this guarantee applies 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 up to 75% of your remaining balance.

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

Yes. You could be on the hook for up to 75% of the remaining balance on your contract. 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.

• Security system customers pay up to 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. The guarantee applies to system-related issues that ADT hasn't been able to resolve within the first six months of your contract.

ADT’s money-back guarantee looks like a pretty good deal. Still, it only applies to system issues that ADT has tried to resolve, but couldn't. It doesn't apply to customers who want to 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 hoping to try it out for six months thinking you can cancel for a full refund.

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 eligible for a refund or a break on the 75% termination fee.

You’ll pay the applicable early termination fees (up to 75% of remaining monthly charges), and ADT will send you a prepaid box with instructions on how to return your ADT equipment.

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 contract's terms and conditions for exact renewal details.

See how ADT's policies compare to other top home security companies' cancellation policies.

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1. ADT Security Services, “ADT Home Security Terms and Conditions.” Accessed November 03, 2021.

$99.00-$199.00 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required starting at $59.99 per month ($2,159.64). 24-Month Monitoring Agreement required starting at $59.99 per month ($1,439.76) for California. Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Dealer customers only and not on purchases from ADT LLC. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Smoke Detectors not available in all states. Services not available in all states.

Google Nest is a trademark of Google LLC. The Nest Hub Max requires a Wi-Fi network, a nearby electrical socket, and a compatible (Android, iOS) mobile device. A Google Account is required for full access to features. Minimum OS requirements are available at: Requirements for Google Nest and Chromecast devices - Android - Google Nest Help . iOS is a trademark of Cisco and is used under license.

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.