Step-by-Step Guide to Canceling Frontier Internet

Canceling any internet service can feel daunting, but Frontier's process is relatively straightforward, especially for Fiber customers who do not have contracts. Here is exactly what to do, what to expect, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Step 1: Gather Your Account Information

Before you call, have the following information ready to make the process as smooth as possible:

• Your Frontier account number: Found on your monthly bill, in the Frontier app, or in your online account portal.
• The name on the account: The account holder must be the one to request cancellation, or you will need to be listed as an authorized user.
• Your account PIN or security answer: Frontier will verify your identity before making changes to the account.
• Your preferred cancellation date: You can request cancellation effective immediately or schedule it for a future date (for example, the end of your current billing cycle).

Step 2: Call Frontier Customer Service

The primary way to cancel Frontier service is by phone. Call 1-855-981-6281 and navigate the phone menu to the cancellation or account changes department. As of early 2026, Frontier does not offer an online self-service cancellation option, so a phone call is required.

Best times to call: Weekday mornings (8 AM to 10 AM local time) and mid-afternoons (2 PM to 4 PM) typically have shorter wait times. Avoid calling on Mondays, the first and last days of the month, and immediately after widespread outages, as these are peak call volume periods.

Expected call duration: Plan for 15 to 30 minutes. This includes hold time, identity verification, the cancellation request itself, and a retention offer conversation. Some customers report longer calls if they engage extensively with the retention team.

Step 3: Navigate the Retention Offer

When you request cancellation, Frontier will almost certainly transfer you to a retention specialist whose job is to convince you to stay. This is standard practice across all internet service providers and is not inherently problematic. The retention team may offer:

• Discounted pricing: A temporary rate reduction, often $10 to $20 off your monthly bill for 6 to 12 months.
• Speed upgrade: A free upgrade to a higher speed tier at your current price.
• Account credit: A one-time credit applied to your account as an incentive to stay.
• Waived fees: Removal of any applicable charges or fees.

If you are canceling due to price concerns, the retention offer may genuinely address your issue. There is no harm in listening and evaluating whether the offer changes your calculus. However, if your decision to cancel is firm, you can politely decline all offers and request that the cancellation proceed. You are not obligated to accept any retention offer, and the representative must process your cancellation request regardless.

Pro tip: If you are interested in negotiating a better rate but do not actually want to cancel, calling the cancellation line is often the most effective way to reach the retention team, which has more authority to offer discounts than standard customer service representatives.

Step 4: Confirm the Details

Before ending the call, confirm the following with the representative:

• Cancellation effective date: Get the specific date your service will be disconnected. If you want to keep service through the end of your billing cycle, request that explicitly.
• Final bill amount: Ask for an estimate of your final bill, including any prorated charges or credits.
• Equipment return instructions: Confirm what equipment needs to be returned, the deadline for returning it, and where to send it.
• Confirmation number: Request a cancellation confirmation number or reference number. Write this down or take a screenshot. This is your proof that you requested cancellation in case of any disputes later.
• Email confirmation: Ask the representative to send a cancellation confirmation email to the address on file.

Early Termination Fees: What You Need to Know

One of the most significant advantages of Frontier Fiber is that all fiber plans are contract-free. This means:

• No early termination fee (ETF): You can cancel Frontier Fiber at any time without paying a penalty.
• No minimum service commitment: There is no requirement to keep service for any specific length of time.
• Month-to-month service: Your plan automatically renews on a month-to-month basis, giving you complete flexibility.

This is a genuine differentiator compared to providers like Comcast/Xfinity or Cox, which often require one- or two-year agreements with early termination fees of $10 to $15 per remaining month (which can add up to $120 to $360).

Important exception: If you are on a legacy Frontier plan (particularly DSL or older copper-based service) that was established before Frontier's transition to contract-free fiber plans, you may still be subject to a contract with an associated ETF. Check your original service agreement or call Frontier to verify your contract status before canceling. The representative should be able to tell you whether any ETF applies to your specific account.

