5 Steps

How to Cancel a Phone Plan or Wireless Contract

How to cancel AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or any wireless carrier — including dealing with early termination fees and device payment plans.

Check your contract for ETF and device balance

Log into your carrier account and look for: remaining device installment balance, early termination fee (ETF) if applicable, and contract end date. These are the main costs of switching.

Time your cancellation to minimize fees

Wait until after your billing cycle starts — you pay for the full month regardless. If you have a device installment plan, your final bill will include the remaining device balance.

Port your number before canceling

If keeping your number, port it to your new carrier FIRST. Porting automatically cancels your old account. Do NOT cancel before porting — you'll lose your number.

Call carrier retention to request cancellation

Call the carrier's cancellation line (not general support). Say: 'I want to cancel my service.' They will transfer you to retention. Decline any offers if you're decided. Ask for cancellation confirmation number.

Return any leased devices

If you leased a device (common with newer iPhone plans), you must return it within 30 days or be charged full retail price. Get a return receipt from any carrier store.

Tips

AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all have 'port-out' protection — set a PIN before porting to prevent unauthorized transfers

ETFs have mostly been phased out by the major carriers but still exist on some business plans

Military deployment, disability, and moving outside the carrier's service area are often grounds for fee-free cancellation

Check if your new carrier offers to cover your ETF or device balance as a 'switching promotion'

Cancel at least 2 business days before your next billing date to ensure the cancellation processes in time

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