How to cancel AT&T service

You can cancel AT&T service by calling 611 from your AT&T phone, calling 1-800-331-0500 from any phone, or visiting an AT&T store in person. The process takes about 15 minutes on the phone. AT&T will ask about your reason for leaving and may offer you a retention discount before processing the cancellation. If you're under a contract, you may owe an early termination fee — typically $180 for wireless, though this varies by plan and how much time remains on your agreement.

The cancellation takes effect on the date you choose, which can be immediate or up to 30 days out. AT&T will send you a final bill within two billing cycles that includes any remaining charges, prorated refunds if you've paid in advance, and the early termination fee if one applies. Your phone number can be transferred to another carrier if you request a port-out code before cancellation, though you must do this within 30 days of your cancellation date.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 611 from an AT&T phone or 1-800-331-0500 from any phone to start the cancellation process with a representative.
  • Early termination fees apply if you're still under contract, typically $180 for wireless plans, though the exact amount depends on your plan and remaining contract time.
  • Request a port-out code during or immediately after cancellation if you want to keep your phone number and move it to another carrier.
  • Your final bill arrives within two billing cycles and includes any remaining charges, refunds for prepaid amounts, and early termination fees.
  • You can choose when your service ends — either immediately or up to 30 days from the cancellation date.

What happens when you call to cancel

When you call AT&T, a representative will confirm your account information and ask why you're canceling. This is standard practice, not a barrier to cancellation. The representative may offer you a discount, a plan change, or a credit to stay — you can accept or decline. If you decline, they will proceed with the cancellation without further pushback.

During the call, you'll choose your cancellation date. You can cancel immediately (service ends that day) or pick a future date up to 30 days away. If you're canceling wireless service and want to keep your phone number, ask for a port-out code at this time. Write down the code and the date it expires — you'll need it when you contact your new carrier. The representative will email you a confirmation with your cancellation details.

Early termination fees and contract obligations

AT&T charges an early termination fee if you cancel before your contract ends. For wireless plans, this fee is typically $180, but the exact amount depends on your specific plan and how much time is left on your contract. Some older plans may have different fees. You can ask the representative what your fee will be before you confirm the cancellation.

If you're on a month-to-month plan with no contract, you won't owe an early termination fee — you'll only owe charges through your cancellation date. To check whether you're under contract, log into your AT&T account online, call 611, or visit a store. The account page shows your contract end date if one exists.

Your final bill and what it includes

AT&T sends your final bill within two billing cycles of your cancellation date. This bill includes any service charges through your cancellation date, prorated to the exact day if you cancel mid-cycle. If you've paid in advance for service beyond your cancellation date, AT&T refunds that amount. The early termination fee, if one applies, appears on this final bill.

Check your final bill carefully. If you see charges you don't recognize or believe the early termination fee is incorrect, contact AT&T customer service at 611 or 1-800-331-0500 within 60 days to dispute them. AT&T has processes to review billing disputes, though you may need to provide documentation of your cancellation date or plan details.

Keeping your phone number when you switch carriers

You can transfer your AT&T phone number to another carrier through a process called number porting. To do this, you need a port-out code from AT&T. Ask for this code when you call to cancel, or request it after cancellation — you have 30 days from your cancellation date to use it. The code is usually a four-digit PIN or a longer alphanumeric string.

Once you have the code, contact your new carrier and give them the code along with your AT&T account number and phone number. Your new carrier handles the port request and typically completes it within one to three business days. During the port, your service may be briefly unavailable — usually a few minutes to a few hours. After the port completes, your number works on your new carrier's network and your AT&T service ends.

Canceling online or in person

AT&T does not offer full cancellation through its website or app — you must speak to a representative by phone or in person. However, you can manage other account changes online, such as downgrading your plan or removing a line, which may be an alternative if you're trying to reduce costs.

If you prefer not to call, you can visit an AT&T store in person. A store representative can process your cancellation the same way a phone representative does. Bring your ID and your account number or the phone number associated with your account. The in-person process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You'll receive a printed confirmation of your cancellation.

What to do before you cancel

Before calling to cancel, back up any data stored on your AT&T account — this includes voicemail, contacts synced through AT&T services, and any documents or photos stored in AT&T Cloud. After cancellation, you lose access to your AT&T email address if you have one, so forward important messages to a personal email account or download them first.

If you're canceling a family plan, confirm whether other lines will remain active. Canceling one line is different from canceling the entire account. If you want to keep some lines and cancel others, tell the representative which lines to cancel and which to keep. Check whether any lines have contracts or early termination fees before you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the early termination fee?

Yes, if you're under contract, the early termination fee applies when you cancel before the contract ends. The fee is typically $180 for wireless but varies by plan. You can ask the representative what your specific fee is before confirming cancellation. If you believe the fee is incorrect, you can dispute it within 60 days of your final bill.

Can I cancel just one line on my family plan?

Yes. When you call to cancel, tell the representative which line or lines you want to remove. The rest of your account stays active. Each line under contract may have its own early termination fee, so ask about the fee for the specific line you're canceling.

What if I change my mind after canceling?

If you cancel and then change your mind, contact AT&T within a few days. AT&T may reactivate your service if your cancellation hasn't fully processed, though this depends on timing and your account status. Call 611 or 1-800-331-0500 to ask. If reactivation isn't possible, you can sign up as a new customer, though you may not receive the same plan or pricing you had before.

Will I owe anything after my final bill arrives?

No. Your final bill covers all charges through your cancellation date, including the early termination fee if one applies. Once you pay the final bill, you owe nothing more to AT&T. If you dispute a charge on the final bill, contact AT&T within 60 days to resolve it.

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

Service stops on the cancellation date you choose during the call. If you choose immediate cancellation, your service ends that day — you may lose service within hours. If you pick a future date, service continues until that date at midnight. After your cancellation date, you cannot make calls, send texts, or use data on that AT&T line.