ADT Troubleshooting Guide

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Our ADT troubleshooting guide will help you through some common problems with the ADT security system without needing to call customer service. From ADT Pulse glitches to fixing doorbell security camera problems, we’ve got your back.

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How to reset ADT alarm panels

Resetting your ADT alarm panel is just a matter of pressing a few buttons. The buttons you press depend on the type of panel you have.

If you’re not sure what type of panel you have, go to your online MyADT dashboard. Then, click on the Overview tab and go to System Information to find the system’s name.

Now that you know the system’s name, you can find which buttons to push. Here are some combo’s for ADT’s most commonly used panels:

  • Ademco Lynx: security code + OFF
  • Ademco Vista 20P: security code + 1
  • Ademco Vista 20SE/HWSE: security code + 1
  • BHS 4000: security code
  • DSC Impassa: * + 3
  • DSC PC 1555: security code + DISARM
  • ITI Concord Express: 1 + security code
  • Safewatch Pro 3000: security code + 1
  • Safewatch QuickConnect Plus: security code + OFF
  • Simon XT: STATUS + DISARM
  • TSSC: security code + OFF

If you don’t see your ADT security system on this list (bummer!) you’ll need to consult your user manual. Here are all of ADT’s online user manuals.

How do I stop my ADT control panel’s beeping alarms?

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It’s probably the battery, especially if there was just a power outage. If your ADT control panel is beeping and is displaying a message like LOW BATT or BAT, your keypad is warning that it has a low battery. You can usually silence the panel by pressing and holding the OFF or # buttons on the keypad. If that doesn’t work, you may need to refer to your owner’s manual.

ADT Doorbell Camera troubleshooting tips

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Not getting any footage from your ADT doorbell camera? Try these tips:

  1. Switch from Wi-Fi to data on your phone to be sure you’re getting service.
  2. Reset your doorbell camera by pressing the button on the back for 15 seconds.
  3. Make sure your phone is 4G LTE or higher. The ADT app doesn’t work well with 3G bandwidth.
  4. Delete and reinstall the app. This can potentially solve problems that prevent the video feed from working.
  5. Power cycle the router and Pulse gateway (if you have one) by unplugging them and waiting a few minutes to plug them back in. Plug in the router first and give it time to boot up, then plug in the gateway. Give the gateway five minutes to reboot.
  6. Delete the ADT doorbell camera from your system, and then add it back.

By the way, these tips work for getting your other ADT home security cameras to work too.

How much internet speed do I need to use an ADT home security system?

According to ADT, you need upload speeds of at least 2 Mbps per camera. So if you have four cameras, you need an upload speed of at least 8 Mbps—and that's on top of requirements for any other devices connected to your home network.

Don't know your internet speed?
Download a free internet speed test on the App Store or Google Play.

download the free speed tool app on Google Play

Need more speed? Compare some of the fastest internet providers for 2023 in the table below.

Compare the fastest home internet providers

Carrier
Plan
Monthly price
Best for
Max advertised speeds
Learn more
Gig-speed internetFast download speedsUp to 3,000 Mbps
1 Gig Fiber internetFast upload speeds940/880 Mbps
GigablastWorking from home1Gbps

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer. Exclusions may apply.
*With Xfinity Mobile Unlimited phone line. Requires compatible gateway.
**Limited time offer with autopay and any existing Verizon mobile plan.

How do you fix an ADT Pulse unavailable message?

person holding a tablet with app on screen

An unavailable message on your ADT Pulse app or dashboard means that there is a connection problem at the gateway (the box next to your router). Let’s get your smart home automation back up and running.

There are a few ways to troubleshoot this ADT trouble message:

  1. Make sure the hub is plugged in and give it five minutes to reboot.
  2. Check to see if the ethernet cable between the router and the gateway is still connected.
  3. Make sure your router is working.
  4. Power cycle the router and Pulse gateway by unplugging them. Plug in the router first and give it time to boot up, then plug in the gateway. Be sure to give the gateway five minutes to reboot.
Bell
ADT Pulse or ADT Control?

Don’t know the difference? We clear things up in our ADT Pulse guide.

Troubleshooting door and window sensors

If your ADT security window sensors aren’t working properly or are giving you a false alarm on the regular, there are a couple of DIY solutions.

First, make sure the door or window is completely closed. Next, check to see if the sensor is farther than one-fourth of an inch away from the magnet. If the gap is wider, move it closer.

If those don’t work, you may need to change the sensor’s battery. Put your ADT alarm system into test mode. Then, remove the sensor’s cover and pop in a new battery. Reset your keypad, and switch it from test mode.

Checklist
Have trouble with a motion sensor?

Trouble with motion sensors usually comes down to power problems. Make sure that the battery is fresh (if it’s wireless) or make sure the wires are still connected to its power source. When it comes to wiring, you'll need help. Contact ADT customer service.

Compare ADT to other home security brands

Brand
Installation
Monthly cost Icon Tooltip  Dark
Best for
Starter equipment price
Contract required
Smart home compatibility Icon Tooltip  Dark
Learn more
ProfessionalBest professional home security$599.00No *Amazon,
Google,
Z-Wave
ProfessionalMost trusted security brand$0.00YesAmazon,
Google,
Z-Wave
DIY or ProBest customer ratingQuote required
Online quiz
No *Amazon, Google
Ring
DIYBest budget-friendly pick$199.99NoAmazon, Google, Z-Wave
DIY or ProBest DIY home security$245.00NoAmazon,
Google

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
Full ADT disclaimer

Alina Bradford
Written by
Alina Bradford
Alina is a safety and security expert that has contributed her insights to CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, and many others. Her goal is to make safety and security gadgets less mystifying one article at a time. In the early 2000s, Alina worked as a volunteer firefighter, earning her first responder certification and paving the way to her current career. Her activities aren’t nearly as dangerous today. Her hobbies include fixing up her 100-year-old house, doing artsy stuff, and going to the lake with her family.

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