How to Cancel Cox Communications in 2026

Updated February 2026 • 7 min read

Cox charges $50-120/month for internet and $80-200+ for bundles. Cox also has a 1.25 TB data cap with $10/50GB overage charges — one of the most common complaints. If you are tired of the caps, price hikes, or found a better option, here is how to cancel.

Cancel by Phone

1. Call 1-800-234-3993
2. Navigate to the cancellation/retention department
3. Verify your identity (account number, address, last 4 of SSN)
4. Tell them you want to cancel service
5. Retention agent will offer discounts — decline if committed to leaving
6. Set your disconnection date
7. Get a confirmation number and ask about equipment return

Cancel at a Cox Store

Visit a Cox Solutions Store with your equipment and photo ID. Cancel and return equipment in one trip. Get a printed receipt showing all returned items — this is your protection against unreturned equipment charges.

Early Termination Fees

Cox contracts vary. Some promotional deals lock you into 1-2 year agreements with ETFs up to $120-240 ($10/month remaining). No-contract plans have no ETF. Check your account at cox.com or call to verify your contract status before canceling.

Equipment Return

• Return within 10 days of disconnection
• Return: modem, router, cable boxes, DVR, remotes
• Options: Cox Store (recommended) or UPS with prepaid label from Cox
• Unreturned equipment fees: $100-350 per device
• Photograph your receipt and save it for 6 months

The Data Cap Problem

Cox's 1.25 TB data cap is a major reason people leave. A family of 4 streaming in 4K can easily hit this cap. Cox charges $10 per additional 50 GB, up to $100/month extra. Some alternatives — T-Mobile Home Internet, Verizon 5G, most fiber providers — have no data caps.

Alternatives in Cox Markets

Cox operates in Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Alternatives vary by location:

• T-Mobile Home Internet: $50/month, no data cap, no contract
• Verizon 5G Home: $25-50/month (with phone plan), no cap
• AT&T Fiber: $55-180/month where available, no cap
• Local fiber providers: Check for municipal or regional fiber
• Starlink: $120/month — last resort for areas with no other broadband

Final Bill

Cox does not prorate — you pay through the end of your billing cycle. Time your cancellation to align with your bill date. Also watch for: unreturned equipment fees, data overage charges from your final month, and any contract ETFs. Review your final bill carefully.

The Bottom Line

Cox cancellation requires a phone call or store visit. Return equipment within 10 days with a receipt. If the data cap is your main frustration, T-Mobile Home Internet ($50/month, no cap) is the most common switch. Check availability at your address before canceling.