You can cancel AT&T by calling their customer service line, visiting a store in person, or using your online account — but the method you choose affects how quickly it happens and whether you owe an early termination fee.
AT&T charges an early termination fee if you cancel before your contract ends, unless you have a month-to-month plan or your contract period has already finished. The fee is typically $180 for phone lines, though it may be lower if you are near the end of your agreement. Before you cancel, check your account to see when your contract expires and whether you are may be able to access to leave without a penalty.
The fastest way to cancel is by phone — you can reach AT&T customer service at 611 from your AT&T phone, or 1-800-331-0500 from any phone. A representative will confirm your account details, explain any fees you owe, and process the cancellation. If you want to cancel in person, visit any AT&T store with your account number or phone number. You can also start the cancellation process online through your AT&T account, though you may need to call to complete it.
Key Takeaways
- AT&T charges an early termination fee of around $180 per line if you cancel before your contract ends, unless you are on a month-to-month plan or your contract has expired.
- You can cancel by phone at 611 (from an AT&T phone) or 1-800-331-0500, in person at an AT&T store, or by starting the process online through your account.
- Check your account before canceling to see your contract end date and calculate any fees you will owe.
- Your service will stop on the date you request, and you will receive a final bill that includes any early termination fees and prorated charges.
- If you are switching to another carrier, ask about their promotions for new customers — some carriers cover early termination fees for people leaving AT&T.
Check your contract end date and fees before you call
Log into your AT&T account online or open the AT&T mobile app and look for your contract details. You will see the date your current agreement ends. If that date has already passed, you are on a month-to-month plan and can cancel without an early termination fee. If the date is in the future, AT&T will charge you the early termination fee when you cancel.
The early termination fee starts at $180 per line but decreases as you get closer to your contract end date. Some AT&T plans do not have contracts at all — these are usually prepaid or certain postpaid plans. If you are unsure whether your plan has a contract, call 1-800-331-0500 and ask a representative to check your account.
Cancel by phone with AT&T customer service
Call 611 from your AT&T phone or 1-800-331-0500 from any phone. Have your account number or the phone number associated with your account ready. The representative will pull up your account and ask why you are canceling — this is routine and does not change the outcome, though some representatives may offer you a discount to stay.
Tell the representative you want to cancel your service. They will confirm the cancellation date (usually the date you call or a date you choose), explain the total amount you owe including any early termination fees, and process the cancellation. Ask them to email or mail you a confirmation of the cancellation date and final bill amount. Request that they note in your account that you requested the cancellation, so there is a record if you need to dispute any charges later.
After you hang up, your service will continue until the cancellation date you agreed on. You will receive a final bill in the mail within one to two weeks that shows all charges, including the early termination fee if you owe one.
Cancel in person at an AT&T store
Find your nearest AT&T store using the store locator on AT&T.com. Bring your account number or the phone number on your account, and bring a photo ID. Tell the store representative you want to cancel your service. They will look up your account, show you any fees you owe, and process the cancellation on the spot.
In-person cancellation works the same way as phone cancellation — your service continues until the date you agree on, and you will receive a final bill by mail. The advantage of canceling in person is that you get a printed receipt showing the cancellation date and fees, which you can keep for your records.
Start cancellation online through your AT&T account
Log into your AT&T account at att.com and look for the "Manage Services" or "Account Settings" section. Some AT&T accounts allow you to request cancellation online, but the process varies depending on your plan type. You may see an option to "Cancel Service" or "Close Account." Click it and follow the prompts to select your cancellation date and review any fees.
If you do not see a cancellation option online, or if the system tells you to call, you will need to complete the cancellation by phone. AT&T sometimes requires a phone call to confirm cancellation for accounts with active contracts or outstanding balances. If you start the process online and it directs you to call, have your account number ready when you call 1-800-331-0500.
What happens to your final bill and any remaining balance
AT&T will send you a final bill that includes all charges through your cancellation date, any early termination fees, and a credit for any overpayment you made. If you paid for service in advance (for example, if you prepaid for the next month), AT&T will credit that amount toward your final bill. If the credit is larger than the charges, AT&T will mail you a refund check, which typically arrives within four to six weeks.
If you owe money on your final bill, you can pay it online through your AT&T account, by phone, or by mail. AT&T will continue to send you bills until the balance is paid. If you do not pay, AT&T may send your account to a collection agency, which can affect your credit score.
Returning your AT&T equipment
If you have an AT&T modem, router, or other equipment that AT&T provided, you will need to return it. AT&T will include instructions with your final bill or you can ask about the return process when you cancel. Some AT&T stores accept equipment returns, or you can mail it back to AT&T using a prepaid shipping label they provide.
If you do not return the equipment, AT&T will charge you a non-return fee, which is typically $150 to $200 depending on the device. This fee will appear on your final bill. Keep your receipt or tracking number if you mail the equipment back, so you have proof of the return if AT&T charges you anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the early termination fee?
You owe the early termination fee only if your contract has not ended yet. If your contract has expired or you are on a month-to-month plan, you can cancel without a fee. Some carriers offer to pay your early termination fee if you switch to them, so ask your new carrier about this before you cancel AT&T.
Can I cancel just one line on my account and keep the others?
Yes. When you call or visit a store, tell the representative you want to cancel only one line. The other lines will stay active. You will still owe an early termination fee for the line you are canceling if your contract has not ended, but the other lines will not be affected.
What if I want to cancel but keep my phone number?
You can port your number to another carrier before you cancel AT&T. Contact your new carrier and ask them to initiate the port. They will give you a PIN and account number to provide to AT&T. Once the port is complete, your service will switch to the new carrier and your AT&T account will close automatically.
How long does it take for my service to actually stop after I cancel?
Your service will stop on the cancellation date you agree on with AT&T, which is usually the date you call or a date within a few days. You will be able to make and receive calls until that date. After the cancellation date, your phone will no longer have service on the AT&T network.
What if I change my mind after I cancel?
If you cancel and then change your mind before your service stops, call AT&T immediately at 1-800-331-0500 and ask to reinstate your service. AT&T may be able to reverse the cancellation if you call before the cancellation date. If your service has already stopped, you can reactivate it, but you may have to sign a new contract and pay a reactivation fee.