Preparing for ADT Subscription Expiry: Ensuring Reliable Home Security After Termination

As your ADT subscription nears its end and you consider maintaining your wireless alarm system without the monitoring service, it's crucial to take proactive steps to ensure you can still arm and disarm your alarm seamlessly. This comprehensive guide will help you prepare for the transition, ensuring your home remains secure.

Understanding Your System

Step 1: Understanding Your System

To grasp fully how your wireless alarm system works, start by reading the user manual thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with the features, and learn how to operate your system locally. Many ADT systems allow you to arm and disarm the alarm directly from the control panel or through a mobile app. This means you can manage your system independently, without needing a subscription.

Local Control and Mobile App Access

Step 2: Local Control and Mobile App Access

Your ADT system should allow you to arm and disarm the alarm locally using the control panel. Additionally, check your mobile app to see if it still functions without a subscription. Basic features like arming and disarming the alarm may work, but other services may be restricted. Ensure you have the necessary codes stored in a secure place, such as a password manager or printed backup.

Backup Codes and Keyfobs

Step 3: Backup Codes and Keyfobs

For systems with keypads, you should have your access codes saved and handy. Moreover, if your system supports backup codes, set them up. Additionally, ensure that your keyfobs are operational. Once your subscription ends, you won't be able to rely on the remote control, so testing and maintaining the keyfobs is vital.

Notifications and Battery Backup

Step 4: Notifications and Battery Backup

Check your system's notification settings to ensure you can still receive alerts and notifications. Some settings may need adjustment. Moreover, keep your system's batteries charged and in good condition. This is critical, especially if the system relies only on battery power.

Considering Alternatives

Step 5: Considering Alternatives

If you want to retain more advanced features or remote monitoring, consider switching to a different DIY home security system that offers similar capabilities without a subscription. With the variety of options available, you can often find a system that meets your needs without the need for a monitoring service.

System Testing and Security Improvements

Step 6: System Testing and Security Improvements

Perform a thorough test of your system before your subscription ends to ensure it functions as expected. This means testing the arming and disarming capabilities, and verifying that all sensors are working correctly.

For enhanced security, consider adding additional measures such as a standalone glassbreak sensor connected to an Arduino with a cellular dialer. Place the sensor near your speaker to trigger the standalone sensor with trip return voltage. Configure the Arduino to send an alert to your cell phone, annotated as a red alert emergency notification. You can dial in the code for networked cameras, enabling you to access them immediately. Additionally, you can write a simple 'do-while' loop in code to call your cell, which has pre-programmed contact details for emergency alerts.

Note that using silent alarm mode might require a different approach, possibly involving accessing the firmware of the main control unit. However, this process requires technical expertise and careful consideration to avoid damaging your system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, preparing for your ADT subscription expiry requires understanding your system, ensuring local control and mobile app access, setting up backup codes and keyfobs, maintaining battery backup, and considering alternative security solutions. By following these steps, you can ensure that your home remains secure and that you can still manage your alarm system effectively even after your subscription ends.