How to Cancel T-Mobile and Switch Carriers (2026 Guide)
Updated 2026-02-14 · 6 min read
T-Mobile technically has "no contracts," but their device payment plans and promotional credits create a golden handcuff effect that makes leaving expensive. Here's how to calculate your true cost to leave and the cheapest way out.
Calculate Your Exit Cost First
Before you cancel, check your T-Mobile account for:
Promotional credits remaining: If you got "free phone with trade-in," you lose remaining monthly credits
Number of lines with promotions: Canceling one line can void promotions on OTHER lines
⚠️ The Promotional Credit Trap: T-Mobile's "free phones" are actually $1,000 phones with $27.78/mo credits over 36 months. If you leave after 12 months, you owe the remaining 24 months ($666). This is T-Mobile's real lock-in mechanism.
3 Ways to Cancel T-Mobile
1. Port Your Number Out (Recommended)
Sign up with your new carrier and port your T-Mobile number. This auto-cancels that line.
Get your T-Mobile account number (T-Mobile app → Account)
Set a transfer PIN (T-Mobile app → Account → Number Transfer PIN)
Give both to your new carrier — they handle the rest
2. Call 611
Call 611 from your T-Mobile phone or 1-800-937-8997. Ask to cancel service. Available 24/7.
3. T-Mobile Store
Visit any T-Mobile store (corporate or authorized). Bring your ID and be prepared for aggressive retention offers.
T-Mobile Retention Offers
$10-20/line discount for 12 months
Free line addition — add a line at no charge for 12 months
Plan upgrade — move to Go5G Plus at current price
Device credit — one-time bill credit toward device balance
Netflix/Apple TV+ on Us — premium perks included
💰 Switcher Deals: Many carriers will pay off your T-Mobile device balance when you switch. Verizon, AT&T, and even Xfinity Mobile offer up to $1,000 in switching credits. Check these BEFORE canceling — you could leave for free.
After Canceling
Final bill: Device balance + prorated service charges, due within 30 days
T-Mobile Tuesdays: Perks stop immediately
Device unlock: T-Mobile auto-unlocks phones after cancellation (if paid off)
Trade-in credits: All remaining promotional credits are forfeited and added to final bill
Best T-Mobile Alternatives (2026)
Mint Mobile: $15-30/mo on T-Mobile's network — same coverage, fraction of the price
Visible: $25/mo unlimited on Verizon — great value
US Mobile: $20/mo on Verizon or T-Mobile — flexible plans
Cricket Wireless: $30-55/mo on AT&T — reliable nationwide
Google Fi: $20/mo base on multi-carrier — pay per GB
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