Can I cancel Comcast online?

No. Comcast/Xfinity requires you to call 1-800-XFINITY (1-800-934-6489) or visit a store in person to cancel internet or TV service. There is no fully online cancellation option.

What happens if I don't return Comcast equipment?

Comcast charges $100-$300+ per unreturned device. This includes modems, routers, cable boxes, and remotes. You have 10 days to return equipment after cancellation.

Does Comcast have an early termination fee?

Contract plans have ETFs up to $230 that decrease monthly. No-contract (month-to-month) plans have no ETF but require 30 days notice. Check your agreement details in the Xfinity app.

How to Cancel Comcast Xfinity in 2026

Updated February 2026 · Difficulty: Very Hard · ~$75-200/mo

🏆 Comcast: America's Hardest Cancellation

Comcast has consistently ranked as one of the most difficult services to cancel in the US. You cannot cancel online. Phone calls average 20-30 minutes with 3+ retention attempts. Their agents are trained to keep you at any cost. This guide is your survival manual.

Before You Call: Preparation Checklist

✅ Your Xfinity account number (found in the app or on your bill)
✅ Last 4 of your SSN (for verification)
✅ Your cancellation reason (moving, switching providers, cost — pick one and stick to it)
✅ Your desired cancellation date
✅ A timer — so you know how long they're keeping you on hold
✅ Paper/pen for your confirmation number
✅ Know your contract status (check Xfinity app → Account → Agreement Details)

Step-by-Step Cancellation

Call 1-800-XFINITY (1-800-934-6489) — best times: Tuesday-Thursday 10am-2pm (shorter hold times)
When the automated system answers, say "cancel service" clearly
The system will try to route you through troubleshooting — keep saying "cancel"
You'll reach a retention specialist (not a regular agent — this person's job is to keep you)
Retention Offer #1: "I can lower your bill by $20-30/month." Decline.
Retention Offer #2: "Let me check what promotions are available..." (deeper discount, 40-50% off). Decline.
Retention Offer #3: "I can give you X months free." Decline.
Say: "I understand, but I need to cancel my service. Please process the disconnection."
Get your confirmation number and final bill date
Ask for equipment return instructions

Alternative: Cancel In Person

Visit an Xfinity Store (not a third-party retailer) with your account info and photo ID. In-person cancellation is sometimes faster because agents have less incentive to retain (they're not call center reps). Bonus: you can return equipment at the same time and get an immediate receipt.

Equipment Return: The $300 Trap

🚨 Comcast's Biggest Revenue Grab

Return ALL equipment within 10 days: modem, router, cable boxes, voice remote, power cords
Unreturned equipment fees: $100-$300+ per device
Return options: Xfinity Store (get instant receipt), UPS Store (free drop-off with tracking)
Photograph everything: Take photos of each device, the return receipt, and tracking number
Comcast has a documented history of claiming equipment wasn't returned even when it was
Keep your receipt for at least 1 year — late equipment charges can appear months later

Early Termination Fees

Contract plans: ETF up to $230, decreasing by ~$10/month remaining
No-contract plans: No ETF, but Comcast requires 30 days notice
Promotional pricing: Leaving mid-promo may forfeit accrued promotional credits
Pro tip: Wait until 1-2 months before your contract ends, then cancel. The ETF at that point is nearly zero.

The "Moving" Strategy

Many people find that saying "I'm moving to an area where Comcast isn't available" speeds up the cancellation significantly. Agents can't retain you if they can't serve your new address. Use an address in a non-Comcast area (most rural areas). This often bypasses the entire retention script. Note: we don't recommend dishonesty — but Comcast's aggressive retention practices have pushed customers to this point.

FCC Complaint: The Nuclear Option

If Comcast won't process your cancellation or charges you after canceling, file a complaint at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov. Comcast is legally required to respond to FCC complaints within 30 days. This gets routed to their executive team — not the regular call center. Many customers report that FCC complaints resolve issues that months of phone calls couldn't.

Better Alternatives in 2026

T-Mobile Home Internet: $50/mo, no contract, no equipment fees, no data caps
Local fiber providers: Often cheaper with better service (check your area)
Starlink: $120/mo for rural areas with no other options
5G home internet: Verizon ($25-50/mo with phone plan) or T-Mobile

💰 The Comcast Tax

The average Comcast customer pays $217/month for a bundle (internet + TV + phone). Cutting the cord to internet-only ($50-80/mo) + free antenna + one streaming service ($15/mo) saves $1,464-$1,824/year. That's a vacation.

🔍 Find all your Comcast charges

Upload your bank statement to JustCancel to see exactly what Comcast is billing you — including those sneaky fees you might not recognize. Takes 30 seconds.