25 Feb Top Questions about ADT Command Home Security Systems
We get lots of phone calls asking these questions about ADT Command, so we decided to do a blog post about them.
Most of these questions are going to assume that you have an ADT Command System. If your question isn’t on this list, please look here at the list of frequently asked questions. We also have a page for ADT Pulse Frequently asked questions here. 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. For general information on ADT Command, click here.
LIST OF QUESTIONS & TOPICS
Arming and Disarming
How do I Arm and Disarm my system using my ADT Command Smart Security Panel?
Arming and disarming your system with the touchscreen, including setting up custom scenarios, is easy. Follow these steps for the different options:
Arm Away
- Tap Arm Away.
- Enter your User Code
At this point, the countdown for you to exit before your system arms will start. Note: You can only do silent arming from the ADT Control app, not the panel or accessories.
Arm Stay
- Tap Arm Stay.
- Enter Entry Delay if desired, then enter your User Code. After you hear the panel status announcement, the countdown will be silent.
Night Stay
Night Stay can arm your exterior doors and windows to instant status. So if someone opens one of them, the alarm will sound without any delay.
- Tap Arm Stay.
- Tap Night Stay.
- Enter your User Code. After you hear the panel status announcement, the countdown will be silent.
Arm Custom
Arming Custom allows you to bypass up to five of your system’s sensors. For instance, if you want to keep your back door open to let your dog have access to the back yard, you can bypass that sensor. Here’s how to customize:
- Tap the Arm Custom icon.
- Tap the zone(s) you want bypassed (five maximum).
- Then Tap the words Arm Custom at the bottom right of the screen.
- Enter your User Code.
Disarming Your Panel
- Tap Disarm.
- Enter your User Code.
To use Quick Exit when your panel is in Arm Stay and you need to leave quickly without fully disarming your system, simply tap Quick Exit. You won’t need to enter a code.
How do I see a screen snapshot taken by my ADT Command Smart Security Panel when someone disarms the system?
When someone disarms your system, the Command panel takes a screen grab of the event so you can see who disarmed the system. Here’s how to check for those snapshots:
- Tap the Right Arrow on the home screen to the Tools icon.
- Tap the Tools icon.
- Then Tap Events.
- You’ll see a list of system events, including panel-disarm snapshots. Tap on an event to see the snapshot.
How do I arm and disarm my panel from the Control app?
To arm
- Tap the Shield icon to arm your panel.
- You have the option of tapping Silent Arming or No Entry Delay, and you can also select Arm (Stay) or Arm (Away) depending on whether you’re going to be home or out.
To disarm
- Tap the Shield icon to disarm your panel.
How to Use the Emergency Panic Buttons on your ADT Command System
If you are wanting to see how to set off the emergency panic buttons on your ADT Command system this help video taken from the keypad will show you how to do it. You can select Fire, Police, or Personal as the emergency and get the ADT Monitoring Station to help you right away. You just have to select the exclamation mark on the top right of the keypad. Then select which type of emergency it is. Hold it down for 2 seconds.
Connection
How do I bypass a sensor on my system?
To bypass a sensor, first be sure your system is disarmed. You can’t bypass a sensor if it’s armed. Note that you can never bypass fire zones. Also note that a bypassed sensor will reset the next time the panel is disarmed. So if you want to bypass the same sensor the next time you arm your system, you’ll have to go through one of the below sets of steps again:
On the ADT Command Secondary Color Touchscreen Keypad using the Zones icon
- Tap the Zones icon on the home screen.
- Tap the zone(s) label you want to bypass (five maximum).
- Then Tap Bypass.
- Enter your User Code.
On the ADT Command Secondary Color Touchscreen Keypad using the Arm Custom icon
- Tap the Arm Custom icon.
- Tap the zone(s) label you want to bypass (five maximum).
- Then Tap the words Arm Custom at the bottom right of the screen.
- Enter the User Code.
On the ADT Command Wireless Alphanumeric Keypad
- Enter the 4-digit User Code, then the Bypass key [6], followed by the 3-digit zone number for each one you want to bypass. (You can bypass up to five zones at a time; no pause is needed between zone numbers.)
- Wait for the touchpad to display a “Bypass” message for each zone number.
- Optional: to view the bypassed zones before you arm your system, enter your User Code and press the Bypass key [6].
- Arm the system as usual.
How do I test my system’s connection to the ADT Central Station?
