I Set Up My Own ADT Home Security System. Here’s How It Works

ADT has been around for 150 years, helping homeowners and renters alike protect their living spaces. Recently, I was given a free smart home security system from ADT to install myself and try out.

The new ADT smart security system is a home security system that does not require professional installation, giving you the freedom to set up your smart home security on your own time. The ADT smart security system incorporates Google Nest products, and through the ADT+ app you can monitor what’s happening on your smartphone, desktop computer or tablet whenever you want.

Those details matter, because smart home security is becoming increasingly mainstream for consumers. One report from Grand View Research estimated the global smart home security market at $57.6 billion, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1 percent. That’s 13 percent more products and purchases, year after year, as smart home security products continue to improve in durability, efficiency and convenience for consumers who want peace of mind about their living quarters.

I was sent a new ADT home security system to test it out, and had the opportunity to go through the DIY setup process. Here’s what to know and how it works before you make a decision to purchase.

ADT’s new lineup adds a DIY security option

If you visit ADT’s store, you’ll notice several changes for one of the original and oldest home security companies. ADT’s products have helped protect homeowners for 150 years, and in 2020, the security company announced an ongoing partnership with Google. In 2023, ADT started fully integrating the Google Nest line of products into its security systems, and also released the ADT+ app, which allows customers to access and control their ADT and Google Nest devices in one place.

Now, ADT is reinventing and simplifying its lineup of security products with a DIY option for its home security system, which can be installed without heavy tools or technicians. It’s customizable in monitoring options and device pairing and uses smart, always-accessible integrations so that you can keep an eye on what’s going on in your home.

You can start with one of ADT’s bundles, or piecemeal your own system together; then, personalize your security by choosing the sensors, cameras and other products that meet your security needs.

A simplified upgrade that incorporates the power of Google

The creation of the ADT+ app centralizes how you monitor and control your home security. ADT has also rolled out Trusted Neighbor, which gives you a way to provide neighbors and friends access to your home while you’re away.* 

With Trusted Neighbor, you can program ADT’s home security system to disarm and auto-unlock if it detects family members and trusted faces like pet sitters and babysitters.† The new ADT smart security system incorporates other Google Nest products too, such as smart doorbells, cameras and thermostats.

How to DIY the ADT smart security system 

After you unbox your system, you can watch a video walkthrough of the setup instructions online. The system comes with cards that allow you to scan a QR code to access the setup instructions for the Google Nest Hub, Cams and Doorbell.

To set up your ADT smart security system:

1. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone and connected to the same Wi-Fi you plan to use for your ADT smart security system.
2. Download the ADT+ app.
3. Once downloaded, create your ADT+ account. 
4. Set up your system, starting with the Smart Home Hub’s location.
5. Add additional home security devices.
6. Set up monitoring. You’ll need your security code, verbal password and emergency contact for monitoring.
7. If relevant, add your other Google Nest products. 

Peace of mind at your fingertips

It was easy to set up my ADT smart security system on my own. The instructions were clear, and I liked that the bundle had all the devices I’d want to pair together ready and waiting to go.

As someone who doesn’t go anywhere without my smartphone, I love the full integration with mobile, which lets me see what’s going on with a few taps of my thumb. I’m also a heavy Google user: I have Google Fi cell phone service, tinker with Google’s Gemini AI and use a suite of Google Home products, so it was easy to link the devices and system with my Google account.

Protecting my family with the new ADT smart security system 

I’m a grandparent, and protecting my grandkids during visits and sleepovers is incredibly important. The new ADT smart security system lets me monitor both what’s happening inside and outside the house. I will also be programming the system to auto-unlock and allow access to our home for our pet sitter and the cleaners who come to the house each week.

Knowing we have security, fire detection and ADT Monitoring brings me peace of mind. This system enables police to respond to verified alarms sooner, and ADT Alarm Messenger lets the system both call for help and cancel false alarms with the touch of a button. 

You can purchase the  ADT home security system and feel confident that you’ll easily be able to set it up yourself. If you’re like me and prefer a DIY approach, this system does the trick.

†Trusted Neighbor™ features require ADT Complete (includes Nest Aware) pro monitoring plan, Google familiar face detection, ADT Base, and compatible smart lock and camera devices. Familiar face detection is not to be used as definitive identification, and is not available on Nest cameras used in Illinois. Customer is responsible for informing their trusted individuals of any dangerous conditions existing at the premises.

Google, Nest Cam, Nest Doorbell, Nest Hub, Google Home, Google Fi and Gemini are trademarks of Google LLC.

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