10 Oct The Top 15 Questions about ADT Home Security Systems
We get lots of phone calls asking these questions about ADT, so we decided to do a blog post about them. No matter how good the installer does at explaining how to use the system or no matter how well the home owner listens, there are always going to be some things that you’ll want to know later when you really want to change your master code. Most of these questions are going to assume that you have a Honeywell Lynx alarm system. If your question isn’t on this list, please look here at the list of frequently asked questions. If it’s not there, please leave a comment or contact us and we will add it to a future version perhaps.
And if you don’t have an ADT Home Security System and want a quote, call us (1-800-871-2119) or go to our home page. This is an article for people that have a keypad that looks like the one below and some of the information can also be applied to safewatch pro 3000/vista panels.
1. How do I change my master code?
Whether you have a small business and had to let someone go that had the master code or if you recently went through a divorce, there will come a time when you may have to change the master code on your alarm system. You need to type all of these numbers quickly without pausing or it won’t work. First, you type your master code, then 802, then the new master code twice. Viola! It’s that easy!
2. How do I add a secondary code?
If you give out a secondary code to others, you won’t have to change your master code as often, if ever. Also, why not let your kids or employees pick their own special 4 digit code? To add the code, type the master code, then 803, then the code you want to add. To add another, substitute 804 for 803, or 805.
3. How do I remove a secondary code?
Repeat the same as above by typing in master code 803, then wait a few seconds to hear a beep. 03 is the user number. If you’re deleting user number 04, replace the 3 with a 4. Continue deleting up until user 7 or 8 if you’re having trouble deleting a secondary code.
4. How do I test my alarm system?
Call the monitoring station (ADTs is 1-800-238-2727) and let them know you want to test the system, or log onto myadt.com and put your system on test under the “my alarm” section. Then set off the alarm by either pushing a panic button(* and #), arming it, and then opening doors or any other device that causes it to go into alarm. Then call the central station back and verify they got the signals. If you don’t test your alarm monthly or at least every other month, there’s always a chance it’s not even connected. No one wants to pay for a monitoring service when they’re not even being monitored. The only way to know is for you to test it.
5. How do I arm my alarm system?
Ok, you should know this, but maybe you haven’t been using your system in a while, and you’re going on a trip and want to turn over a new leaf and start arming it. There are a few ways. The first way is to push the AWAY or STAY button on your keychain remote. The second way is to hold down the AWAY or STAY button on your keypad. And the third way is to type in the code and push AWAY or STAY afterwards.
6. How do I disarm my system?
Hopefully, you know this before arming it. Push the OFF button on your keychain remote or type in your code and push OFF on the keypad.
7. How do I arm the system without the motion detector?
Arm the system in the STAY mode. This usually means that the system has armed just the doors and windows. If your motion detector is armed in the STAY mode, then you will need to Bypass it.
8. How do I BYPASS a door or window or a motion?
Some people like to sleep with a window open. The easiest way to accomplish this is to open the window and see what zone number it is on the keypad. If it’s zone 05, for example, then you would want to type your code, then push 6, and then 05. After that, zone 05 is bypassed only for the duration of one arming and disarming. If you want to buy more door or window sensors, go here.
9. How do I lower the volume on my ADT security system keypad (Lynx)?
Press #, then 2, and then push 6 (the down arrow). To increase the volume, push #2 and then 3 (the up arrow). You can continue to push 3 or 6 to keep going up or down.
10. How do I turn the ringer on my keypad off (Lynx)?
The ADT Keypad called Quick Connect or Lynx has the ability to use it as a speakerphone. Push # + 2 + AUX to turn this off or to turn it back on.
11. How do I turn the chime on/off on my keypad?
Pushing # + 9 will turn the chime on or turn it off again.
12. How do I turn off the voice descriptions but keep the chime sound on?
Push # + 2 + OFF. To turn them back on, just increase the volume on the keypad.
