How to Cancel AT&T Services (Internet, Wireless, TV, Phone) – Fees, Returns, and Step‑by‑Step Guide

Quick cancel:

• Internet/U‑verse/AT&T Phone call 800‑288‑2020
• AT&T Wireless call 800‑331‑0500 (get a Number Transfer PIN before switching)
• DIRECTV call 800‑531‑5000 (DIRECTV via Internet/STREAM can be canceled online). No proration of the final month for most services.
• Return internet/U‑verse equipment within 21 days at The UPS Store or FedEx Office and keep your receipt.

To cancel AT&T internet, wireless plans, TV, or landline service efficiently and avoid unexpected costs, use this guide for the correct steps, fees, and return rules.

This walkthrough covers cancellation policies and processes, early termination fees vs. device balances, equipment return procedures, and ways to reduce charges. It also explains when you might downgrade or temporarily suspend instead of canceling and answers common questions. Begin the cancellation process informed and prepared.

Overview of Canceling AT&T Services

Before getting into the specifics, here is a quick overview of some key things to keep in mind when canceling AT&T:

• Only the account owner can request cancellation. If you are not the account owner, you will need them to call or sign in to authorize changes.
• Final bills are not prorated for most services. If you cancel mid‑cycle, you usually owe the full bill period.
• Return internet/U-verse equipment within 21 days at The UPS Store or FedEx Office (AT&T stores don’t accept returns) or risk a non‑return fee (often $150). Keep the receipt.
• Fees vary by service: Internet may have a $15/month ETF if under a term; Wireless lines typically have no ETF but any remaining device installment balance is due; DIRECTV satellite may have an ETF per remaining month on a term.
• Outstanding balances must be paid before the account is fully closed.
• Confirm cancellation to avoid being billed incorrectly.
• Numbers to know: Internet/U‑verse/AT&T Phone – 800‑288‑2020; AT&T Wireless – 800‑331‑0500; DIRECTV – 800‑531‑5000.

Now let’s look at how to cancel each type of AT&T service.

How to Cancel AT&T Internet?

If you want to cancel your AT&T internet service, here are the steps to follow:

1. Gather Account Details

Have the following information ready before canceling:

• Account number
• Account holder’s name
• Service address
• Last 4 digits of SSN

This allows AT&T to verify your identity and pull up your account.

2. Call to Cancel Service

Contact AT&T customer service at 800-288-2020. Select the cancellation prompt when prompted. Store locations don’t process internet cancellations.

• Let the representative know you want to disconnect your internet service and cancel your account.
• Specify whether you want service discontinued immediately or at the end of your billing cycle.
• Request confirmation that your service will be canceled.

3. Return Leased Equipment

Return any AT&T internet equipment within 21 days to The UPS Store or FedEx Office (AT&T stores don’t accept returns):

• The UPS Store (bring your account number; they’ll scan, pack, and ship)
• FedEx Office (company‑owned locations only)

Obtain and keep a tracking receipt to avoid a non‑return fee (often $150). Don’t remove wall‑mounted fiber jacks/ONTs.

4. Pay Final Bill

Pay any outstanding balance and fees on your final bill. This may include:

• Service charges for the final month (not prorated)
• Early termination fee if under a term commitment
• Non‑return equipment fees

Confirm the fees before paying your final bill.

5. Confirm Cancellation

• Check online or call back after a few days to confirm AT&T completed the cancellation request.
• Ensure no additional charges appear after cancellation.

Following these steps will allow you to smoothly disconnect AT&T internet without owing extra fees down the line.

How to Cancel AT&T Internet at an AT&T store?

Alternatively you can also cancel by visiting any AT&T Store nearby you, here is the process:

At a retail location:

• AT&T retail stores don’t process internet cancellations or accept internet equipment returns. Call 800‑288‑2020 to cancel.
• For equipment, take gateways and approved devices to The UPS Store or FedEx Office with your account number. Keep the return receipt.
• Set a cancellation date within the billing period and save your cancellation confirmation.

How do you cancel AT&T Internet Online?

