Contact ADT directly by phone, online, or mail to start the cancellation process

ADT requires you to contact them to cancel — there is no self-service cancellation option in your account. You have three main routes: call their customer service line at 1-800-ADT-ASAP (1-800-238-2727), submit a cancellation request through your online account at adt.com, or send a written cancellation notice by mail. Phone is fastest if you want to cancel when ready; online or mail works if you prefer a paper trail or want to avoid a conversation.

When you contact ADT, have your account number ready — it appears on your bill and in your online account. Be prepared to explain why you are canceling, though you are not required to give a reason. ADT may offer you a discount or service change to keep your business, but you can decline and proceed with cancellation.

The cancellation takes effect on the date ADT confirms it, not the date you request it. Ask for written confirmation of your cancellation date and any final charges you owe. If you cancel mid-billing cycle, you may owe a prorated amount for the days you used the service.

Key Takeaways

  • Call ADT at 1-800-238-2727, use your online account at adt.com, or mail a written cancellation request — phone is the fastest method.
  • Have your account number ready and ask ADT to confirm your cancellation date and any final charges in writing.
  • If you signed a contract, you may owe an early termination fee unless you have a valid reason to cancel without penalty, such as a move or service failure.
  • Return all ADT equipment — the monitoring panel, sensors, and any other hardware — within the timeframe ADT specifies to avoid equipment charges.
  • Keep your cancellation confirmation and any correspondence until you receive your final bill to verify no unexpected charges appear.

Check your contract for early termination fees

Most ADT customers sign a contract that locks them in for a set period, usually 24 or 36 months. If you cancel before that period ends, ADT charges an early termination fee. The amount depends on how much time is left on your contract — the more months remaining, the higher the fee. Your bill or online account shows your contract end date.

Some situations may let you cancel without paying the early termination fee. These include moving to a location ADT does not serve, a documented service failure that ADT cannot fix, or a change in your living situation (such as moving into a facility that provides its own security). When you call to cancel, mention any of these circumstances if they explore to you. ADT may waive the fee, but you will need to provide proof — a lease showing your new address, service tickets documenting the problem, or similar documentation.

If you do owe a termination fee, ADT will add it to your final bill. Ask the representative to tell you the exact amount before you confirm the cancellation so there are no surprises.

Return your equipment on time

ADT owns the monitoring panel, door and window sensors, motion detectors, and any other hardware installed in your home. You must return this equipment within the window ADT specifies — usually 30 days after your service ends. ADT will provide a prepaid shipping label or instructions for dropping off equipment at a local location.

Pack the equipment carefully and keep the tracking number. If ADT does not receive the equipment by the important date, they will charge you a non-return fee for each piece, typically $100 to $300 per item depending on the equipment. These charges appear on your final bill.

If you installed any of your own equipment (such as a separate camera or sensor you bought yourself), you keep that — ADT only wants back what they provided. Ask ADT which items are theirs if you are unsure.

Understand what happens to your monitoring service

When your ADT service ends, your home is no longer monitored. If an alarm is triggered after your cancellation date, ADT will not respond and will not contact emergency services. Make sure you have alternative security arrangements in place before your service stops — whether that is a different monitoring company, a self-monitoring app, or straightforward accepting that you will have no professional monitoring.

If you have a monitored system but want to keep using it without monitoring, you can disarm it or switch it to a local-alarm-only mode. ADT can walk you through this during your cancellation call, or you can find instructions in your system manual.

Some homeowners insurance policies offer discounts for monitored security systems. After you cancel ADT, contact your insurance company to ask whether your rate will change. You may be able to offset some of the cancellation fee by adjusting your coverage.

Confirm your final bill and account closure

After you cancel, ADT will send you a final bill that includes any remaining charges for the current billing period, the early termination fee (if applicable), and any equipment non-return fees. This bill typically arrives within two to four weeks of your cancellation date. Review it carefully against the confirmation you received when you canceled to make sure all charges match what you were told.

If you see charges you do not recognize or that differ from what ADT told you, contact customer service when ready with your confirmation number. Disputes are easier to resolve while your account is still in the system.

Once you pay the final bill, your account closes. Keep your cancellation confirmation and final bill for your records — they prove when your service ended and what you paid, which matters if a question arises later.

What to do if you have trouble canceling

Most cancellations go smoothly, but if ADT refuses to process your cancellation, will not waive a fee you believe should be waived, or charges you incorrectly, you have options. First, ask to speak with a supervisor — the first representative may not have authority to override policy.

If that does not work, file a complaint with your state's attorney general or consumer protection office. Many states have a utility or telecommunications division that handles disputes with service providers. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) if ADT is providing phone service as part of your package.

Keep all written correspondence — emails, letters, billing statements, and your cancellation confirmation. These documents support your complaint if you need to escalate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel ADT online without calling?

You can submit a cancellation request through your ADT online account, but ADT may still contact you by phone to confirm and discuss early termination fees. Mailing a written cancellation notice gives you the most control over the process and creates a paper record, though it takes longer.

What if I move and ADT does not serve my new location?

This is one of the few reasons ADT may waive the early termination fee. When you call to cancel, tell them your new address and ask them to check whether they serve that area. Have your new address ready. If they confirm they do not serve it, ask them to note this in your account and waive the fee.

Do I have to pay the early termination fee?

Only if your contract has time remaining and you do not have a valid reason to cancel without penalty. The fee amount depends on how many months are left on your contract. Ask ADT for the exact amount before you confirm cancellation so you can decide whether to proceed.

What happens if I do not return the equipment?

ADT will charge you a non-return fee for each piece of equipment you keep, typically $100 to $300 per item. These charges appear on your final bill. Return the equipment within the timeframe ADT specifies and keep the tracking number as proof of return.

Can I cancel if I am in the middle of a contract?

Yes, but you will owe an early termination fee unless you have a valid reason such as moving to an area ADT does not serve or experiencing a service failure ADT cannot fix. The fee amount depends on how much time is left on your contract.