You can cancel AT&T service through your online account, by phone, or in person at a store

AT&T lets you cancel online through your account portal, which is the fastest route if you want to avoid a phone call. You log in, navigate to your account settings, and request cancellation — the process takes about 10 minutes. AT&T will ask why you're leaving and may offer you a discount to stay, but you can decline and proceed with the cancellation.

If you have an active contract or equipment payment plan, cancellation may trigger an early termination fee. This fee varies depending on how much time remains on your contract and which service you're canceling (wireless, internet, or TV). AT&T will show you the fee amount before you confirm the cancellation, so you'll know the cost upfront.

The cancellation takes effect on the date you choose, which can be when ready or up to 30 days out. AT&T will send you a final bill that includes any remaining charges, and you'll need to return any equipment like modems or set-top boxes to avoid additional fees.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your AT&T account online, go to Account Settings, and select the option to cancel service — you can complete this without calling.
  • AT&T will show you any early termination fees before you confirm, so you know the total cost of canceling before you proceed.
  • You can choose when your cancellation takes effect, from when ready to up to 30 days in the future.
  • Return all AT&T equipment like modems or boxes within 30 days to avoid equipment non-return fees on your final bill.
  • If you cannot cancel online, call AT&T customer service at 611 from your AT&T phone or 1-800-331-0500 from any phone.

Steps to cancel through your AT&T online account

Start by going to att.com and signing into your account with your username and password. If you don't remember your login, use the "Forgot username or password" link on the sign-in page — AT&T will send you a reset link to your email.

Once you're logged in, look for "Account" or "My Account" in the top menu. Click it, then find the section labeled "Services" or "Manage Services." This is where AT&T lists all the services attached to your account — wireless lines, internet, TV, or any combination. Select the specific service you want to cancel. If you're canceling your entire account, you may need to cancel each service separately.

Look for a link or button that says "Cancel Service" or "Disconnect Service." Click it, and AT&T will show you a summary of what will be canceled, any fees you'll owe, and the date the cancellation will take effect. Review this information carefully — this is where AT&T displays early termination fees if you have an active contract.

AT&T will ask you to confirm your reason for canceling and may offer you a retention offer like a discount or service upgrade. You can accept the offer to keep your service, or decline it and continue with the cancellation. If you decline, click the button to confirm the cancellation, and AT&T will process it when ready.

What happens after you cancel

AT&T will send you a confirmation email within a few minutes of your cancellation request. This email includes your cancellation date, your final bill amount, and instructions for returning equipment. Save this email — you'll need the confirmation number if you have questions later.

Your service will stop working on the cancellation date you selected. If you canceled when ready, your service ends right away. If you chose a future date, your service continues until that date, and you'll be charged for that final billing period.

AT&T will mail you a final bill that includes any remaining charges, early termination fees, and credits for service you prepaid but won't use. This bill arrives within one to two weeks of your cancellation date. If you have a credit balance, AT&T will mail you a check or credit your original payment method, depending on how you paid.

Returning AT&T equipment to avoid extra charges

When you cancel, AT&T owns any equipment they provided — modems, routers, set-top boxes, or receivers. You must return this equipment within 30 days of your cancellation date, or AT&T will charge you a non-return fee, typically $100 to $200 per item depending on the equipment type.

AT&T will include a prepaid shipping label in your cancellation confirmation email or final bill. Use this label to ship the equipment back to AT&T's warehouse. Pack the equipment securely, include all cables and power adapters that came with it, and drop it off at any shipping location that accepts the carrier listed on the label (usually UPS or FedEx).

Keep your shipping receipt as proof that you returned the equipment. If AT&T charges you a non-return fee by mistake, you can contact customer service and provide your receipt to have the fee removed. If you prefer not to ship the equipment, some AT&T stores accept returns in person — call your local store to confirm they take returns before you go.

Early termination fees and what they cover

An early termination fee applies if you cancel a wireless line or internet service before your contract ends. The fee is usually $180 for wireless lines and varies for internet depending on your plan and how much time remains. AT&T calculates the fee based on the number of months left on your contract, so canceling near the end of your contract costs less than canceling early.

AT&T will show you the exact fee amount on the cancellation confirmation page before you finalize the cancellation. If the fee surprises you, you can close the page without confirming and keep your service active. There's no penalty for starting the cancellation process and deciding not to go through with it.

TV service typically does not have an early termination fee, but promotional discounts may end when you cancel. If you're on a promotional rate and cancel before the promotion expires, AT&T will charge you the regular price for the final billing period. This charge appears on your final bill, not as a separate fee.

If you cannot cancel online

If the cancellation option doesn't appear in your account or you run into an error, you can cancel by phone. Call AT&T customer service at 611 from any AT&T phone, or 1-800-331-0500 from any other phone. Have your account number ready — it's on your AT&T bill or in your online account under Account Settings.

Tell the representative you want to cancel your service. They'll verify your account, explain any fees, and process the cancellation over the phone. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Ask the representative to email you a confirmation with your cancellation date and final bill estimate so you have it in writing.

You can also cancel in person at an AT&T store. Find your nearest store at att.com/stores, bring a photo ID and your account number, and tell the representative you want to cancel. In-person cancellation takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and the representative will print your cancellation confirmation on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be charged for the month I cancel in?

Yes. AT&T charges you through the end of your billing cycle, even if you cancel mid-month. If your billing cycle ends on the 15th and you cancel on the 10th, you'll be charged for the full month. Your final bill will include a credit for the unused days if you're on a monthly plan, but this varies by service type.

Can I cancel just one service and keep the others?

Yes. If you have wireless, internet, and TV with AT&T, you can cancel any one of them without affecting the others. Log into your account, select the specific service you want to cancel, and follow the cancellation steps. The other services stay active and continue to be billed separately.

What if I have an outstanding balance on my account?

You can still cancel, but AT&T will include the outstanding balance on your final bill. You'll need to pay this balance in full. If you don't pay, AT&T may report the debt to a credit agency or send it to collections.

How long does it take for my service to actually stop?

If you cancel when ready, your service stops within a few hours. If you choose a future cancellation date, your service continues until that date at midnight. You'll receive a confirmation email with the exact time your service ends.

Can I reactivate my service after I cancel?

Yes, but you'll need to contact AT&T to reactivate. Call 1-800-331-0500 or visit an AT&T store. Reactivation may require a new contract or setup fee, and you may not get the same promotional rate you had before. It's faster to reactivate within 30 days of cancellation.