If you need to cancel your ADT service, here’s exactly how to do it — including the phone number, steps, and potential fees to expect.
How to Cancel ADT (2026): Phone Number, Fees & Step-by-Step Guide
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Reviewed ByAlina Bradford
ADT customer service number (for cancelations)
- Call 800-238-2727 to cancel your ADT service. (Most cancelations must be completed by phone.)
- Support is typically available during standard business hours.
You can cancel ADT at any time, but if you're still under contract, you may have to pay a fee. Below, we break down exactly what to expect and how to avoid unnecessary charges.
What to say when canceling ADT
When you call, tell the agent:
“I’d like to cancel my service. Can you confirm any remaining fees and next steps?”
Tip: Ask about early termination fees and final billing before confirming cancellation.
Is there a fee to cancel ADT?
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 80% 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 cancelation fees
Note: These estimates come from base plan prices as of post date and do not include taxes or equipment financing.
This data applies to states outside of California (California has 24-month contracts).
*$0.00 termination fee before 30 months applies only if you qualify under the six-month money-back service guarantee.
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What is the ADT cancelation policy?
Because every ADT security system comes with a required contract, it's important to understand the terms:
- In order to cancel your ADT contract, you must call ADT customer service at 800-238-2727.
- Security system customers pay up to 75% of the remaining monthly charges when they cancel early (see breakdown in the table above).
- ADT's professional monitoring 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 (see more details below).
What happens when I cancel my ADT contract early?
When you cancel your ADT contract early, 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.
What's included in an ADT contract?
ADT's contract covers your equipment costs, warranty, and professional monitoring. Unlike DIY security systems, which require upfront equipment costs, ADT includes the equipment cost in your monthly fee. This can make it easier to get a security system because you don't have to come up with a big chunk of change to pay for the equipment. The contract doesn't cover installation, though, so you'll still need to pay at least $99 to have your system installed.
About ADT's six-month service guarantee
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.
Done canceling ADT? Here’s what to do next
If you’re canceling ADT because of high monthly fees or long contracts, you’re not alone. Many people switch to home security systems with no contracts, lower monthly costs, and easier setup.
Fortunately, it's easy to find top-rated home security systems that don’t require long-term commitments. Compare the best ADT alternatives below to find a system that fits your budget and needs.
Compare the best ADT alternatives
Brand | Contract | Installation | Monthly cost
 | Learn more |
| SimpliSafe (read review) | ✔ None | DIY | $31.99 | See Plans |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abode (read review) | ✔ None | DIY | $25.99 | See Plans |
| Cove (read review) | ✔ None | DIY or Pro | $19.99 | See Plans |
Information current as of publication date.
SimpliSafe: Our recommended alternative to ADT
You can also check out other top ADT competitors in our expanded review.
How to cancel ADT FAQ
It depends on whether or not you bought your ADT system online.
According to ADT, "If you purchased your ADT system online, you can cancel your monitoring online."
Here's how:
- If you use MyADT, log into your account on myadt.com:
- Click Account > Manage Subscriptions
- Fill out the cancellation form.
- If you use ADT+:
- Log into your account on plus.adt.com
- Click Billing > under Manage Subscriptions
- Click Cancel Subscription and fill out the cancellation form.
- If you do not see a cancellation form, you did not purchase your system online. Please call 1-800-ADT-ASAP.
For everyone else, you can't cancel ADT service online. ADT cancelation 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.
After your ADT contract ends, it automatically renews on a month-to-month basis until you cancel. There are no termination fees when you cancel a monthly contract after fulfilling the terms of your original 36-month contract. In some cases, your contract might renew for a longer term, so you should always check your contract's terms and conditions for exact renewal details.
See how ADT's policies compare to other top home security companies' cancelation policies.
The early termination fee is 75% percent of the remaining contract. This means if you still have six months left in your contract, you must pay 75% percent of the last six months.
Yes, you can cancel your ADT security system if you move, but you'll still be required to pay the cancelation fees.
If your system wasn't professionally installed, you may be able to take it with you to your new home. However, most ADT systems are typically tied in the contract to the location of your home. This means you would need to contact ADT to transfer the services to your new home.
If you decide to end your contract with ADT early, then you are required to pay up to 75% of the remaining monthly charges. This means if you have a 36-month professional contract and you want to cancel it at 34 months, you must pay up to 75% of the remaining two months.
To cancel your plan call 800-238-2727. When you cancel, ADT will send you a prepaid box in the mail with instructions on how to return your equipment. However, if you've had issues with your security system and ADT has tried to resolve the problem unsuccessfully within the first six months of your contract, you may be eligible for the money-back service guarantee.
If you're looking to avoid early cancelation fees and penalties, downgrading to a cheaper plan may save you money. While you might lose a few features included with your security system, it could be cheaper to downgrade rather than paying 75% percent of your remaining balance.
More about ADT
ADT is the biggest home security company in the US. Its six redundant monitoring centers allow it to respond quickly to alarms and summon the police or fire department. It also ensures that there's a lot of backup if one monitoring center goes down due to weather or a power outage, so you're never left without professional monitoring. ADT is 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.
Disclaimers
$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.
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