We recommend you perform a system test once a month just to make sure your system is working properly and we’re receiving signals at our monitoring centers. Here’s how to perform a test:
On the ADT Command Secondary Color Touchscreen Keypad
- Tap the right arrow on the right side of your screen to scroll to the next set of icons.
- Tap Tools icon and enter the Master User code.
- Then Tap the Advanced icon.
- Tap the Comm. Test icon.
- When your panel has finished the test, you’ll see a result on the “Passed” line, for example:
- Pending:
- Passed: Cellular Communications Tset, Broadband Connection
- Test Failed:
Note if test fails, please contact ADT at 1.800.ADT.ASAP.
How do I set up geo-services?
ADT Command works with the ADT Control app to use geo-fencing technology to sense when you’re getting close to or leaving your home. This capability allows you to set up automations related to when you arrive or depart. To take advantage of geo-services, follow the simple steps below. For more information on geo-gencing check our our blog post here!
Enable geo-services on one or more phones
- Log into the Control app from your iPhone or Android device.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap to Enable Geo-Services.
View and manage geo-fences
- Log into your web portal.
- Click Settings.
- Click Geo-Services to view and edit Geo-Fences. A “Home” Geo-Fence is created by default around your security system address.
- Use the “Set up Geo-Features” links to quickly create geo-fence-triggered Reminders.
- You can also apply geo-service settings to existing Rules and Notifications in the web portal.
My camera appears offline. What do I do?
First, confirm your camera is plugged in and receiving power. Next, make sure your Wi-Fi connection shows Internet activity. If your camera still isn’t recognized, call 800-ADT-ASAP for help.
My ADT Command/Control system appears offline. What should I do?
If you log into ADT Control (control.adt.com) and see “Status Unavailable” or a graphic indicator that the system is offline, make sure all your ADT equipment is plugged in, then wait a couple minutes and try the system again. If that doesn’t work or you need help, call 800-ADT-ASAP.
I seem to be having a connection issue with ADT Control. What troubleshooting steps can I take?
If you log into the ADT Control app and see “Status Unavailable” or a graphical indicator that the system is offline, make sure all your ADT equipment is plugged in, wait a couple minutes and try the system again. If that doesn’t work or you need help, call 800-ADT-ASAP.
Why is my optional secondary 7″ touchscreen showing “Please Standby”?
Your touchscreen may be out of range of the panel. Check how close you are to your panel, make sure your Internet connection is good and check your security system status. If your touchscreen continues to show “Please Standby” when it’s close to the panel, and the security system is operating properly and your Internet is connected, please call 800-ADT-ASAP for help.
How to connect your ADT Command System to WiFi
If you need to connect your ADT Command system to WiFi this video will show you how step by step. It is the same video that can be seen on your ADT Command Keypad under the tools videos section. If you select tools and then wifi then you can scan for your network and enter your wifi password. Then select ok and you will see a blue check next to your wifi network. Then you can see your signal strength on the home screen on the top left.
Features and Compatibility
Is ADT Command Compatible with ADT Pulse? (Includes Compatible Cameras.)
ADT Command uses the ADT Control App which is separate from the ADT Pulse App. Furthermore, it uses upgraded ADT Command equipment that only works with the ADT Command system. Both the ADT Pulse app and equipment do not connect to the new ADT Command System. See compatible equipment here.
Compatible Cameras:
- ADT Command Indoor HD Camera RC8326
- ADT Command OC835-ADT Outdoor Night HD Camera
- ADT Command Dome Camera MDC835
- ADT Command Video Doorbell
Compatible Cameras – Not sold or serviced by ADT:
Outdoor-
- 2.1 Outdoor Wireless IP Camera
- Alarm.com 1080P Bullet Camera
- Alarm.com 1080P Dome Camera
- Alarm.com Long Range Outdoor Bullet Camera
- Alarm.com Turret Camera
- Alarm.com Skybell HD Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera
- Alarm.com Slim Line Doorbell Camera
Indoor-
How do I disable and enable Chimes on my system? How do I adjust the volume of panel tones?
On the ADT Command Smart Security Panel
- Tap the right arrow to get to the Tools icon.
- Tap the Tools icon and enter Master User Code.
- Then Tap the Settings icon
- Drag the slider to the right or left on the Volume bar to adjust the volume.
- Select Chime to mute chimes and voice announcements (highlighted [blue] button indicates active, dimmed [gray] button indicates that Chimes and voice announcements are muted).
