ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT)

ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT)

ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT)
3.2(3,216)
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Overall Rating3.2 out of 5
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About ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT)

ADT Self Setup, formerly Blue by ADT, offers security system equipment that you can install yourself. You get access to the same ADT monitoring as professionally installed systems. Monitoring services start around $30 per month at the time of publishing. Systems give access to the ADT+ mobile app and include a 90-day limited warranty.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Six-month money-back guarantee
  • DIY installation
  • Professional monitoring
  • Customizable systems

Cons

  • Not good for self-monitoring
  • Limited device integrations

Bottom Line

ADT Self Setup is a completely DIY security system option. Systems are monitored professionally, with rates starting at $24.99 per month. Some complain about equipment features, but the company offers a money-back guarantee.

Featured Reviews

Verified
Newark, CA

We are satisfied. Barring a slight issue with a sensor (which will be fixed shortly) we have had no issues with ADT. Customer service is always helpful. … We look forward to conti...

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Verified
Virginia Beach, VA

… I like the system. The pictures are very clear. They’re good cameras but I couldn't get them to come on all at the same time. So, I was having a little problem with that, even t...

Read full review

ADT Self Setup security systems

ADT Self Setup lets you choose from two equipment packages or customize your own system from the ground up. Monitoring starts at $24.99 per month. For an extra $10, you can add Nest Aware and Video Verification.

  • Starter package: Includes the Smart Home Hub, four window/door sensors, two motion sensors, Google Nest Doorbell, yard signs and stickers. Equipment costs start at $383.97.
  • Premium package: Includes the Smart Home Hub, four window/door sensors, two motion sensors, Google Nest Hub, Google Nest Doorbell, yard signs and stickers. It costs $463.96 before customizations.

ADT Self Setup equipment costs

You can also build your own system or buy add-on equipment to customize your package. Additional equipment includes cameras, sensors and more items listed below. Prices are accurate as of the time of publishing.

ADT Self Setup uses Google Nest cameras rather than its own brand of smart security cameras. What’s special about Nest cameras is they use facial recognition artificial intelligence. Once it learns the faces of people typically around your home, it can alert you when strangers are lurking. That means fewer false alarm notifications.

EquipmentStarting cost
Indoor cameras $79.99
Outdoor cameras $143.99
Video doorbells $143.99
Entryway sensor $11.99
Motion detector $19.99
Keychain remote $15.99
Smoke detector $31.99
Flood and temperature sensor $27.99

ADT Self Setup installation

Happy customers often note how easy ADT Self Setup is to install.

“The set up was so fast and easy and actually FUN! The whole process took less than 20 minutes,” according to a reviewer in Georgia.

“I installed the product myself and it was easy,” a reviewer in North Carolina said. “I have the outdoor camera, the indoor camera, the sensor, the key fob, and the panel to push my code into. I monitor it through my phone, which is a functionality I like.”

Others say it’s more difficult to install. “The setup was super hard, except for my window monitors. When I was setting up the cameras with the internet, it kept asking me if I have this other device or do I want to set it up to Wi-Fi, but it wouldn't connect.” a reviewer in Indiana said.

How does ADT Self Setup compare?

Compare ADT Self Setup with similarly rated home security companies.

ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT)ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT)FrontpointFrontpointVivintVivintSimpliSafeSimpliSafeRingRing
Rating3.23.94.72.31.8
# of reviews3,2168,05830,312408107
Monitoring Optional Required Required Optional Optional
Installation DIY DIY Professional (included with online purchases) DIY or professional ($99+) DIY or professional ($129.99 to $259.99)
Monthly fee $24.99 to $34.99 $49.99 $29.99 and up $9.99 to $29.99 $3.99 to $10
Read Reviews Read Reviews Read Reviews Read Reviews Read Reviews

ADT Self Setup FAQ

How does ADT Self Setup work?

To get started with an ADT Self Setup system, you can choose from prepackaged hardware bundles or customize your own system by mixing and matching equipment like cameras, sensors, keypads and smoke detectors. ADT Self Setup systems integrate with some smart-home devices, like Google Nest Cams and Hubs.

