How to Cancel Your AT&T Internet Service

How to cancel AT&T internet

To cancel AT&T internet, call 1-800-288-2020 and tell the representative you want to disconnect service. Have your account number ready — you can find it on your bill or in the AT&T mobile app. The representative will confirm your service address, discuss any early termination fees if you are under contract, and schedule a final date. Most cancellations take effect within 7 to 10 business days after your requested end date.

You can also cancel in person at an AT&T store, though calling is faster because the representative can process everything when ready. Online cancellation through your AT&T account is not available — AT&T requires a phone call or in-person visit to prevent accidental disconnections.

Before you call, check whether you have an active contract. If you signed up for a promotional rate or equipment discount, you may owe an early termination fee, usually between $120 and $180. AT&T will tell you the exact amount during the call. If the fee surprises you, ask whether the company will waive it — representatives sometimes do, especially if you have been a long-term customer or if you are switching to a competitor.

Key Takeaways

• Call 1-800-288-2020 with your account number to start the cancellation process; the service will end 7 to 10 business days after your requested date.
• Early termination fees explore if you cancel before your contract ends, typically $120 to $180, but representatives may waive them in some cases.
• Return all AT&T equipment — modem, router, and cables — within 30 days or you will be charged a non-return fee of $100 to $150 per item.
• Request a final bill in writing to confirm all charges, and keep proof of equipment return in case AT&T later claims you did not send it back.

What happens to your equipment after cancellation

AT&T will tell you during the cancellation call where to return the modem, router, and any cables they provided. Most customers can drop equipment at an AT&T store or use a prepaid shipping label that AT&T mails to you. You have 30 days from your cancellation date to return everything.

If you do not return the equipment, AT&T charges a non-return fee for each item — typically $100 for a modem and $50 for a router. These fees appear on your final bill. Keep your receipt or tracking number if you ship the equipment back, because AT&T sometimes claims items were not received even when they were. A photo of the package before you drop it off is also useful proof.

Do not throw away or recycle AT&T equipment before confirming it arrived at their facility. Wait for a final bill that shows zero equipment charges, or contact AT&T to confirm receipt.

Early termination fees and contract details

AT&T charges an early termination fee if you cancel before your contract expires. The fee is usually $120 to $180 depending on how much time remains on your agreement. If you signed up for a promotional rate — for example, $39 per month for 12 months — you are locked into that price for the contract term. Canceling early means you lose the promotional discount.

Some AT&T plans have no contract at all. If you are on a month-to-month plan, you can cancel without a fee. The representative will tell you which type of plan you have when you call.

If the early termination fee is high and you are switching to another provider, ask AT&T whether they will waive it. Mention that you are leaving because of price, service quality, or availability. Some representatives have authority to reduce or remove the fee, especially if you have been a customer for several years. This is worth asking about — the worst they can say is no.

Your final bill and what to expect

AT&T will send you a final bill after your service ends. This bill includes charges through your cancellation date, any early termination fees, and credits for any overpayment you made. If you paid in advance or had a deposit on file, AT&T refunds that money within 7 to 10 business days after the final bill is issued.

Review your final bill carefully. Check that the cancellation date matches what you requested, that you are not charged for service after that date, and that all equipment fees are accurate. If you returned equipment, the bill should show zero non-return charges. If something is wrong, call 1-800-288-2020 again and ask for a correction.

Keep your final bill for your records. If AT&T later claims you owe money or did not return equipment, you will have proof of what was actually charged.

Switching to a different internet provider

Before you cancel AT&T, research other providers in your area and confirm they serve your address. Use the search tool on your new provider's website or call them directly. Some areas have only one or two options, so checking first prevents you from canceling AT&T only to find out your next choice is not available.

Schedule your new service to start a few days after AT&T ends. This gives you a small window to troubleshoot if something goes wrong with the new connection. Most providers can install service within 5 to 10 business days of your order, so plan accordingly.

If your new provider requires a modem or router, they will usually send it to you before the installation date. Set it up and test it before your AT&T cancellation date if possible. This way you know the new equipment works before you lose internet access.

What to do if AT&T charges you after cancellation

If your final bill includes charges for service after your cancellation date, call 1-800-288-2020 and dispute them. Have your cancellation confirmation number ready — AT&T should have given you one during the cancellation call. Explain the dates and ask for a credit.

If AT&T claims you did not return equipment but you did, provide your tracking number or receipt. If you do not have proof, ask AT&T to check their warehouse records. Equipment sometimes gets lost in transit, and AT&T can investigate. This process takes a few weeks, but persistence usually results in a credit.

If AT&T does not resolve the issue after two calls, file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission at fcc.gov/complaints. Include your account number, the dates of your calls, and the names of any representatives you spoke with. The FCC forwards complaints to AT&T, which usually responds within 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Only if you are on a month-to-month plan with no contract. If you signed a contract for a promotional rate, you will owe the early termination fee unless AT&T waives it. Ask the representative during your cancellation call — they sometimes reduce or remove the fee for long-term customers.

What if I move and want to keep AT&T at my new address?

Call 1-800-288-2020 and ask to transfer your service instead of canceling. AT&T can move your account to a new address if service is available there. This is faster than canceling and reordering, and you avoid early termination fees. If AT&T does not serve your new address, then you will need to cancel.

How long does it take to get a refund after I cancel?

AT&T sends your final bill within 7 to 10 business days after your service ends. If you overpaid or had a deposit, the refund appears on that bill. The actual refund to your original payment method takes another 7 to 10 business days. Total time is usually 2 to 3 weeks.

Do I have to return the modem if I own it instead of renting it?

No. If you purchased the modem outright, it belongs to you and you keep it. If you rented it from AT&T, you must return it. Your bill will show whether you own or rent the equipment. Check your final bill to confirm — if there is no monthly modem rental charge, you own it.

Can I cancel over the phone without talking to a representative?

No. AT&T requires you to speak with a representative or visit a store in person. There is no automated phone option or online cancellation. Call 1-800-288-2020 and select the option for billing or account changes.