Call AT&T to cancel, or use their online account portal

AT&T requires you to contact them directly to cancel — you cannot end service through their website alone. You have two routes: call their cancellation team at 1-800-331-0500, or log into your AT&T account online and request cancellation through the account settings. The phone route is faster if you want to cancel when ready. The online route works if you prefer written confirmation or want to schedule a cancellation date in advance.

Before you call or log in, gather your account number (on your bill), the phone number or account tied to the service you want to cancel, and any PIN or password you use to access your account. AT&T will ask for at least one of these to confirm you own the account.

If you are cancelling wireless service, AT&T may ask whether you want to keep your phone number by transferring it to another carrier — a process called porting. You can port your number during the cancellation call, or you can wait and port it later. If you do not port it, AT&T will release the number after 90 days.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-331-0500 to cancel by phone, or log into your AT&T account online and request cancellation through account settings.
  • Have your account number and the phone number or service address ready before you contact AT&T.
  • If you are cancelling wireless service, you can port your phone number to another carrier during the cancellation call.
  • AT&T may charge an early termination fee if you are cancelling a contract before the term ends — ask the representative what you owe before confirming.
  • Request written confirmation of your cancellation date and any final bill amount, and keep that confirmation until you receive your last bill.

What to expect when you call to cancel

When you reach AT&T's cancellation team, they will verify your identity using your account number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. They will then ask why you are cancelling — this is standard, and your answer does not affect whether they will process the cancellation. Some representatives may offer discounts or service changes to keep you as a customer. You can accept or decline; cancellation will proceed either way if you confirm it.

The representative will tell you your final bill amount, any early termination fees (if applicable), and your cancellation date. Ask them to repeat the cancellation date and the amount you owe. If you have a contract with an early termination fee and want to avoid it, ask whether you can cancel at the end of your contract term instead — they may be able to schedule the cancellation for a future date.

Before you hang up, ask the representative to send you written confirmation of the cancellation. This confirmation should include your cancellation date, final bill amount, and any fees. Keep this confirmation until you receive your final bill, which typically arrives within one to two billing cycles.

Cancelling through your AT&T online account

Log into your AT&T account at att.com using your username and password. Navigate to the account settings or account management section — the exact location varies depending on whether you have wireless, internet, or TV service. Look for an option labeled "Manage Service," "Account Settings," or "Billing."

Once you find the cancellation option, AT&T will ask you to confirm the service you want to cancel and may offer retention deals. You can decline these offers and proceed. The system will show you your final bill amount and any early termination fees, and will ask you to choose a cancellation date. You can cancel when ready or schedule it for a future date.

After you submit the cancellation request online, AT&T will send you a confirmation email within a few hours. Check your email (including spam folders) for this confirmation. If you do not receive it within 24 hours, call 1-800-331-0500 to confirm that your cancellation was processed.

Early termination fees and contract terms

If you signed a contract with AT&T, cancelling before the contract ends may result in an early termination fee. For wireless service, this fee is typically $350 per line, though AT&T has reduced or eliminated this fee for some plans in recent years. For internet or TV service, the fee depends on how much of your contract term remains — AT&T calculates it based on the remaining months.

When you call or request cancellation online, AT&T will tell you whether you owe an early termination fee and the exact amount. If the fee is high and you want to avoid it, ask whether your contract has ended or is ending soon. You can also ask whether AT&T will waive the fee — they sometimes do for customers with long service histories or if you are switching to a competitor due to service problems.

If you are unsure whether you have a contract, check your AT&T bill or account online. The contract end date is usually listed in the account details or billing section.

What happens to your phone number and service after cancellation

If you are cancelling wireless service and want to keep your phone number, you must port it to another carrier during or shortly after the cancellation process. To port your number, you will need your account number, PIN, and the name and address on your AT&T account. The new carrier will handle the porting process — you do not need to do anything with AT&T beyond confirming that you want to port during the cancellation call.

Porting usually takes one to three business days. During this time, your service may be briefly unavailable. If you do not port your number, AT&T will release it after 90 days, and another customer may be assigned that number.

If you are cancelling internet or TV service, there is no number to port. Your service will stop on the cancellation date. If you have equipment (a modem, router, or TV box), AT&T will tell you how to return it — usually by mail or at a local AT&T store. Check your final bill to see whether AT&T charged you for unreturned equipment.

Handling your final bill and any remaining balance

Your final bill will arrive within one to two billing cycles after your cancellation date. This bill will include charges for service through your cancellation date, any early termination fees, and credits for any overpayment or deposits you had on file. If you paid a deposit when you opened your account, AT&T will credit it to your final bill or refund it to your original payment method.

Review your final bill carefully. Check that the cancellation date matches what the representative told you, and that all charges are correct. If you see charges after your cancellation date, contact AT&T when ready at 1-800-331-0500 to dispute them.

If you have an outstanding balance on your final bill, AT&T will bill you for it. You can pay online through your account, by phone, or by mail. If you do not pay, AT&T may report the debt to a credit agency or send it to a collection agency.

Cancelling AT&T service if you are moving

If you are cancelling because you are moving to an area where AT&T does not serve, tell the representative this when you call. Some AT&T locations will waive early termination fees for customers moving out of service areas. You will need to provide your new address so AT&T can confirm that service is not available there.

If you are moving but AT&T does serve your new location, you can transfer your service instead of cancelling. This keeps your account active and avoids early termination fees. During the cancellation call, ask whether you can transfer your service to your new address instead. If you want to do this, have your new address ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel AT&T service when ready, or do I have to wait?

You can cancel when ready by calling 1-800-331-0500 or through your online account. Your service will stop on the date you choose during the cancellation process — this can be the same day or a future date. If you have an early termination fee, it applies regardless of when you cancel.

What if I cannot reach AT&T by phone?

Try cancelling through your online account at att.com instead. If you cannot access your account or the online cancellation option does not work, visit a local AT&T store with your account number and ID. A store representative can process the cancellation in person.

Do I have to return my AT&T equipment before I cancel?

No, but AT&T will charge you for unreturned equipment on your final bill. If you have a modem, router, or TV box, AT&T will tell you how to return it — usually by mail or at a store. Return it within the timeframe they give you to avoid additional charges.

Will cancelling AT&T hurt my credit score?

Cancelling service itself does not hurt your credit. However, if you owe an early termination fee or a balance on your final bill and do not pay it, AT&T may report the debt to a credit agency, which can lower your score. Pay any balance owed to avoid this.

Can I cancel just one service if I have multiple AT&T services?

Yes. If you have wireless, internet, and TV service with AT&T, you can cancel one or more while keeping the others. When you call or go online, specify which service you want to cancel. The representative will process only that cancellation.