Home Security General Enquiries

This page contains user guides to help you understand your system and answers some of the most commonly asked questions you might have.

FAQs

I’ve signed my order agreement when will my system be installed

One of our Installation Planners will call you to arrange the earliest convenient date for your installation.

I have an all day appointment what time will the engineer arrive?

If your installation is an all day appointment the engineer should be with you at 8:30am.

I have been given an 8:30am to 3pm installation appointment when will the engineer arrive?

The engineer will call ahead to confirm a more precise time.

When and how will ADT Dispatch my ADT Home Security equipment

Your equipment will be dispatched approximately two days prior to the installation by UPS “Leave on Premises” service where they will leave it in a safe place and you will not need to be present to sign for this.

Will the installation engineer show me how to set/unset my Home Security system?

Yes the engineer will show you how to set the system and will also leave behind our “Welcome Pack which will have the step by step guide” or alternatively you can watch our help videos or download a user guide. Click here to view our range of videos.

How frequently will I have a routine service inspection?

Your System will undergo a routine service inspection as per your Consumer Agreement.

My new system is now installed, where do I find all the supporting documentation

Welcome to ADT, please click here to download your “welcome pack”

How is my alarm monitored by the alarm receiving centre?

To find out more about how your alarm is monitored by the alarm receiving centre please click here

How long does it take to install an alarm?

Depending whether you have chosen a wireless or wired system will depend on the how long the installation will take. Our engineer will be able to discuss this with you.

What are the common causes of false alarms?

They are many and varied and include:

Make sure you are the last one out (don’t be locking people in)
Failure to practice good housekeeping, i.e. not securing the dwelling correctly before going out
Wrong door entered, i.e. failure to enter the building via the designated alarm entry route
Decoration within the premises causing interference with the detection – Often identified at Christmas and the decorations associated with this time of year but could be associated to any decoration added to the premises at any time of year.
Pets. Pets entering protected areas that have not been identified with Pet detection or Pets entering areas higher than previously identified such as window ledges, sofa backs etc.
Insecure or loose fitting door or window – often revealed during a thunderstorm, during high winds or periods of high temperatures, Close all internal doors/Windows, ensure no ceiling fans or air cons are on
Take regular checks of the PIR’s/Dual Tech (Motion sensors) to check for cobwebs – remove them carefully with a duster avoiding contact with the equipment
Failure to regularly maintain the system, your routine maintenance should resolve this issue.
Failing back-up battery - often revealed during a power cut.
If you have received a new code/fob from a non-ADT delegate then test it before proper use. Don’t assume that it will work for your system as that code/fob may have been removed since it’s last use.

What is the Auto Alarm Handler (keyholder systems only)

ADT Alarm Monitoring Centre uses industry-leading Automated Alarm Handler (AAH) technology to respond to most alarm activations, for more efficient alarm alert prioritisation and a faster response.

Upon an alarm activation the AAH contacts you or your nominated keyholders with an automated message, giving the option to either accept or decline the notification of the alarm’s activation.

It will also recognise if the call has been diverted to your answer machine leaving you a message advising you what action you need to take.

Documents & downloads

Quick Consumer Reference Guide: PM360-R

Quick Consumer Reference Guide: Domonial

Quick Consumer Reference Guide: Galaxy 16+ / 8+

Quick Consumer Reference Guide: Galaxy G2

Quick Consumer Reference Guide: PM10

Quick Consumer Reference Guide: PM30

Quick Consumer Reference Guide: Honeywell Accord XPC

ADT’s top tips for holidaymakers leaving their home unattended this summer

After a stressful couple of years, we’re now finally able to explore the world again this summer. Unfortunately, it’s during the summer holidays that your home is left susceptible to opportunistic thieves. Here are ADT's top tips for holidaymakers this summer...

ADT and Energy Efficiency

At ADT, security is at the heart of everything we do. But what you probably didn’t know is how our ADT Smart Home Security, along with other devices, can in fact improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Microchipping Cats and Dogs

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what a microchip is and highlight just how crucial it is for you to microchip your pet.

How to keep your pets safe at home

Dogs and cats aren’t just pets; they’re part of the family. And as such, we all want to keep our four-legged family members safe – especially when they’re home alone. Below we’ve put together some handy tips on leaving your pets home alone, to keep them safe and you worry-free.

Beat the phishing scams with our cyber security tips for Safer Internet Day

With increasingly sophisticated phishing scams on the rise, how can you protect yourself? To mark Safer Internet Day on 8 February, here are our top tips to stay one step ahead of the fraudsters.

