How to Reactivate a Home Security System

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Whether you’ve inherited an old security system from past homeowners, or you’ve had a change of heart and want to reactivate your old security system, the process is simple. Here’s how to reactivate a home security system.



How do I reactivate an existing security system?

If the security system has been yours from the beginning, you can probably reactivate it yourself using the security system’s online dashboard or the app.

If the security system was once owned by someone else, you’ll need to contact the company’s customer service department to reactivate the service in your name.

Either way, we recommend calling in even though many companies have several ways to contact customer service. Often, live chat representatives are limited in how they can help customers and you’ll end up needing a follow-up call anyway. So it’s better to save time and just make the call if you can.

Once you’re on the line, the customer service rep will walk you through the different monitoring plans, monthly fees, and any equipment upgrades you may want. This table will give you some insight into prices and smart home capabilities.

Find your brand’s reactivation resources

Here are customer service numbers, monthly fees, and links for some of the top home security systems so you don’t need to go hunting for them.

Vivint

Call +1-801-377-9111 to reactivate your Vivint system. Expect to pay around $30 to $45 per month for professional monitoring.

If you order any new equipment while setting up the service, Vivint will install it. Check out our Vivint installation article for what you can expect.

Frontpoint

For Frontpoint, call +1-877-602-5276. You can also reactivate your Frontpoint system using your phone. Just go to its Frontpoint's activation page.

Frontpoint’s a little more expensive than its competitors when to comes to professional monitoring. You’ll pay around $25 to $40 a month.

It’s a DIY system, but installation is easy. Take a look at our Frontpoint installation guide for help on installing and activating the system.

ADT

If you have an ADT system to reactivate, you’ll need to call +1-800-587-4198. You’ll probably need to sign up for an ADT contract if you don’t already have one. Monitoring ranges from around $30 to $60 per month. Learn more about contracts and prices in our ADT review.

SimpliSafe

Staying true to its name, reactivating SimpliSafe is simple. You can go to its SimpliSafe's reactivation page to make the change or log into the app and tap the Activate Monitoring button. If you’re trying to make someone else’s system your own, you’ll need to call customer service at +1-888-957-4675.

With SimpliSafe, monthly monitoring fees run from around $18 to $28 per month. If you want to self-monitor and just use your SimpliSafe security cameras, the monthly fee drops to around $10.

Light Bulb
Snag a deal

When you call customer service to reactivate a security system, be sure to ask if there are any reactivation deals currently available. You may save some major moolah.

Cove

To reactivate a Cove system, call +1-855-268-3669. Once you’re reactivated, you’ll pay $17.99 to $27.99 per month on professional monitoring.

Need help setting up the equipment? Check out our Cove installation guide.

Abode

Abode does things a little differently than other home security system companies. To reactivate a system that was owned by someone else, you’ll need to fill out Abode's reactivation form online. Then, a representative will get in touch with you on how to reactivate your Abode system.

If you need help reactivating your old system, you can contact Abode through its email support at support@goabode.com.

What’s it going to cost you? Professional monitoring through Abode is around $6 to $20 per month. You can also self-monitor your system for free.

Ring

Ring is another security brand that makes reactivation easy. Just go to Ring.com and log into your account. From there, you can reactivate your monitoring subscription. If you’re getting a Ring system from someone else, you can call customer service at +1-800-656-1918.

If you have Ring cameras, you can use them without reactivating your Ring security system, but you’ll need to pay $3 to $10 a month for cloud storage and video playback. For professional monitoring, you’ll pay $20 per month.

ADT Self Setup

You’ll need to call customer service at +1-877-464-7437 to reactivate a ADT Self Setup system. You’ll pay around $20 per month for professional monitoring when everything is up and running. You also have the option of self-monitoring for free.

Wyze

To contact customer service to reactivate a Wyze security system, call +1-206-339-9646 or you can create a Wyze support ticket. Wyze monitoring is around $5 per month, or you can self-monitor your system for free.

Brinks

To reactivate your Brinks Home security system, call its customer support line at +1-800-447-9239. Brinks charges around $40 to $50 per month for professional monitoring.

FAQ

Maybe; it all depends on your situation and the brand. Most national companies don’t charge activation fees. If there is a charge, it will typically cost you $25 to $100. Companies will often waive the fee. All you have to do is ask. Our article on typical security-system fees explains more about activation fees.

Well, there are several options. You can toss it, reactivate it to use in your home, or give it to someone else. If you want to use it but don’t want to pay any fees, some security systems have a self-monitoring option.

Usually, you just need to cut the power to the control panel, including the backup battery. If your control panel has a touchscreen, there may be a reset option in the menu. Consult your security system’s online support page for more information.


Looking for a security system?

Compare the best home security systems

Brand
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ProfessionalBest professional home security$599.00No *Amazon,
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ProfessionalMost trusted security brand$0.00YesAmazon,
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DIY or ProBest customer ratingQuote required
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Ring
DIYBest budget-friendly pick$199.99NoAmazon, Google, Z-Wave
DIY or ProBest DIY home security$245.00NoAmazon,
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Alina Bradford
Written by
Alina Bradford
Alina is a safety and security expert that has contributed her insights to CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, and many others. Her goal is to make safety and security gadgets less mystifying one article at a time. In the early 2000s, Alina worked as a volunteer firefighter, earning her first responder certification and paving the way to her current career. 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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