How Do You Remove ADT Window and Door Sensors?

There are several reasons you may have to remove ADT sensors throughout your home. For example, you may want to update or replace old sensors or plan on moving to a new home with your existing ADT system. Luckily, removing ADT sensors is easy, so long as you have the appropriate tools and want to avoid damaging sheetrock, finished wood, crown molding, and windows.

You can remove ADT window and door sensors by using razor blades, a silicone digestant or sealant remover, a putty knife or paint scraper, a Phillips-head screwdriver, and a knowledge of the ADT system’s user or master code to minimize cosmetic damage.

Whether you are dealing with a wired or wireless system, the process for removing sensors is pretty simple.

How to Remove ADT Window and Door Sensors

ADT’s Command Panel and Pulse network simplify the entire process. Before you start, it is necessary to bypass or shut down the zones that apply to the sensor you want to remove. To do this, access the Command Panel security menu. Then:

1. Select “Zones” to open a list of the active zones throughout your house.
2. Choose the zone you want to bypass, select “Bypass,” and enter your user code.
3. The zone you selected should now be bypassed and safe to remove without tripping the alarm.

Bypassing Zones with Other ADT Control Panels

Unfortunately, not all panels are exactly alike. Although ADT has the new touchscreen Command Panel, many subscribers have not upgraded. Also, if you’re moving into a home with an existing ADT system, you’ll probably find a more standard control panel to deal with.

You can find an entire list of control panel manuals on the Zion Security website. But, in general, the process is still pretty simple. Most control panels will require a user code, followed by a number, followed by a three-digit zone number to disable the appropriate zone.

Once each zone is disabled, you can then remove the window and door sensors, using any of the above methods that you find suitable.

Removing Wireless ADT Window and Door Sensors

Adhesive placement followed by a bead of silicone glue is typically used—during installation—to mount ADT sensors. Using a razor/knife, carefully cut through the silicone lining. You can usually slide through the adhesive and completely remove the sensor with a putty knife at this point.

You can also use a blow dryer or hot air gun to sufficiently heat the silicone, softening it for easier cleanup and sensor removal.

If the silicone is heavy, or you don’t want to use a blade, WD-40 is an excellent silicone sealant remover. Acetone and mineral spirits are powerful silicone digestants but may remove the finish from wood or paint from the walls.

How to Remove Wired ADT Window and Door Sensors

All of the same steps apply here, except for existing wires that will need to be pulled back through the walls.

Typically, the wires running to window and door sensors can be removed with a small, Phillips-head screwdriver. You will have to do this from both the sensor and the control panel itself.

Once you have removed the wires completely, you can pull the wires through the hole to completely remove them or leave them be for future use. For door sensors situated on or around crown molding, use WD-40 or another lubricant sufficient for removing silicone.

Removing Recessed Wired Window and Door Sensors

Some door and window sensors are recessed within the frame, making them a little more frustrating to remove. Simply pry them out with your fingers or a screwdriver—the magnet will come first since it is not connected—and then remove the wires.

You may come across sensors that are screwed into the wood or sheetrock. Simply remove the magnet and sensor plate to game access to the screws on the base plate.

ADT Replacement Kits

If you are looking to replace the sensors, ADT has a contact repair kit that you can obtain by contacting ADT’s customer service. You could also just purchase a new sensor, double-sided adhesive tape, and silicone sealant if you want to make it a DIY project.

Conclusion

When removing ADT door and window sensors, remember to bypass the appropriate zones. Even if the system is no longer under a 24/7 monitoring subscription, the alarm can still be set off. With the appropriate tools at hand, replacing your ADT sensors should always be a convenient and straightforward process.