Welcome to ADT
Here’s everything you need to be ready before, during and after your upcoming smart security system installation.
Quick links to helpful info
Before installation checklist
Review your signed contract, which you should’ve received already by email, and the specifics of what you purchased. Make sure you’re ready to pay any remaining balances.
Make sure your home has permanent electricity.
If you ordered cameras, you must have 2Mbps upload speed per device using Wi-Fi.
Tip: Check your Internet connection using the Speedtest.net speed checker. If possible, test during your household’s peak usage time.
The Google Account Owner must be an adult and present to let in the ADT Technician, approve equipment locations, and finalize paperwork.
A member of your household over the age of 18 must be present to let in the ADT technician, approve equipment locations and finalize any paperwork.
Secure your pets away from the areas where the technician will be working.
Download the appropriate ADT app for your alarm system.
If you’re getting a new ADT Command & Control system installed, download the ADT Control app. If you’re reactivating an existing ADT system, consult with your ADT technician about which ADT app you should download. If you also purchased Google Nest products with your ADT system, be sure to download the Google Home app, too.*
Before you start, you’ll need the Google Home app to integrate ADT within your products:
1. On the Google Home app, go to Set up Device and choose Works with Google
2. Select ADT SmartHome from the menu and sign into your account
3. Choose to allow Google Assistant to control the ADT security panel
4. Create a PIN to carry out commands like disarming your system
Consult your local police/fire jurisdiction’s website to see if your city/county requires an alarm permit.
It’s your responsibility to obtain it prior to installation, and then email the alarm permit/registration number to us at ADTjurisdictions@adt.com.
Start thinking about what passwords you want to use.
Choose a Verbal Security Password, which is what you tell ADT when we call during an alarm event. Choose a Keypad Code to arm and disarm your system.
Include others in your household who may want to learn how to use your system.
*Google Nest and Google Home are trademarks of Google LLC.
During installation checklist
Make sure your eContract is signed and review it with your technician.
In certain states, you can only eSign your contract with an ADT representative present (IL, LA, MA, MD, MI, SC, TN, UT, or VA). After, process your final payment and request your acceptance of work completed.
For Google Nest Doorbell installations, log in to your Google Home app so your ADT Technician can install the doorbell and walk you through the setup process, including account linking.
Program your four-digit Keypad code and learn how to change it.
Give the tech your new verbal security password.
Register your account on the ADT Control online portal. Then download and log into the ADT Control app and set up custom automations, like Scenes, with your technician.
If you’re reactivating a current ADT Pulse system instead, register your online account in the ADT Pulse portal and set up custom automations with your technician.
Register for MyADT to create your Emergency Contact List, sign up for EasyPay® and download your Alarm Monitoring Certificate.
Glossary
Verbal Security Password
The word you provide verbally to an agent during an event. (You’ll also have a separate password to log into your ADT account.)
SSID/Password
This refers to the Wi-Fi password associated with your router. You can usually find it on the actual router.
Bandwidth
How much network activity your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and/or router allocates to your household
Compatible devices
Devices that work with your Command/Control system, such as smart lightbulbs, thermostats or platforms like Google Assistant.
Rules
Are a set of conditions that trigger specific events (like alarms or chimes).
Scenes
A set of rules grouped by time of day or state of your panel (like armed away, or disarmed, or your Geo device moved outside your virtual fence)
Notifications
Are how your account, through the Control portal, sends you notifications that are triggered by scenes or events.
Z-Wave
A type of technology (like Wi-Fi) that allows devices to communicate with one another
Keypad
The device you use to enter in your code; for example, to disarm your system or adjust the volume.
Panel
The main housing of the communication and “motherboard” of your alarm. Your keypad and panel could be combined, such as with the Command panel.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make changes to the chime?
You can adjust the volume, turn it on and off, and turn the voice chime on and off. Here’s how:
Disarm your system.
Tap the right arrow on the main screen to move to the next screen.
Tap [Tools].
Tap [Master User Code]
Tap [Settings]
To adjust the volume: move the volume slider to the desired level, then tap the back arrow to save the change.
To turn the chime on/off: tap [Voice Chime]. The [Chime] button will change color. (Yellow = On; White = Off)
To turn voice chime on/off: tap [Voice Chime]. The [Chime] button will change color. (Yellow = On; White = Off)
How do I make changes to the Command panel codes?
Using the Control app, tap the hamburger menu at top left, then tap [Users]. This will give you your list of users. Tap the one you want to change.
On the User screen, tap the gray User Cod button, or the panel title. Type in the new four-digit code, then tap Save.
To change it through the Control portal, log into your account, select [Users} at left, then find the user you want to change.
To view the current code, click on [Show User Codes]. To change it, click on the current code and type in the new code, then click [Update].
What batteries do I need? How long do they last?
Depending on your system or sensors, you may need a variety of batteries. You can purchase most batteries at retailers such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot or Batteries Plus. We recommend visiting MyADT for instructions on how to locate and change batteries for your alarm system and devices.
What if I forget my Command panel code?
You can find your Command panel code by following the same steps noted in Question 2 to find User Codes. From there, you can either see what your code is, or change it to a new code.
What happens in a false alarm?
In the event of a false alarm, you should call ADT immediately to advise a monitoring agent that the alarm that was triggered was false. This will avoid un-needed dispatch of police, fire or EMS. Also, when an alarm is sent, an ADT agent will attempt to contact you to ensure that everything is ok, and to notify you of the alarm and see if you need further assistance.
How do I find saved video recordings?
Log into your ADT Control account and click on Video at left. You can view recorded clips as either thumbnail images or in list form. Either way, it will tell you which camera was triggered, and what time. You can search clips by clicking [Filter], then selecting your search criteria to find the clip or clips you want. You can also add a description in the Search Description field. Click [Apply] and all the clips fitting your criteria will display.
Download SoSecure – safety that’s mobile like you
1. Download the free app from the Apple or Google Play Store.
2. Set up your account and profile.
3. Create a list of Guardians.
These are typically any family members or friends you’d like to keep in the loop if something happens.
*Message and data rates may apply. Services may be cancelled in app. Only available in the 50 US states and D.C. SOS response not available in Milwaukee. For SoSecure features to work, your cell phone must be on, powered, and fully functional