Does your ADT system say cellular failure? You aren’t alone, as this is a common communication issue with ADT equipment. If you saw this error, there is no need to be alarmed or worry about costly repairs.
An ADT system will display a cellular failure if no cell signal reaches your system. The most common cause of a cellular failure is a network outage in your local area. You can reboot the system or wait for the network outage to resolve.
While the most common cause of an ADT cellular failure message, other potential causes can happen. Keep reading further to learn the reasons for an ADT cellular failure and the troubleshooting steps.
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What Does Cellular Failure Mean For ADT System?
ADT security systems are an effective home security measure that utilizes cellular networks for their communications. The security systems use Verizon or AT&T telecommunication towers to make critical messages to the monitoring center.
When someone activates your alarms, the networks will receive the notification and inform the local authorities. However, there may be a situation when your ADT equipment can’t receive the connection from the network towers.
Once the command panel registers no cell signal, you will notice the “Celluar Failure” notification. While a communication failure can be frightening, you can resolve the issue with several methods.
First, you must identify the ADT cellular failure’s cause before troubleshooting the problem. The next section will describe the most common reasons for an ADT cellular failure notification on your command panel.
4 Reasons For An ADT Cellular Failure
1. Cell Service Outage
If you notice an ADT cellular failure notification, the most common reason is a cell network outage in your area. This network outage will affect everyone who has cell service with Verizon or AT&T.
While it’s a frustrating experience, there is typically nothing you can do besides waiting for them to resolve the issue. A repair team will work on the network towers to resume service for your ADT equipment.
One of the best ways to confirm a network outage is using a website like Downdetector. When there is an outage, the website will report the network outage and keep you informed with any updates on the situation.
2. ADT Service Update
While ADT typically has smooth system updates that cause no downtime, this may not be the case. If ADT updates its system, it may cause your equipment to lose cell connection for a brief period.
When updating your system, ADT will typically send multiple warnings that they will perform a system update. The warning gives you time to prepare if your equipment doesn’t work during the day.
If you want to learn more about system updates, you can contact ADT’s customer service helpline. In most cases, the best phone number to reach a customer support representative is (800)-587-4198.
3. Outdated Service Equipment
With the advancement of cell service technology, ADT has started its “3G Network Sunset.” Most systems will be unable to operate with 3G cell service and will need equipment that can handle LTE or 5G.
If you bought a home with ADT and haven’t replaced your cellular repeater, it may not be compatible with updated network speeds. For outdated equipment, you will need to contact ADT about a replacement and conversion service.
A technician will help replace your equipment with a new option suitable for faster radio network speeds. You can schedule your appointment on your MyADT account or by calling the customer support number.
4. Poor Network Coverage
While this is the least common reason for an ADT cellular failure, it can still happen in more remote areas. The slower connections will cause the monitoring panel to receive no communication with your system.
If you need better network coverage in your area, you can do a few things to boost the speeds. The best methods are:
- Installing a Cell Network Booster
- Upgrading Landline System
- Moving Command Panel Near Window
If you still encounter issues with your cell network, you may need to work with ADT for a solution. Your system may need an upgrade to have faster speeds for your equipment in your home.
Troubleshooting ADT Communication Issues
Whenever you notice a communication problem with ADT, you should first run a communication test on your device. A communication test will monitor the network connections to your command panel.
Follow these steps to perform an ADT communication test:
- Ensure the ADT command panel is disarmed
- Access the second menu by tapping the right arrow on the panel
- Tap Tools
- Enter your master code
- Tap the Advanced menu icon
- Tap Comm. Test
The system communication test will begin. The test usually only takes a few seconds. A series of messages will display as the test is being run on your system. After the test is complete, a message will display whether the broadband and cellular communications passed or failed.
In some cases, you can resolve communication issues with your system by performing a reboot. A system reboot will shut down your command panel and disconnect your system from the internet.
Follow these steps to perform an ADT system reboot:
- Ensure you disarm the ADT command panel
- Access the second menu by tapping the right arrow on the panel
- Tap Tools
- Enter your master code
- Tap the Advanced menu icon
- Tap System Reboot
You will know you followed the correct steps when the screen goes blank for a few seconds, and then “Resideo” will display. The system will then display a message on the command panel that it is starting up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Clear ADT Cell Trouble?
You can clear the ADT cell trouble condition by rebooting your command panel and waiting for the network outage to resolve. In most cases, the problem will fix itself, and you won’t have to take any steps. If the problem occurs for more than a few days, you should contact ADT for assistance.
Does ADT Use Wifi Or Cellular?
When installing an ADT system, you will have the option to use both WiFi and Cellular data for your system. The difference will depend on the equipment you are using and the network connectivity in your location. Some homes are better suited for WiFi than cellular service for ADT equipment.
What Is ADT Cellular Backup?
ADT Safewatch CellGuard is a system that lets ADT communicate with customer monitoring centers with cell networks. If your WiFi experiences problems, you can still receive monitoring through cellular networks. You should use WiFi and cellular networks for the best security for your system.
Conclusion
ADT cellular failure is a communication issue with the connection to telecommunication towers. If you encounter this problem, you should reboot your system and contact ADT for any system updates.
However, in most cases, the problem will fix itself as the issue is linked to the cell towers. Once the cell towers are repaired, the connection to your ADT equipment will resume and be operational.
