How to Cancel Your Home Security Service by Brand (2026 Guide)

Last updated August 2026

Introduction

Cancelling your home security service is one of the most searched topics in the industry. Over 2,400 people search for cancellation guidance every month. Yet most security companies do not make it easy. Whether you are switching providers, moving, or simply cutting costs, this guide walks you through the cancellation process for every major brand. We will cover contract terms, early termination fees (ETFs), what happens to your equipment, and alternatives to cancellation you may not have considered.

Before You Cancel: Consider These Alternatives

Before going through the hassle of cancellation, consider these options that might solve your problem without the fees or hassle:

Downgrade your plan — Many providers let you drop to a cheaper monitoring tier while keeping your equipment active.
Switch to self-monitoring — SimpliSafe, Ring, and Abode all offer free self-monitoring options. You keep alerts and app control without the monthly bill.
Pause your service — Some providers allow temporary suspension for 1-3 months (ideal if you are traveling or between homes).
Transfer your service — Moving? Many companies let you transfer service to a new address or even to the new homeowner.
Switch to a no-contract provider — Instead of cancelling entirely, consider switching to a system with no long-term commitment like Cove, Eufy, or a SimpliSafe or Ring Alarm starter kit.

How to Cancel SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe is one of the easiest services to cancel because there are no contracts. You can cancel anytime without penalties.

Method: Call 1-888-957-4675 or use live chat on their website
Contract: None — cancel anytime
Early termination fee: $0
Equipment: Yours to keep
Refund: Prorated refund for prepaid monitoring within 60 days
Timeline: Effective immediately or at end of billing cycle Pro tip: If you are within your 60-day money-back guarantee window, you will get a full refund on monitoring and can return equipment for a full equipment refund too.

How to Cancel Ring Alarm

Ring Alarm has no contracts, making cancellation straightforward.

Method: Open the Ring app, go to Menu > Account > Monitoring > Cancel Monitoring
Contract: None — cancel anytime
Early termination fee: $0
Equipment: Yours to keep
Refund: Prorated for prepaid monitoring
Timeline: Effective immediately Note: Cancelling monitoring does not affect your Ring cameras or doorbells — they continue to work for live view and notifications. You will lose professional monitoring, cellular backup, and extended video history.

How to Cancel Cove

Cove has no contracts and offers one of the best money-back guarantees in the industry.

Method: Call customer service or email [email protected]
Contract: None — cancel anytime
Early termination fee: $0
Equipment: Yours to keep
Refund: Full refund within 60 days of activation. Prorated after 60 days.
Timeline: Effective at end of billing cycle Pro tip: Cove’s 60-day money-back guarantee is double what most competitors offer. If you are within that window, request a full refund.

How to Cancel ADT

ADT is the most difficult provider to cancel due to their 36-month contract (24 months in California).

Method: Call 1-800-ADT-ASAP (1-800-238-2727)
Contract: 36 months for financed Professional Install systems
Early termination fee: 75% of remaining balance (e.g., 12 months left at $45/mo = $405 ETF)
Equipment: Yours to keep (you paid for it)
Refund: Within 6-month money-back guarantee for Pro Install
Timeline: Typically 30 days notice required How to avoid the ETF:

Move to a new home — ADT’s Mover’s Program lets you transfer service
Military deployment — SCRA protections may waive ETF
Service issues — Document repeated service failures and escalate to retention
Switch to ADT Blu (DIY) — Converts to no-contract DIY service Check Price on ADT

How to Cancel Vivint

Vivint’s cancellation policy depends on how you paid for equipment.

Method: Call 1-800-216-5232
Contract: No contract if equipment paid upfront. If financed: agreement until equipment is paid off.
Early termination fee: Remaining equipment balance (if financed)
Equipment: Professional uninstall may be required for financed systems
Refund: Within 3-day cooling-off period (varies by state)
Timeline: Usually 30 days notice Important: If you paid for equipment upfront, you can cancel monitoring anytime with no penalty. If you financed through Vivint’s FlexPay, you must pay the remaining equipment balance. A professional technician will need to remove the equipment for financed systems.