After you choose a package and order, ADT Self Setup ships all your equipment for free. An installation guide for each product and the system is included. Installation can be done yourself, or you can choose to work with a professional local technician. Once your equipment is up and running, you can see and monitor your system from anywhere with the ADT+ app.

The ADT+ app syncs your security system every time you log in. This provides real-time updates and device history. Through the app, you can arm and disarm your security system, stream live video from security cameras, check sensors and see smart integrations, depending on what security equipment you have installed. You can also customize your alert preferences. You can choose to self-monitor your ADT Self Setup system; however, professional monitoring is available and can alert emergency services more quickly during a break-in.

Does ADT offer a self-monitoring option?

ADT Self Setup says it has a self-monitoring option, but I couldn’t figure out how to get one at the time of publishing.

“Be careful as they hit your credit card with a $21.26 monthly monitoring charge even if you tell them you do not want it,” a customer in Connecticut told us. “They don't do self-monitored systems if you call them on the phone, that is what I was told.”

It seems like you have to sign up for professional monitoring to get the perpetual “discount” and can’t remove the monitoring/service charge ($24.99 per month). Then, you have to log in to the company’s web portal or use the ADT+ app to opt out of professional monitoring (Settings > Billing > Change Monitoring Plan).

ADT really stands out for being a great monitoring center, so it makes sense that it isn’t one of the best companies for self-monitoring.

What are ADT Self Setup “build-your-own packages”?

Build-your-own packages are an easy way to customize your home security system. The base package includes a Smart Home Hub and access to the ADT+ mobile app. Then you can choose equipment based on your needs.

Available equipment options include indoor/outdoor cameras, doorbell cameras, door/window sensors, motion sensors, keypads and home automation. Life safety devices like smoke and flood/temperature sensors are also available.

Is ADT Self Setup reliable?

We’ve heard different opinions from different customers.

Many people seem satisfied with the reliability of their systems, but a recent reviewer in Georgia said: “My system takes itself off of alarm and my sensors don’t work properly. None of my door sensors work. I wasn’t expecting this from ADT at all. I chose ADT over Brinks. Now I’m second guessing the whole thing. I’ve called numerous times and also I can’t put up my cameras because the bottom which is the base won’t come apart so I can put my cameras up.”

Does the equipment come with a warranty?

ADT Self Setup includes a 90-day limited warranty. This covers defective alarm system parts, including wiring, and mechanical adjustments.

Is ADT Self Setup a good home security system?

ADT Self Setup is one of our favorite wireless systems. We like that you can get notifications, arm and disarm your system, set up automations and create custom alerts through the ADT+ app.

Some things to keep in mind are the installation process and video doorbell capabilities, according to a reviewer in South Carolina, who wrote: “I thought the system was gonna be like a home security system that I didn't have to hardwire, and that was the reason I bought it. I also thought that I was gonna be able to have a doorbell, like the Ring doorbell, that I would be able to communicate with someone with, but I didn't get that.”

ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT) Reviews

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Page 1 Reviews 0 - 5
Verified purchase
Customer ServiceInstallation & SetupReliability

Reviewed April 23, 2023

ADT Self Setup's reps were nice and patient. They broke it down. I expected something in a rush. But the rep explained it comfortably and made sure it worked. She took her time and told me exactly how everything goes. I felt comfortable. But I’d rather have hot wire than what is going on now. I thought the set up was simple in the beginning, but there was a specific person that guided me. After the first time I set it up, I did everything myself, which is good. And it is working.

I have issues with the equipment itself. One of my motion sensors goes off. Where I have the alarm system is an apartment, but nobody's there yet. I'm moving there but not yet, but I have valuable things in there, so I wanted to put an alarm. So, there's no movement in that specific place where the system was. It went off three times. And I got a call from central. But the camera went off. I checked the camera now. So, I called them up. And they told me what to do with it. It hasn't gone off since then.

