The last time I did a full review of ADT, more than a year ago, the security company had just released its new platform, ADT Plus, as well as more compact home devices.
I came away impressed by the many improvements ADT had made to its system, including useful smart features and the Trusted Neighbor interactions with Google Nest devices. The system could now identify familiar faces and unlock compatible Yale smart locks. It was still a little clunky and needed continued development, but it represented a broad step into the future for the venerable security brand.
Now the wheel turns again: Starting Thursday, ADT is ending some of the more advanced features Trusted Neighbor provided. If you use ADT or are considering its system packages (available as DIY or with full professional installation), here’s what you should know.
ADT pulls back from some Google Nest features
ADT stopped offering auto-unlock technology with Trusted Neighbor on Jan. 29, 2026. Previously, the Auto Unlock feature combined Google Nest’s familiar face recognition via Nest video doorbells with the latest Yale smart locks. The Nest camera used Google’s early video AI features to recognize face profiles, then let the Yale lock know someone with permission to enter had arrived. The lock opened automatically, then locked again after with autolock.
I hate to see this feature go. It was a unique interaction between multiple security brands, working together with some of the latest AI features. I was hoping to see even more high-tech interplay between multiple devices no matter which brand they came from.
But the security landscape has changed so quickly in 2025, I’m also not taken aback by these changes.
Why is ADT removing features? My bet is new AI partnerships
ADT had only brief information for me when I asked why it was discontinuing this feature: “Auto Unlock was an early beta exploration within Trusted Neighbor. While it demonstrated potential, we chose to prioritize access methods that deliver the most consistent and dependable experience.”
I wonder how much Google’s own plans affected the change, which comes after nearly two years of operation.
Google Nest underwent massive upgrades in 2025, thanks to Gemini for Home and the push forward into far more advanced AI in Nest home security. I’ve tested these Gemini features and I like them, albeit not necessarily for the $20 monthly charge. They’re an example of how AI can be truly useful in our lives, summarizing security footage and answering our questions about what happened at home while we were away.
That said, Google’s work on Gemini for Home is highly proprietary. As the company continues to invest in AI across the board while considering its competitors, it wouldn’t be surprising if Google is now hesitant to partner with other companies that would use its generative AI features. There are, however, room for other kinds of partnerships.
So, who’s paying for Google’s AI in the home? Well, the independent Yale and Nest face recognition partnership remains intact for now, but I’m keeping my eye on it. Of more interest is the news about AT&T’s new Connected Life platform for smart home tech, including both Google and security brand Abode.
AT&T Connected Life calls itself the “only provider to deliver trusted Google Home smart home security.” Connected Life uses Google Home intelligent alerts mixed with Abode’s home security hubs, which sure makes it seem like Google has switched dance partners. However, the platform doesn’t offer any advanced Gemini descriptions or familiar face tech, suggesting Google is holding its full AI features close to the chest.
Is ADT still a good pick?
I’m continuing to recommend ADT as a security system option for people who don’t mind long-term contracts and are willing to pay monthly fees that can rise to $50 or more for the complete package (including professional monitoring, etc.).
However, it’s important to remember when security companies include exciting integrations with third parties, it’s not guaranteed to last. Brands with long-term relationships with other smart home companies are your best bet. Take a look at my favorite DIY security systems and cheap security systems to learn more.
Oh, if you’re still interested in AI features in your home security, there aren’t many integrations like what ADT had, but you can still find very effective AI text summaries (describing what a video clip showed) and video histories from brands such as Ring, Blink, Arlo and others.
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