How to Cancel Abode

Abode makes cancellation easy with no contracts on self-monitoring.

Method: Log into web app > Account Settings > Subscription > Cancel
Contract: None for self-monitoring. Month-to-month for Pro Plan.
Early termination fee: $0
Equipment: Yours to keep
Refund: Prorated for unused Pro Plan days
Timeline: Effective immediately Note: Cancelling Pro Plan reverts you to the free self-monitoring tier. You keep basic app functionality, push notifications, and automation rules. You lose cellular backup, video storage, and premium features.

Cancellation Comparison Table

Brand	Contract	Cancellation Method	ETF	Keep Equipment	Refund Policy
SimpliSafe	None	Phone or chat	$0	Yes	60-day full refund
Ring Alarm	None	In-app	$0	Yes	Prorated
Cove	None	Phone or email	$0	Yes	60-day full refund
ADT Pro	36 months	Phone (1-800-238-2727)	75% remaining	Yes	6-month guarantee
ADT Blu	None	Phone or chat	$0	Yes	Prorated
Vivint	None*	Phone (1-800-216-5232)	Equipment balance	May need uninstall	3-day cooling off
Abode	None (self)	Web app	$0	Yes	Prorated Pro Plan
Frontpoint	36 months	Phone	Varies	Yes	Varies

No contract if equipment paid upfront. FlexPay requires payoff.

What to Do With Your Equipment

After cancellation, you have several options for your security equipment:

Keep and reuse — Most wireless sensors and cameras work independently. You can reuse them with a new provider (check compatibility) or use them as standalone devices.
Sell it — List on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist. Expect 30-50% of retail value for used equipment in good condition.
Transfer to new homeowner — If you are selling your house, leave the system and transfer the account. Some buyers appreciate a pre-installed security system.
Donate — Local shelters, community centers, or Habitat for Humanity may accept working security equipment.
Recycle — Electronics recyclers can properly dispose of old security equipment. Best Buy and Staples accept electronics for recycling.

Bottom Line

The easiest way to cancel your security service is to not have a contract in the first place. If you are currently locked into ADT or Vivint, consider switching to a no-contract provider like SimpliSafe, Ring, or Cove rather than cancelling outright. You will avoid ETFs, keep your flexibility, and likely save money on monitoring too. Before making any moves, always call your provider’s retention department — they often have unadvertised discounts and solutions that are not publicized on their websites.

Frequently asked questions

Will cancelling my security system affect my home insurance discount?

Yes, potentially. Many insurers offer 5-20% discounts for monitored security systems. If you cancel professional monitoring, notify your insurance company as you may lose the discount. Self-monitoring may still qualify for a smaller discount with some insurers.

Can a security company refuse to let me cancel?

No, they cannot legally refuse cancellation. However, they can enforce contract terms including early termination fees. If you are out of contract, you can cancel anytime. If you believe fees are unfair, file a complaint with your state attorney general or the Better Business Bureau.

What happens if I just stop paying my security bill?

Stopping payment without officially cancelling can result in continued charges, late fees, damage to your credit score, and possible collection activity. Always cancel officially in writing and get confirmation. If disputing charges, document all communications.

Can I cancel within a cooling-off period?

Most states provide a 3-day cooling-off period for home security contracts sold door-to-door. Some providers offer extended guarantees — SimpliSafe and Cove offer 60-day money-back guarantees, and ADT offers 6 months for professional install. Check your contract for specific terms.

Do I need to return equipment when I cancel?

For most DIY systems (SimpliSafe, Ring, Cove, Abode, Eufy), the equipment is yours to keep. For professionally installed systems (ADT Pro, Vivint with financing), the company may require removal of certain components, especially if equipment was subsidized or financed.