The Ultimate Step by Step Guide to Cancelling an AT&T Subscription or Membership (att.com)
By
Bella K.
|
Published
July 17, 2025
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Updated
July 1, 2025
AT&T is a company that provides wireless phone service, internet, TV, and home phone services. If you get billed by AT&T, it's likely for one or more of these services, including your monthly plan, any new devices you buy on installment, or special promotions. Their bills also include taxes, fees, and sometimes discounts or credits if you have things like AutoPay set up or bundled services. You can pay your bills easily online either by logging into your AT&T account or using a quick pay option without signing in.
Cancelling AT&T wireless or other services generally requires calling a customer service number which can involve wait times and talking to a representative. Some cancellation options are available online only for certain states, necessitating account creation and potentially complicating the process.
Estimated Time
On average, it takes 10 minutes0010 minutes to cancel a AT&T subscription.
How to Cancel AT&T: Step by Step
If you purchased through AT&T Wireless:
Call 800.331.0500 to speak with a representative or utilize the chat feature if available.
Verify your identity as the account owner.
Request to cancel your wireless service or remove a line.
Understand that you may be responsible for the full billing period and any unpaid installment balances.
In Illinois and New York, you may also visit att.com/myatt to cancel online.
If you purchased through AT&T Internet, Home Phone, or U-verse TV:
Call 800.288.2020 to initiate the cancellation process.
Confirm that you are the account owner.
Be aware that fees may apply if you cancel before the service commitment ends.
If you cancel on a holiday, your request will be processed the next business day.
Account-related emails will be retained for 30 to 60 days after service cancellation.
If you purchased through DIRECTV STREAM:
Sign in to your account on the AT&T website.
Navigate to Manage my TV Subscription.
Select Cancel my subscription and follow the prompts to complete the cancellation.
Note that you can continue using your service until the end of your billing cycle after cancellation.
If under contract, be aware of potential Early Termination Fees if cancelled after 14 days.
How to Contact AT&T
If you need assistance, here's how you can get in touch with AT&T's support team.
Use the port out method: Dial *PORT# from your AT&T phone to get your port PIN; porting your number out automatically cancels your service without needing to call.
Do not call to cancel service ahead of time: Just port your number to end the service immediately. Calling early can result in delays or being persuaded to stay.
Call 611 and ask for the loyalty or retention department: This avoids transfers and increases chances of immediate cancellation or better resolution.
Be clear and firm: State you want the service cancelled effective immediately and that you are moving or switching providersâuse direct language like âI want to cancel today, not at the end of the billing cycle.â
Time your cancellation towards the end of billing cycle: Since charges are not prorated, cancelling late in the billing period can maximize your payment.
Escalate if needed: Request to speak with a manager if frontline reps resist cancelling. Getting a manager in a "good mood" or offering to escalate complaints may help.
On weekends or off-hours: Cancellation department may be closedâporting out your number is the only guaranteed immediate way to cancel service outside business hours.
Be prepared for persistence: Reps often offer deals or say cancellation is immediate and non-prorated to dissuade you. Stay calm and restate your request firmly.
Final bills and fees: Any remaining installment payments or early termination fees are due immediately upon cancellation.
For prepaid services: Simply stop refilling your account; no need to call or contact AT&T.
If cancelling multiple lines or devices: Additional steps may be required for tablets or watchesâcall to specifically cancel those lines.
Use official AT&T cancellation web pages as backup: But note success depends mainly on direct phone cancellation or porting out.
Why Do People Request Refunds from AT&T
Bad customer service
Too expensive pricing compared to value
Failure to have a needed or suitable plan
Limited or lousy signal strength and coverage issues
Billing issues, including being billed after cancellation
Upselling and aggressive retention tactics during cancellation attempts
Difficulty in canceling the service, including complicated procedures
Unwanted upgrade fees or charges after canceling or changing plans
Old or outdated plans and devices that don't meet current needs
AT&T Refund Script
Script
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Dear AT&T, Support, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request a refund due to a billing issue that arose recently. I noticed an accidental charge on my account that I do not recognize, and I believe it may have been a mistake. I would greatly appreciate your assistance in processing this refund at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response. Best regards,
AT&T Refund Policy
AT&T's cancellation policy for wireless service states that if you cancel in the middle of a billing period, you are responsible for the entire period without proration. If you have an installment plan, the remaining balance is due immediately upon cancellation. An Early Termination Fee (ETF) applies if you cancel before your service commitment ends, prorated for each full month completed. Device returns are allowed within 14 days under the return policy. To cancel, you can use chat or call 800.331.0500, with some online cancellation options available for certain states.