Equipment Return Process

After canceling Frontier service, you are required to return all leased equipment. Failure to return equipment within the specified timeframe will result in unreturned equipment charges, which can range from $100 to $300 depending on the device. For comprehensive details on the return process, see our Frontier equipment return guide.

What Equipment Must Be Returned

• Wi-Fi router: The Frontier-provided eero router must be returned. If you have mesh extenders rented from Frontier, those must also be returned.
• ONT (Optical Network Terminal): In most cases, the ONT mounted on the outside or inside of your home does not need to be returned. Frontier typically considers the ONT to be part of the home's infrastructure. However, confirm this with the representative during your cancellation call, as policies can vary by region.
• Any additional leased equipment: Battery backup units, additional routers, or any other equipment leased from Frontier.

Note: If you purchased your own router and are using it instead of Frontier's provided equipment, you obviously do not need to return it. Only Frontier-owned equipment must be returned.

How to Return Equipment

Frontier typically provides two options for equipment return:

1. UPS drop-off (most common): Frontier will send you a prepaid UPS shipping label via email or mail. Pack the equipment in its original box if possible, or any sturdy box with adequate padding. Attach the label and drop it off at any UPS location or UPS Store. Keep the tracking receipt as proof of return.
2. Frontier store drop-off: In some areas, you can return equipment directly to a Frontier retail location. Call ahead to confirm your local store accepts equipment returns, as not all locations offer this service.

Return Deadline

You typically have 30 days from your cancellation date to return all leased equipment. After 30 days, Frontier may charge unreturned equipment fees to your account. These fees are legitimate charges and can be sent to collections if not paid, potentially affecting your credit score. Do not delay the return process.

Pro tip: Return equipment as soon as possible after cancellation, do not wait until the deadline. If equipment is lost or damaged in transit, the earlier you ship it, the more time you have to resolve any issues. Always use tracking and keep your receipt.

Understanding Your Final Bill

After canceling Frontier service, you will receive a final bill that may include several components:

What Your Final Bill May Include

• Prorated service charges: If you cancel mid-billing cycle, you may be charged for the partial month of service you used. Some providers charge for the full month regardless of cancellation date, but Frontier generally prorates final bills.
• Outstanding balance: Any unpaid balance from previous billing cycles.
• Unreturned equipment charges: If you have not yet returned equipment by the time the final bill is generated, equipment charges may appear. These should be removed once equipment is received and processed.
• Credits: If you prepaid for service beyond your cancellation date, a credit should appear on your final bill.

Final Bill Timeline

Your final bill is typically generated within one to two billing cycles after your cancellation date. This delay is normal and accounts for processing time, equipment return verification, and any final adjustments. If you have not received a final bill within 60 days of cancellation, contact Frontier to inquire about its status.

Disputing Final Bill Charges

If you believe your final bill contains incorrect charges, call Frontier customer service to dispute them. Have your cancellation confirmation number, equipment return tracking receipt, and any relevant documentation ready. If Frontier does not resolve the dispute to your satisfaction, you can escalate by filing a complaint with your state's public utility commission or the FCC.

Not Ready to Cancel? Check Current Frontier Fiber Plans

Alternatives to Canceling Frontier Service

Before canceling entirely, consider whether one of these alternatives might address your underlying concern:

Downgrade Your Plan

If cost is the primary reason for canceling, consider downgrading to a lower tier. Frontier Fiber 500 at $49.99 per month provides more than enough bandwidth for most households and costs significantly less than the Gig or 2 Gig plans. You can downgrade your plan by calling Frontier at 1-855-981-6281 without any fees or penalties, and the change typically takes effect within one billing cycle. Explore all available options on our Frontier Fiber plans page.

