How to cancel ADT service

To cancel ADT service, call ADT directly at 1-800-ADT-HELP (1-800-238-4357) and tell them you want to terminate your account. Have your account number ready — it appears on your bill. ADT will ask why you're leaving and may offer you a discount to stay. If you're still under contract, they'll tell you the early termination fee at that time. The cancellation takes effect on the date you specify, and ADT will send a confirmation letter to your address on file.

You can also cancel online through your ADT account portal, though calling is faster because you get immediate confirmation and can ask questions about fees. If you cancel online, follow up with a phone call to confirm the cancellation went through — online requests sometimes get lost in the system.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-238-4357 with your account number to cancel, or use your online account portal, but follow up with a call to confirm.
  • If you're under contract, ADT will charge an early termination fee, which varies based on how much time remains on your agreement.
  • ADT may offer a discount or service reduction before accepting your cancellation — you can accept or decline.
  • The cancellation date you choose determines when monitoring stops and when your final bill is due.

Understanding ADT contracts and early termination fees

Most ADT customers sign a contract for 24, 36, or 60 months. If you cancel before that period ends, ADT charges an early termination fee. The fee is usually a percentage of the remaining contract value — for example, if you have 12 months left on a 36-month contract at $50 per month, the fee might be $300 to $600, depending on ADT's current policy and your specific agreement.

The exact amount depends on your contract terms, which are printed in the paperwork you signed when service started. If you don't have that paperwork, ADT can tell you the fee amount when you call to cancel. Some customers find it cheaper to keep the service running until the contract ends than to pay the early termination fee, so ask ADT for the total cost before you decide.

What happens to your equipment when you cancel

ADT owns the equipment — the control panel, door sensors, motion detectors, and any cameras — so you must return it. When you cancel, ADT will tell you how to send the equipment back, usually by mail in a prepaid box. If you don't return the equipment, ADT may charge you a non-return fee, typically $150 to $300 per device.

Before you pack anything up, take photos of the equipment serial numbers and condition. When the box arrives at ADT, they'll inspect it and confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number and any confirmation email until you see the non-return charges disappear from your account — this usually takes 30 to 60 days after ADT receives the box.

Timing your cancellation and final billing

Tell ADT the specific date you want service to stop. Many people choose the end of their current billing cycle to avoid paying for a partial month. For example, if your bill renews on the 15th and you call on the 10th, you might ask for cancellation on the 14th so you don't pay for service you won't use.

ADT will send a final bill that includes any remaining charges, early termination fees, and credits for equipment you returned. This bill usually arrives within two weeks of your cancellation date. If you paid for service in advance, ADT will refund the unused portion, though this can take 30 to 45 days to appear in your account.

Canceling if you're moving or switching providers

If you're moving to a place ADT doesn't serve, tell them that when you call — some locations have policies that waive or reduce early termination fees for moves outside their service area. Have your new address ready so they can check coverage.

If you're switching to another security company, that company may help you with the cancellation process or even negotiate the early termination fee. Ask your new provider before you call ADT. Some providers offer to pay part of your ADT fee as an incentive to switch, though this is less common than it used to be.

What to do if ADT won't accept your cancellation

ADT is required to cancel your service when you request it, even if you're under contract — they can charge the early termination fee, but they cannot force you to keep paying for service. If ADT tells you they can't cancel, ask to speak to a supervisor and state clearly that you want to terminate the account.

If ADT continues to refuse or keeps charging you after you've canceled, file a complaint with your state's attorney general or the Federal Trade Commission. Document every call you make, including the date, time, and name of the person you spoke with. Keep copies of your cancellation confirmation and any bills that arrive after your cancellation date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel ADT without paying an early termination fee?

Only if your contract has ended or if ADT doesn't serve your new location. Otherwise, you'll owe the early termination fee. Some customers negotiate a lower fee by asking to speak with a retention specialist, but ADT is not required to waive it.

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

Monitoring stops on the cancellation date you choose. If you cancel effective immediately, ADT stops monitoring that day. If you choose a future date, monitoring continues until that date arrives. Confirm the date in your cancellation confirmation letter.

What if I already returned my equipment but ADT still charged me a non-return fee?

Call ADT with your tracking number and ask them to look up the return in their system. If they confirm receipt, they should remove the fee within one to two billing cycles. If they can't find the return, ask them to file a trace with their warehouse and follow up in writing.

Can I cancel ADT over email or through a chat?

ADT prefers phone cancellations because they can confirm your identity and explain fees in real time. Email and chat requests may not be processed as quickly. If you use email or chat, follow up with a phone call to confirm the cancellation was received and scheduled.

Will ADT refund my deposit when I cancel?

If you paid a deposit when you signed up, ADT will refund it after your account is fully closed and all equipment is returned. This typically takes 30 to 60 days. The refund appears as a credit on your final bill or as a separate check mailed to your address on file.