13. How do I set the time or date?
If you haven’t set the time on the Lynx system, all you need to do is push your user code + # + 63. Then it will prompt you for those changes.
14. How do I test the motion detector?
Some people are very excited about their new alarm system and want to test it. Some want to see if they can crawl real slowly and make it past the motion detector somehow. The way that a wireless motion detector works is that after something triggers it, it goes to sleep for 3-5 minutes to conserve battery power. If it didn’t have this feature batteries, would need to be changed all the time instead of once every 5-10 years. So if you want to test your motion detector, make sure there has been no movement in front of it for the last five minutes. Then walk in front of it while the system is armed in the AWAY mode. Please make sure you call the central station before testing. If you want to purchase additional motion detectors, you can go here to buy them at a discount.
15. How do I change the delay time?
Some like to have lots of time to turn the alarm off when they get home and some want to have little to none. If you want to change the time it gives you to disarm the system once a door is opened, you will need to call us and schedule a technician to do it for around $200, or do a phone service call for $75 . You are not able to change the delay outside of programming.
Ok . . . if you made it through that list of the 15 most common questions, you’re now an expert, right? If you still have questions, please contact us.
selena freeman
Posted at 23:23h, 28 JanuaryWhen I push my away it doesn’t set, when I push for stay it works. How do do I reboot it to set for away?
admin
Posted at 00:11h, 29 JanuaryI would recommend asking your monitoring company Selena. When you push AWAY it should arm the same as when you push stay. You could try putting in your 4 digit code and then pushing away and see if that works or use your keychain as well if you have one. I am assuming you are referring to when you hold down away it will not arm. One thing to consider also is this. If you arm it in away mode and do not open and close a door the system will revert to stay mode. So it maybe doing this and all you have to do is open and close the front door. This is because usually you use away when you are not there so if you never leave when you arm the away mode it assumes you dont want the motion detector on. Hope this helps please call us if we can help further.
dirco
Posted at 10:33h, 29 JanuaryI have moved into a new house,the adt system was on the previous tenants name and i took over the payment plan,they did`nt give me the master code. the system is really old is there any other way for me to bypass the code or not?
i am now paying for a service i can not use. i would appreciate you`re response
kind regards Dirk
admin
Posted at 16:09h, 29 JanuaryDirk you can change the master code if you have the old one. If not you need the installer code (which means you may need a service call). If you have the installer code you can change the master code. I do not understand how/why you are paying for a contract in the other persons name. I would recommend having the contract in your name. Give me a call I can help you with this.
Mark
Posted at 03:13h, 31 JanuaryI just got an ADT Lynx Plus. I’d like to change some of the time delays, the name of one of the zones, maybe other settings. I was easily able to find copies of the installation and programming guides on the web. Can I just go ahead and make such changes, or does something have to be “synchronized” with the monitoring center, or would doing this myself violate some contractual terms with ADT, or is there some other grievious pitfall (other than screwing up the entries, which I think I can handle)?
admin
Posted at 05:45h, 31 JanuaryI am not sure about contractual terms, but making some changes is not a big deal and ADT would not even know if you made said changes. Like your delay time or the name of a zone. As long as they also have the name of the zone the way you want it you should be fine. Some settings can cause issues and prevent your alarm to not communicate etc…but worse case scenario you pay for a tech to come back and fix it. Just make sure you test your system with ADT after you make changes and make sure it works. And also make sure you write down what you change so you can change it back if it gives a bad result. for the record I never suggested you make said changes but I am still here to help give you suggestions or give you my take on it.
STACY
Posted at 14:06h, 05 FebruaryIf someone enters my house and asks me to shut my alarm off and i shut it off, how will ADT know I am in need of assitance and send help?
admin
Posted at 15:21h, 05 FebruaryYour alarm should have a duress code. The duress code is another 4 digit code to turn off the alarm like the master code. If you type in the duress code it appears that your alarm is disarmed just like your master code but it actually sends a duress signal to the monitoring station. If you do not have a duress code I recommend you call the monitoring station and have them walk you through a test to make sure you dont have one. Many times people have one and do not know they do. If you do not have one you can easily add one by changing user 08. If your master code was 1234 and you wanted your duress code to be 4321 you would type 1234-8-08-4321 into the honeywell keypad.