ADT’s Police Response packages are now ECHO-connected

ADT is introducing a few system updates designed to improve your safety when your alarm is triggered. Read more below about ECHO, how you can benefit, and what that means for your alarm system.

Shining a light on smarter home security

Join us to find out what features ADT Outdoor Wi-Fi cameras offer and how an integrated system from ADT takes home security to the next level, night and day.

How to enjoy log burners, the safe way

In recent years we’ve seen a log burner revival, as many Brits look to combine warmth and style, with a roaring fire seen as the ultimate living room accessory. Despite safety concerns, log burners are very much here to stay, so we’ve created a guide to help you enjoy using one safely.

ADT Home Security Quiz

Calling all home security experts. The time has come for you to strut your stuff and test your knowledge with our home security quiz.

National Security Month

The security of your home is far too important to leave to chance. Here at ADT we want to help you get a clearer picture of home security so to mark National Security Month, we’ve done a spot of mythbusting.

CCTV vs IP Cameras

If you're concerned about the security of your home, installing a reliable surveillance system can give you, and your family, peace of mind. To help you choose the right surveillance system for your circumstances, we've covered all the basics of CCTV and IP cameras in this blog.

Post-lockdown Anxiety: Looking After Your Mental Health

Due to lockdowns, most of us haven’t socialised with more than one other household since sometime last year – so while it’s exciting to see shops and restaurants reopening, the prospect of getting out there is also a little nerve-racking.

10 Ways to Protect Your Home When Normality Returns

Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, it’s safe to say the majority of the UK public has spent a lot of the last year at home. As restrictions ease and we are out of the home more, we’ve put together this quick list of home security tips, to help you resume your life with peace of mind.

Security During a Power Cut

Whether it’s after a storm, during maintenance work or simply after something’s gone wrong at the power station, power cuts are inconvenient at the best of times.

DIY security: are smart security systems still vulnerable to hackers?

After years of warnings about the dangers of cheap, off-the-shelf security systems the government has finally acted to address the issue. But do their measures go far enough? And how can you be sure that your own system doesn’t fall prey to hackers?

Five Reasons To Invest in a Video Doorbell

Video doorbells, also known as smart doorbells, allow you to virtually answer your door from your phone or smart device.

Upgrading Your Home Security

In these uncertain times it’s only natural to think about protecting the things we hold dear. For anyone with a home alarm, one of the easiest and quickest things you can do is to look at upgrading your existing security system.

Help Protect Your Garden Shed Against Fire

Even a quick online search for “shed fire” returns a worrying number of results in the UK. In the first few months of summer 2020, dozens of fires in garden sheds were reported across the country, from Somerset to Suffolk.

How To Protect Against Doorstep Scams

Most people are aware of phone scammers or phishing emails, but what happens when a fraudster turns up at your front door? It can be far more intimidating, and trickier to deal with than just hanging up or pressing ‘delete’.

Do burglar alarms reduce the cost of home insurance?

With home insurance premiums increasing by nearly 3% in the last year*, it’s no wonder people are looking to reduce the amount they pay. Does adding a burglar alarm make a difference to home insurance premiums?

Can I install my own home security system?

The simple answer to that question is yes you can. And it’s likely to cost less than a professionally installed alarm, but when it comes to protecting your home and the things that are most valuable to you, nothing compares to a tailored home security package from ADT.

The homebuyers’ security checklist

When it comes to buying a new home, we all have the same broad criteria for making our decision. “Location, location, location” may be the mantra but schools, transport links and local amenities will also be near the top of most homebuyers’ lists. But there’s another checklist we should have in mind when weighing up the pros and cons of a potential move: security.

What is video analytics?

If you’re looking up smart security, you’ll read a lot about video technology. From smart cameras to video doorbells, it’s fast becoming a modern security essential - and for good reason.

Top tips on hiding valuables at home

In the UK, it’s estimated that there’s a burglary every 40 seconds¹. That’s thousands of break-ins across the country each year. From planned to opportunistic, most thieves won’t hang around for long, grabbing as many valuables as they can and turning tail before they draw attention to themselves.

Best Places To Hide Easter Eggs - Blog

Easter egg hunts will be in full swing across the UK, with kids and grown-ups alike searching homes and gardens – depending on the Great British weather. But where are the best places to secure those chocolate treats?

Five Top Tips For Coping With Lockdown

Covid-19 means we’re all going to be spending a lot more time at home over the next few months. These simple tips will help you look after yourself and others in these uncertain times.

Spring clean your home security

Whether you already have a home security system, or you’re thinking about installing one, here’s ADT’s top tips to spruce up your home security.

Stranger at the door? Here’s how to stay safe.