The Easiest Way to Get a AT&T Refund
If youâre frustrated trying to cancel your subscription, membership, or bill from AT&Tâor if you didnât even realize you were being chargedâChargeback can help. Chargeback is a personal subscription manager that automatically detects hidden, recurring charges like Netflix, Hulu, and hundreds of others. With one click, we can cancel unwanted subscriptions, flag suspicious billing, and even initiate refund requests on your behalf. No more waiting on hold or navigating confusing help pages. Just connect your bank or email account, and weâll take care of the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
AT&T may impose early termination fees (ETFs) if you cancel your wireless or internet service before fulfilling a contract term commitment. For wireless service, if you bought a device under contract and cancel early, the ETF can be up to $325 for smartphones or $150 for other devices, decreasing by a set amount for each month served. For internet service, you can cancel within 14 days without a fee, but after that, an ETF applies if you have a term commitment, and the fee is prorated monthly. These contracts and fees are the major hurdles that can prevent immediate cancellation without penalty.
Bad customer service
Too expensive pricing compared to value
Failure to have a needed or suitable plan
Limited or lousy signal strength and coverage issues
Billing issues, including being billed after cancellation
Upselling and aggressive retention tactics during cancellation attempts
Difficulty in canceling the service, including complicated procedures
Unwanted upgrade fees or charges after canceling or changing plans
Old or outdated plans and devices that don't meet current needs
Before cancelling your AT&T subscription, there are several important things to know. If you cancel in the middle of a billing period, you are responsible for the entire period's charges as they are not prorated. Any remaining unpaid installment balance on devices or accessories linked to your line will be due immediately with your final bill. You may also have to pay an Early Termination Fee (ETF) if you cancel before the end of your service commitment, although this fee is prorated for each month you've completed. Additionally, if you recently activated a device within 14 days, you can return it under AT&T's Wireless Return Policy with no restocking fee for online purchases. Cancelling will also result in losing access to all the services and features tied to your subscription.
AT&T's cancellation policy for wireless service states that if you cancel in the middle of a billing period, you are responsible for the entire period without proration. If you have an installment plan, the remaining balance is due immediately upon cancellation. An Early Termination Fee (ETF) applies if you cancel before your service commitment ends, prorated for each full month completed. Device returns are allowed within 14 days under the return policy. To cancel, you can use chat or call 800.331.0500, with some online cancellation options available for certain states.
To cancel your AT&T subscription, you generally need to be the account owner and provide account verification, which often includes your account password or passcode. Cancellation is typically done by calling AT&T's customer service at 800.288.2020, where you may be asked for your password or passcode for authentication. If you don't remember your password, you can reset it at this URL: https://www.att.com/my/#/login/forgotPassword. So, yes, you will likely need your password or passcode to cancel your subscription, and you can reset it if necessary.
We've actually written a step by step guide on how to get a refund from AT&T. Check it out!
The cancellation process typically takes about 15 minutes to complete. However, the actual time may vary depending on your account settings and whether you need to contact customer service. Most cancellations are processed immediately, but some may take up to 24 hours to take effect.
After canceling your AT&T subscription, you'll typically have access to the service until the end of your current billing period. You won't be charged for the next billing cycle, and your account will be deactivated once the current period ends. Make sure to download any important data before cancellation.
Yes, you can usually reactivate your AT&T account by logging back into your account and resubscribing. However, you may need to go through the sign-up process again and provide payment information. Some services may offer special reactivation deals for returning customers.
If you're unable to cancel AT&T online, contact their customer service directly using the phone number, email, or website provided above. You can also use our refund script to help you communicate effectively with their support team. In some cases, you may need to provide additional verification or documentation.
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