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    Verified purchase
    Customer ServiceInstallation & Setup

    Reviewed April 12, 2023

    We've enjoyed using ADT Self Setup. I just called them and I told them what I was doing and that I needed two different locations taken care of. The rep asked me what I needed, and I told her. The customer service experience was good. She knew exactly what she was talking about. She asked me how many doors and windows, and I told her, and she had it sent out. I had it within about three days. It came really fast. I didn't have any problem setting it up myself. As a matter of fact, I set the one up down here at my dispensary all by myself and put everything up where it needed to be. Then, this last weekend, I procrastinated for the last year of putting the one up in the shop. But we needed to get it done, so my husband and I proceeded to set it up in the shop also this weekend.

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    Verified purchase
    Customer ServiceInstallation & SetupOnline & AppReliability

    Reviewed Jan. 25, 2023

    I spoke with ADT over the phone and I told them what I needed and wanted. They let me know what they had that would accommodate me. It seemed like it did and I chose to try it. I haven't had many issues with it. There was a little glitch, but overall, everything’s fine. My husband installed the system, and it was easy to install. If anything goes wrong with it, it's easy to replace or troubleshoot. I can also call ADT and then they take me through everything, step by step. If it’s anything that they can't resolve over the phone, they would simply ship me another camera and I ship them my old one.

    I feel more secure having the system because it lets me know when anyone is on my property. It lets me know if the wind is blowing too hard. It lets me know everything I need to know. It lets me know in advance so I have the opportunity to look, answer my door, or ignore or go out and see what's going on. It's been very helpful for me. The sensors lets me know if I forget and leave the door cracked. Sometimes, I’ll let my dog out and I'll get busy. I forget that I even got my backdoor and my side patio door open. The camera also lets me zoom in. The app is really great. It'll let you know if your door is closed or open. So it's been really helpful.

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    Verified purchase
    Online & App

    Reviewed Jan. 25, 2023

    The sales rep helped fulfill my needs and got me the best rate possible. When I was struggling with my payment, he told me, "We can do a credit check, and that will help," and my down payment wasn't high at all. He was awesome. He also told me installation would be easy. He said it was gonna come with instructions, to follow them, and if I needed help, to contact tech support.

    The home security system has been good. Notifications pop up on my phone instantly if there's any type of movement around my house. Even if it's a car just passing by my street, it picks it up. I feel more secure, and I'm able to see everything, so that makes me feel good. When I'm not at home, I can still monitor what's going on in my home. Blue by ADT is a good company to go to, and I've already been bragging about it to my sister.

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    Verified purchase
    Customer ServiceInstallation & SetupMonitoringSmart Devices

    Reviewed Nov. 3, 2022

    With Blue by ADT, I can have my Bluetooth device on my ear. They can call me and tell me somebody is at my house. The camera itself with the mounting on where they had mounted it, it’s hard to take the back off. I had to send the camera back the first time. Then the second time they sent me a camera, I had to pry it open with a little bit of screwdriver to get it to pop open. So, it's not easy to access the mounting system. It’s very hard to do. You gotta be strong to get the back off. I actually cut my hands trying to get the back off the first time.

    I'm just getting into the system and learning about it. I've got to read my book that they put in for the instructions. I'm not really the instructions type of person. I like to kinda figure it out myself but when you get something like this, you have to read on how to work this and operate this particular device. For the most part, I'm enjoying it because it's secure. The only thing is I stuck the motion detector on the door. You can't drill holes in it because it's like a steel door. So, since I've had it, that device had come loose a couple of times. If you push the door too hard, then that device will bounce off. So, they're sending me some sticky stuff that I paid for about $3 online. Overall, I’m satisfied with the part of me having a system in my house where I know that I can set the alarm even while I'm sleeping. If somebody comes in, it'll trigger right away.

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    Customer ServiceCamera & Video

    Reviewed July 7, 2023

    I had to get help to set up the Blue By ADT system. I thought it was going to be easy. Since I got the system, it does not record all the time is I wanted. It records once in a blue moon and that is not what I need because there is someone periodically coming on the property and I can never see the person because the cameras are not picking them up or even detecting when someone is on the property. I just know after because I see the damage outside. I have made at least 40 calls to get this equipment returned and my account cancelled but each time I am transferred to many representatives then they hang up the call. I am very disappointed and frustrated at this time. I just want them to take back their equipment and I move on to another company. Someone help please.

