How to cancel AT&T service

AT&T lets you cancel wireless, internet, or TV service by phone, online, or in person at a store. The fastest route is calling 611 from your AT&T phone or 1-800-331-0500 from any phone — a representative can process the cancellation when ready and tell you what you owe. If you prefer to avoid a call, you can start the process online through your AT&T account, though you will likely need to call to complete it. In-store cancellation is also an option if you have a nearby AT&T location.

The main thing to know before you cancel is what you will owe. AT&T charges an early termination fee if you are still under contract — this fee varies depending on how much time remains on your agreement and which service you are cancelling. You may also owe for service through the end of your current billing cycle, equipment that is not fully paid off, or unreturned equipment like a modem or router. Ask the representative for the total amount due before you confirm the cancellation.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 611 from an AT&T phone or 1-800-331-0500 from any phone to cancel when ready without waiting for an online process to complete.
  • Early termination fees explore if you cancel before your contract ends, and the amount depends on how much time remains on your agreement.
  • You will owe for any service through the end of your current billing cycle, plus charges for unreturned equipment like modems or routers.
  • Return any AT&T equipment within 30 days to avoid additional charges, and keep your receipt as proof of return.

Early termination fees and what you owe

AT&T charges an early termination fee if you cancel a wireless plan, internet service, or TV service before your contract expires. For wireless, the fee is typically $180 per line if you cancel within the first year, and decreases as your contract term progresses — by the final months, the fee may be $0. For internet and TV, the fee structure is similar but the amount varies by service type and how long your contract has been active.

Beyond the early termination fee, you will also owe any balance on equipment payments. If you financed a phone, tablet, or home internet equipment through AT&T, cancelling does not erase what you still owe on that device — you will need to pay the remaining balance. You are also responsible for any service charges through the end of your current billing cycle, even if you cancel mid-cycle.

Ask the representative for an itemized breakdown of all charges before you confirm. This way you know exactly what amount will appear on your final bill and can decide whether to proceed.

Returning equipment and avoiding extra charges

AT&T requires you to return any equipment you rented or financed — this includes modems, routers, TV boxes, and remote controls. You have 30 days from your cancellation date to return the equipment. If you do not return it within that window, AT&T will charge you a non-return fee, which is typically $150 to $200 per item depending on what it is.

The easiest way to return equipment is to take it to an AT&T store in person. Bring the equipment in its original packaging if you still have it, though this is not required. The store will give you a receipt showing what was returned — keep this receipt. If you prefer not to visit a store, you can also mail the equipment back, but you will need to contact AT&T to get a return shipping label and address. Mailing takes longer and gives you less proof of return, so in-store return is safer.

Before you return anything, make sure you have transferred any data off the equipment and deactivated it. For phones, remove your SIM card. For modems and routers, unplug them and let them sit for a few minutes before packing them up.

Cancelling without a contract or mid-contract

If you are on a month-to-month plan with no contract, you can cancel with no early termination fee. AT&T will still charge you for service through the end of your current billing cycle and any unreturned equipment, but there is no penalty for leaving early. You can ask the representative whether you are under contract when you call — they will tell you when ready.

If you are still under contract but want to leave, you have a few options. You can pay the early termination fee and cancel outright. You can also try to transfer your service to another person — AT&T allows assumption of contract in some cases, which means someone else takes over your agreement and you are released from it. This is not always possible, but it is worth asking about if you know someone who wants AT&T service.

Cancelling AT&T wireless while keeping internet or TV

You can cancel just your wireless service and keep your internet or TV, or cancel any combination of services. When you call to cancel, be specific about which service you want to stop. The representative will process each service separately and give you separate totals for what you owe on each one.

If you are cancelling wireless but keeping internet, your bill will drop to just the internet charge. If you are cancelling internet but keeping wireless, your bill will show only the wireless lines. Make sure the representative confirms which services are staying active before you hang up, so there is no confusion on your next bill.

What happens after you cancel

Your service will stop on the date you and the representative agree to — this is usually the same day if you cancel by phone, or a few days later if you cancel online. You will receive a final bill in the mail or through your online account showing all charges, early termination fees, and credits. This bill is due by the date listed on it.

If you have autopay set up, AT&T will charge your final bill to the payment method on file. If you do not want this to happen, you can remove your payment method from your account before the bill is due, though AT&T will then send you a paper bill and may charge a fee for not paying electronically. It is usually simpler to just let the final bill process normally.

After cancellation, your phone number will be released and may be reassigned to another customer after a waiting period. If you want to keep your number, you can port it to another carrier before you cancel — most carriers will handle this for you during the switch process.

Cancelling by phone versus online

Calling AT&T is faster and gives you when ready confirmation. The representative can answer questions about your bill, explain all charges, and process the cancellation in one conversation. You will know exactly when your service ends and what you owe.

Cancelling online through your AT&T account takes longer. You start the process on the website, but AT&T usually requires you to call to finish it — the online tool will prompt you to schedule a callback or provide a phone number to call. This adds an extra step and does not save time. The only advantage is that you can start the process at any hour, but you will still end up on the phone eventually.

In-person cancellation at an AT&T store is also an option if you want to return equipment at the same time. The store representative can process the cancellation and give you a receipt for any equipment you return, which is useful documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel AT&T service without paying an early termination fee?

Only if you are on a month-to-month plan with no contract. If you are under contract, you will owe the early termination fee unless you can transfer your service to someone else through AT&T's assumption of contract process. Ask the representative whether you have a contract when you call.

What if I do not return my equipment within 30 days?

AT&T will charge you a non-return fee, typically $150 to $200 per item. This charge will appear on your final bill. Return equipment in person at an AT&T store if possible so you have a receipt proving you returned it.

Can I cancel one service and keep the others?

Yes. You can cancel wireless while keeping internet and TV, or any other combination. Tell the representative which service you want to stop, and they will process each one separately. Your bill will then show only the services you are keeping.

What happens to my phone number after I cancel?

AT&T will release your number and may reassign it to another customer after a waiting period. If you want to keep your number, port it to another carrier before you cancel. Most carriers handle number transfers during the switch process.

Do I have to call to cancel, or can I do it entirely online?

You can start the process online, but AT&T usually requires a phone call to complete it. Calling 611 or 1-800-331-0500 is faster because the representative can finish the cancellation when ready and answer questions about your final bill.