With ADT motion sensors, alerts reach you through the ADT+ app and the notification methods set in your profile, and a motion sensor alert only appears if the system is armed in a mode that uses that sensor. If no alert arrives, first check that the alert is switched on in the app's notification settings, that your push notifications are allowed for the ADT+ app on the phone, and that the phone is not in Do Not Disturb. Then check the notification methods in My Profile for email, SMS or push, and confirm the sensor is online and its battery is good, since an offline sensor sends nothing until it reconnects to the Base. A sensor that is bypassed or an armed mode that excludes it also silences the alert.
Differential
Likely causes of “ADT sensors and detectors notifications are late, missing or excessive”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The alert is off
What separates it No alert for motion
How to confirm Enable the alert in notifications
- 2
Push is blocked on the phone
What separates it The app shows events but the phone is silent
How to confirm Allow notifications for ADT+ and turn off Do Not Disturb
- 3
The wrong delivery method
What separates it Alerts come by email only
How to confirm Turn on push or SMS in My Profile
- 4
The sensor is offline or low on battery
What separates it No events from that sensor
How to confirm Replace the battery and reconnect
- 5
The system is armed in a mode that excludes it
What separates it Motion is ignored in Stay mode
How to confirm Arm in a mode that uses the sensor
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The delivery method and phone settings
- The armed mode
- The sensor's status and battery
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedCheck the app's alerts
ReversibleMake sure motion alerts are enabled.
Check phone permissions
ReversibleAllow ADT+ notifications and turn off Do Not Disturb.
Check delivery methods
ReversibleReview My Profile, Notification Methods.
Check the sensor
ReversibleConfirm it is online with a good battery.
Test the alert
ReversibleArm the system and trigger the sensor.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Armed modes
- A motion sensor only reports in modes that use it.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models Carbon Monoxide Detector, Heat Detector, Indoor Siren, Premium Door/Window Sensor, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector, Smoke Detector, Water and Temperature Sensor.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If alerts never arrive after these checks, contact ADT
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Notification troubleshooting.
Battery types and lives.
Offline meaning and fixes per device.
Triggers, conditions and actions.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why do I not get motion alerts when I am home?+
The system may be armed Stay, which ignores some motion sensors. Check the armed mode.
Can I get alerts by text?+
Yes, if SMS is enabled in your notification methods.
Why does the app show an alert but my phone does not ring?+
Push may be blocked or muted. Allow ADT+ notifications.
What if the sensor battery is low?+
Replace it, and keep low battery alerts on.
How do I test my alerts?+
Arm the system and trigger the sensor, then check that the alert arrives.
How do I change which alerts I receive from ADT?+
Open the app's notification settings and choose the alerts, such as motion, door open and low battery, that you want.
Can I get an alert only when the system is armed?+
Alert options let you choose events and armed states; check the alert's conditions in the app.
Why did I get an alert hours late?+
The sensor may have reported late after being offline, or the phone delayed the push. Check the connection and the phone's power-saving settings.
What does a low battery alert mean for a motion sensor?+
The sensor's battery needs replacing soon. Replace it with the same type and keep the alert on.