Dee
Posted at 06:17h, 13 FebruaryHow can I turn off the “beeps” when I arm my alarm in the stay mode? My dog really freaks out from the beeping noise. Thank you.
admin
Posted at 23:53h, 13 FebruaryDoes you system beep for the entire delay time? Does it do it when you type in your code and push stay, hold down stay, or push stay on your keyfob? You may want to try to use the instant arming that has no delay if needs be. do you have a user manual?
Dee
Posted at 22:46h, 15 FebruaryThanks for the info. I didn’t know about the instant arming. I pressed 2 then 4 and the alarm was armed without the delay or beeps.
Erin
Posted at 01:44h, 11 MarchI have been trying to lower the volume on my system with no luck. When I hit # 2 my system automatically sets the away alarm. Is there something else I should be doing?
Donna5
Posted at 07:49h, 17 MarchHi. I was wondering if there is any way to arm my system when I am home at night time sleeping without the motion detector going off when one of my family members are up walking around? Please and thank you 🙂
admin
Posted at 14:08h, 18 MarchIs your system a Honeywell Brand? If it is it should have a Stay button. If you arm the system with the stay button it should arm the doors and windows and not the motion detectors. (assuming you have door and window sensors).
Kate
Posted at 19:11h, 25 Marchi accidentily set an alarm off so i cancelled the alarm, but now it says my alarm system isnt ready to used and wont let me turn the alarm back on. the screen just says alarm cancelled.
admin
Posted at 01:56h, 04 AprilWhen your alarm goes off you must disarm it with your code twice to reset it. Once you do this it will say ready again.
Michelle
Posted at 03:47h, 19 JuneThank You! I set mine off this morning letting the dog out and was scared to attempt resetting with the kids asleep and a different display on the screen. Glad I googled and found you! Good to go now 🙂 Thanks!
Karen Klink
Posted at 01:49h, 31 MarchIs there a way to turn down the volume of the beeps when you press the buttons, but keep the volume of the voice turned up? We want the beeping lower, but still be able to hear the voice should the alarm go off. The alarm is still loud, however, the voice is pretty quiet now with the volume down. Does anyone know??
admin
Posted at 01:52h, 04 AprilYou can turn down the volume of the beeps but it will also turn down the voice description on the keypad. The alarm volume will always stay the same regardless of the volume of the chimes and voice descriptions.
Terry
Posted at 13:53h, 04 AprilThe previous owner installed an ADT system. We’ve had 5 or 6 false alarms this morning. I can key in and shut it off, but it sounds off again 5, 10 or 20 minutes later (with no set pattern or apparent trigger.) Is there a way to permanently shut-off the system? Any idea what is causing it to trip (seems to report as fire, but there is no fire.) Beep function on doors seems to be working just fine. Once I get it shut off to avoid hearing and sleep loss, I may consider how to best manage system moving forward…
admin
Posted at 15:28h, 04 AprilI would just power the system down by unplugging the transformer and unplugging the back up battery. Then if you want to use it or get monitoring call us.
roslyn
Posted at 21:57h, 12 Aprilhow can i add the description (e.g. “front door” or “LR window”) to the number that appears on the screen when a door or window is opened?
admin
Posted at 14:16h, 13 AprilIt is meant to be something that only a technician can do since it is in programming and pretty difficult. Do you have a keypad that has the ability to show alpha (words on the screen) next to the zone number? Older Lynx models before the plus and numeric keypads with the Vista are not going to have this feature.
