You can cancel ADT by calling their customer service line or requesting cancellation in writing, but the process depends on whether you're still under contract

ADT's cancellation process varies based on your contract status. If you're past your initial contract term, you can cancel with 30 days' notice by calling 1-800-ADT-ASAP (1-800-238-2727). If you're still within a contract period, ADT may charge an early termination fee, which typically ranges from several hundred dollars depending on how much time remains on your agreement. The fee amount is stated in your original contract.

You have three ways to request cancellation: by phone, by certified mail, or through your online account portal if ADT offers one in your area. Phone is fastest because a representative can confirm your request immediately and tell you the exact termination date and any fees owed. Written requests create a paper trail but take longer to process — usually 5 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-238-2727 to cancel, or send a certified letter to your local ADT office requesting cancellation with your account number and service address.
  • If you're within your contract term, ADT will charge an early termination fee listed in your original agreement before you can cancel.
  • Month-to-month customers can cancel with 30 days' notice and no penalty.
  • Request cancellation in writing if you want proof of when ADT received your request, especially if you're disputing a fee later.
  • Your monitoring service stops on the date ADT confirms, so arrange alternative security before that date if you need continuous protection.

Understanding ADT's contract types and cancellation rules

ADT offers two main contract structures: fixed-term contracts (usually 24 or 36 months) and month-to-month plans. Your contract type determines whether you face an early termination fee. Check your original paperwork or call ADT to confirm which you have — the contract length and any remaining time will be listed there.

If you signed a fixed-term contract, you're locked in for that period. Canceling before it ends triggers an early termination fee. ADT calculates this fee by multiplying your monthly service charge by the number of months remaining. For example, if you pay $50 per month and have 12 months left on a 24-month contract, the fee would be around $600. Some contracts include promotional pricing that expires partway through, which can change your monthly charge and therefore your termination fee.

Month-to-month customers have no early termination fee. You simply give 30 days' notice and your service stops. If you're unsure whether you're on a fixed term or month-to-month, ADT's customer service can tell you immediately.

How to cancel by phone

Call 1-800-238-2727 and tell the representative you want to cancel your service. Have your account number and service address ready. The representative will confirm your contract status, calculate any termination fees, and give you a cancellation date. Ask them to email or mail you a cancellation confirmation with the date your service ends.

The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. ADT may offer you a discount or service reduction to keep you as a customer — you can accept or decline. If you decline and still want to cancel, the representative will process it. Request a confirmation number and write it down.

After the call, your monitoring service will continue until the cancellation date ADT provides. If that date is more than 30 days away and you need to stop service sooner, ask the representative if you can pay the remaining balance to end it earlier. Some customers can, but it depends on your contract.

How to cancel by mail

Send a certified letter to your local ADT office requesting cancellation. Include your account number, service address, and the date you want service to end. You can find your local office address on your ADT bill or by calling 1-800-238-2727 and asking for the mailing address.

Certified mail creates a record that ADT received your request on a specific date. This matters if you later dispute a charge or if ADT claims they never received your cancellation. Keep the receipt and tracking number. ADT typically processes written cancellation requests within 5 to 10 business days, though the service termination date you request may be further out.

Send the letter at least 45 days before your desired cancellation date to ensure it arrives and is processed in time. If you're close to your deadline, call instead — phone cancellation is immediate.

What happens to your equipment and monitoring after cancellation

ADT owns the security system hardware — the control panel, sensors, and keypad. After you cancel, ADT will contact you about returning the equipment or may arrange a technician to remove it. Some customers are required to return equipment; others have it picked up. Check your contract to see what applies to you, or ask during your cancellation call.

Your 24/7 monitoring service stops on the cancellation date ADT confirms. After that date, if your alarm is triggered, ADT will not receive the signal or dispatch emergency services. If you're switching to another security company, coordinate the timing so your new service starts before ADT's ends. Most new providers can activate service within a few days of your request.

If you own your own security system and were only paying ADT for monitoring, canceling stops the monitoring service but you keep your equipment. You can then contract with another monitoring company or use your system as a local alarm only.

Disputing early termination fees

If you believe the early termination fee is incorrect, ask ADT to send you a written breakdown showing your contract end date, remaining months, and monthly charge. Compare this to your original contract. If the numbers don't match, call customer service and ask them to recalculate.

If ADT made an error — for example, if they charged you for months beyond your actual contract end date — they should correct it. Request the correction in writing and keep copies. If ADT refuses to adjust the fee and you believe it's wrong, you can file a complaint with your state's attorney general or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC accepts complaints at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Some states have consumer protection laws that limit early termination fees for security contracts. Check your state's attorney general website to see if your state caps these fees or requires specific disclosures. If ADT's fee violates state law, you have grounds to dispute it.

Alternatives if you can't afford the early termination fee

If the early termination fee is too high, ask ADT about a service downgrade instead of full cancellation. You might reduce monitoring to a lower tier, remove certain sensors, or switch to a less expensive plan. This keeps your contract active but lowers your monthly cost. Some customers use this as a bridge until their contract naturally expires.

Another option is to pause service temporarily. Some ADT contracts allow you to suspend monitoring for a set period without canceling. During suspension, you pay a reduced fee (often $10 to $15 per month) instead of your full monitoring charge. This keeps your contract alive but costs less while you decide what to do next.

If you're canceling because of a move, ask ADT if they service your new address. If they do, you may be able to transfer your contract instead of canceling it. A transfer doesn't reset your contract term — you keep the same end date — so it avoids the termination fee while moving your service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel ADT online?

Some ADT customers can request cancellation through their online account portal, but this option is not available everywhere. Call 1-800-238-2727 to ask if your account supports online cancellation. If it does, log in and look for a "Manage Account" or "Cancel Service" option. Phone or certified mail are the most reliable methods for all customers.

What if I'm moving and want to cancel?

Tell ADT you're relocating. If they service your new area, ask about transferring your contract — this avoids the early termination fee. If they don't service your new location, you may be able to cancel without the fee because ADT cannot fulfill the contract. Ask the representative to check whether your new address is in their service area.

How long does it take for ADT to stop monitoring after I cancel?

Monitoring stops on the cancellation date ADT confirms, which is usually 30 days from when you request cancellation if you're month-to-month. If you're under contract, the date depends on when you want to pay the termination fee. Once that date passes, ADT no longer receives alarm signals from your system.

Will I owe anything after my cancellation date?

You'll owe the early termination fee (if applicable), any remaining balance on your current billing cycle, and possibly equipment return fees if your contract requires it. ADT will calculate the total during your cancellation call. Ask for an itemized breakdown so you know exactly what you're paying.

Can I get my early termination fee waived?

ADT rarely waives early termination fees, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Explain your situation — a move, financial hardship, or service issues — and request a waiver or reduction. If they refuse, ask about downgrading or suspending service instead. If you believe the fee violates your state's consumer protection laws, file a complaint with your state attorney general.