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How to Change ADT Battery (Step-by-Step)

James Elder
Last Updated on
by James Elder

Have you recently noticed a low battery notification on your ADT display? You may have heard a repeating beep every 30 seconds and need to know what it is.

The notification and the beeping can mean one of two things: your battery needs to recharge, or you need to replace it. Fully recharging the batteries may take up to 48 hours. While replacement may be required if the batteries are old and have passed their prime.

Using outdated batteries can interfere with your ADT’s regular operation and, in certain situations, prompt a false alert . Plus, if there’s a power outage, you won’t have a backup power source for your ADT security system to run on, and that’s a big no-no for your safety.

So how do you change an ADT alarm system battery? This article will explain all the necessary steps. We’ll also advise you on how to replace a battery on your keypad, smoke detectors, door, and window sensors. What’s more, you’ll learn how to recycle them!

How to Replace ADT Alarm System Battery

When a battery needs replacing, your ADT system will notify you in two ways: a ‘low battery’ alert from the keypad display and an occasional beeping sound from your alarm system.

A battery replacement is only necessary when the battery can’t self-charge within 48 hours. Battery life, according to ADT, is typically three years. However, usage and other factors, such as a colder climate, may affect it.

You must replace your outdated battery if you want to ensure 24/7 protection. Otherwise, your system will start to malfunction, send false alarms, and be unable to protect you during a power outage.

Replace ADT Alarm System Battery
Replace ADT Alarm System Battery

ADT alarm systems require one of the following batteries:

  • 12 volt, 4 Amp Hours Sealed Lead Acid battery
  • 12 volt, 5 Amp Hours Sealed Lead Acid battery
  • 12 volt 7 Amp Hours Sealed Lead Acid battery
  • 12 volt 8 Amp Hours Sealed Lead Acid battery

The ADT system model determines the type of battery you need. We recommend consulting the system’s handbook to determine your ADT model and the battery type it uses.

Once you have this information, order one directly from MyADT.com or an online retailer. When your replacement battery arrives, it’s installation time.

Step #1: Stop the Beep

The first thing you need to do before replacing the battery is to stop the beeping sound of your alarm system. To do that, go to your ADT keypad and press either the “OFF” or “#” on the keyboard.

Step #2: Put Your ADT System In Test Mode

Putting your system in test mode will keep false alarms at bay while you work on changing the ADT battery. Here’s how to put your ADT system into test mode:

  1. Go to MyADT.com and log in to your ADT account
  2. From the navigation bar on the left side, select “Alarm System”
  3. Click on the “System Test” tab
  4. From the dropdown, select how long you want the test mode to last
  5. Select “Test Mode”

All done!

Bonus tip: You can also contact ADT customer service to get your system tested. The number to call is 1-800-ADT-ASAP (1-800-238-2727).

Step #3: Locate Your ADT Panel Control Box & Transformer

After putting your system into test mode, locate your panel control box. It’s typically located in a utility room, cellar, or closet.

Pinpoint the transformer and disconnect it. The transformer is your alarm system’s primary power supply. It has a standard outlet and is usually located next to the panel box.

If there is a screw present on the transformer, remove it before unplugging. Meanwhile, your ADT panel may beep and show the warning “No AC.”

Step #4: Open Your ADT Panel Control Box & Remove the Old Battery

Open the control box using the key at the panel box’s cover.

Once you open it, disconnect the old ADT battery. To do that, pull the connector from the black battery terminal. It might be necessary to jiggle the connector slightly to loosen and detach it.

Next, repeat the same procedure with the connector of the red battery terminal.

Caution: To minimize the risk of fire, avoid touching any metal items to the battery’s terminals or the exposed ends of the connectors.

Step #5: Remove the Old Battery & Install the New Battery

After you’ve disconnected the old battery, it’s time to remove it from the control box panel. You should put the replacement battery in the same spot.

Remove any outer plastic wrap from both the new battery and connectors. Then, securely insert the black wire into the connector’s black terminal. In the same way, attach the red wire to the red terminal.

Step #6: Plug the Transformer into Power Source & Close the Panel Control Box

After you’ve put in your battery, it’s time to re-plug the transformer and, if required, re-screw it into the electrical outlet.

Once you’re done, close the panel box and lock it. It can take a while for the replacement battery to activate upon charging.

Step #7: Turn off Test Mode

Once you’ve completed every step outlined in the installation instructions, it’s time to turn off test mode. Make sure not to skip this step because your system will stay in “Test” mode and won’t be able to transmit messages to the central monitoring station in situations of emergency.

