People who are considering an ADT security system for their house or business wonder if ADT requires internet connection to work. The answer is YES, ADT works without internet. However, there are a few things to consider.
If you have a basic ADT package, then no internet service is required to have the system running. But if you want to add smart devices to the system and have them controlled remotely (via phone) then you need to have internet. Any features that allow the user to access and control the system via phone require internet.
It all comes down to the features, options, and services that you’re looking to have in your security system. For people who want a system that doesn’t require internet, ADT offers packages that run standalone or that use a landline connection.
If you plan to have smart devices and check them remotely via phone, then you definitely need an internet connection. Below, we will talk about different ADT packages and explain whether internet connectivity is needed.
How to Use ADT Without Internet Connection
The crucial feature of ADT is that it offers real-time 24/y protection and home monitoring. So, if something happens, the system will notify (alert) the user and ADT central station which can deploy the police to the location.
ADT Landline Connection
The most basic ADT package is called Secure and operates via a landline connection that communicates to all devices such as keypads, panels, special locks, etc. This package doesn’t come with video surveillance, it’s just a basic alarm system which is fine for basic protection.
Additionally, the system allows you to add more features such as motion detector sensors, smoke detectors, entryway contact, keychain remote controllers, etc.
All these features don’t require internet connection, all they need is a landline connection. If you don’t have a landline in your place, read the next section.
ADT Cellular Connection
Nowadays the ADT Secure package offers a system that runs through cellular connectivity which is pretty convenient given the fact that most houses don’t even have a landline connection anymore.
So, instead of using the landline, you can set up your home security system via cellular connectivity. This means, you still don’t need any internet connection. ADT will install a special cellular sender and receivers that let the system communicate with the central monitoring system and the homeowner.
The ADT system is unique in the sense that the devices don’t communicate via WiFi with each other (other home security systems rely on WiFi to connect with the main panel).
Which ADT Systems Require Internet
If you want to increase your home security to another level, then you need to use internet connection. A smart home requires the internet to add all the smart devices and allows the user to control and monitor the system remotely using phone apps.
Below we’ve listed a few ADT systems that provide the fullest security coverage possible:
ADT Smart
With ADT Smart, you can access your security system via the ADT app on your phone and basically be able to control and monitor it anytime anywhere as long as your phone has internet access.
You can arm/disarm the system, monitor errors, change the light settings, and just generally monitor your home’s security status. Obviously, you need a constant internet connection in your home or property where the system is installed.
ADT Complete
ADT Complete system includes all the features in Smart, but it adds video surveillance capabilities and storage for the recordings. The system can be equipped with multiple cameras and the footage will be stored locally or in the cloud.
By using the ADT app, you view the camera’s live view feed, playback the recordings, and download clips when necessary. Additionally, you can get notifications and alerts via the phone app when motion is detected by the cameras.
ADT Pulse
ADT Pulse offers the highest level of connection and integration and acts as the main hub that centralizes all the ADT smart devices, systems, and services under the same roof.
All of these can be accessed by using the ADT Pulse app which gives the homeowner more controlling privileges.
Conclusion
The basic ADT packages don’t require any internet connection, they can work standalone and the user will be able to control them via local panels. Systems such as Secure require a landline connection. If you don’t have one, ADT can install a cellular transmitter that does the same function.
However, having an internet connection truly allows you to make the most out of your ADT system. It gives the homeowner the ability to control the system remotely via phone apps, view the camera’s live feed, playback if necessary, checks system status, add more smart devices, etc.
If you want your system to have features such as smart floodlight, a doorbell camera, security cameras, thermostat controllers, smart light, etc, then you need an internet connection to make all these devices work and communicate with each other.
To conclude, if you don’t have an internet connection, you can use the ADT basic Secure package which doesn’t require internet service. It’s more than enough if you just want a simple home protection layer. Anything more advanced requires internet. If you’re looking for a DIY security camera system, you may check these recommendations.
