All the Ways to Cancel ADT Service (2026 Guide)
Quick Answer
To cancel ADT, call 800-238-2727 during business hours. If you’re still under contract, expect to pay up to 75% of your remaining monthly charges as an early termination fee. ADT’s standard contract is 36 months (24 months in California). You can avoid all fees by waiting until your contract expires, canceling within 72 hours of signing, or qualifying under ADT’s 6-month money-back guarantee.
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How to Cancel ADT Service — Step by Step
To cancel ADT, you must call their customer service line at 800-238-2727. Cancellation cannot be done online. Here’s exactly what to expect:
- Call ADT at 800-238-2727 during standard business hours. Most cancellations take 10–15 minutes by phone.
- Have your account details ready — account number, address, and the name on the contract.
- Ask about your early termination fee before confirming anything. Ask the agent to calculate the exact amount owed based on your remaining contract term.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation terms and final billing before you agree.
- Sign and return the cancellation notice if ADT sends one. Keep a copy of all written communication.
Tip: ADT’s retention team will often offer discounts or reduced rates to keep you. If your goal is to cancel, be polite but firm. You can always ask for a break on the termination fee — the worst they can say is no.
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How Much Does ADT Charge to Cancel Early?
ADT charges up to 75% of your remaining monthly contract charges as an early termination fee (ETF). ADT’s standard contract is 36 months in most states, and 24 months in California. If you cancel before the contract ends, the fee applies to the remaining balance.
2026 Early Termination Fee Examples
ADT’s professional monitoring currently starts at $34.99/month for Self Setup plans and $49.99/month and up for professionally installed systems.
| Monthly Rate | Months Remaining | 75% ETF |
|---|---|---|
| $34.99/mo | 6 months left | ~$157 |
| $34.99/mo | 12 months left | ~$315 |
| $49.99/mo | 6 months left | ~$225 |
| $49.99/mo | 12 months left | ~$450 |
| $49.99/mo | 24 months left | ~$900 |
Note: ADT reserves the right to increase monthly rates during your contract. Your actual ETF is calculated on the rate you were paying at the time of cancellation. Always confirm the exact amount directly with ADT before canceling.
Why Does ADT Charge a Termination Fee?
ADT bundles the cost of your equipment into your monthly monitoring fee rather than charging it upfront. When you cancel early, the ETF covers the portion of equipment costs ADT hasn’t yet recovered through your monthly payments.
How to Cancel ADT Without Paying a Penalty
There are five situations where you can cancel ADT with no early termination fee.
1. Wait Until Your Contract Ends
Once your 36-month (or 24-month in California) contract expires, ADT automatically switches you to a month-to-month plan. At that point, you can cancel anytime with just 30 days’ notice and no termination fee. This is the most straightforward path.
2. Cancel Within 72 Hours of Signing (Buyer’s Remorse)
ADT offers a 3-day buyer’s remorse window. If you cancel within 72 hours of signing your contract, you owe nothing. Call 800-238-2727 right away — the clock starts from the moment you sign, not from installation. (See section below for full details.)
3. Use the 6-Month Money-Back Guarantee
If ADT fails to resolve a system-related issue within the first 6 months of your contract, you may qualify for a full refund with no penalty. This requires documented proof that ADT made attempts to fix the issue and couldn’t. (See section below for full details.)
4. If ADT Raises Your Rates
ADT’s contract allows them to increase your monthly rate. However, you have 30 days to object in writing to any price increase. If ADT doesn’t reverse the increase, you can cancel your contract without paying an early termination fee. This is one of the most overlooked exit clauses.
5. Active-Duty Military Relocation
If you’re an active-duty military member receiving orders to relocate, federal law (the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) may allow you to cancel your ADT contract without penalty. Provide ADT with a copy of your deployment or PCS orders.
Bonus: Moving Situations
If you’re moving to a new home, ADT may set up service at your new address and transfer — rather than terminate — your contract, avoiding any ETF. This is worth exploring before canceling outright.
When to Time Your ADT Cancellation
The best time to submit your ADT cancellation is 30–35 days before your next billing date, so you don’t get charged for another month. Once your contract ends and you’re on a month-to-month plan, ADT requires one month’s notice to cancel. If you submit your cancellation mid-billing cycle, you’ll still be charged for that full month. To avoid paying for a month you won’t use:
- Find out your monthly renewal date (check your contract or call ADT)
- Submit your cancellation 3–5 days before that renewal date
- Confirm the cancellation in writing and ask for a final bill summary
ADT's 3-Day Buyer's Remorse Guarantee
ADT allows customers to cancel within 72 hours of signing without any penalty or fee. This window begins the moment you sign your ADT contract — not when equipment is installed. To use it:
- Call 800-238-2727 within 72 hours of signing
- Request immediate cancellation under the buyer’s remorse policy
- ADT will schedule removal of any installed equipment — you do not get to keep it under this policy
In several states, the buyer’s remorse window extends to 30 days for elderly customers. If this applies to you, confirm the specific terms in your written contract before signing.