Joe
Posted at 17:28h, 21 AprilPlease help. I like to go to bed late. And sometimes when it’s too hot or too cold, I like to open the window. However, my window is hooked up to the alarm. It has two magnetic cylinders that allow it to open slightly, but I need it to open more. So I figured out I could bypass that window. But how does the bypass work? One, do I bypass it right before we set the stay function? And when the window is bypassed, does the alarm still beep? Like when I open the bypassed window in stay or instant mode, will it still go, “*ding* *ding* *ding* window” because if it does, I’ll wake everyone up in the house. Please answer.
admin
Posted at 14:30h, 22 AprilThe bypass works by bypassing that zone or zones only for the period of one arming. After you disarm the system you will need to bypass it again if you want the system to ignore that zone or zones again.
While it is bypassed the system will ignore it and it will not make any noise since it will act as if that zone does exist. Hope that helps.
melisa
Posted at 03:21h, 23 Julyhelp my lynx plus is not responding. I received a phone call the person hung up and called right back, now my alarm has my phone line tied up, I tried to enter my code and disarm unit, but didn’t respond. says CC Modem Comm. the armed light is still on, however the unit is not responding to anything. I see in the manual it means its online with the central station computer, when I call they claim they need someone to come out to look, shouldn’t they be able to send some sort of signal to the unit to unlock it?
admin
Posted at 03:41h, 23 JulyIt should go back to normal, but if you want you can power it down by unhooking the transformer (plug) and unhooking the back up battery that is inside the keypad by pushing the tabs and opening the front cover. Then power it back up and it should be back to normal.
Jennifer Johanns
Posted at 21:10h, 26 AugustHi,
Does the system have a high pitch tone when the chime is one? When ever I have the chime on which I like so I know when the doors are opened and closed however even when the doors are not opening my dogs are still freaking out. Is there still some type of tone they may be hearing even when the doors are closed?
Thank you.
admin
Posted at 11:55h, 20 NovemberI have never heard of this before so I do not know for sure, but I think if your keypad doing that it maybe malfunctioning. See if you power the keypad down if they keep doing that.
Vicki Turner
Posted at 12:05h, 01 MarchHi Jennifer, Our dog has the same problem. We just had the Lynx Plus system put in yesterday and he is freaking out & shaking. We just disconnected the system today and am waiting for him to chill. What happened with you and your dog?
admin
Posted at 09:52h, 03 MarchI emailed Jennifer for you Vicki and this was her response. We had someone come out and they were not able to turn the volume down so unfortunately my dogs just had to work it out. It took about 3 or 4 and then they got used to it.
Hope this helps
Jennifer Johanns
Scott
Posted at 01:15h, 15 SeptemberI was used to an older Brinks keypad wherein I armed the system and then hit motion off, so I could roam freely. I see how to do this on the new ADT Safewatch Quickconnect Plus via the STAY feature. However, the description in the manual says “late arrivals can enter through the entrance door, without causing an alarm.” What are they considering an ENTRANCE DOOR? The concept does make much sense to me as the goal of setting the alarm in my old home was to be able to bypass window, walk the house without triggering motion, and having all remaining doors on INSTANT. What am I missing?
admin
Posted at 11:54h, 20 NovemberI think they are referring to having one door that has a time delay and the other doors have an instant delay. Depending on your preference and the technicians preference this could vary. Usually it is easier to have all doors on delay so it wouldnt matter which they enter from.
Marilyn Hartup
Posted at 20:59h, 07 OctoberWhen our security alarm is not armed it beeps every few seconds when the weather turns cold. So the other morning the temp dropped below 50 or so and the beeping started. What can we do?
admin
Posted at 23:10h, 07 OctoberI would check the back up battery. If the system is beeping it is trying to tell you something. If you push * twice it should give you the status. (If it’s a Honeywell system). It will probably say low battery on the keypad. It could also be a low battery in a wireless sensor. If so the keypad would say low battery and then the zone number. I sell both types of batteries on my site with. Free shipping. Hope that helps.
Marilyn Hartup
Posted at 18:25h, 08 OctoberThank you for the reply. Thought it was the battery so we installed a new one. Don’t know what else to do. Not a Honeywell, it is a DSC whatever that is…..
