FAQ on ADT alarm system and panel batteries
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on battery replacement, ordering new batteries and safe disposal of old batteries.
Does your alarm device or system panel show a low battery condition?
ADT offers several battery replacement options, including self-service choices. Our “Battery replacement direct ship” option allows you to order replacement batteries and have them shipped directly to your address.
How do I change my backup power supply battery?
Find information on changing these batteries here. Please look for your system and download the instructions. If you do not see your system listed here, or if you have questions about changing your backup battery, please contact us at 1-855-958-8181.
Important: Please call us at 1-855-958-8181 when you are changing your batteries as this may send a system tamper signal to our monitoring centres.
How do I change the batteries in my wireless device?
To change the battery on your wireless device, refer to the Wireless device battery PDF file. If you do not see your wireless device listed here, please call us at 1-855-958-8181 and select option 2, “To test your system or to report trouble with your alarm panel”.
How do I know if my backup power supply battery needs to be changed?
All systems will have a backup battery in the control panel. All security systems use batteries which wear down over time. When your backup battery is low, your system will indicate a trouble light and ADT will receive a trouble signal. We will then contact you.
How do I order new batteries?
Depending on your maintenance plan, you may be covered for free batteries and shipping. Even if your maintenance plan does not cover batteries, you can order them from us.
To order new batteries either for your wireless device or main backup panel, please call us at 1-855-958-8181.
Please note that we do not ship batteries for security systems which are not monitored by ADT.
How do I safely dispose of my old batteries?
Old batteries can either be dropped off at one of our offices or at a recycling centre. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling centre near you.
How long is my backup battery going to last?
The average backup battery lasts 3-5 years. Under normal conditions the backup battery will recharge on its own. However, the lifespan of a backup battery can be affected by power outages. For example, if you live in an area that experiences multiple power outages, eventually your backup battery might not be able to hold its charge when the power comes back on.
How long is my wireless battery going to last?
The average wireless battery lasts 3 years. Certain sensors that are constantly triggered, such as a motion detector, which works even when the system is not armed, might need to be replaced earlier than that.
Window and door contacts are typically used less than motion detectors. We recommend that if you need to replace a battery more often than once per year, please call us as this could mean that the sensor itself is faulty.
How to change the batteries of my system?
All security systems use batteries, which wear down over time. All systems will have a back up battery in the control panel. Information on changing these batteries is listed here. Please look for your system and download the instructions. If you do not see your system listed, or if you have questions about changing your wireless device batteries, please contact our customer service centre at 1-855-958-8181.
Important: Please notify us when you are changing your batteries as this may send a system tampering signal to our monitoring centres.
What does a low battery light mean?
Your low battery light could be due to either your backup panel battery or a battery from a wireless device.
If your low battery light is due to your backup panel battery, then please check the following to determine the source of the issue.
Has there been a power outage in your area?
If there has been a power outage, there is a good chance that the alarm panel battery will not need to be replaced since it is rechargeable and should recharge itself when the power comes back on. The backup battery should recharge on it's own within 24-48 hours.
Has a breaker been turned off?
If you turned off a breaker due to renovations on-site, simply turn the breaker back on and the battery should recharge itself within 24-48 hours.
Is the transformer plugged in properly?
Please validate that the transformer is firmly plugged into the wall power outlet. If it is, touch the transformer to see if it is warm. If it is cold, it probably means there is a problem with the wall power outlet or the transformer and it will need to be replaced or fixed.
If your low battery light is due to your wireless device, you can change the battery yourself by opening the device and checking what type of battery you have. Batteries for wireless devices can often be purchased at a local hardware store. Be sure to place your system on test before opening your device as this may send a system tampering signal to our monitoring centres.