ADT Pulse App Not Connecting to the System (Troubleshooting)

Your ADT security system has one job: to protect you and your loved ones from unwanted visitors. However, when your security system doesn’t connect to the ADT Pulse app, you might feel anything but secure.

There could be a few reasons why the app isn’t connecting to your system: some of which you can remedy on your own, others that need the help of a professional. Here, we’ll talk about what measures could get your system back online.

Connecting Your ADT Pulse App to the System

You only need three things to connect your ADT Pulse app to your system: your smartphone, the app itself, and your ADT security system.

If you’re syncing your devices for the first time, follow these setup instructions:

1. Download the app. You can get it for free on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Enter your ADT username and password.
3. Select your server. This is crucial to your system’s operation. Select either Canada or the US, depending on where you live.
4. Hit “Login.”
5. Create a four-digit passcode.

It’s really that easy. For more information on using the app, watch this ADT video tutorial.

Troubleshooting Issues with the ADT Pulse App and Your System

If you already set up your device or still have problems connecting your app to the system, consider the following measures:

Make Sure Your App is Up to Date

ADT is constantly updating the Pulse app to ensure usability. If your app isn’t up to date, you don’t just miss updates; the app itself might not connect to your system.

Checking for updates largely depends on whether you’re using an Android or iOS device. For instance:

• If you’re using an Android device, check the Google Play Store for any updates or messages regarding the app.
• If you’re using an iOS device, like an iPhone or iPad, you can check for updates from the device’s home screen. If there’s a little red dot on top of the App Store icon, something needs updating­­––and it could be the ADT Pulse app.

You may need to delete some apps to make space for the update.

Force Quit Out of the App

If the app froze or isn’t responding to a certain request, force quit out of it. Doing so depends on what type of phone you have. Once you’ve quit out, log back in. This process is basically the same as restarting the app.

Delete the App, Then Redownload It

For whatever reason, the app might be malfunctioning due to a software issue. By deleting the app and re-installing it, you give yourself a “clean slate.” Be sure to have your login credentials on hand, as you will need to enter your username and password upon opening it.

Make Sure Your Internet Connection Works

If your internet isn’t working, the ADT Pulse app will have difficulty connecting to the system. Take a moment to make sure your router is working. If not, you can:

1. Reset it.
2. Reconnect it to your phone.
3. Plug it in, wait a few moments, then plug it back in.

If this doesn’t work, call your service provider.

Check Your Security System’s “Gateway”

Your ADT system’s gateway allows it to communicate with other devices, like your phone, window and door sensors, and the internet. If your gateway is offline, it’s not going to connect to the Pulse app.

You can check your system’s gateway by first checking its power source. If you’re using a third-party power adapter, it might not be working. Alternatively, the outlet itself might be back. Check your fuse box before proceeding.

Also: if your system comes with an ethernet cable, make sure it’s plugged in. You may even try using another ethernet cable if you suspect your current one isn’t working.

Use Another Device

The problem might be with your phone, not the app or security system. However, you can actually use the ADT Pulse App on your computer, so try connecting that way. You can learn more about this by checking ADT’s website.

Call Customer Support

The longer your ADT Pulse App doesn’t connect to the system, the more your home and family are at risk. ADT takes security issues like these very seriously. Dial (800) 587-4198 to speak to a representative. Have your location, system information, and login credentials ready.

Is My ADT System Still Online Even if It Doesn’t Connect to the App?

Whether your ADT security system works depends on the nature of the problem. It’s a huge red flag if your system won’t connect to the app. It could signal a larger problem, like an internal hardware issue or a connectivity problem.

Try arming your system manually, and then give it a try. If the alarm goes off and you get notified, then it should be working. However, if not, this is a problem ADT needs to know about as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts

Long story short: the remedy to your ADT Pulse app not connecting to your ADT system depends on the problem itself. Yet, if you tried the above measures to no avail, call ADT. They can provide information either over the phone or send a specialist to your location for further troubleshooting.