RobotPoweredHome is reader-supported. When you buy through links on my blog, I may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I had to upgrade my ADT sensor system, which was a few years past its prime, but the sensors had a tamper alert that protected them from being removed.
I knew there was a proper way to get these sensors removed without triggering the tamper alarm every time, so I went to the internet to find out how I could.
I went through a lot of support material from ADT, several technical articles, and user forum posts to understand how I could dismantle my alarm system the right way.
It took several hours for me to do enough research to come to a complete understanding, and that is how I created this article.
Hopefully, at the end of this article, you’ll know what you need to do to remove any ADT sensors in your home in minutes.
To remove your ADT sensor, disarm it, remove the silicone adhesive with acetone or a small knife, and pull the magnet out. Remove the sensor part by gently tugging it until it comes loose from the double-sided tape.
Continue reading to learn how to disarm zones before removing these sensors and how you can reinstall a new sensor.
Bypassing Control Zones
ADT sensor systems segment your home into control zones that contain multiple sensors and can be disabled individually before trying to remove them.
Regardless of the model of your ADT control panel, you can disable these zones individually, so do so for the zone whose sensors you are going to remove.
These control panels will need a security code and a zone code to access and disable the alarm zone that you are removing the sensors on.
You can refer to yourcontrol panel’s manualto see the exact steps on how you can disable each control zone.
Once you disable the zone where you want to remove the alarms, you can move on to physically remove the alarm sensors themselves.
Removing Wired ADT Sensors
To remove a wired ADT sensor, you’ll need first to get rid of the adhesive that lets the sensor stick to the wall.
The adhesive is usually silicone, heating it or using some silicone solvent like acetone or even WD-40.
Be careful while using acetone, though, since it can damage the finish or paint on your walls.
To heat the adhesive, a blow dryer is more than necessary, and once it is heated up to a temperature, it goes soft and becomes easy to remove.
When removing the adhesive using a knife or something else, be careful not to damage the wiring behind the sensor.
Once the adhesive is removed and the sensor unit is off the wall, disconnect the wires with a Philips head screwdriver and pull them back through the wall.
You can keep the wires there for future use, but insulate their exposed ends if you won’t be using them in a while, just in case.
Removing Wireless ADT Sensors
Removing a wireless ADT sensor is even easier. All you have to do is remove the adhesive either by heating it or using a non-destructive solvent like acetone in small amounts.
Take the sensor off and clean the surface so there isn’t a permanent mark on the wall, or prepare it for the replacement sensor.
Since these sensors don’t have wires, pull them out while taking care not to damage the wall it was stuck to.
Removing Recessed ADT Sensors
Recessed sensors can be difficult to remove, but you only need to use a plastic tool to pry the sensor out of its recessed space.
Be careful while doing so, though, and make sure you won’t be damaging the sensors themselves when removing them.
If the sensor is wired, be careful not to rip the wire out.
Reinstalling Sensors
ADT has contact repair kits that let you reinstall old or new sensors and includes all you need to install any ADT sensor in your home.
Order the self-replacement kit from ADT and follow the instructions below:
- Clean the surface you are installing the sensor on and the sensor itself with the alcohol prep pad.
- Apply the double-sided tape to the sensor and put pressure on it for 30 seconds.
- Make sure there is at least a 1/4 to a 1/2 inch space between the two parts of the sensor.
- Press and hold the magnet and the sensor on the surface for 30 seconds.
- Apply the silicone adhesive on the edges of the magnet part of the sensor to fix it in place.
After you reinstall the sensor, arm your ADT system and check if it has successfully connected and is ready to go.
Final Thoughts
ADT sensors are alright for installation and related user-friendliness, but there can be hiccups if you’re not careful.
If you aren’t confident about your DIY skills, I recommend getting a professional installer to do it for you.
You can get your old system replaced this way or get the system removed from your home altogether.
You May Also Enjoy Reading
- ADT App Not Working: How to Fix in minutes
- How to Stop ADTAlarm Beeping? [Explained]
- Does ADT Work With HomeKit? How To Connect
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cut ADT wires?
You should never cut any live wires connected to the system by taking proper precautions like turning off power and using the right equipment.
You can get a professional to handle the wires for you if you don’t have confidence.
What do you do with old ADT equipment?
After you finish your contract with ADT, they won’t be taking the equipment back.
You can choose to keep the equipment if you want.
Can you use ADT equipment without service?
You’ll need to be in a contract with ADT to use any of their cameras.
It is a part of their terms of service that lets you use their equipment.
Do ADT cameras always record?
ADT cameras always record 24/7 for security reasons.
These cameras will also alert you if it detects any movement and sends you a recording of that movement.