Online (limited exceptions):

• Most AT&T Internet customers must cancel by phone.
• A limited exception exists for AT&T Internet Air accounts ordered online in select states (e.g., IL or MA), which may allow online cancellation via myAT&T.
• Regardless of method, ensure no outstanding balances remain and return required equipment within 21 days.

AT&T Internet Cancellation Fees

Here are the most common fees and charges associated with canceling AT&T internet service:

Early Termination Fee (ETF)

If you cancel after the first 14 days but before completing your 1‑year contract, expect to pay an ETF of $15 per remaining month. For example, if you cancel with 5 months left, your ETF would be $75.

This fee appears on your final bill within 1‑2 billing cycles as “Early Termination Fee.”

Unreturned Equipment Fees

• Return gateways and approved devices with power supplies within 21 days to avoid a non‑return equipment fee (commonly $150).
• Don’t remove wall‑mounted ONTs or fiber jacks.

Final Month Charges

AT&T will bill you for the full final month after cancellation rather than prorating by date. Expect to pay for full service even if you cancel mid‑month.

Understanding these charges ahead of time allows you to cancel without unexpected fees on your final bill.

See also: Why is My AT&T Internet So Slow? An In-Depth Troubleshooting Guide

How to Cancel AT&T Wireless Plans?

Review your AT&T service agreement: Before canceling your wireless plan, check whether you’re on a device installment plan (most customers) or a rare service‑commitment contract. Installments have no ETF, but the remaining device balance is due. Service‑commitment lines may owe an ETF if ended early.

Follow these steps to cancel your AT&T wireless service:

1. Collect Account Information

Have your AT&T wireless account number, account holder information, and any PINs ready. This is required for AT&T to pull up your account.

2. Call AT&T Customer Service

Call 800-331-0500 to reach the AT&T wireless cancellation department. Inform the representative you want to cancel service and shut down your wireless account.

If trying to port your number to a new carrier, do not cancel. Instead, request your Number Transfer PIN (via *PORT or myAT&T) and provide it with your account number to the new carrier.

3. Set Cancellation Date

Choose whether to discontinue service immediately or at the end of your billing cycle. Immediate cancellation starts the final billing and cancellation process faster.

4. Pay Any Outstanding Balances

Settle the remaining balance for any device installment plans or service charges for the current month. AT&T will email and mail your final bill statement.

5. Confirm Cancellation

Call back or check your account online a few days after requesting cancellation to confirm AT&T completed the process successfully.

By following these wireless cancellation steps, you can switch carriers or close your AT&T wireless account without issue.

How to Cancel AT&T Wireless Services through a local store or kiosk?

Visit an AT&T Wireless store or kiosk: Alternatively, you can visit an AT&T Wireless store or kiosk to cancel your wireless plan. Inform the representative that you want to cancel your service and provide any necessary account information. They will guide you through the cancellation process and may assist with returning any equipment 

AT&T Wireless Early Termination Fees

When canceling AT&T wireless services, you may owe the following ETFs or device balances:

• Device Installment Plan: Most postpaid lines have no ETF; instead, any remaining device installment balance (including accessories on installments) becomes due at cancellation.
• Service‑commitment contracts (rare): An ETF applies only if you signed a service commitment (e.g., smartphones formerly $325 minus $10 per full month; tablets/hotspots $150 minus $4 per full month).
• Final Month’s Service Charge: AT&T doesn’t prorate the final month for most services—you’ll owe the full billing period even if you cancel mid‑cycle.

Understanding these wireless cancellation policies ahead of time eliminates surprise fees on your final AT&T bill. Just be sure to settle any outstanding device payment plans or service charges.

How to Cancel AT&T TV or DirectTV?

The account owner should call 800.288.2020 with the account number and PIN during normal operating hours.

AT&T U-verse TV Cancellation Policy

• You can cancel your AT&T U-verse TV service within 14 days of activation without an Early Termination Fee (ETF).
• If you cancel after this period and have a term commitment, you’ll incur service fees and other charges, including an ETF.

Early Termination Fee

• An ETF applies if you disconnect your service more than 14 days after activation with a term commitment.
• The ETF is prorated and reduces each month over the 12‑month term. For example, starting at $180 and decreasing by $15 each month.