Note: Keep in mind that even if you turn the chime on you might not hear anything if chimes are not enabled in the programming. Initially systems are being installed with a default of having chime disabled in programming. If the installer does not enable them in programming you will not be able to hear a chime from your keypad. Also, initially there are not different options for the chime sound, but future updates should have different options.
With the ADT Command Wireless Alphanumeric Keypad or ADT Command Hybrid Wired Keypad
To reach Chime Mode so you can turn chimes on and off, enter the Master User Code then tap 9.
Note: When you enter codes and commands, you must make sequential taps within 10 seconds of one another. If a full 10 seconds goes by between taps, the entry will cancel and you’ll need to start the sequence over from the beginning. If you make a mistake while entering a User Code, press the * key to start over. Always use the * key to clear the previous entries or you may enter an incorrect code.
With the ADT Command Secondary Color Touchscreen Keypad
Note: Chimes and volume settings on the optional secondary 7″ touchscreen apply ONLY to optional screen, and NOT to your security system’s main panel.
-
- Tap the Settings icon, then drag the slider to the right or left on the Volume bar to adjust the volume.
- Select Chime to mute Chimes and voice announcements (highlighted [blue] button indicates active, dimmed [gray] button indicates that Chimes and voice announcements are muted).
Here is also the how to video on the keypad:
The display on my ADT Command Secondary Color Touchscreen Keypad won’t turn off. Why?
There are several system conditions that can cause your touchscreen to stay on, and that may need your attention, including:
- System is in Programming Mode.
- The backup battery isn’t fully charged.
- A Help Video is playing.
- An Entry/Exit countdown is in progress.
- System is in “Walk Test” mode.
- System is in “Communication Test” mode
How do I check sensor battery status on my Command panel?
Sensor batteries should be changed according to the manufacturer’s instructions for each device. You can view the device power status on both the Command 7″ touchscreen and optional secondary 7″ touchscreen. Here’s how:
- From the home screen, tap Zones.
- Enter your User Code.
- A list of devices installed on your security system will appear, with a battery-bar status icon next to each name.
- Use the up and down arrows to scroll through your devices.
How do I check sensor batteries in the Control app?
You’ll see low batteries as a trouble condition on your home screen in the Control app. Tap the trouble icon to see a list of devices with a low-battery condition.
Why am I not receiving push notifications?
Only site owners are initially able to enroll devices for push notifications. To set up additional users to receive notifications, follow these steps:
Using the website
- Log into the website.
- Click Notifications.
- Click + New Notification to create a new notification or click the pencil icon for an existing notification to update.
- To choose notification recipients, click + Add Recipient.
- Click to select the entries in the Address Book to be notified or click + New to add a new Address Book entry.
- Once you’ve selected all the desired recipients, click Close.
- Verify all recipients are correct, then click Save.
Using the app
- Log into the app.
- Tap the hamburger menu.
- Tap Notifications.
- Then Tap Manage Notifications.
- Tap + Add to create a new notification or tap an existing notification to update.
- To choose notification recipients, tap + Add Recipient.
- Click to select the entries in the Address Book to be notified or click + Add Contact to add a new Address Book entry.
- Once you’ve selected all the desired recipients, click Close.
- Verify all recipients are correct, click Save.
Notes: You’ll need to separately register each phone or tablet that you want to have access for push notifications. Once registered, each device must have the Push Notifications toggled On in the app. To avoid duplicate alerts, make sure to turn off text message alerts once you’ve successfully enabled push notifications on the web portal.
What tools are available on the Command Panel?
User: Set user controls.
– Add, Edit, and Delete
– Change Authority levels, Partition, user Code
Settings:
– Change Brightness
– Panel Volume
– Chime Controls (This is not the sensor chime option. To activate Chime, you must turn on in sensor programming and turn on at the panel)
– Screen Shutoff/timeout
– Clean Screen lock
Advanced:
– System Reboot
– Walk Test
– Find my touchscreen
– System Shutdown
– Communication Test
– Update Keyfob Firmware
Amazon Alexa – Amazon Alexa Guard
– Voice feature controls. This feature is only available on the panel at this time.
Voice Command
– Command and Trigger sensitivity Events
– View all events & Panel Disarm photos here
Wi-Fi
– Manage Wi-Fi network connection
Help Videos for customer
– Arm & Disarm
– Emergency Panics
– Wi-Fi
– Panel Overview
– User Management
– Chime
– Automation
Other Features:
Is ADT Command Compatible with Z-Wave?
ADT Command is compatible with all Z-wave enabled devices. In fact it is the only lighting which is compatible with ADT Command.