As children, one of the first lessons we’re taught is about stranger danger. Read ADT’s article on how to stay safe and speak to someone outside without even opening your door.

Can I add cameras to my ADT system?

In short, yes you can. Here we have highlighted the different ranges of cameras you can add to your ADT system, find out which is right for you.

Which is the best guard dog to put off burglars?

Read ADT’s list of the top five dogs that are both good guard dogs and pawfectly family friendly.

Security for a new decade

2020 is upon us, a brand-new and exciting decade of tech innovations. Here’s a sneak peak of the new ADT products coming your way.

A decade of security tech later

Security technology has evolved beyond recognition over the last 10 years; read ADT’s round-up of the top tech that’s making our world a safer place.

Our top spots to hide their Christmas presents

Take a look at ADT’s list of the top hiding spaces around the home to ensure present hunters don’t find their gift before the big day.

How to keep your Black Friday bargains secure

Take a look at ADT’s list of great ways to protect your Black Friday bargains and reduce the risk of them being stolen.

Are you inviting hackers into your home?

Which? reported that cheap home security cameras are allowing hackers to access your home. Read ADT’s tips on finding the best security camera for you.

Keeping your home safe during long winter nights

By Michael Fraser - I have the well-earned accolade of being a ‘burglary expert’, which is quite fair, as I am in fact a reformed burglar; I now use all my insider knowledge from my prior criminal life to help people protect their homes and businesses from unscrupulous thieves.

Why age is just a number when it comes to smart tech

The main barrier for older adults embracing smart tech is education. Read ADT’s Smart Home innovations, see what they are and how they can make life easier.

How to secure a modern office

ADT have put together a list of simple ways you can ensure office safety and keep that attractive modern culture thriving too.

How to get kids thinking about home security

Read ADT’s top tips to get your kids thinking about keeping the family home secure.

Top security tips to beat the bike thieves

Almost 40,000 people report stolen bicycles each year in the UK. But, with ADT’s bike security tips you can avoid becoming part of that number.

Outdoor fire safety this summer

Did you know over 27k fires are started on UK heathland and moorland each year? Read ADT’s guide to outdoor fire safety.

Your guide to garage door security

Garages are often where we keep some of our most valuable assets, read ADT’s guide to keeping your garage door safer.

Where are Britain’s safest coastal towns and cities?

Whether you’re retiring to the coast, moving for work, or looking to relocate - read ADT’s list of the safest places to live on the UK coastline.

How to protect your home’s value

Read ADT’s list of security features to ensure you protect that extra home value following a renovation or extension.

Everybody needs good neighbours

The experts at ADT have some top tips on how you and your neighbours can help improve neighbourhood security.

How to keep kids safe online

The internet is an increasingly scary place, especially for parents, read ADT’s top tips on how to enforce internet safety for children.

Do burglars return to the same house?

With 1 in 4 homes being retargeted by burglars, ADT have a list of tips to help ensure your home is secure after a burglary.

Top construction site security tips

If you’re in the construction industry, you’ll know the conflicting feeling of leaving your tools on-site, read ADT’s top tips for keeping your site secure.

How to keep valuables safe while travelling

With summer just around the corner, many of us will be looking forward to a holiday away. However, while we’re happy to spend long hours thinking about sightseeing and sunbathing, keeping our valuables safe while we’re away is often the last thing on our holiday checklist.

What is a monitored alarm and are the benefits worth it?

The very first Monitored alarm system was established in the US in 1866 by the president of the Gold and Stock Telegraph Company after he was disturbed in his home by a burglar. The idea then – as now – is that when an alarm is triggered it immediately notifies a separate monitoring centre. That means there’s always someone watching over your home, whether you’re there or not.

Don’t let burglars ruin the bank holiday for your business

Everyone loves a bank holiday weekend. With not one but two three-day weekends in May, the opportunities for career criminals to target unstaffed premises are particularly high. Sadly, commercial crime is on the rise in the UK according to the latest figures*. The good news is there are lots of ways for you to boost security ahead of the May bank holidays thanks to ADT’s expert business security tips.

What Kind Of Home Security Hunter Are You?

With Easter fast approaching, kids and grown-ups alike will be looking forward to getting stuck into a traditional Easter egg hunt. There’s not really a game plan as such - and that’s half the fun. Running around looking high and low for shiny chocolate treats is about as complicated as it gets. But that’s not a strategy you’d want to apply to something as important as home security. That’s why we’ve put together this useful guide to help you work out just what kind of home security hunter you are, and which products best match your needs.