Equipment Return Policy

• Upon service termination, leased equipment must be returned undamaged within 21 days to avoid charges.
• Charges for non‑returned or damaged equipment are applicable.
• If equipment is returned within 90 days of termination, any charged fees (except for damages) will be refunded.
• No refunds for equipment returned after 90 days.
• This policy also applies when replacing or upgrading equipment.

Returning Equipment

• Return equipment to a UPS Store or FedEx® Office; AT&T stores do not accept returns.
• Bring the equipment, 9‑digit account number, and the letter or email received for the return process.

How to Cancel AT&T Internet + TV Bundle

Do you want to cancel an AT&T service bundle with TV, internet and home phone? Follow these steps:

1. Have Account Details Handy

Write down your AT&T account number, home phone number, service address and other account details before calling to cancel.

2. Call Customer Service

Contact the AT&T cancellation line at 800-288-2020. Explain you want to disconnect your bundled services and shut down your account. Specify cancellation date.

3. Settled Outstanding Balances

Pay off current month’s charges (not prorated), unreturned equipment fees, and any early termination fees from broken contracts. AT&T will email and mail your final bill.

4. Return Leased Equipment

Take routers, receivers, cords and other AT&T equipment to The UPS Store or FedEx Office within 21 days. Get a return receipt showing all items were received.

5. Confirm Services Are Disconnected

Call back a few days after initial cancellation request to verify service disconnection for all products in your bundle. Ensure no extra charges going forward.

Canceling an AT&T bundle with home internet, TV, and phone can be complex. Following these instructions closely prevents misunderstandings around fees, equipment returns, account closure, and final balance.

See also: How to Connect AT&T U-Verse Modem: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Cancel AT&T Landline Phone

Are you looking to cancel AT&T home phone service? Follow these simple steps:

1. Gather Account Information

Have your AT&T home phone number, account number, and billing details handy before cancellation call.

2. Contact Customer Service

Call 800-288-2020 and say “cancel service” to the automated system. Explain to the representative you want to disconnect your landline and shut down the account.

3. Choose a Cancellation Date

Pick the date to discontinue your home phone service based on your preference. Mid‑month cancellations still require paying for the full final billing cycle.

4. Settle Final Bill

Check your final bill for any outstanding charges and to see if fees apply based on your contract and cancellation timing. Pay total amount due.

5. Confirm Phone Line Disconnection

Contact AT&T customer service after several days to confirm your landline service cancellation went through as requested without any issues.

By following these simple but essential steps, you can smoothly disconnect AT&T home phone service and avoid extra charges both now and in the future.

How to Cancel AT&T Prepaid Phone

Did you purchase an AT&T prepaid phone but want to cancel service? Here is how:

1. Stop Making Payments

AT&T prepaid accounts automatically expire if not refreshed after 60 days. Simply stop adding funds to trigger eventual account closure.

2. Turn Off AutoPay

If you have a payment method saved on your account, remove it through your MyAT&T account portal to prevent unwanted future charges after service ends.

3. Let Account Balance Expire

Allow account balance to fully expire after 60 days. AT&T will automatically deactivate it for you at that point.

4. Unlink Other Services

Manually cancel any additional third‑party services not tied directly to your AT&T prepaid phone to stop potential billing.

5. Confirm Account Closure

Check online or use the AT&T prepaid app to confirm your phone line was deactivated after about 60 days without payments.

Canceling an AT&T prepaid phone line is simple since it expires automatically without renewals. Just unlink any attached services and confirm closure.

Avoiding Extra Fees When Canceling AT&T

Follow these tips to prevent surprise charges, fees and complications when canceling AT&T services:

• Carefully review and pay final bill including service charges, installments, termination fees
• Return equipment at The UPS Store or FedEx Office within 21 days and obtain a receipt
• Confirm service cancellation in writing 1‑2 billing cycles after disconnecting
• Provide written dispute notice within 60 days for any improper cancellation fees
• Escalate billing issues to AT&T executive resolution department to remove unfair charges

Knowing these best practices when closing your AT&T account allows you to cancel worry‑free without ongoing billing headaches.