Although ADT Command is compatible with Alexa and other smart home equipment, This system does not include the same compatibility as those devices. For example, Alexa is compatible with Zigbee lighting, however ADT Command is not. It must go through Z-wave smart devices. For more information on what Z-wave is, click here.
How To
How do I view How-To videos on my optional ADT Command Secondary Color Touchscreen Keypad
- Tap the right arrow on the right side of your screen to scroll to the next set of icons.
- Tap the Tools icon.
- Enter the Master User code.
- Tap the Help Videos icon.
- Tap the Video icon for the topic you want to learn about.
How do I view How-To videos on my Command 7″ touchscreen panel?
You can do a lot with the new ADT Command touchscreen, including controlling your security system and smart home devices. Here’s how to find How-To videos that will help you use Command to its full capabilities.
- Tap the right arrow on the right side of your screen to scroll to the next set of icons.
- Tap the Tools icon.
- Enter the Master User code.
- Tap the Help Videos icon.
- Tap the Video icon for the topic you want to learn about.
How do I add a new User to my Command security system using the Control portal?
You can add new Users, and manage existing ones, through your web portal. Here’s how:
- Log onto www.control.adt.com with your username and password.
- Using the menu on the left, click Users.
- Click Add User near the top of the screen.
- Enter the first name and last name and an email or cell phone number if desired.
- Enter Access Points you want to allow the new user to have.
- If you select Panel Access, you must enter a User Code.
- If Lock Access is selected, you must enter a User Code.
- Then if you select both Panel Access and Lock Access, you can use a single code for both.
- Once you type an Access Code, a Schedule selection will appear. Set the desired access times.
- Click Save.
How do I add a camera to my system?
Your ADT Command system can handle up to 40 cameras. But before you add it to your ADT system, you have to add the camera to your Wi-Fi network. Follow these steps:
- Log into the control.adt.com portal.
- Select Video from the left navigation.
- Select Settings from the available options.
- Then select the appropriate camera from the list of devices.
- Follow the onscreen instructions for your applicable device.
How do I automate lights, locks and thermostats?
From the web portal, click Automation in the main menu.
- Select Rules if you want to set a device to act according to a Trigger activity (such as the front door automatically locking when the panel is set to Arm Stay).
- Select Schedules if you want a device or a light to turn on and off at set times during the day (or for the thermostat to adjust temperatures).
- Then select Scenes if you want to group automations together as a set (such as creating a Goodnight scene that sets the panel to Arm Stay, locks the doors, closes the garage door, adjusts the thermostats and turns on exterior lights).
- Click the + Add New label to begin configuring Rules, Schedules or Scenes.
Video
How much video can I store with my ADT Control system?
Video storage is based on your service plan and number of clips stored and uploaded(click here fore more information). Generally speaking though, you will have 6K clips uploaded/stored per mo for command.
Who has access to my camera and recorded clips and images?
ADT takes your privacy very seriously. Only users who the system owner has specified can view live video or review clips and images. ADT doesn’t have access to those images and we don’t share them.
Here is also a video on how to manage users:
Can I adjust the default clip length my camera records?
Yes, for camera-triggered events. Just go to Video Settings and adjust the length of time there under Saved Video Settings. System-triggered clip length is not editable (such as an activated security sensor when the panel is Armed).
Can I answer my doorbell through my Control app and web portal?
You can only answer your doorbell through the app. You can also start a doorbell call and view the camera video from the doorbell at any time.
Terry Warren
Posted at 17:52h, 10 JuneDoes the ADT Command support Ring Video cameras?????
admin2
Posted at 08:28h, 11 JuneNo Ring does not really work well with other brands. Amazon owns them and wants all your business. So if you have Ring products you are destined to having multiple apps vs one app for everything.
Leah Parrish
Posted at 20:48h, 23 JulyA standard user is not able to access the live camera. from the app, but they receive notifications. How can I give my standard user this permission?
Also what is a partition master?
admin2
Posted at 10:41h, 25 JulyYou should be able to give them a higher permission so they can view cameras as well. A partition master is like an admin and able to add and delete users
johnny hearn
Posted at 08:24h, 04 JanuaryIt seems the latest version of the ADT Command interface doesn’t allow scheduling. Are you seeing this as well? I really would like to have my ADT Command alarm to turn off at exactly 6am every day without me being there to to turn off the alarm myself. Thoughts or workaround on this statement :
“Select Schedules if you want a device or a light to turn on and off at set times during the day (or for the thermostat to adjust temperatures).” ?
