How to Cancel ADT Security in 2026 (Break the Contract + Avoid the 75% ETF)

Updated 2026-02-21 · 8 min read

What ADT Costs

• ADT Smart Home: $28.99/month (36-month contract = $1,043.64 total)
• ADT Smart Home+: $35.99/month ($1,295.64 total)
• ADT Complete: $45.99/month ($1,655.64 total)
• Installation: $0-199 upfront (equipment cost baked into monthly rate)
• Equipment financing: $0-$1,200+ (36-60 month financing, essentially a second bill)

Step 1: Check Your Contract Status

1. Call ADT at 1-800-238-2727
2. Ask: "When does my contract expire?" and "What is my early termination fee?"
3. Get the answers in writing (email confirmation)
4. Check if you're month-to-month — if your contract already expired, you can cancel with 30 days' notice and no ETF

Step 2: Cancel ADT

1. Call 1-800-238-2727 (the only way to cancel — no online option)
2. Say: "I want to cancel my ADT service"
3. The retention team will offer discounts (often 30-50% off for 6-12 months) — decline if you're committed
4. If under contract: they'll quote your early termination fee (75% of remaining payments)
5. Request a cancellation confirmation in writing
6. Return any ADT-owned equipment to avoid additional charges

How to Reduce or Avoid the ETF

• Moving: If you're relocating, ADT may waive the ETF if you transfer service to your new address. Even if you plan to cancel at the new address, starting the transfer buys you time
• 3-day right of rescission: If you signed the contract within the last 3 business days, you can cancel penalty-free (FTC cooling-off rule)
• Service quality complaints: Document every false alarm, missed alarm, slow response, or system malfunction. Multiple documented service failures can be grounds for contract termination without penalty
• Negotiate: Call and say "I can't afford the service anymore." ADT sometimes offers reduced rates or waived ETFs for hardship — especially if you're persistent
• Wait it out: If you have <6 months left, it may be cheaper to keep paying than to pay the 75% ETF
• Military deployment: Active duty military can cancel with proof of deployment orders (SCRA protections)

Why People Leave ADT

• Price: $29-46/month adds up to $1,000-1,600+ over a 3-year contract. DIY systems cost $100-300 one-time
• False alarms: ADT charges $25-50 per false alarm dispatch after a grace period. Some municipalities fine $50-200 per false alarm
• Response time: ADT monitors — they don't respond. They call you, then call police. In an actual emergency, this adds 5-15 minutes of delay
• Outdated equipment: Many ADT systems use 3G/4G cellular that's being phased out. Upgrades often mean a new contract
• DIY systems caught up: Ring, SimpliSafe, Abode, and Wyze offer professional monitoring for $0-20/month with no contracts
• Smart home integration: ADT's proprietary system doesn't play well with HomeKit, Google Home, or Alexa compared to modern alternatives

Best ADT Alternatives (2026)

• Ring Alarm ($0-20/mo): DIY install, $0 for self-monitoring or $20/mo for professional monitoring. No contract. Equipment: $200-400 for a complete system
• SimpliSafe ($0-28/mo): No contract, DIY install, optional professional monitoring. Equipment: $200-500
• Abode ($0-20/mo): Best smart home integration (HomeKit, Google, Alexa). No contract. Equipment: $200-400
• Wyze ($5/mo): Budget option — cameras + sensors for under $100. $5/mo professional monitoring. No contract
• Self-monitoring (free): Smart cameras (Wyze, Blink, Eufy) + phone notifications. No monthly cost, you are the monitoring center