Imagine standing in your living room with a beeping alarm and not knowing how to disable it. It’s overwhelming! The neighbors will hear it, and because you don’t have the code, you won’t be able to turn it off. So, what’s next?
Turning off an ADT alarm system without a code is as simple as finding out where the battery or where the transformer is and learning how to remove them.
We’ll discuss how to turn off an ADT alarm system without the code below and some extra tips for disabling the system.
1. Removing the ADT Command/Pulse Battery
Usually, your contact screen is used, the tools menu is selected, your code is entered, and the system shuts off.
In this case, you will need to do it without worrying about the shutdown because the user code is completely irrelevant.
One screw situated at the bottom of the panel must be removed. The entire touchscreen slides up from the wall panel once the screen has been removed and the touchscreen is separate; the back of the screen can be accessed.
Pull the final screw off and pull up the clasp to the battery. Just disconnect the quick connection to the battery, and the battery will be removed.
Note that sometimes a backup battery will also need to be removed to avoid issues.
2. Use the ADT Key Fob to Turn the Alarm Off
If you have the key fob with you, press “disarm”—sometimes a little shield icon with a diagonal slash–and your system will disarm without any additional steps. A two-second button press is required on some key fobs.
If the disarm button does not work, press and hold it for two seconds. It is based on the installed system and the key fob that came with it, as they can sometimes vary.
If you are visiting or a realtor having an open house, there’s a small chance that the key fob from the previous resident’s ADT security system will be lying around. If your ADT alarm system’s user code isn’t working or you’ve forgotten it, the key fob will turn the system off without the code.
3. Call ADT
Call ADT to let them know you’ll remove the hardware or see if they’ll send a technician. When the alarm system is installed, the owner licenses the ADT equipment for a three-year contract.
If you are not the actual contractual or leased equipment owner, contact ADT to see if they will send a technician to retrieve or disable it.
4. Remove the ADT Hardware
It is necessary to inform the monitoring service while removing ADT hardware. It’s possible that removing the old equipment will set off an alert, in which case the police will be informed. This is a possibility even if the system is no longer officially monitored.
If you have permission to disassemble the hardware, always remove the transformer and batteries before removing the control panel, sensors, and cameras. If you come across wiring, remember to turn off the breaker switch.
5. Reset the User Code, including the ADT System
For Honeywell Alarm panels, this method probably works. This should cover most security systems because Honeywell makes the most of ADT panels. Because the ADT Command panel lacks an installer code, it cannot be modified and should instead be disconnected.
Despite not being monitored by ADT, a security system might still be a great alarm. Let’s assume you have an existing ADT alarm system in your home that either belonged to the previous resident or is yours and is no longer under contract. In that scenario, you can reset the system and enter a new user code to replace the old one.
How to Prevent ADT Alarm Triggers in the Future
Make sure the sensors aren’t obstructed or knocked around.
Regularly service your alarm system (at least once a year) and replace the batteries in your sensors as soon as they get low, as this is a typical cause of alarm system failure.
If you have pets at home, you should consider purchasing pet-friendly motion sensors with adjustable sensitivity.
Keep sensors and motion detectors clean and free of dust, as dirt might cause the alarm to go off.
Having a power continuity plan in place, such as battery backups, will provide you peace of mind that your system will continue to function effectively even if there is a power outage.
FAQs
What happens if you unplug an ADT alarm?
If you unplug your ADT alarm, the keypad will most probably begin to beep, alerting you to the loss of AC power. If you mute the keypad, usually by inputting your code and leaving the power disconnected, the keypad will soon begin buzzing again, alerting you to a low battery issue.
If the system is monitored, these notifications will also be sent to the monitoring center. Some systems will go into full alarm mode one last time before the battery dies. If you want to unplug the system for a short period, nothing should happen except the beeping, but if you want to shut down the system, make sure to disconnect the backup battery.
How do I manually set my ADT alarm?
It depends on the type of ADT panel. ADT uses multiple alarm systems, each developed by a different company. They have certain panels built for them by Honeywell that have the ADT logo. You may discover the brand name on the inside of the cabinet door.
ADT may use an all-in-one panel that includes the keypad, siren, and backup battery. However, as a general rule, enter 6321 + 02 + [New Code] + [New Code].
This will work on most panels, but you must act immediately. You will hear a triple beep if you are successful. You can test your new code by pressing [Code] + 1. If you hear a beep, it implies the code is correct.
How do I turn off my ADT alarm system?
By disconnecting the backup battery, before unplugging the panel’s transformer, disconnect the panel’s backup batteries to avoid electrical hazards.
For the panel to be turned off, this transformer must be unplugged, and by pulling the device’s transformer from the wall outlet, you can switch off or power down your home alarm system.
You can verify whether the panel has been turned off by checking the touchscreen or keypad and if it is blank.
When users return to work on their panel, they frequently turn off their security system. This could include adding a hardwired siren or installing a new communications module.
How do I arm and disarm my ADT alarm?
Most ADT systems may be armed in both STAY and AWAY modes. Additional arming options may be available on some systems.
Enter your user code and press the numeric key above the selected mode to arm the system in AWAY, STAY, INSTANT, or MAX mode. To disarm the system, enter your user code + OFF key.
By logging into your secure ADT Pulse app, you may arm or disarm from the palm of your hand. If your system is unarmed, press the arm and hold down the button to arm all sensors except the motion sensors.
How do I permanently bypass the ADT alarm zone?
A zone of protection is bypassed from the security system until it is un-bypassed or until the system is disarmed again. Only while the system is turned off is it possible to bypass it.
To bypass, click the [Bypass] key, then your [user code], then the [zone no. (1-8)]. If Quick Bypass is enabled, you must press the [Bypass] key and then the [zone no.
When the system is turned on, zones that have been bypassed are not protected. The keypad emits one lengthy beep after the bypass command is accepted, and the zone or zones bypassed eventually flicker. Before proceeding, the System must be disarmed.
Why does my ADT Alarm say not ready?
The alarm system is not ready to turn on, according to your keypad (arm). A door or window that isn’t completely closed, a motion detector that detects movement, or a prior alert that hasn’t been cleaned out of the memory are all common causes.
The alarm system will be ready to arm once you’ve fixed the problem, Which is most likely due to an open door or window, a faulty sensor, or a motion sensor that detects movement.
Can ADT Alarm be hacked?
ADT is one of the most complex security systems to hack. End-to-end S2 encryption and Z-Wave communication are used by ADT systems, making them virtually impossible to hack.
When logging into your system, use two-factor authentication. This is a security feature that sends you an SMS or email providing a one-time pin that you must enter to log in. (1, 2, 3)
References
(1) End-to-end S2 encryption – https://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/end-to-end-encryption-E2EE
(2) Z-Wave communication – https://internetofthingsagenda.techtarget.com/definition/Z-Wave
(3) SMS – https://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/Short-Message-Service