Optimum offers Internet, TV, phone, and mobile services that you can subscribe to. They send clear monthly bills for these services, which you can easily view online or through their My Optimum app. Sometimes your first bill might be a bit higher because of installation or equipment fees. They provide several ways to pay your bill, including online or in person, and offer paperless billing if you prefer email.
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Cancelling Optimum subscriptions requires calling customer service, as online cancellation is not available. The process is straightforward but synchronous interaction and wait time can make it moderately difficult.
Estimated Time
On average, it takes
15 minutes
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minutes to cancel a Optimum subscription.
How to Cancel Optimum: Step by Step
If you purchased through Optimum Mobile:
- Call to cancel:
- Dial 866-200-7186 or 611 from your Optimum Mobile phone.
- Follow the prompts: Provide your account details and request cancellation.
- Confirm cancellation: Make sure to get confirmation of your cancellation request during the call.
If you purchased through Optimum Internet or Cable:
- Call customer service:
- Dial (833) 200-7514.
- For specific regions, use:
- Bronx/Brooklyn/Westchester: (718) 860-3514
- New Jersey: (973) 230-6048
- Long Island: (631) 393-0637
- Connecticut: (203) 870-2583
- Request cancellation: Specify that you would like to cancel your internet or cable service.
- Settle any outstanding balance: Ensure you pay any final charges during the cancellation process.
- Return rented equipment: Return any Optimum equipment to avoid unreturned item fees (e.g., $100 for a modem).
Tips & Tricks for Canceling Optimum
- Call early when lines open (e.g., 8am) to get faster service and reduce hold times.
- Cancel before the end of your billing cycle to avoid extra charges.
- Request to be transferred to the retention department, firmly state you're canceling, and refuse any retention offers.
- Insist on an email confirmation of cancellation for your records and proof.
- Be persistent and patient on the phone, hold times can be long and multiple transfers may be required.
- Use tactics like stating an immediate out-of-state move to avoid transfers and sales pitches.
- Return all equipment in person to an Optimum store and get a receipt or photo proof of return; keeping proof helps dispute future charges.
- Sending a registered letter demanding cancellation and listing account details can add formality and pressure.
- Escalate by filing complaints with the FCC, state Attorney General, or relevant public utility board if the company is uncooperative.
- Document every call, including date, time, representative name, and what was said; recording calls is useful if legal in your state.
- Use repetitive button mashing to bypass automated systems quickly and reach a live person sooner.
- Do not sign any paperwork or authorize charges you do not understand when technicians visit.
- Filing a BBB complaint sometimes helps in forcing cancellation.
- If online cancellation is not possible, calling during weekday business hours is often necessary.
Optimum Customer Service Info
If you need assistance, here's how you can get in touch with Optimum's support team.
Cancel Optimum Script
Script
Copy
Dear Optimum Customer Service,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request the cancellation of my subscription due to my current financial circumstances that make it difficult for me to continue the service at this time.
I have appreciated the service provided, but I believe this is the best decision for my situation. Please confirm the cancellation and any final bill that may be due.
Thank you for your assistance.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
Optimum's subscription automatically renews monthly and can be cancelled to take effect at the end of the current billing period if cancellation is requested before that period begins. Payments are non-refundable, with no credits for partial service periods, and early termination fees may apply if cancelling before a promotional term ends. Equipment must be returned promptly upon cancellation, or charges for unreturned equipment may apply.
Yes, you do need your password (passcode) to cancel your Optimum subscription. The cancellation process requires you to provide this passcode. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it using the Optimum password reset page here: https://www.optimum.net/reset-password/. Note that to reset your password, you'll need access to the email or phone number linked to your account, or you might have to answer security questions for verification.
- Rising rates causing frustration and leading to cancellations.
- Poor customer service, including long hold times, call drops, and difficulty reaching the cancellation department.
- Opaque and confusing cancellation process with unclear instructions on equipment return and cancellation timing.
- No prorated refunds; customers generally pay for the entire billing period even if they cancel early.
- High monthly fees for cable TV, internet, and phone services prompting cost-cutting cancellations.
- Equipment rental fees that add extra monthly costs.
- Forced service continuation by Optimum beyond cancellation request, making customers pay for service they no longer receive.
- Moving out of service area as a common reason to cancel.
- Dissatisfaction with service quality and reliability.
- Switching to alternative providers for better deals or service.
- Frustration and emotional distress caused by the company's retention tactics during cancellation attempts.
Optimum does not require a contract or charge early termination fees, so you can typically cancel your subscription at any time. However, you will be responsible for paying the balance for the entire current billing cycle even if you cancel early. Additionally, you must return any rented equipment promptly by mail or in person to avoid potential fees, and you need to provide your own box for shipping, though Optimum provides a prepaid return label. Be prepared to call customer service to cancel and handle these details.
Before cancelling your Optimum subscription, know that you will lose access to all Optimum services including Cable TV, Internet, and Phone. You need to return all rented equipment like modems, routers, and set-top boxes on time to avoid late fees, either at an Optimum location or via prepaid shipping. Optimum sends a final bill that may include unpaid balances, equipment fees, and the full month's charge even if you cancel mid-cycle, and refunds for any prepaid amounts may take several weeks. Cancelling can save you around $150 monthly, but be mindful of any bundled service fees that may impact your overall savings.
- Account number
- Billing zip code
- Name and address (for equipment return)
- Equipment to be returned (including remotes and power cords)
- Notice of cancellation given by phone to customer service
- Transfer PIN (only if porting your number to another provider)
- Return shipment receipt as proof of equipment return
We've actually written a step by step guide on how to get a refund from Optimum. Check it out!
The Easiest Way to Cancel Optimum
If you’re frustrated trying to cancel your subscription, membership, or bill from Optimum—or if you didn’t even realize you were being charged—Chargeback 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 we’ll take care of the rest.
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What Are Some Alternatives to Optimum?
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Editorial Note: These articles reflect the opinions of Chargeback's writers. Everyone's situation is unique; therefore, it is important to conduct your own research and note that our self-help tools are not guaranteed to help with any specific problem.
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