ADT is one of the most popular brands in home and business security systems all over the United States. Usually, their alarm sound levels are at 140dB which is acceptable for most people. But, what happens if your ADT alarm volume is not loud enough? How to increase the volume?
There are certain aspects and volumes that can be adjusted using the ADT app, but some sound alerts can be increased in volume by an ADT technician only. In some models, the system doesn’t allow any volume increase at all. Basically, it depends on your current system and app features.
Normally the ADT alarm sounds are at 140dB, anything lower is a problem. To get the right idea, you can go on YouTube and search for a 140dB sound.
Some ADT panels have volume controls on the local interface, others you need to use the phone app, and many of them are not adjustable by the end user (only a certified technician can perform the action).
How to Adjust the ADT Alarm Volume
The loudness of an alarm system or panel depends on the model of the unit, the settings, the installation location, the room you’re in, the thickness of the walls, and how far away you’re from the source.
It’s possible to increase and decrease the keypad, chime, or voice commands by using the ADT app adjustments. You need to access the app and on the settings locate the “Volume Adjustments” controls.
However, if the system used to be loud but then suddenly became quieter, it’s possible the hardware failed and you may need to contact ADT for further technical support.
Another thing to consider, alarm systems are generally set at 140dB which is very loud (serving as a deterring factor as well), and other systems are lower. According to security standards, the sound has to be set at least 85-90dB.
If your alarm volume level was fine and acceptable, but out of nowhere became lower, or completely silent, you may try to perform a reset on the system (this is easily done for ADT Pulse and ADT command, for other models you need the help of an ADT technician).
How to troubleshoot low-volume issues on ADT alarms
In such a situation (when the volume is low), you can locate the ADT Pulse Gateway which is usually placed close to the router or access point. It looks like a black box that has a bunch of LED lights flashing or being solid.
- To reset the unit, simply unplug the power and the power and ethernet cable. According to ADT recommendations, you need to wait at least 5 minutes before restarting the Gateway device.
- Plug the device back on into the power plug and let the unit power up before plugging the ether cable to the router. Don’t plug all the cables at the same time, power first, wait, and then the rest.
- Once the Pulse Gateway is connected to the system, then the reset process is done.
Then you need to test out the volume and see if it’s back to the normal levels. If this doesn’t work, then you need to contact the ADT and have a technician show up at your location. In some cases, the ADT team may perform fixes remotely, but that’s not always the case.
How to increase and decrease volume on ADT panels
This part depends on the version of the ADT model you own. Different versions support various features and some of them allow volume control.
So, the first step consists of identifying the ADT panel installed in your location. This guide can help: What ADT system do I have? Guide to Identify ADT Systems.
Once you have identified the ADT security system installed on your property, you need to find the manual and user guide. It’s quite easy to do so because you can use the official list of ADT manuals (click here).
As we said each model has different instructions on how to adjust the volume, and the manual will tell you exactly how to perform the action.
Simply, locate the manual from the list (that corresponds with your ADT model), download it, and follow the instructions on how to increase or decrease the volume.
How do you adjust the volume on Blue ADT systems
Blue ADT devices are standalone security cameras (similar to Ring or Blink), and offer protection at an affordable price. For this type of system, the volume is adjustable or chimes, keypad, voice alerts, and other audible notifications.
However, if the alarm’s siren is not too loud, then the only method to get it fixed is by resetting the system. For the siren, there are no volume controls per se. You need to reset and they try to see if it’s okay. If not, you need to contact Blue by ADT Customer Service.
Same as most ADT systems, Blue by ADT uses a system of cameras, hubs, sensors, and motion detectors to provide protection and alertness.
- To reset, locate the Blue by ADT Smart Home Hub and unplug it from the power outlet, also disconnect the ethernet cables (if your unit has one).
- Wait five minutes, then plug the power back in, and wait for it to cycle. Then connect the rest of the network cables (or whatever cables you disconnected earlier).
If that doesn’t work, you need to contact ADT Customer Service and schedule an on-site technician for further troubleshooting. Sometimes, the issue is caused by hardware problems that need to be replaced.
Conclusion
Not all ADT alarm systems contain volume controls that allow the end users to adjust the volume levels. In some cases, you can adjust the level via the phone (or by accessing the web panel of the ADT system).
If the volume suddenly has become lower, it can get fixed by performing a reset on the system. Lastly, if you can’t make it work then you have to contact ADT and they’ll send out a technician.
