How to Cancel AT&T Wireless Without Getting Trapped (2026 Guide)

Updated 2026-02-14 · 8 min read

AT&T is one of the hardest carriers to cancel — they make you call, push you through 3+ retention agents, and may hit you with an early termination fee up to $325. Here's exactly how to get out clean.

The 4 Ways to Cancel AT&T

1. Call 611 (Fastest Method)

Call 611 from your AT&T phone or 1-800-331-0500 from any phone. Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat-Sun 8am-7pm EST.

Say this: "I'd like to cancel my wireless service. I've already made my decision and I'm not interested in retention offers."

They'll transfer you to the retention department. Be firm — the first agent can't actually cancel your line.

2. Visit an AT&T Store

Corporate stores can process cancellations in person. Authorized retailers cannot. Check att.com/stores and filter for "Corporate Store."

Bring: Government ID, account PIN, phone to port out.

3. Port Your Number Out

The cleanest way: sign up with a new carrier and port your number. This automatically cancels your AT&T line. You'll need your:

• AT&T account number (find in myAT&T app → Account → Account number)
• Transfer PIN (set one at att.com/transferpin)
• Billing zip code

4. Online Chat (Limited)

AT&T's chat support can sometimes process cancellations, but they'll almost always redirect you to call. Still worth trying if you want a written record.

AT&T Retention Offers to Expect

AT&T retention agents are trained to offer these, in order:

1. $10-20/mo discount for 12 months (most common)
2. Free device upgrade with new 36-month commitment
3. Plan downgrade to reduce monthly bill
4. Free premium add-on (HBO Max, Apple TV+ included)
5. Waived upgrade fee if you're considering another carrier's deal

Rebuttals for AT&T Retention Scripts

Agent: "We can offer you $15 off per month for 12 months."

You: "I appreciate that, but my decision is final. Please proceed with the cancellation."

Agent: "You'll lose your phone number if you cancel."

You: "I've already set up my transfer PIN and my new carrier is ready to port it. The number will transfer, not be lost."

Agent: "You have a device payment balance of $XXX."

You: "I understand I'll owe the remaining balance. Please confirm the exact amount and proceed."

Early Termination & Device Payment Costs

What Happens After You Cancel

• Final bill: Arrives 1-2 billing cycles later. May include prorated charges + device balance.
• Number: If you didn't port out, AT&T holds it for ~30 days. After that, it's gone forever.
• Autopay: Cancel autopay BEFORE canceling service, or they'll charge the final bill automatically.
• AT&T email: Your @att.net email stops working immediately.
• Trade-in credits: Any promotional credits from device trade-ins are forfeited.

Best AT&T Alternatives (2026)

• T-Mobile Go5G: $25/line for 4 lines, uses T-Mobile's 5G network
• Mint Mobile: $15/mo prepaid on T-Mobile's network
• Visible: $25/mo unlimited on Verizon's network
• US Mobile: $20/mo, choose Verizon or T-Mobile network
• Google Fi: $20/mo base + $10/GB, auto-switches between networks