ADT's 6-Month Money-Back Guarantee
ADT’s 6-month money-back guarantee covers you if ADT is unable to resolve a system-related problem within the first 6 months of your contract. This policy is more limited than it sounds. Key conditions:
- The issue must be system-related (not general dissatisfaction)
- ADT must have made documented attempts to resolve the problem
- The problem must persist within the first 6 months of your contract
- You must return all ADT equipment to receive your refund
- ADT will cancel your contract, send a technician to remove the equipment, and then issue a refund
You cannot use this guarantee simply because you changed your mind or found a cheaper service. The failure to resolve must be ADT’s, not the result of user error. Important: Make sure any money-back guarantee is explicitly written into your contract before you sign. Don’t rely on verbal promises.
What Happens to Your Equipment After Canceling?
When you cancel your ADT contract early, ADT sends you a prepaid return box with instructions. You are required to return all ADT-provided equipment.
Here’s what to expect:
- ADT mails a prepaid shipping box to your address
- You pack up and return all ADT equipment — sensors, keypads, control panels, and communicators
- Equipment that is not returned may result in additional charges
- If you cancel within the 6-month money-back window, ADT sends a technician to remove the equipment professionally
One important exception: ADT’s policy on equipment ownership has evolved. More recent ADT customers own their equipment outright, even when financing it. Check your specific contract to confirm whether you own your hardware or ADT does. If you own your equipment, you have options — including using it with a different monitoring service.
What to Do After Canceling ADT
If you own your existing ADT-compatible equipment, you don’t need to buy a new system to stay protected.
Most ADT alarm panels and sensors work with third-party monitoring services — meaning you can keep your existing hardware and simply switch to a provider that doesn’t require a long-term contract.
Why Alarm Relay Customers Switch from ADT
| ADT | Alarm Relay | |
|---|---|---|
| Contract required | 36 months (most states) | No contract — month-to-month |
| Monitoring starts at | $34.99/mo (DIY) | Significantly lower |
| Monitoring station | Outsourced to 3rd parties | 100% in-house, U.S.-based |
| Certification | UL Listed | UL Certified + TMA Five Diamond |
| Average response time | Varies | 30 seconds |
| Equipment compatibility | ADT proprietary system preferred | Works with most existing systems |
| Cancellation penalty | Up to 75% of remaining contract | None — cancel any month |
Alarm Relay is a family-owned, TMA Five Diamond Certified monitoring company based in the U.S. We take over your existing security system — including most ADT-compatible equipment — without requiring you to replace anything. You get professional-grade monitoring at a fraction of the cost, with no long-term commitment. Ready to make the switch? Call us at 800-624-6866 for a no-pressure quote in under 10 minutes, or get started online here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canceling ADT
Can I cancel ADT online?
No. ADT cancellation must be done by phone. Call 800-238-2727 during business hours. Online cancellation is not available.
How much notice does ADT require to cancel?
If you’re past your initial contract term, ADT requires 30 days’ written or verbal notice. If you’re still under contract, you can cancel at any time but will owe an early termination fee of up to 75% of remaining charges.
What happens if I just stop paying ADT?
Do not simply stop paying. ADT will send your account to collections, which will damage your credit score. Always formally cancel and confirm the final billing amount in writing.
Does ADT have a no-contract option?
Yes. ADT’s Self Setup (DIY) line offers month-to-month monitoring starting at $24.99/month with no long-term contract required. However, you pay the full equipment cost upfront.
Can I keep my ADT equipment and use it with another monitoring company?
In many cases, yes. Standard alarm panels and sensors from ADT-compatible systems can work with other monitoring providers. Contact a monitoring company (like Alarm Relay) to confirm compatibility with your specific equipment before canceling ADT.
Does canceling ADT affect my homeowner's insurance discount?
Possibly. Some insurers offer discounts for professionally monitored alarm systems. As long as you switch to another UL-certified monitoring service immediately, your discount should not be affected. Confirm with your insurer.
This guide reflects ADT's cancellation policies and pricing as of April 2026. ADT may update its terms, fees, and pricing at any time. Always verify current details directly with ADT at 800-238-2727 or at adt.com before making decisions.