To exit “Test” mode, complete the following steps:

  1. Return to MyADT.com
  2. From the Navigation Bar, choose “Alarm System”
  3. Choose the “System Test” tab
  4. Choose “End Test Mode”

If you set the test mode to last for a specific time, you may just wait for that period to end — once it does, it will automatically turn off the test mode.

How to Replace ADT Keyboard Battery

Replacing the battery on your control panel is super easy. We chose the Simon XT panel model as a reference, but the process is essentially the same for other ADT control panel devices.

Replace ADT Keyboard Battery
Replace ADT Keyboard Battery

To begin, you’ll need a 6-volt, 1.2Ah battery and a head screwdriver. Put your system on test mode before starting.

  1. Go to MyADT.com and log in to your ADT account;
  2. From the navigation bar on the left side, select “Alarm System”
  3. Click on the “System Test” tab
  4. From the dropdown menu, select how long you want the test mode to last
  5. Select “Test Mode”

Unscrew the AC plug (transformer) from the outlet. Then, remove the screw located at the top of the ADT panel. Next, gently swing the keypad cover down. The system may beep when the keypad cover is open.

Examine the old battery. If you notice damage, such as a swollen or split casing, please contact ADT at 1-800-ADT-ASAP (1-800-238-2727).

Remove the old battery by pressing the retaining clips away from it. Disconnect the black, then red wires from the battery terminals.

Caution: Avoid touching metal items to the battery terminals or the open end of the connectors to avoid potential fire danger.

Install the new battery by reattaching the red and black wires on the terminals. Then, slide the new battery between the retaining clips and tuck the cables underneath.

Screw the top of the panel back in and plug the transformer back into the outlet (make sure to secure it with the screw).

Allow time for the new battery to charge and turn off test mode with the following steps:

  1. Return to MyADT.com
  2. From the Navigation Bar, choose “Alarm System”
  3. Choose the “System Test” tab
  4. Choose “End Test Mode”

How to Replace Door & Window ADT Sensor Battery

For this replacement, you’ll need a simple 3-volt battery. Also, make sure to put your system in test mode before starting.

  1. Go to MyADT.com and log in to your ADT account
  2. From the navigation bar on the left side, select “Alarm System”
  3. Click on the “System Test” tab
  4. From the dropdown menu, select how long you want the test mode to last
  5. Select “Test Mode”
Replace Door & Window ADT Sensor Battery
Replace Door & Window ADT Sensor Battery

Once test mode is all set, take the device and firmly press on the tab at the top. Then, remove the old battery and replace it with a new one. Finally, close the device and deactivate test mode.

  1. Return to MyADT.com
  2. From the Navigation Bar, choose “Alarm System”
  3. Choose the “System Test” tab

You are all done!

How to Replace ADT Smoke Detector Battery

Replace ADT Smoke Detector Battery
Replace ADT Smoke Detector Battery

For this final replacement, you’ll need a 3-volt battery and a flat-head screwdriver. Again, as with all the other replacements, make sure to put your system in test mode before starting.

  1. Go to MyADT.com and log in to your ADT account
  2. From the navigation bar on the left side, select “Alarm System”
  3. Click on the “System Test” tab
  4. From the dropdown menu, select how long you want the test mode to last
  5. Select “Test Mode”

Once done, go to your smoke detector and twist it counterclockwise to release it from the base.

Next, remove the old battery and press the test/hush button for 30 seconds or until the siren sounds. Then, install the new battery and twist the device back into place.

Turn off test mode:

  1. Return to MyADT.com
  2. From the Navigation Bar, choose “Alarm System”
  3. Choose the “System Test” tab

Your detector is ready!

Recycling the Old ADT Battery

Now that you’ve installed your new ADT battery, you are probably wondering: What should I do with the old one?

It’s crucial that you properly dispose of your old ADT battery. Batteries have toxic substances inside of them that can leak into the environment, harming both ecosystem and human health.

We recommend visiting the call2recycle website to locate a recycler in your region. It’s free to return a lead-acid battery to one of the recyclers mentioned on this website. Doing so guarantees it is recycled under all relevant legal and regulatory requirements!

Conclusion

Hopefully, this was useful in helping you understand what your alarm is attempting to tell you whenever it begins its sporadic beeping. You’ve also mastered the technique for changing the batteries in the main alarm system, the keypad, the smoke detectors, and the door and window sensors. Additionally, you now know how long an ADT battery lasts and how to recycle it correctly.

Now all that’s left to do is put this information to use! Good luck.


James Elder
James Elder
James Elder has been fiddling with gadgets and using tools from a young age. His father was an excellent craftsman and James enjoyed spending time with his dad and learning all he could about working with wood, drywall, electronics, and various household projects. James has worked professionally for many years and his passion is to share knowledge that is especially useful to aspiring handy men & women to get more done around their homes.
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