Why Is It So Hard to Cancel AT&T? – Reasons and Solutions

Why is it so hard to cancel AT&T? The process can take up a lot of your time. We know the exact reasons why they’re giving you a hard time.

With nearly 200 million users, it’s understandable that they don’t want to part with any of their customers.

However, with these methods, you should be able to cancel your AT&T account in no time.

Let’s find out the reasons and how you can do it!

It can be hard to cancel your AT&T account since they don’t offer you all the possible options upfront. They can also put you on hold for minutes before you can talk with their customer service reps. Once you put in your request, they will be able to cancel your account in no time.

Before we move on to the methods of canceling AT&T, let us enumerate the reasons it’s so difficult to cut the service.

Why Is It So Hard to Cancel AT&T

If you find a different provider with a better service, it is valid for you to cancel AT&T. The company offers three ways to do it.

However, their methods can be a nightmare due to the following reasons.

1. No Direct Link to Cancel

If you wish to cancel your AT&T Internet service, you either do it over the phone, at a retail store, or online. There is no link you can simply click.

2. Put on Hold for A Long Time

If you opt to cancel AT&T over the phone, you need to have time and patience.

Expect to be put on hold for a long time. Some even get on hold until the customer support line closes.

3. Need Account Authentication

Not anyone can cancel your AT&T. It has to be you, the owner. To make sure, you will be asked to prepare your account number and personal identification number.

4. Presented with Different Options

Before you can cancel AT&T, they will offer you different promotions just to keep you. It’s up to you if you want to avail yourself of their bundles.

5. Early Termination Fees

If you are canceling AT&T after 14 days of activation, you’re responsible for all fees and charges incurred.

This includes the Early Termination Fee. Note that the ETF is prorated and reduced for each month the service is active.

Now that you know why it can be difficult to cancel AT&T, let us proceed to the methods.

How to Cancel AT&T Service – Why Is it So Difficult?

AT&T offers three ways to cancel its services. You can do it by going to a retail store, calling customer service, or using the Internet.

But first, ask yourself: Are you ready to cancel your AT&T internet?

Note that cancellation fees may apply if you cancel the service early. If you have balances, pay them off. More importantly, return the AT&T equipment.

If you’re sure, follow the instructions below, and your process will be smooth.

Method #1: Ensure Your AT&T Phone and Account Balance is Paid Off

If you’re having a difficult time canceling your AT&T, they probably have a valid reason to make it hard for you.

One possible issue you will face is if you still owe AT&T. Of course, they won’t allow you to cancel your account if you have an outstanding balance.

It’s not just an account balance with their service.

If you get a phone with AT&T, you need to pay up before they clear your account and finally allow you to cancel your service.

Here’s how to know if you’re paid off:

1. Log in to your AT&T online account.
2. Go to Billing and payment options.
3. Choose Manage payment activity and options.
4. Check your recent and scheduled payments if they match.

Note: You want to make sure that your phone is paid off and your outstanding balance is for the recent month so you can cancel your AT&T account.

Method #2: Calculate Your Termination Fee if Canceling Early

Did you buy your device from AT&T, and it’s still under contract? If you did, you’re going to have a hard time canceling your account attached to the device.

You can still cancel your account, but you’re going to have to pay AT&T’s early termination fee.

There’s usually a term period associated with your device and service contract.

A 2-year commitment is mostly the contract you’re going to get. Depending on when you want to cancel your account, you’re going to need to do a little computing.

Here’s how to compute the early termination fee for your account:

1. New smartphones: Starts at $325, then deduct $10 for every month of active service.
2. Other devices: Starts at $150, then deduct $4 for every month of active service.
3. Pay the early termination fee first via your online account.
4. After payment has been made, cancel your AT&T account.

Note: iPhones and other Android flagship phones fall in the “new smartphone” category.

Method #3: If You Have a Bundled Internet and DirecTV Package

Another situation where you’ll encounter difficulties canceling your AT&T package is if you’ve enrolled in a bundle.

One particular bundle that a lot of users get is the Internet and DirecTV package.

It’s certainly a convenient package to get where you can get internet and cable TV service with just one account.

To cancel your AT&T with a bundle, the first thing you need to do is to cancel your DirecTV package first.

The advantage here is that you can cancel DirecTV, then keep your internet.

Here’s what you should do if you have the Internet and DirecTV bundle:

1. Call 800-531-5000.
2. Say “Cancel” when prompted.
3. Talk to their representative to cancel your DirecTV.
4. After canceling DirecTV, you can proceed to cancel AT&T.

Note: You may need to pay an early termination fee if you’re still within the contract period. 

You’ll also lose any discounts, so you’re going to pay for your AT&T internet at full price.

Method #4: Call AT&T Cancellation Number

If we’re talking about the cancelation process, it’s actually quite simple and straightforward.

As long as there are no issues with your account, you can cancel right away.

You’re going to have a hard time if, during the process, you discover that you have an outstanding account balance or you need to pay the early termination fee.

Here’s how to cancel your AT&T by calling their hotline:

1. Call 800-288-2020.
2. When prompted, say “Cancel.”
3. You will be transferred to AT&T’s loyalty department.
4. Tell them that you want to cancel your account.

Note: If you’re canceling your account, AT&T’s loyalty department can give you sweet deals to make you stay.

Method #5: Cancel AT&T by Submitting an Online Request

If you’re not the type of person that wants to be put on hold, you have other alternatives to cancel your AT&T account.

Since an account also comes with an online account, you can start the cancelation process that way.

It will take a bit more time to get your account canceled, but it’s certainly possible.

Here’s how to cancel your AT&T by submitting a request online:

1. Log in to your AT&T account.
2. Go to Support.
3. Find the Chat button to talk to a representative.
4. Provide them with your account number.
5. Tell them you want to cancel your account.

Method #6: Cancel AT&T at a Retail Location

Finally, there’s another way that you can cancel your AT&T account.

If you’re more comfortable with talking to an actual person rather than someone on the phone or chatting, you can go to an AT&T retail store.

They should be able to help you out and cancel your account as long as you’re account is clear.

Here’s what you need to do if you want to cancel your AT&T at a retail location:

1. Get your account number, or bring your AT&T bill with you.
2. Go to the nearest AT&T retail location in your area.
3. Ask for an AT&T customer support representative.
4. Tell them you want to cancel your account.

Note: They will check your account status and proceed to cancel your account. You’ll receive an email if your account is successfully canceled.

If you’re canceling your AT&T internet, you’re going to need to return your equipment.

Make sure they’re in excellent condition, and you can get the return labels from your online account after canceling them.

Bottom Line

Why is it so hard to cancel AT&T? It’s actually not, as long as your account is cleared and it doesn’t have any outstanding balances that need paying off.

You also need to look out for early termination fees, as these can delay the cancelation process.

Once your account is cleared it won’t take more than 2 days before your account is finally canceled.

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