How to cancel ADT

To cancel ADT, call their customer service line at 1-800-ADT-HELP (1-800-238-4357), tell them you want to cancel, and they will walk you through the process. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill. ADT will ask about your reason for leaving and may offer you a discount to stay — you can accept or decline. If you are under contract, you may owe an early termination fee, which ADT will disclose before finalizing the cancellation. The company will schedule a technician to remove equipment, usually within 7 to 10 business days.

You can also cancel online through your ADT account portal, though phone cancellation is faster because you get confirmation immediately. If you have a contract dispute or believe you were charged unfairly, you can file a complaint with your state's attorney general or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) before or after cancellation.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-ADT-HELP (1-800-238-4357) with your account number ready to start the cancellation process.
  • Early termination fees apply if you cancel before your contract ends; ADT will tell you the amount before you confirm.
  • A technician will remove your equipment within 7 to 10 business days after cancellation is approved.
  • If ADT disputes your cancellation or charges you after you cancel, you can file a complaint with your state attorney general or the FTC.

Understanding ADT contracts and early termination fees

Most ADT customers sign a contract when they set up service. The contract length varies — common terms are 12 months, 24 months, or 36 months. If you cancel before the contract ends, ADT charges an early termination fee. The amount depends on how much time is left on your contract and your service plan; there is no single fee that applies to all customers.

When you call to cancel, ADT will calculate your remaining contract balance and tell you the exact fee before you confirm the cancellation. You can ask them to break down the calculation. If you believe the fee is wrong — for example, if you were promised a contract-free plan or if the company made an error — ask to speak with a supervisor and request documentation of your original agreement.

Some states have laws limiting how high early termination fees can be or requiring companies to disclose them clearly upfront. If you signed your contract in California, New York, or several other states, your state's attorney general office can tell you whether ADT's fee complies with local law.

What happens to your equipment after cancellation

ADT owns the equipment — the control panel, sensors, and monitoring devices — so you cannot keep it. After you cancel, ADT schedules a technician to come to your home and remove the equipment. This appointment usually happens within 7 to 10 business days. You do not pay for the removal visit.

Before the technician arrives, make sure someone is home or arrange for access. If you miss the appointment, ADT may charge you a fee to reschedule. After the equipment is removed, the technician will verify that everything is disconnected and provide you with a receipt or confirmation.

If you own any equipment — for example, if you purchased a backup battery or extra sensors — you can keep those items. Ask the technician which pieces are yours before they leave.

Cancelling online versus calling

ADT allows you to request cancellation through your online account portal. Log in, go to Account Settings or Manage Services, and look for a cancellation or close account option. You will fill out a form stating your reason for leaving. Online cancellation is convenient if you prefer not to call, but it is slower — you will not get immediate confirmation, and ADT may contact you by phone to confirm your request.

Phone cancellation is faster and gives you a record of the conversation. When you call, ask the representative to confirm your cancellation in writing and provide a reference number. Write down the date, time, representative's name, and reference number. This protects you if ADT later claims you never cancelled or tries to charge you after the service ends.

Stopping billing after cancellation

After you cancel, ADT should stop charging you on your next billing date. However, billing errors happen. Check your credit card or bank statement for the next two billing cycles to make sure ADT is no longer charging you. If you see a charge after your cancellation date, contact ADT immediately and reference your cancellation confirmation number.

If ADT refuses to stop charging you or claims you never cancelled, dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank. Most card issuers will reverse unauthorized charges if you provide proof of cancellation — your confirmation number, the date you cancelled, and the representative's name are usually enough.

Keep your cancellation confirmation and any follow-up emails from ADT for at least one year. If a debt collector later contacts you about unpaid ADT bills after you cancelled, you can show them the cancellation proof.

Filing a complaint if ADT disputes your cancellation

If ADT claims you never cancelled, continues to charge you, or disputes your cancellation request, you have several options. First, contact ADT's customer service again with your original confirmation number and ask to speak with a supervisor. Explain what happened and ask them to review the cancellation record.

If ADT does not resolve the issue, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC investigates complaints about billing disputes and unfair business practices. You can also file a complaint with your state's attorney general office — search "[your state] attorney general" and look for a consumer complaints section.

If ADT sends your account to a debt collector or reports it to a credit bureau after you cancelled, you can dispute the debt with the credit bureau and send a written dispute letter to the debt collector under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Keep copies of all correspondence.

What to do if you are locked into a long contract

If you are early in a long contract and the early termination fee is very high, you have a few options. First, ask ADT if they will waive or reduce the fee — sometimes they will negotiate, especially if you have been a customer for years or if you can show that their service failed to meet the contract terms.

Second, check whether ADT violated your contract. If the company failed to provide monitoring, missed service appointments, or charged you for services you did not receive, you may have grounds to cancel without paying the full fee. Document the failures and mention them when you call to cancel.

Third, look into whether your state has a cooling-off period for security contracts. Some states allow customers to cancel within a certain number of days (often 3 to 7 days) after signing without penalty. If you recently signed up, you may still be within this window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel ADT over the phone without paying the early termination fee?

You can cancel over the phone, but you will owe the early termination fee if your contract is not finished. The fee is not waived just because you call instead of going online. However, you can ask the representative to waive or reduce it — some representatives have authority to do this, especially if you have been a long-term customer or if ADT failed to deliver promised service.

What if I move and cannot take ADT with me?

Moving does not automatically cancel your contract without penalty. However, if your new address is outside ADT's service area, you may be able to cancel without the early termination fee. Call ADT and provide your new address. If they cannot serve that location, ask them to waive the cancellation fee based on the move. Get this in writing before you finalize the cancellation.

How long does it take for ADT to remove my equipment?

ADT typically schedules equipment removal within 7 to 10 business days after you cancel. You must be home or provide access for the technician. If you miss the appointment, ADT may charge a rescheduling fee, so confirm the date and time when you cancel.

Will cancelling ADT hurt my credit score?

Cancelling ADT itself does not hurt your credit. However, if you do not pay the early termination fee or if ADT sends your unpaid balance to a debt collector, that can damage your credit. Pay any fees ADT charges, or dispute them through your credit card company or bank if you believe they are wrong.

Can I cancel if I signed up for a promotional rate?

Promotional rates are still subject to contract terms. If your promotion included a contract, cancelling early triggers the early termination fee. If the promotion was contract-free, you should be able to cancel without a fee — but verify this with ADT before you cancel, because some promotions include hidden contract terms.