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    ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT)
    Response from ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT)

    We apologize for the difficulties you've experienced with your Blue By ADT system. We understand how frustrating it can be when the system doesn't function as expected, especially when your security is at stake. We are here to help you resolve this situation.

    To assist you further, we kindly request you to provide us with your complete address and phone number via chat at www.MyADT.com or via phone at (877) 464-7437. - Mazen

    Customer Service

    Reviewed July 5, 2023

    I have called every day for a month. 8774647437. 8776287004 and text hat and email support @bluebyadt. I wanted to know why I've been charged for$10.02 & 8.00 and 33.00. Per month. NOBODY can answer the question. I've called. Emailed. Been on hold for 4 hours. Been transferred. Pressed 1 for call back. Nothing. So I want to cancel. And again nobody can do this. I guess I will too put stop payment. And when the come after me. I have all phone..email..chat transcripts. DON'T USE BLUE BY ADT.

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    ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT)
    Response from ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT)

    We apologize for the frustration you've experienced with our service, and we understand your concerns about the charges on your account. We genuinely want to help you resolve this issue as soon as possible.

    We received your same complaint via social media. Please expect a follow-up within two business days. - Mazen

    Verified purchase

    Reviewed June 30, 2023

    I do not like this system because it's not easy to put up as they say it was and I am very unsatisfied with it. Thank you and I want to cancel this and send y'all back y'all equipment because I cannot find no one to install it for me. That's it and that's all.

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    ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT)
    Response from ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT)

    We understand your frustration and apologize for any inconvenience you have experienced with our system. We strive to make the installation process as seamless as possible, and we sincerely apologize if it did not meet your expectations. We would like to assist you with canceling your service and arranging the return of the equipment.

    To better assist you, could you please provide us with your complete address and phone number via email or phone at https://support.bluebyadt.com/s/contact-info? - Mazen

    Verified purchase
    Customer Service

    Reviewed May 30, 2023

    No good customer support. Bought the system 5 months ago. Complete system never worked. Only one camera out of the two works. Several lengthy calls. Replaced/added devices several times, no luck yet. Finally when attempted to get it disconnected, I was told I have to pay about $1.3k plus. Very disappointed. They have offered upgrade, hoping for the best.

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    Response from ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT)

    Hi there! I'm sorry to hear about the troubles you've been facing with your security system. It's disheartening to know that you've been experiencing issues with it for the past five months, and I understand how frustrating this must be for you.

    At ADT, we strive to provide excellent customer support. Please contact us via email or via phone here: https://support.bluebyadt.com/s/contact-info - Mazen

    Customer ServiceCamera & Video

    Reviewed May 16, 2023

    This is the worst company ever to exist. I wish it were possible to give it zero stars. None of my cameras work properly, they go offline all the time, the staff has NO idea what they are doing and they each tell you different things. I have spent hours of my time on the phone that I will never get back trying to "fix" the issues. My final straw was when my neighbor's house got broken into and my doorbell camera did not record the man who walked right past my door. The cops had no leads and I couldn't help them by showing them a video/picture of the man who did it because my "security camera" didn't do what it is supposed to do.

    I do not feel safe at all. I have had issues about 2 months into getting this security system. Funny their return policy is 30 days. I called with my issues to get a refund and the manager told me he "refuses" to give me a refund. I am disgusted with this company and they should feel terrible for taking money while offering fake and dishonest service.

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    ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT)
    Response from ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT)

    Thank you for reaching out to us! We’re sorry to hear about this experience and we would like to further assist you in getting this resolved. Please reach out to us directly at Alwaysthere@adt.com. Please include the address/phone number to the account and a copy of your post.

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    ADT Self Setup (Formerly Named Blue by ADT) Company Information

    Company Name:
    ADT Self Setup
    Company Type:
    Public
    Year Founded:
    1874
    Formerly Named:
    Blue by ADT
    Website:
    www.adt.com