Home | Home Security | ADT Self Setup Frequently Asked Questions
Apr 10, 2023
5 min read
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If you like the reassurance of a name like ADT but don’t want the hassle of a three-year contract, this is the flexible option you’ve been waiting for. ADT Self Setup is a refreshing addition to the DIY home security landscape. You can either choose 24/7 monitoring by ADT’s monitoring centers or monitor it yourself through the app.
Video: About ADT Self Setup
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Equipment
What type of equipment do ADT Self Setup home security systems offer?
ADT Self Setup has a wide range of security equipment including an outdoor camera, indoor camera, doorbell cameras, motion sensors, door and window sensors, flood sensors, and fire safety sensors. You can learn more about its equipment and its compatibility to other smart home products in our ADT Self Setup equipment guide.
Can I take my ADT Self Setup home security system with me when I move?
Yep. Since ADT Self Setup only offers DIY security systems and equipment, you can easily remove your old home’s equipment and reinstall it in your new home.
Does ADT Self Setup have security cameras and doorbell cameras?
*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Yes, it has three different cameras:
- ADT Self Setup Wireless Outdoor Camera
- ADT Self Setup Indoor Camera
- ADT Self Setup Doorbell Camera
Does ADT Self Setup security systems have 1080p cameras?
Yes, all ADT Self Setup cameras are 1080p quality.
Can I use ADT Self Setup cameras without a system?
Yes, you don’t need an ADT Self Setup security system or monitoring plan to use its cameras. You can also use ADT Self Setup cameras without a storage subscription plan. If you need extra storage, you can simply add a microSD card to the Indoor Camera or Wireless Outdoor Camera.
What is the video range on the ADT Self Setup cameras and how far can they detect motion?
The ADT Self Setup Indoor Camera and Outdoor Camera have a field of view of 130°. This is pretty typical for security cameras, though there are some security cameras with much wider fields of view. The ADT Self Setup Doorbell Camera has a wider field of view at 180°, which is excellent when compared with other top doorbell cameras.
When it comes to motion detection, both the ADT Self Setup Wireless Outdoor Camera and the Indoor Camera can detect motion up to 16.4 ft. (5 meters). The Doorbell Camera has a shorter range of 9.8 ft. (3 meters).
Do I need the ADT Extender + Chime?
You don’t need one, but it does make your doorbell camera’s chime louder. If you or a loved one has trouble hearing doorbell chimes, we would definitely recommend getting the ADT Extender + Chime. It also makes your Wi-Fi signal go farther and increases your cameras’ battery life.
General questions
Is ADT Self Setup the same as ADT?
ADT Self Setup is ADT’s version of a DIY security system. Instead of a professionally installed security system, it offers security equipment that can be easily installed by just about anyone.
You can learn more in our comparison of ADT and ADT Self Setup.
Did ADT Self Setup used to be called something else?
Yes, ADT Self Setup used to be called Blue by ADT. Prior to that, before ADT bought it, it was LifeShield.
Does ADT Self Setup have professional monitoring?
Yes. Like its parent company, ADT Self Setup offers professional monitoring.
Does ADT Self Setup have its own monitoring centers?
Yes, sort of. It uses ADT-owned monitoring centers. ADT has nine monitoring centers located around the country. ADT Self Setup also practices redundant monitoring, which means when one monitoring center goes down (maybe because of a computer malfunction), monitoring is routed to another monitoring center. So you’re always covered. Centers are also backed up with generators so they can work through power outages.
Does ADT Self Setup require a landline?
Nope. It uses a cellular connection to link your system with the monitoring site. With cellular, you don’t need to worry about the extra cost of a landline or loss of landline service during a storm.
Where can I find ADT Self Setup cameras’ video footage?
Videos can be viewed on the ADT+ app. You can get the app from Google Play or the Apple Store. ADT Self Setup also allows users to view camera footage by logging into its customer portal on the website.
How much internet speed do I need to use an ADT Self Setup system?
According to ADT internet requirements, you need upload speeds of 2.5 Mbps per video doorbell and 2 Mbps for each camera. So if you have two doorbells and two cameras, you need an upload speed of 9 Mbps—and that's on top of requirements for any other devices connected to your home network.
Don't know your internet speed?
Download this free internet speed test on the App Store or Google Play.
Need more speed? Check out the fastest internet providers for 2023.
Compare the fastest home internet providers
Carrier | Plan | Monthly price | Best for | Max advertised speeds | Learn more |
| Gig-speed internet | $50/mo.* | Fast download speeds | Up to 3,000 Mbps | View plans | |
| 1 Gig Fiber internet | $64.99/mo.** | Fast upload speeds | 940/880 Mbps | View plans | |
| Gigablast | $99.99/mo. | Working from home | 1Gbps | View plans |
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer. Exclusions may apply.
*With Xfinity Mobile Unlimited phone line. Requires compatible gateway.
**Limited time offer with autopay and any existing Verizon mobile plan.
Compatibility
Is ADT Self Setup home security compatible with Nest thermostats?
Yes, ADT Self Setup is compatible with a number of Nest smart home products including Google Nest Thermostat. Even better, syncing is easy. Use these steps to connect ADT Self Setup with your Nest products:
- Open the Google Home App.
- Tap +.
- Choose Set Up Device.
- Select Works with Google.
- Pick ADT Self Setup from the list.
- Follow the on-screen steps.
Are ADT devices compatible with ADT Self Setup devices?
You would think so, but no. Unfortunately, if you already have ADT equipment, the devices will be useless with a ADT Self Setup system.
Are ADT Self Setup devices compatible with LifeShield systems?
Just the cameras. You can only use ADT Self Setup cameras with LifeShield systems. Other ADT Self Setup products can’t be used with LifeShield.
Money concerns
How much is ADT Self Setup a month?
You can get a month-to-month monitoring plan for just $19.99 per month. This is quite a bit cheaper than other security companies like Vivint and Frontpoint.
Does ADT Self Setup require you to sign a contract?
No, ADT Self Setup doesn’t require its customers to sign a home security contract, which we love. We wish its parent company, ADT, would follow suit.
Does ADT Self Setup have a return policy?
If you don’t like ADT Self Setup, you can opt out in your first 30 days. ADT has to receive the equipment back 60 days after your purchase before it will process a refund.
How ADT Self Setup compares to other security systems
Brand | Installation | Monthly cost | Best for | Starter equipment price | Contract required | Smart home compatibility | Learn more |
| Professional | $29.99/mo. | Best professional home security | $599.00 | No * | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave | View packages | |
| DIY or Pro | $19.99/mo. | Best DIY home security | $245.00 | No | Amazon, | View packages | |
| Professional | $28.99/mo. | Most trusted security brand | $0.00 | Yes | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave | View packages | |
| DIY | $20.00/mo | Best budget-friendly pick | $199.99 | No | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave | View on Amazon | |
| DIY or Pro | $24.99/mo. | Best quality DIY equipment | $129.00 | No | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave | View packages |
Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
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Disclaimer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
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Written by
Alina Bradford
Alina is a safety and security expert that has contributed her insights to CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, and many others. Her goal is to make safety and security gadgets less mystifying one article at a time. In the early 2000s, Alina worked as a volunteer firefighter, earning her first responder certification and paving the way to her current career.Her activities aren’t nearly as dangerous today. Her hobbies include fixing up her 100-year-old house, doing artsy stuff, and going to the lake with her family.
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