How do I Change My ADT Security System's Installer Code?

ADT's corporate installer code is regarded as a trade secret. While various websites have published the code, the surer way to get into a system is the "backdoor" method. The process of getting into installer programming via the backdoor is different depending on which system you own.

Please read the following guide carefully. It will help you determine whether you can reset your ADT alarm system, even if you do not have the installer code.

1. Identify your system. ADT nearly always uses Honeywell/ADEMCO products when they install in home. Sometimes, however, they use DSC, GE/Interlogix, 2GIG, or another major brand. If your system is a Honeywell or ADEMCO and is wired, then look at the circuit board in the beige box. There will be a half inch by half inch PROM chip on it. It should look something like this:
   
   If you see a long rectangular PROM instead of this small, square one, or if your PROM says Safewatch Pro 2000, then you likely have a VISTA 20SE. A Safewatch Pro 3000, however, corresponds with the Honeywell/ADEMCO Vista 20P. If you have a 20SE, or any of the non-Honeywell panels mentioned above, we recommend sending an email with a picture of the system to support@alarmgrid.com or calling our main phone number (888-818-7728). This is for the commonly installed wired panels. If you have an all-in-one wireless system, such as the L7000, L3000, or the new Lyric, then go ahead and skip to step 3. If you have a Safewatch Pro 3000, 20P or any other Honeywell panel, then proceed to step 2.
2. Identify your communicator. If your system has been monitored over traditional phone line, and you are looking to have the same setup going forward, then you're ready to go. You probably don't need to add much more to your system. There are a lot of things you'll miss out on, like the ability to get text and email alerts, or the ability to see your system activity on your phone and computer. But not everybody wants that. If you do have a communicator, we can help you figure out what you need to do next. ADT often uses proprietary communicators. These communicators can usually be identified by the logo they print on the item. Sometimes, however, they use a plain old Honeywell communicator. If ADT installed a Honeywell communicator such as the iGSMV4G, GSMV4G, GSMX4G, or 7847i, then go ahead and proceed to the next step.
   
   If you have a proprietary communicator, then in order to get your system monitored, you will need to get a new system communicator. We recommend the iGSMV4G. This will give you the most options. However, if you just want internet-only communication, the 7847i may work fine for you. Ultimately, the iGSMV4G costs only a little bit more, which we think is worth the benefit. If you have a Safewatch Pro 3000 or if your system's got a PROM chip with the letters WA20P on it, but indicates a revision smaller than 9.12, then you will probably want to change out the PROM chip.
3. Backdoor into the system. Honeywell systems are simple to backdoor into. We have a simple guide on how to backdoor into your VISTA system as well as a video.
   
   Honeywell VISTA: Backdooring System Using 6160V
   
   For those who are looking for instructions on how to reset a wireless adt alarm panel, we have other guides that will instruct you on backdooring into them: L5100, L5200, L5210, L7000 and Lyric. In the case of both VISTAs and Lyrics, there is a way to permanently lock an end user out of programming. If this has been done to your panel, you will have to either have the old provider unlock the panel or do a full panel replacement.
4. Reset the master code. You will know as soon as you go through the guide. Once you have entered the system's programming through the back door, changing your ADT codes couldn't be simpler. Change the installer codes and ADT master codes to whatever you would like. Resetting the Master code on a Lyric is easy and is basically the same process as any of the LYNX Touch panels. Watching this should give you the steps necessary to make the changes to your L5210 or L7000.
   
   Lyric Security System: Reset Master Code
   
   Resetting the master code on a VISTA panel is no more difficult, though it will be much more simple if you have a alphanumeric programming keypad like the 6160.
   
   Honeywell VISTA: Reset Master Code
5. Change the installer code. The installer code is the code used to get back to the programming menu screen. The default on a Honeywell system is 4112. For most users looking to get things in working order, it will be easiest to simply set the system to 4112 for the time being. For Lyric's or the LYNX Touch panels, below is how you can change the installer code from installer programming.
   
   Lyric Security System: Installer Code P2
   
   The VISTAs, however, are slightly different. This is a video explaining the button presses for programming a new installer code. on these systems.
   
   Honeywell VISTA: Program *20, Change Installer Code
   
   

Following this guide will get your ADT system up and running so that you can be monitored by any other company. You do not need the ADT installer code to actually modify the system, and following these steps will not hurt the programming in the panel. Even replacing the PROM should preserve all programming. If you have any questions about how to reset your ADT alarm panel, feel free to contact us calling the number above or emailing support@alarmgrid.com