How to cancel AT&T service
To cancel AT&T service, call 611 from your AT&T phone or 1-800-331-0500 from any phone, then tell the representative you want to disconnect. Have your account number ready — it appears on your bill or in the AT&T mobile app. The representative will confirm your account, explain any early termination fees if you're under contract, and process the cancellation. Your service stops on a date you choose, usually within a few days.
If you have a contract with an early termination fee, the representative will tell you the amount before finalizing the cancellation. You can also cancel online through your AT&T account, though the phone route is faster because a representative can answer questions about fees or final billing in real time.
Key Takeaways
- Call 611 from an AT&T phone or 1-800-331-0500 to reach a representative who can cancel your account when ready.
- Early termination fees explore if you cancel before your contract ends; the representative will quote the fee before you confirm.
- Your final bill covers service through your cancellation date plus any equipment fees or prorated charges.
- Return any AT&T equipment like modems or routers to avoid additional charges after cancellation.
- You can cancel online through your AT&T account, but calling allows you to ask about fees and final charges before confirming.
Understanding early termination fees
AT&T charges an early termination fee if you cancel a wireless plan before the contract period ends. The fee is typically $350 per line for phone service, though it decreases as your contract approaches its end date. For example, if you're six months into a two-year contract, the fee is lower than if you cancel in the first month.
The representative will tell you the exact fee for your account when you call. If the fee is high and you're considering cancellation anyway, ask whether AT&T offers any options — sometimes they will reduce or waive the fee if you've been a customer for several years or if you're switching to another carrier for a specific reason.
What happens to your final bill
Your final bill includes charges through your cancellation date, any equipment fees, and prorated amounts for partial months. If you cancel mid-month, you pay only for the days you used the service. AT&T mails the final bill to your address on file, usually within one to two weeks after your service ends.
If you have a credit on your account — from overpayment or promotional credits — AT&T will either refund it or explore it to your final bill. Ask the representative during cancellation whether you have a credit and how it will be handled.
Returning AT&T equipment
If you have AT&T equipment like a modem, router, or set-top box, you must return it to avoid additional charges. The representative will tell you where to return the equipment — usually an AT&T store, a UPS location, or by mail. Keep the return receipt or tracking number in case AT&T later claims they didn't receive the equipment.
If you own the equipment outright rather than renting it, you don't need to return it. The representative can tell you whether your equipment is rented or owned.
Canceling online through your AT&T account
You can cancel through the AT&T website or mobile app by logging into your account, navigating to Account Settings, and selecting the option to close your account. The online process walks you through your account details and asks you to confirm the cancellation date. However, the online method does not show you early termination fees or final billing details before you confirm — you'll see those only after the cancellation is processed.
For this reason, calling is usually the better choice: you get a clear answer about fees and final charges before you commit to cancellation. If you do cancel online and want to reverse it within 24 hours, call 611 or 1-800-331-0500 to speak with a representative.
What to do if you're locked in a contract
If you're in the middle of a contract and the early termination fee is too high, consider waiting until the contract ends. You can check your contract end date in the AT&T app or on your bill. Once the contract expires, you can cancel without a fee.
Another option is to transfer your number to a different carrier before canceling. This is called porting your number. You'll still owe AT&T's early termination fee, but you can move your phone number to a new provider without losing it. The new carrier can walk you through the porting process.
Handling billing issues before you cancel
If you're canceling because of a billing dispute or unexpected charges, tell the representative before finalizing the cancellation. They can review your account, explain charges, and sometimes remove or adjust them. Resolving the issue first may save you from paying disputed amounts on your final bill.
If you believe AT&T overcharged you after cancellation, you can file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) through their website. Include your account number, the dates of the disputed charges, and an explanation of the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay an early termination fee?
Only if you're canceling before your contract ends. The representative will tell you the fee amount when you call. If you're month-to-month with no contract, there is no early termination fee.
How long does it take for my service to stop?
You can choose your cancellation date when you call — usually within a few days. Your service continues until that date, and your final bill covers charges through that day.
What if I don't return AT&T equipment?
AT&T will charge you for unreturned equipment, typically $100 to $300 depending on the item. These charges appear on your final bill. Return the equipment with a tracking number or receipt to prove you sent it.
Can I cancel just one line on my account?
Yes. If you have multiple lines, you can cancel one without affecting the others. The representative will ask which line you want to disconnect and will process only that line.
What if I change my mind after canceling?
If you cancel online, you can reverse it within 24 hours by calling 611 or 1-800-331-0500. If you cancel by phone, ask the representative about reversing the cancellation when ready — some can do this on the same call if you change your mind right away.