How to Cancel AT&T in 2026: Phone, Internet & TV
Updated February 2026 · Difficulty: Hard · ~$75-150/mo
⚠️ AT&T Makes Canceling Painful
Internet and TV cancellation requires a phone call — no online option. Wireless postpaid can sometimes be done online, but expect 3+ retention offers either way. Budget 30-45 minutes and arm yourself with this guide.
The Three AT&T Services (Different Cancellation Paths)
AT&T bundles wireless, internet (AT&T Fiber / AT&T Internet), and TV (DirecTV, now a separate company). Each has its own cancellation process:
- AT&T Wireless: Call 1-800-331-0500 or cancel online at att.com
- AT&T Internet/Fiber: Call 1-800-288-2020 (phone only — no online option)
- DirecTV: Now a separate company — call 1-800-531-5000
Step-by-Step: Cancel AT&T Internet
- Call 1-800-288-2020 during business hours (Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat 8am-5pm local)
- Say "cancel service" to the automated system to get routed to retention
- Have your account number and the last 4 of your SSN ready
- The first agent will offer a discount — decline firmly: "I appreciate it, but I've made my decision to cancel"
- They'll transfer you to a "specialist" — this is the retention team with deeper discounts
- Decline again. Say: "Please process my cancellation"
- Get your confirmation number — write it down
- Ask about your final bill date and equipment return instructions
Early Termination Fees: What You Actually Owe
- Contract plans (rare now): Up to $180 ETF, decreasing $10/month over the contract term
- Device installment plans: Remaining balance on phone becomes due immediately
- Month-to-month internet: No ETF — cancel anytime
- AT&T Fiber with promo pricing: Some promos require 12 months; early exit forfeits the promo credit retroactively
Pro tip: If you're on a device installment plan, check the remaining balance in the myAT&T app before calling. Sometimes it's cheaper to pay off the phone and switch carriers than to keep paying AT&T's inflated plan prices.
Equipment Return — Don't Get Burned
🚨 Equipment fees are AT&T's hidden profit center
- Return the modem/gateway within 21 days of cancellation
- Unreturned equipment fee: $150-$300+
- Use the prepaid shipping label AT&T sends, or drop off at a UPS Store
- Take a photo of the return receipt and tracking number
- AT&T is notorious for "losing" returned equipment — your receipt is your proof
- Keep the receipt for at least 6 months — billing disputes surface late
AT&T's Retention Playbook (What They'll Try)
AT&T retention agents are trained with a multi-step script. Here's what to expect:
- Move 1: "I see you're paying $X/month. I can reduce that to $Y right now." (10-20% discount)
- Move 2: "Let me transfer you to our loyalty department." (Deeper discount, 30-40% off)
- Move 3: "We can upgrade your plan/speed at no extra cost."
- Move 4: "Did you know you'll lose your email address/phone number?" (scare tactic)
- Move 5: "Can I put you on hold to check with my supervisor?" (more time = more chances to save)
Your response: "I appreciate the offers, but I've already committed to another provider. Please process my cancellation." Repeat as needed. Being firm but polite gets you through fastest.
Port Your Number First (Critical for Wireless)
If you're switching wireless carriers, port your number to the new carrier BEFORE calling AT&T to cancel. When you port out, AT&T automatically cancels that line. This avoids the retention gauntlet entirely. You'll need your AT&T account number and transfer PIN (find both in the myAT&T app under Account > Manage my device).
Cheaper Alternatives in 2026
- Wireless: Mint Mobile ($15/mo), Visible ($25/mo, Verizon network), Cricket ($30/mo, AT&T network), Google Fi ($20/mo)
- Internet: T-Mobile Home Internet ($50/mo, no contract), Starlink ($120/mo rural areas), local fiber providers
- TV: YouTube TV ($73/mo), free antenna for local channels, library card for streaming (Kanopy, hoopla)
💡 The AT&T Savings Math
The average AT&T customer spends $170/month on wireless + internet. Switching to Mint Mobile ($15) + T-Mobile Home Internet ($50) = $65/month — saving $1,260/year. Even accounting for phone payoff, most people break even within 3 months.
After You Cancel: Final Bill Checklist
- Your final bill arrives 1-2 billing cycles after cancellation
- Check for phantom charges (equipment fees, "restocking fees," prorated amounts)
- If you see unauthorized charges, file a complaint at att.com/support and with the FCC at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov
- Keep your confirmation number handy for any disputes
- AT&T may send promotional "come back" offers for months — ignore them
🔍 Not sure what you're paying AT&T?
Upload your bank statement to JustCancel and we'll find every AT&T charge — plus all your other subscriptions you might be forgetting about. Takes 30 seconds.