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How to Cancel ADT in 2026

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 $52.99/month: 18 × $52.99 × 0.75 = ~$715.

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.

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Step-by-step cancellation process

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

ADT cancellation FAQ

How much does it cost to cancel ADT early? +
ADT's professionally installed plans charge approximately 75% of the remaining contract balance as an early termination fee (ETF). For a 36-month contract at $52.99/month with 24 months remaining: 24 × $52.99 × 75% = ~$953. For 12 months remaining at $44.99/month: 12 × $44.99 × 75% = ~$405. Always verify your specific terms in your service agreement before calling.
Can I cancel ADT without paying an ETF? +
You can avoid the ETF if: (1) you cancel within the first 3 business days of signing (federal cooling-off rule applies in most states), (2) ADT fails to maintain service standards and cannot resolve the issue after documented attempts, (3) your contract has expired and has converted to month-to-month, (4) you invoke a military deployment clause if applicable (SCRA protections). ADT also sometimes waives ETFs during home sale or documented moves — ask directly.
What happens to my ADT equipment when I cancel? +
ADT's professionally installed equipment uses proprietary hardware that typically cannot be reprogrammed to work with another monitoring provider. The equipment usually stays in the home — ADT may or may not collect it depending on your contract. ADT+ self-setup equipment is yours to keep. If you're switching to a DIY system, you'll need to purchase new equipment regardless.
How long does ADT give me to cancel? +
Once you call to cancel, ADT typically processes the cancellation within 30 days. They may try to retain you with a reduced rate offer first. Request a written cancellation confirmation number and follow up in writing (email or certified mail) if ADT doesn't confirm within 10 business days. Keep all records.
Does ADT let me cancel online? +
No. ADT does not currently allow cancellation through its website or app. You must call 1-800-ADT-ASAP (1-800-238-2727) during business hours. Have your account number, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready for identity verification. Some customers report needing to call multiple times — document each call with date, time, and representative name.
Can I transfer my ADT contract to a new home? +
Yes. ADT allows contract transfers if you're moving to a new address within ADT's service area. ADT will dispatch a technician to the new address and reinstall the equipment. If the new home is outside ADT's service area, you may be able to cancel without ETF — confirm in writing before moving.

No-contract alternatives to ADT

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 $20/mo. No ETF. Best for Amazon households.

Full review →

Cove Security

8.0/10 · No contract · DIY

CSAA Five Diamond monitoring from $17.99/mo — lower than ADT's cheapest plan.

Full review →

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