Angie
Posted at 12:01h, 21 OctoberI have a Safewatch Pro 3000. When my ex-husband moved out, he made one last dig and took the user’s manual with all the pertinent information written inside. I have a couple of zones that need attention (battery, etc) but I have no idea what sensor corresponds to what number being displayed. I have only glass break sensors on some windows, so I have no idea how to get those to display a zone number on the keypad. I need to identify them some way so I can create a new list. Ideas?
admin
Posted at 12:47h, 21 OctoberI would suggest you test your entire system and set off each device at a time so you can read from the keypad what number it is. You should be able to tap the glass break sensor with your fingernails or car keys to test it and set it off. If your system is being monitored make sure you call the central station to put it on test first. After each zone is tested you can write it down and make a new list. You can test by arming the system and setting off each zone once it arms. You could also use the test function on the system or the chime function on the system. The chime function allows you to open and close doors and windows to see which zone they are, but you would need to test the system to verify motions and glassbreaks are working accordingly
clay
Posted at 05:46h, 09 NovemberI forgot my disarm code. What should I do about disarming my code?
admin
Posted at 11:48h, 20 NovemberSorry the response took longer than usual. If you do not know your code to disarm your system you will need to have a service call or we could maybe do a tele-service-call over the phone that would cost less. I recommend you know what it is but you should be able to still arm and disarm if you have a keyfob or ADT Pulse.
Miguel
Posted at 18:27h, 19 NovemberHi, I have a pulse system installed, but I do not know how to set my alarm system on instant.
please help
Thanks
admin
Posted at 11:46h, 20 NovemberWhat is the brand of the alarm panel or keypad? Honeywell, DSC, or GE are the most common. And by instant do you mean that you want to stay inside and not have a countdown?
Troy
Posted at 13:26h, 24 FebruaryHow do I change the dialer number? That is, the number(s) that system dials.
admin
Posted at 14:02h, 24 FebruaryThe number the alarm system dials (if it uses a landline connection) is located in one of the fields in programming. An installer would need to do it for you unless you are familiar with programming. Also, you would need to know your installer code if you were to do it yourself.
Troy
Posted at 15:16h, 24 FebruaryMy system is a Safewatch Pro 2000. I have changed the dialer number but it dialing. How do I limit the number of times it dials. I am dialing a cell phone number. Thanks for the quick reply.
Troy
Posted at 15:18h, 24 Februarythe dialer uses a land line connection.
Troy
Posted at 14:18h, 24 FebruaryAlso, once I have changed the number(s) dialed, how do I get the system to stop dialing from the location dialed?
Rakesh prasad
Posted at 21:00h, 24 FebruaryI have a ADT system,I have a wireless window sensor keeps saying low battery I have changed couple batteries but it keeps saying low battery I tired of changing battery.
admin
Posted at 16:29h, 28 AprilIF you have replaced with the correct battery and it does not solve the issue you need a new window sensor.
dawnky
Posted at 18:04h, 26 FebruaryThe voice annoucements stopped working on my adt system a couple of days ago, any ideas on how to fix, only sound coming from speaker is white noise? Thank you
admin
Posted at 16:29h, 28 AprilUnfortunately this usually means that if you want the voice again you need to purchase a new keypad. Please let us know if we can help you.
Alan
Posted at 07:10h, 01 MarchOur alarm indicated a low battery in a specific window sensor. It was replaced with new alkaline batteries. It continued to indicate a low battery. Replaced with new batteries. Lasted for 2 days then returned stating same battery sensor was low. I replaced all 3 window sensors in that area just to be sure. No change. Does the window sensor need replaced?
admin
Posted at 16:28h, 28 AprilIt sounds like the sensors need to be replaced if you have replaced with the correct batteries and the issue has not been resolved. Sorry.
nickie crandall
Posted at 13:37h, 22 AprilSometimes when I set the away function and the system says “away” , about a minute later it starts beeping again and I have to run to turn it off & set it again otherwise the alarm goes off. Whats causing this? Do I have to have a technician come out?
admin
Posted at 16:21h, 28 AprilNickie it would seem to me that something is opened after it is armed in away and not closed. (or at least the system might see it that way) Also, when you arm the system in AWAY that means you are going away and turning on the motion detector. If you are home you should probably arm it in the STAY mode. I am not sure if you have a motion detector but most people do and what would set it off also.
