It is always good to familiarize yourself with the various ways in which you can reset your ADT alarm system since this can be helpful if you need to set your system back to the factory default settings. In this article, you will find out the few occasions that you may need to reset your ADT alarm. It can be that you have gone out without disabling the alarm, and now you want to come in, but the master code is not available to turn off the alarm. Or perhaps there is some internal issue and the monitoring center suggests that you restart the computer. Disarming your alarm erases all the programmed user code and other configurations and reverts the alarm to its factory default settings.

The first thing that needs to be done is finding your ADT alarm system which is located in the control panel box. This metal panel box is usually situated either in a closet, basement, garage, or utility room in your home or business. The front cover will contain the logo of the ADT along with the company’s name printed on it. Locate it and then turn on the front cover with the use of an actual key or by providing an appropriate passcode which will enable you to be able to access your system’s control panel interface.

Just before engaging the reset sequence, there is another critical step that must be performed and that is to ring your ADT monitoring center. You have to explain that you need to reset the alarm, and for them to place your account in test mode. This ensures that during the reset process, the system does not send alarm signals to the monitoring center as a result of an actual alarm. Many of the control panels found in homes with ADT security systems have a phone jack or a cellular link that is actively transmitting data to the primary ADT monitoring centers. They prevent one from alerting dispatching authorities to a fake alarm that can cause embarrassment.

The actual reset method is slightly different because it depends on the particular ADT control panel that has been installed on your premises. A few of the ADT panel models are Safewatch 3000, Safewatch Pro 3000, Safewatch 4. 0, Safewatch Plus, Smart Security ADT Command. While there are some differences in the described reset methods, the general approach is virtually the same for all panels. 

  1. Enter your master code: It is common to find that most ADT systems have one master code predetermined by the company when the system was installed. It is most often composed of 4 digits of numbers. If you do not have the master code you need to call the ADT for this one. To enter programming mode, you should use the master code in the panel’s digital keypad.
  2. Access reset menu: After the master code has been entered, the options show on the screen of the panel. Move the cursor over the reset option with the arrow and select keys. For Smart Security systems, they recommend that you do a hardware reset by pressing the Home key.
  3. Confirm reset: An OK message is displayed to confirm that you want to reset it before the actual process begins. Confirm by selecting Yes. This completes the reset, though the system may demand the master code to be input before confirming the reset.
  4. Wait for the reboot process: The system then acknowledges the reset by shutting down and then automatically restarting itself. All previously set alarms, passcode schedules, and many other options are erased. They said that it resets the alarm back to its default settings that are programmed by ADT technician when installing the system. It lasts for approximately one minute as the system rewrites, starting from the basic instructions.
  5. Re-enable with monitoring center: After the ADT alarm reboots, call the ADT monitoring center again to exit the test mode with your alarm system. Supervisory functions are turned off when the devices are being reset. Notifying the operators helps incoming calls reconnect for dispatch services. Also, there is a need to re-program the master code so that the system can be further secured after a reset.

Keep in mind some key points before resetting your ADT alarm system: 

  • In case of a need, only allow the resetting of the alarm once and ensure that it is necessary. It erases all the passcodes, as well as all the settings that you may have set.
  • In case you always perform a reset, it is recommended to contact your ADT monitoring center first so as not to cause false alarms.
  • It means that the function reinstates the device to its initial or out-of-the-box condition. Custom options will have to be redeployed afterward for it to work properly for your particular preference.
  • Given that there are many models of ADT control panels, the general steps for resetting vary with each kind. If you can’t find what you need here then refer to the programming guide provided for the model that you are using.
  • It is important to note that the master code is often standard after resetting, therefore one should consider changing it for the benefit of security.
  • One of the simplest solutions when it comes to DIY troubleshooting involves resetting the ADT alarm; this can come in handy when the system has a technical glitch, or you forget your passcode. Moreover, always ensure that you communicate with your monitoring center before and after the reset process is complete. This ensures that alarms that were set before the system rebooted to factory settings are not triggered and the system is not overly crowded by new alarms once it is back online. Practical Examples Here is how you can go through the various steps highlighted above to get your ADT alarm panel cleared;
  • Protect your home today with ADT’s top-rated security solutions!

Call now at +1 877-470-7879 to get a free consultation and find out how you can secure your home with the best in the business. Don’t wait—ensure your peace of mind with ADT!