He was born in Strelitz the son of Adolphus Frederick II, Duke of Mecklenburg, and his wife Princess Maria of Mecklenburg-Güstrow (1659–1701).

His father founded the Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in 1701 after reaching an agreement with Frederick William, Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.

Because of this Adolphus Frederick and his family were forced to live in their hunting lodges.

In 1726 Adolphus ordered a construction of a new residence, Glienecke [de], at Lake Zierke.

The town of Neustrelitz was founded around the new residence, and it became the official capital of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in 1736.