Brenda L
Posted at 01:38h, 12 MayWhat does it mean when my key pad says message?
Paulo
Posted at 14:00h, 25 MayOur security alarm display says “CC Modem Communication” the User guide says wait cause the display would disappear in a few minutes, but the display has been up for 2 hours now and it doesnt disappear yet. What should I do?
admin
Posted at 17:00h, 25 MayCall your central station and do a test. That usually means the phone line is not working so the panel is not communicating.
amanda
Posted at 19:11h, 28 MayI don\’t know what model we have, but the control pad says Fault. We changed the batteries in the sensor, and have keyed in the code a couple times, but it won\’t go away. When we enter the code is says \”Disarmed check system\” over the speaker.
admin
Posted at 21:02h, 28 MayFault usually means that a door or window is open. Either that or the magnet is misaligned and just needs a small adjustment.
A
Posted at 07:04h, 04 AugustI replaced an entry door that had a sensor on it. I have put the sensor on the new door but now I can\’t get it to re-set so that I can use my system. Any suggestons?
admin
Posted at 10:06h, 04 AugustIs the wireless door sensor mounted backwards? There are two subtle lines showing where the magnet needs to line up with the sensor. If they are not facing the magnet or not lined up properly that would do it.
Jesse Elmer
Posted at 13:54h, 13 NovemberI have a lynx plus panel, unfortunately I also have a phone company that is out quite often. While I have the back-up cell card installed whenever the phone line is out the panel reads FC COMM FAIL and beeps consistently until the phone line is restored. Is there a way to silence this alert?
Zions Security Alarms
Posted at 17:56h, 14 NovemberYes you will need to have someone help change the programming so it doesnt look for a phone line anymore and relies on the cell radio only. We might be able to help you with a phone service call or we could help you get a technician out for a service call for that also.
T
Posted at 17:38h, 13 NovemberMy window glass zone says low battery. Can I arm my home until I replace the battery? Would it be better to I bypass the window glass zone instead and than arm my home.?
Zions Security Alarms
Posted at 18:10h, 14 NovemberYes you can always arm your home and bypass a zone if it will not let you arm it, but a sensor with a low battery should let you arm it normal still since the battery is just low not dead. You should have a week at least to change the battery before it dies. We have all the batteries in our shop under the battery category.
Jose A cunha
Posted at 00:51h, 12 FebruarySystem has been complaining about low battery on a motion transmitter, so I replaced it. But it still repeats the message, even though the sensor is obviously working with new batteries. Any way to reset or force it to poll the transmitters to realize the low battery state is gone?
Zions Security Alarms
Posted at 10:21h, 17 AprilYou could wait it out and it should clear. Or you could power cycle the system.
Jennifer Stroh
Posted at 02:31h, 21 FebruaryHello. I bought an ADT system and had to move. I was told to take everything, all door sensors and window sensors, not the system itself. I am not understanding How to get a new system. I am out of contract and own all equipment.
Zions Security Alarms
Posted at 10:16h, 17 AprilGive us a call and we can help Jennifer. You could sign up for a new service agreement and get the main panel for free or you could purchase it and stay month to month.
Spencer Pearson
Posted at 00:46h, 27 JanuaryI have a lynx plus panel, unfortunately I also have a phone company that is out quite often. While I have the back-up cell card installed whenever the phone line is out the panel reads FC COMM FAIL and beeps consistently until the phone line is restored. Is there a way to silence this alert?
admin2
Posted at 09:00h, 27 JanuaryYes if it is programmed for cell only it will stop doing that.