Ring cameras and ADT systems are very popular security solutions and many people wonder if these two systems are compatible with each other.
Unfortunately, the answer is NO, Ring cameras don’t work with ADT systems. That’s the official answer from both manufacturers, although some people are able to hook up these systems using certain methods.
As we mentioned, it’s not possible to connect these two devices (Ring camera and ADT systems) because they can’t be paired or connected properly. While both devices use Z-wave protocols to communicate, the manufacturers have to tweak the firmware and not let the unit communicate.
This is done mainly to protect their product line, especially from ADT which is widely popular both in residential and commercial installations.
There are a few reasons why Ring cameras don’t work with ADT systems:
- Once Amazon acquired Ring, ADT stopped supporting Ring doorbells to prevent Amazon from gaining more market share.
- ADT and Ring are quite different systems in principle. ADT systems can’t be installed via DIY projects, they need to be installed and maintained by ADT. While Ring units are supposed to be easy to install by the regular user. ADT simply wants the customers to buy all the devices from them.
Additionally, ADT systems are on a subscription basis which means they need to lock the profits and maintain the system continuously.
By stopping users from deploying third-party devices, they ensure to keep all the systems in-house (and increase their profits as well).
Do Ring doorbells work with ADT?
While the Ring cameras cannot be implemented in an ADT system, Ring doorbells can successfully pair with ADT, but the Ring doorbell won’t get listed and controlled via the ADT Control center.]
Basically, this means the Ring doorbell is useless via the ADT system, you still need to control the doorbell via the Ring phone app. When you add the Ring doorbell to ADT, you’ll get the right alerts but you can’t see the camera’s feed on the ADT app.
Are there any other methods to connect Ring to ADT
Ring provides two options to retrofit their devices with another system, you can use a Ring Retrofit Alarm Kit and the Ring Alarm Base Station, which allow you to connect certain Ring devices to an ADT system.
However, setting up the devices can be very complicated and you most likely need an experienced technician to install the unit correctly and link them through the software.
If you want to try it out yourself, you can check Ring’s DIY guide (it’s doable, but you need to have some previous installation experience, especially with security systems).
Before you start, keep in mind that:
- Even once installed, you still need to use separate apps (ADT and Ring) to modify settings, reset the system, troubleshoot, and make other adjustments.
- You’ll be able to get notifications and other alerts in both ADT and Ring apps.
- The Ring base station should be connected to the existing wired system used by ADT. It’s a retrofit installation of the Ring device in the ADT system.
- The sensors and other units on the ADT system need to be functional.
Which devices are compatible with ADT systems
While Ring is not supported by ADT, there are other smart home devices that work properly and are well integrated with ADT systems. For example, you can use the systems listed below (utilizing the ADT Command Smart Pad):
- Google Assistant
- Amazon Alexa
- GE Enbrighten
- Kwikset Systems
Which devices are compatible with Ring systems
Below is a list of brands that are compatible with the Ring base station:
- Yale
- Schlage
- Leviton
- General Electric
- First Alert
Conclusion
ADT systems and Ring cameras are not compatible without using other separate base stations. Even in that case, you’ll get notifications and alerts but you can’t control settings and other adjustments. To do so, you need to access the units straight through the Ring app.
Another thing to keep in mind, connecting the ADT system with Ring cameras using a separate base station requires experience and precious tech knowledge. Ring provides a DIY guide (listed above) that you can try.
However, we think it is not worth the time, effort, and cost to implement a Ring camera into an ADT system. You’d be better off using one of the devices that are compatible and officially supported by both ADT and Ring (the brands are listed above).