How to Temporarily Suspend AT&T Service

Rather than permanently disconnecting service, AT&T allows you to temporarily suspend certain services like internet or wireless plans for short periods when traveling internationally or during other life changes.

AT&T Postpaid Wireless

• Access your myAT&T account overview and sign in, if prompted.
• Scroll down to the “My devices” section and choose either “Manage device” or “Manage plan & device.”
• Go to the “Options & settings” tab and select “Suspend wireless service.”
• Choose a reason for the suspension and click on “Suspend.”
• Follow the prompts provided to suspend your service.
• If your device was stolen, make sure to block it as well.
• Billing usually continues during voluntary suspension; a short courtesy suspension for lost/stolen devices may be granted (up to ~30 days).

AT&T Internet, AT&T Phone, or U-verse TV (Vacation hold)

• Call 800.288.2020 to put your AT&T services like Internet, phone or U-verse tv into vacation hold.
• You can suspend your service twice in a 12‑month period for a minimum of 2 months and a maximum of 9 months; fees apply.

Call AT&T or visit your account portal to request suspension and reactivation when ready. This conveniently pauses service rather than fully canceling and paying new fees to restart later. However, monthly access fees may still apply at a reduced rate.

How to Reactivate Canceled AT&T Service

Did you regret canceling your AT&T services? No problem – it may be possible to restart service depending on the product and timing:

AT&T Wireless

• Call 800-331-0500 for options to restore a recently disconnected line or place a new order.
• Expect remaining device balances or new device/plan terms as applicable.

AT&T Internet

• Call 800-288-2020 to request reconnection at your address or place a new order if needed.
• There isn’t a universal 60‑day reactivation window; follow restore/suspend options or open a new account as directed.

As policies vary, AT&T will advise whether your old number/address can be restored or if you need a new activation.

Downgrading vs. Canceling AT&T Services

Rather than completely shutting off service, existing customers have the option to downgrade to reduce monthly costs:

AT&T Wireless

• Switch to cheaper unlimited plan
• Drop extra lines not being used
• Remove unnecessary features

AT&T Internet

• Change to lower‑speed DSL or fiber plan
• Eliminate TV/phone bundles to reduce costs

Simply call AT&T billing at 800-288-2020 to discuss available downgrade options and reduce your monthly charges. This prevents having to cancel then reopen service later.

In Summary…

Canceling any AT&T services like wireless, internet, TV or phone does not need to be a frustrating process if you follow the proper steps. Now that you know exactly what to expect when closing your account, you can easily switch providers without ongoing billing headaches or surprise fees from AT&T down the line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel AT&T services online?

Most services require calling to cancel. Exceptions: DIRECTV via Internet/STREAM can be canceled online after sign‑in (phone support at 800‑531‑5000), and some AT&T Internet Air accounts ordered online in select states may allow online cancellation via myAT&T.

What is the AT&T cancellation fee amount?

It depends on the service. Internet: typically $15 per remaining month if under a term. Wireless: usually no ETF, but any device installment balance is due; ETFs apply only to service‑commitment contracts. DIRECTV satellite: ETF may apply per remaining month on a term. Final bills are generally not prorated.

This is subject to change and depends on your services and other factors, better call AT&T customer care 800-288-2020.

What number do I call to cancel AT&T services?

AT&T Internet/U‑verse/AT&T Phone: 800‑288‑2020. AT&T Wireless: 800‑331‑0500 (get a Number Transfer PIN if you’re switching). DIRECTV (satellite or via internet): 800‑531‑5000.

How long does AT&T cancellation take to process?

Processing can take 24–48 hours, but billing typically continues through the end of your current cycle (no proration for most services). If you’re porting a number, wait until the port completes before canceling.

Hopefully this FAQ clears up some of the most common questions around managing the AT&T cancellation process smoothly.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is intended for general informational purposes only. Policies, fees, and procedures are subject to change and may vary based on individual circumstances and AT&T’s current terms of service. Always contact AT&T directly or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information regarding your specific service and contractual obligations.