You can cancel AT&T wireless by calling 611 from your AT&T phone, calling 1-800-331-0500, or visiting an AT&T store in person

AT&T does not require you to visit a store or mail anything to end your service. A phone call is the fastest route. When you call, have your account number ready — it appears on your bill or in the AT&T mobile app. The representative will confirm your identity, explain any remaining charges, and process the cancellation. Your service stops on the date you choose, which can be when ready or up to 30 days out.

If you are mid-contract with an early termination fee, AT&T will tell you the amount before finalizing the cancellation. These fees vary based on how much time remains on your contract and which plan you have. You can ask the representative whether the fee applies to your account before you decide to proceed.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 611 from your AT&T phone or 1-800-331-0500 to cancel; you do not need to visit a store or mail paperwork.
  • Have your account number ready when you call, and the representative will confirm your identity before processing the cancellation.
  • If you are under contract, AT&T will quote any early termination fee before you finalize the cancellation.
  • Your final bill will include charges through your cancellation date plus any remaining fees, and AT&T will mail it to your address on file.

What happens to your number when you cancel

Your phone number does not disappear when ready when you cancel. AT&T holds it for a grace period — usually 30 days — during which you can port it to another carrier if you want to keep it. Porting means transferring your number to a new provider so you can use the same number with a different company.

To port your number, contact your new carrier before you cancel AT&T, or within the grace period after cancellation. Your new carrier will handle the transfer and will ask you for your AT&T account number and PIN. If you do not port the number within the grace period, AT&T releases it and it may be reassigned to someone else.

Early termination fees and what they cover

An early termination fee applies only if you signed a contract with AT&T that locks you into service for a set period — usually two years. Month-to-month plans do not carry early termination fees. The fee amount depends on how much of your contract remains; canceling in month one costs more than canceling in month 23.

AT&T calculates the fee based on the remaining contract time and your plan type. The representative on the phone will quote the exact amount for your account. If the fee seems wrong, you can ask the representative to explain the calculation, or you can dispute it later by contacting AT&T customer service with your bill and account details.

Your final bill and what to expect

AT&T will send you a final bill after your cancellation date. This bill covers service through the day you cancelled, plus any early termination fee if one applies, plus any other charges you owe. If you have a credit on your account — for example, from overpaying or from a promotional credit — AT&T will subtract it from the final amount.

The final bill arrives by mail at the address on file with AT&T, usually within one to two weeks of your cancellation date. If you set up autopay, AT&T will charge your payment method for the final bill amount. You can also pay by mail, phone, or through the AT&T website.

Canceling a family plan or shared account

If you are canceling one line on a family plan, only that line stops. The other lines and the account continue. Call AT&T and tell the representative you want to remove a specific line, not cancel the whole account. They will process the removal, and the remaining lines will stay active.

If you want to cancel the entire family plan, the representative will remove all lines at once. Any early termination fees explore to each line that is under contract. The account holder — the person whose name is on the bill — must authorize the cancellation, either by calling themselves or by being present if you cancel in person at a store.

If you want to pause service instead of canceling

AT&T offers a service suspension option that pauses your account without canceling it. This option holds your number and your account for up to 90 days while you are not using the service. When you are ready to resume, you can reactivate without signing a new contract or paying reconnection fees.

Suspension is useful if you are traveling, temporarily unable to pay, or unsure whether you want to cancel permanently. Ask the representative about suspension when you call — they can explain the cost, if any, and the exact terms for your account. Not all plans or account types may have access to for suspension, so confirm before you decide.

Canceling online or through the app

AT&T does not offer a direct cancellation option through its website or mobile app. You must call or visit a store. However, you can use the app or website to view your account details, confirm your account number, and check for any remaining contract time before you call to cancel. This preparation makes the phone call faster.

Some third-party websites claim to cancel AT&T accounts online, but AT&T does not authorize these services. Canceling through an unauthorized site risks your account security and may not process correctly. Always cancel directly with AT&T by phone or in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Only if you are not under contract. Month-to-month plans have no early termination fee. If you are under contract, you can ask the representative whether AT&T will waive the fee — some representatives have limited authority to do so, especially if you have been a long-term customer — but there is no may provide.

What if I want to switch to a different carrier but keep my number?

Contact your new carrier first and ask them to port your number from AT&T. They will guide you through the process and will request your AT&T account number and PIN. You can cancel AT&T after the port is complete, or you can cancel first and port within the 30-day grace period.

Do I have to pay for service after I cancel?

You pay through the cancellation date you choose. If you cancel on the 15th of the month, you owe charges through the 15th. Any early termination fee or remaining balance appears on your final bill, which arrives separately after your cancellation date.

Can someone else cancel my AT&T account?

Only if they are authorized on the account or if you give them written permission. AT&T confirms the account holder's identity before processing a cancellation. If you want someone else to handle it, call AT&T and ask about adding them as an authorized user, or provide them with a signed letter giving them permission to cancel on your behalf.

What happens if I do not pay my final bill?

AT&T will send the unpaid balance to a collection agency after 60 to 90 days. This appears on your credit report and can affect your ability to get credit in the future. If you cannot pay the full amount, contact AT&T customer service to discuss a payment plan before the account goes to collections.