How to Cancel ADT Security in 2026

Updated February 2026 • 9 min read

ADT is notoriously difficult to cancel. Most contracts are 3 years with an early termination fee of 75% of your remaining balance. At $45-60/month, that can be $1,000+ to escape. Here is every option you have.

Calculate Your Early Termination Fee

The math:

• Monthly rate × months remaining × 75%
• Example: $50/mo × 18 months left × 75% = $675 fee
• Example: $60/mo × 30 months left × 75% = $1,350 fee

Check your contract for the exact terms. Some older contracts have different percentages or flat fees.

How to Cancel (Phone + Mail)

1. Call 1-800-238-2727
2. Tell the rep you want to cancel your service
3. They will transfer you to a retention specialist (expect 20-45 minutes total)
4. The retention specialist will offer discounts, free months, upgraded equipment — decline firmly
5. They will quote your early termination fee
6. Confirm cancellation and get a confirmation number
7. Follow up with certified mail: Send a cancellation letter to ADT Security Services, PO Box 650823, Dallas, TX 75265

Ways to Avoid or Reduce the Fee

1. Wait for Contract End

After your 3-year contract ends, ADT typically switches to month-to-month. You can cancel anytime with 30 days notice and no fee. Check your contract end date.

2. Move and Document It

Some ADT contracts allow cancellation without penalty if you move to an area where ADT service is not available. Even if ADT is available at your new address, some contracts have a relocation clause. Read your contract carefully.

3. Transfer Your Contract

If you are selling your home, you can transfer the ADT contract to the buyer. This avoids the ETF entirely. ADT is usually happy to do this — they keep a customer.

4. Negotiate

Call and express dissatisfaction with the service. Mention specific issues (false alarms, slow response, equipment malfunctions). Some customers report getting the ETF reduced by 25-50% through persistent negotiation. Ask to speak to a supervisor if the first rep will not budge.

What Happens to the Equipment

• Owned equipment: If you paid for the equipment upfront, you keep it (but it will not work without ADT monitoring)
• Leased/financed equipment: You may need to return it or pay the remaining balance
• ADT-installed wiring: Stays in your home — a new provider can often reuse it

DIY Alternatives (Much Cheaper)

• Ring Alarm: $10/month for professional monitoring, no contract
• SimpliSafe: $17.99/month for monitoring, no contract
• Abode: Self-monitoring free, pro monitoring $6/month
• Wyze Home Monitoring: $5/month, no contract
• Self-monitoring with cameras: Ring/Arlo cameras + phone alerts = $0-8/month

The Bottom Line

ADT cancellation is expensive and deliberately frustrating. Calculate your ETF, decide if paying it makes financial sense vs. waiting out the contract, and always send a certified letter to document your cancellation. DIY alternatives are so much cheaper now that even paying the termination fee and switching often saves money within a year.