How do I automate lights, locks and thermostats?
From the web portal, click Automation in the main menu.
Select Rules if you want to set a device to act according to a Trigger activity (such as the front door automatically locking when the panel is set to Arm Stay).
Select Schedules if you want a device or a light to turn on and off at set times during the day (or for the thermostat to adjust temperatures).
Then select Scenes if you want to group automations together as a set (such as creating a Goodnight scene that sets the panel to Arm Stay, locks the doors, closes the garage door, adjusts the thermostats and turns on exterior lights).
Click the + Add New label to begin configuring Rules, Schedules or Scenes.
Kelsey McCallister
Posted at 10:54h, 06 JanuaryThat is correct. Alarm.com charges more for scheduled arm/disarm so either ADT will not offer it to you, or they will charge an additional $5/mo or so to add it. Maybe at some future time ADT will get alarm.com to include it but it does not right now.
Rod Tataryn
Posted at 22:48h, 14 AprilIt is stated above that “Chimes and volume settings on the optional secondary 7″ touchscreen apply ONLY to optional screen, and NOT to your security system’s main panel.” Volume yes, but unfortunately that’s not what happens with chimes. When I turn OFF or ON the tone or voice chimes on the secondary 7″ touchscreen, they also turn of the main command panel as well as my other optional 7″ touchscreen and vice-versa. The volume and brightness controls are independent for each unit but NOT THE CHIMES. If someone wants a door chime on the main panel, but not in the bedroom when they’re taking a nap it can’t be done. Why aren’t the chimes independent for each unit as stated? They 100% should be! Can this be updated in a future software version? PLEASE!
Sam Stephens
Posted at 23:26h, 09 JulyCan my wife and I both operate our system through apps on our own phones or is it only able to go off of mine?
admin2
Posted at 09:56h, 15 JulyYou can both use the app with the same login or even better create a separate login for her so you each have your own. While logged in go to users and then switch to login users and add her email address. Then she will get an email to create a password.
Jim Bo
Posted at 17:49h, 16 JulyDoes anyone know the ADT Installer code for the ADT Command panel? They want to charge me 105 bucks to come out and connect my thermostat plus $3 more monthly to enable this. Thanks
admin2
Posted at 10:57h, 20 JulyUnfortunately, there is no installer code or programming that can be done from the keypad. It can only be done remotely by an ADT technician.
Timmy
Posted at 22:38h, 30 JulyWill we have the ability to access live video and have 2-way conversations from the Command Panel or the secondary panel via the 2way audio/video wi-fi cameras? It would be nice if my house sitter can talk over thru the doorbell using one of the panels without needing the app.
Kelsey McCallister
Posted at 14:40h, 15 DecemberThat could be coming in a future update, but we don’t have any information on that at this time.
Timmy
Posted at 22:42h, 30 JulyFor all you google home assistant folks out there you can pair ADT (Alarm.com) to your Google Home. Just speak into your google home device:
Already got Google Home and Alarm.com and ready to go? Here’s how to get started.
First, enable the Alarm.com action by telling your Google Home: “Okay Google, talk to Alarm.com.”
Next, open the Google Home app. Enter your Alarm.com account login and password to sync your account. You’ll have the option to create your PIN as part of the setup process.
Ed Anderson
Posted at 05:30h, 18 AugustWhy do I get a cellular failure fault?
admin2
Posted at 08:34h, 25 AugustYou could have a poor cell signal in your area, or the cell signal was temporarily down. Best to call ADT and test your system if you havent. Or log into myadt.com and put the system on test yourself and then set off the alarm to see if the signal shows up on myadt.com
Amber Neal
Posted at 20:09h, 02 SeptemberWhat is no entry delay ?
Jacob Menke
Posted at 17:26h, 17 SeptemberThat means the alarm will sound instantly when a door is opened instead of giving you a delay.
Jenn Pate
Posted at 07:28h, 29 JuneIf a person didn’t want an indoor camera, Is there any negative consequences to covering the one that’s on the panel?
Jacob Menke
Posted at 18:58h, 01 JulyIt only captures pictures when armed and disarmed and the photos stay on the keypad, but you could put something over it if you wanted.
Charlene keeling
Posted at 09:05h, 18 AugustI’m showing a chime fault and can’t seem to remove it and my system won’t arm
Jacob Menke
Posted at 21:55h, 23 AugustI think your system has the chime turned on and fault means that a zone is open. Push * twice and it will tell you which one it is.