ADT’s Guide to Avoiding Daylight Robbery

It’s easy to assume that burglars are creatures of the night, skulking in the shadows waiting to make their move under the cover of darkness. In fact, research paints a very different picture.

How to secure your doors on a budget

When we think of burglaries, a smashed window might be the first image that springs to mind. But in fact, a massive 75% of burglaries are attempted via a door, with 46% involving a forced lock.*

Always keep home insurance small print in mind

We’ve all heard stories about home insurance claims going unpaid – even when the incident wasn’t the claimant’s fault. If you don’t check through the T&Cs you can easily get caught out, leaving you out of pocket in a tough spot.

Making your home secure for your baby

The desire to protect a new baby is one of the most basic impulses humans have. And in the months before your little one is due the urge to ‘nest’ is often overwhelming. Preparing your home for a new arrival can involve everything from decorating their room and choosing new nursery furniture to buying nappies (lots of nappies) and making sure you’ve got enough meals in the freezer to get you through those hectic first few weeks. But aside from the domestic duties, it’s also important to get the right security in place. Here are a few tips from the experts at ADT:

Safest places to live in the UK, revealed

Buying a new home takes time, planning and research. But while property websites will tell you about the nearest train stations and schools, they won’t tell you the area’s crime statistics.

How to test the health of your smoke alarm

We’ve all seen the ads that ask: ‘When’s the last time you checked your smoke alarm?’. But, with our busy, modern lives it’s rarely at the top of our to-do list.

Make 2019 your safest year yet

Starting the new year with a few simple security resolutions is a great way to get into good habits for 2019 and beyond.

Are you inviting burglars over for Christmas?

Unfortunately, Christmas is the most burgled time of the year, according to UK crime statistics. Follow ADT’s security checklist to keep your home safe.

How to stay safe online this Christmas

Avoid online fraud and identity theft this Christmas with these simple security steps from ADT.

Top security tips for your apartment or flat

There are plenty of ways to make the most of apartment & flat living while safeguarding your home and belongings.

How to keep your pets calm on Bonfire Night

Around 45% of dogs are frightened by bright flashes & loud bangs. But with just a few simple steps, you can make Bonfire Night a lot more pleasant for your pets.

Is your home October-proof?

Our list of top tips will help prevent you from becoming another crime statistic during the worst month of the year for burglaries.

How to write a great mystery/thriller – By Sophie Hannah

Read distinguished crime author Sophie Hannah’s tips on how to write a great thriller.

Give your new home castle-worthy security

Keep your new home as secure as a castle this National Security Month with our complete security checklist.

Guide to fire safety

Keep your home and loved ones safe with our fire safety checklist this National Fire Prevention week and beyond.

How to secure your student house

Here’s a few tips and tricks to prevent crime in your student house - and make sure you’re prepped should the worst happen.

Back to school, back to home security

Make sure your home is secure when the kids go back to school, with these simple home security tips.

Moving house checklist

From moving in with friends, to buying your very first home, to finding a new place when the children have flown the nest, there are few things more exciting than moving house. There are also few things more stressful.

Boost your summer window security

Summer is the time where everyone feels happier and more carefree, but now is the time to think about security, and especially the often overlooked area of window security.

Protect your garden this summer

One of the joys of summer is that you get to spend more time outdoors, and if you’re lucky enough to have one, that means time in the garden. But while you’re enjoying the sun don’t leave your security to chance.

Top tips for securing your shed

If you’re lucky enough to have a shed, you’ll know just how useful they can be. Here are just some ways to secure garden sheds and keep their contents safe.

How to keep your neighbourhood safe

For the security conscience amongst you, protecting your property and family is a number one priority. But security doesn’t stop and start at the front door, and there are ways you can help improve the safety of your whole neighbourhood.

Top tips for boosting your car security

With the exception of your home, the chances are that your car is the most expensive thing you own. And it’s because of their value that cars are so often a target of theft.

Keep your pets safe from carbon monoxide

If you have a pet, you’ll know how much a part of the family they are. That’s why when it comes to protecting your home, it’s important to choose a pet-friendly alarm system that not only keeps people and possessions safe, but has pet care in mind too.

Easy ways to protect your business from a cyber attack

Technology is constantly moving forward and hackers are finding more sophisticated and inventive ways to attack businesses. Data breaches and leaks can cost not only your trust with consumers but your hard-earned profits too.

Pet poisons easily missed at home

Pets are much more than just our four-legged friends, they’re a part of our family. We’d never want anything to hurt them and take pet care very seriously. But what we often don’t realise is just how many pet poisons are under our own roof.

