How to Change the Batteries in an ADT Motion Detector

Rayovac Battery Charger Instructions
Written By
Ma Wen Jie
Ma Wen Jie
Published: Apr 26, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

ADT motion detectors report a low battery condition to the ADT service center. ADT will call you and tell you which sensor needs a new battery and can offer advice on how to change the battery. ADT has used a number of different sensors, each of which is different. The battery type and procedure for accessing the battery compartment will differ, depending on the sensor.

Things You Will Need

  • ADT motion detector
  • Replacement batteries
  1. Remove the faceplate from your motion detector by pulling it away from the base plate. In some cases, you may need to squeeze the sides to release plastic catches to allow the plastic face plate to easily separate from the base.

  2. Locate the old battery or batteries. Some ADT sensors use one battery, others can use up to 4 batteries.

  3. Remove the batteries from the sensor and wait at least 90 seconds. Leaving the battery out of the sensor for 90 seconds will allow any stored charge to discharge before you insert the new batteries.

  4. Insert the new batteries into the sensor. Be sure that the positive and negative (+ and -) contacts are correctly oriented in the sensor.

  5. Replace the sensor’s faceplate.

The Drip Cap

  • ADT motion detectors have battery backups so they continue to work if the power to your home or business fails.
  • If the battery is dead, the detector may not work at all.
  • Insert the new batteries into the sensor.

Photo Credits

battery image by Sergey Juchkov from Fotolia.com

battery image by Sergey Juchkov from Fotolia.com

Ma Wen Jie

Although he grew up in Latin America, Mr. Ma is a writer based in Denver. He has been writing since 1987 and has written for NPR, AP, Boeing, Ford New Holland, Microsoft, RAHCO International, Umax Data Systems and other manufacturers in…

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