Negotiate a Better Rate

As mentioned in the retention section above, Frontier's retention team has the ability to offer discounted rates, account credits, and other incentives. If you are satisfied with the service but not the price, calling to negotiate may resolve the issue without cancellation. Be prepared to explain why you are considering canceling and what rate or offer would persuade you to stay.

Temporary Suspension (Seasonal Hold)

If you need to temporarily pause service, such as during an extended vacation or seasonal relocation, ask Frontier about suspending your account. Policies vary, but some ISPs offer temporary service suspension at a reduced monthly rate (or no charge) for specified periods, typically up to 3 to 6 months. This preserves your account, equipment, and pricing while reducing costs during periods of non-use. Contact Frontier to inquire whether this option is available for your account type.

Switch to a Different Frontier Plan Type

If you are moving to an address where Frontier Fiber is not available but Frontier DSL is, you may be able to transfer your account rather than canceling and establishing new service. This can sometimes simplify the process and preserve your account history. The Frontier Fiber overview page has details on availability.

What Happens After Cancellation

Service Disconnection

On your cancellation effective date, your Frontier internet service will be disconnected. Your Wi-Fi network will stop functioning, and any devices that depend on it will lose connectivity. Make sure you have an alternative internet plan arranged before your cancellation date if you need continuous service. Transitioning to a new provider before disconnecting Frontier is advisable to avoid any gap in connectivity.

Email and Account Access

If you use a Frontier-provided email address (ending in @frontier.com or @frontiernet.net), you should migrate to a different email provider before canceling. Frontier may deactivate your email account after cancellation, and recovering emails or contacts after deactivation may not be possible. Transfer important emails and contacts to a provider like Gmail, Outlook, or another permanent email service before your cancellation date.

Account Records

Frontier retains your account records after cancellation. If you need to reference your account history, obtain copies of past bills, or resolve post-cancellation disputes, you can contact Frontier customer service with your former account number. Your payment history with Frontier may also appear on your credit report as part of your overall credit history.

Reactivation

If you change your mind after canceling, you can sign up for Frontier service again, subject to availability at your address. However, you would be establishing a new account rather than reactivating your old one. Any promotional pricing or loyalty discounts on your previous account would not carry over. New customer promotions, if available, may apply to the new account.

Canceling Frontier When Moving

If you are canceling because you are moving to a new address, you have two options:

Transfer Service to Your New Address

If Frontier Fiber is available at your new address, you can transfer your service rather than canceling and re-establishing. Call Frontier to arrange a service transfer, which preserves your account, pricing, and account history. A technician visit at the new address may be required to activate the connection. Note that your plan options may differ at the new address depending on local availability.

Cancel and Sign Up With a New Provider

If Frontier is not available at your new address, or if you prefer a different provider, cancel your Frontier service using the process described above. Arrange your new internet service to begin at or before your move-in date to avoid a connectivity gap. Do not forget to return your Frontier equipment within the 30-day window after cancellation.

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

Frontier Keeps Billing After Cancellation

If you receive charges after your confirmed cancellation date, contact Frontier immediately with your cancellation confirmation number. This is why obtaining and keeping that confirmation number is critical. In most cases, post-cancellation charges are administrative errors that can be resolved with a phone call. If Frontier does not resolve the issue promptly, dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank and file a complaint with your state's utility commission.

Equipment Return Not Acknowledged

If Frontier charges you for unreturned equipment that you already returned, provide your UPS or shipping tracking number as proof of return. This is why keeping your return receipt is essential. Frontier should reverse the charge once they confirm receipt of the equipment. Processing can take one to two billing cycles.

Difficulty Reaching the Cancellation Department

If you experience long hold times or difficulty navigating the phone system, try calling during off-peak hours (early morning on Tuesday through Thursday). You can also try reaching Frontier through social media channels (Twitter/X or Facebook), which sometimes provides faster response times for service requests, though the actual cancellation will still need to be processed by phone.

Check Frontier Fiber Availability