Boosting home security for elderly parents

Even if your elderly parents are mobile and independent, there’s still the worry they’ll be targeted by burglars simply because of their age. But there are plenty of ways to put their, and your, mind at rest with a few simple security features around the home.

Do you live in Britain’s dog theft hotspot?

I’m sure all owners would agree that a dog isn’t just a pet, it’s a member of the family. We get so much love and joy from our four-legged friends that they’re priceless. We’re there at the ready to give them everything they could ever need – including fierce protection from any sort of harm.

1 in 11 break-ins occur at a previously burgled address

Police statistics reveal thousands of burglaries occur at an address burgled before. Nearly 100,000^ burglaries happen at an address that has been burgled before, new figures obtained by security company ADT and independent charity Victim Support reveal.

5 smart ways to give yourself peace of mind on holiday

Going on holiday is a time to relax, unwind and leave your stress at home. But we still get that pang of panic from time to time about whether our home and possessions are completely secure back at home. Read our top tips of ways you can stay stress-free on holiday using, or sometimes not using, modern technology.

Keep the things you love safe this Valentine’s Day

On February 14th, throw caution to the wind, book a restaurant and surprise the love of your life. But while you’re out celebrating the day of romance, don’t let yourself or your home be vulnerable to a much nastier surprise.

How to prevent employee theft

When you think about money and assets going missing from your business, the last place you want to look is at your own staff. We’ve put together a list of ways to avoid employee theft and make sure you stay open for business.

Smart innovations in home security

‘Smart’ has become a buzzword over the last few years. In short it’s a term to describe the network of objects in your home that can be controlled by devices like your tablet, phone or laptop. And with a whirlwind of new, connected products being developed every day it shows no sign of stopping any time soon.

Fire safety advice for homeowners and businesses

Fire safety advice for homeowners and businesses.

New research reveals Britons struggle to deal with an emergency

Three in 10 British adults don’t know what number to dial if they need an ambulance, fire assistance or the police, according to new research 1. A study of 2,000 adults reveals that there is an absence of knowledge when it comes to what to do in an emergency to ensure the safety of themselves and others.

78% of burglars use social media to target properties

Here’s our top tips to stay safe on social

ADT helps secure historic Magna Carta for 800th anniversary celebrations

An expert from ADT Fire & Security, the UK’s leading provider of electronic fire and security solutions, was called in to enhance security at St Alban’s Cathedral as it celebrates the 800th anniversary of the city’s role in the story of Magna Carta.

What is a Smart Home?

Modern life keeps us on the go, always being busy means we need quick, easy solutions to stay in control of our homes and especially our home security. Smart technology provides that control, it means you can manage everything from making sure you didn’t forget to set the alarm to checking if the kids got home from school okay - all from your mobile device whilst you’re out and about.

Simple home security measures to keep your property safe

It takes just seven seconds for a professional burglar to decide whether your home is an easy target or not, and once inside they know exactly what they’re looking for. But there are some simple security measures you can take inside your home to put burglars off.

A third of burglaries committed by minors, police statistics reveal

One in three residential burglaries are committed by under-18s new figures obtained by leading security firm ADT and the charity Victim Support reveal. In some police force areas as many as four out of every 10 burglaries were found to have been committed by a minor1.

4 reasons you’ll be glad you installed a home security system

With so many options available, ranging from simple alarm sensors to monitored services with remote access, now is a great time to assess your home’s security and find a system that suits your needs.

The psychological effect of burglary on children

ADT and Victim Support have come together as part of the Take No More campaign to research the impact that break-ins have on children.

Your very own Robocop

Burglar alarms that will address intruders by name, indelible sprays and personal drones that follow criminals are just some of the ways we will secure our homes in 2025

Security starts on the outside

When it comes to preventing burglary, it’s important to pay attention to the security of the outside of your house as well as the inside. Burglary is an opportunistic crime, so if your home looks unoccupied and insecure, it’s far more likely to be targeted.

Protect your home while you’re on holiday

Summer’s here, and at ADT we thought there was no better time to make sure you had everything you need to keep your home safe while you’re away.

Bogus ADT sellers

Some recent reports have indicated that “bogus ADT sellers” have been operating in certain areas of the country, door knocking and causing householders some concern. Should you have any concerns about “bogus callers” from any organisation, we advise that you contact your local police on the non-emergency number 101.

How secure is your new home?

If you’re thinking of buying a new home, there are plenty of things to consider. To help you look in the right place for your dream property, and ensure you’re safe once you move in, check our quick checklist to follow.

What do the darker nights mean to you?

When the clocks go back the days become shorter and the nights last longer. As a nation, do we take extra measures to keep our homes secure during these dark winter months? And should we?