You can cancel ADT at any time by calling 1-800-ADT-ASAP. If you are still under contract, ADT charges 75% of your remaining balance as an early termination fee — so knowing your contract end date before you call saves money.
Before you call ADT — know your ETF
ADT's professional install contracts charge 75% of your remaining balance as an early termination fee. Calculate yours: (months remaining) × (monthly rate) × 0.75. If you have 18 months left at $49.99/month (Complete Pro Install): 18 × $49.99 × 0.75 = ~$675.
Canceling ADT is possible at any time — the question is how much it costs. This guide covers the exact process, how to minimize your ETF, and what to expect after you call.
Not sure canceling is the right path? Start with the ADT recovery guide before you call — it routes by your contract timing and compares every option before execution. ADT recovery guide →
Affiliate disclosure: SecurityCompassHQ may earn commissions from some links on this page, including as an Amazon Associate when you purchase through Amazon links. Commissions do not influence our scores or recommendations. See full disclosure →
Check your contract terms
Find your ADT service agreement — it specifies your contract end date, monthly rate, and ETF calculation method. If you don't have a copy, log in to MyADT.com or request a copy when you call. Your contract end date determines whether an ETF applies at all.
Calculate your ETF before calling
Use this formula: ETF = (months remaining) × (monthly rate) × 0.75. If you're within 3 months of expiration, waiting may be cheaper than paying the ETF. If you're more than 6 months out, compare the ETF to 6 months of payments to decide which is smarter.
Call ADT at 1-800-238-2727
Select 'Cancel service' from the phone menu. Have ready: account number, service address, last four digits of SSN or PIN, and a clear reason for cancellation. ADT's retention team will offer discounts or rate reductions — be prepared to decline if you've made your decision.
Request a cancellation confirmation number
Ask for a cancellation confirmation number before you hang up. Write down the date, time, and the representative's name. ADT cancellations are effective at the end of your next billing cycle in most cases — confirm the exact date.
Follow up in writing
Send a follow-up email to ADT's cancellation department or send a certified letter to your regional ADT office documenting the cancellation request, confirmation number, and agreed-upon end date. This creates a paper trail if ADT continues billing after the cancellation date.
Monitor your bank statement
ADT billing errors after cancellation are a common complaint. Monitor your credit card or bank statement for 2 billing cycles after your cancellation end date. If you see unauthorized charges, dispute them with your bank and reference your cancellation confirmation number.
If you're canceling ADT because of the contract, these systems offer professional monitoring with no long-term commitment:
SimpliSafe
9.2/10 · No contract · DIY
CSAA Five Diamond monitoring from $22.99/mo. No ETF. 60-day money-back. Setup in 15–30 min.
Full review →Ring Alarm
8.8/10 · No contract · DIY
Professional monitoring from $19.99/mo. No ETF. Best for Amazon households.
Full review →Cove Security
8.0/10 · No contract · DIY
CSAA Five Diamond monitoring from $19.99/mo — lower than ADT's cheapest plan.
Full review →Not sure you want to cancel yet?
If the ETF is too high right now, there may be ways to lower your bill without canceling — and it's worth running the math before you decide.
Related reading: Before signing an ADT contract — what to verify before committing to a 36-month contract · ADT authorized dealer vs corporate — what’s different and why it matters for your ETF and service terms
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