How to Cancel BT Broadband in the UK (Notice Period, Exit Fees & Switching 2026)

BT is the UK's largest broadband provider, with more than 7 million customers. Whether you're switching to a cheaper provider, moving house, or no longer need broadband, cancelling BT Broadband requires 30 days' notice and has specific rules about early exit fees, equipment returns, and what happens to your BT email and phone number.

This guide walks you through exactly how to cancel BT Broadband, BT Fibre, Full Fibre, and Halo packages in the UK, including what you'll pay, what you need to return, and how One Touch Switch works.

Last reviewed 16 September 2026. Steps match current BT cancellation process. Official help: BT: How to cancel broadband and phone.

Before you cancel: check these three things

1. Your contract end date

BT contracts are typically 24 months. If you cancel before your contract ends, you'll pay an early exit fee. Check your contract end date:

• Online: Log in to My BT → Your package → Contract details
• By phone: Call 0800 800 150 and ask
• On your bill: Your contract end date is printed on every bill

BT sends a letter 30–60 days before your contract ends. If you don't cancel or negotiate, BT moves you to a rolling monthly contract at a higher price.

2. Early exit fees

If you're still in contract, BT charges £5 per month remaining, capped at £60.

Months remaining	Early exit fee
1–3 months	£5–£15
4–12 months	£20–£60
12+ months	£60 (maximum)
Out of contract	£0

The fee appears on your final bill. If you're switching providers, some offer to pay your early exit fee — check before you switch.

3. Notice period: 30 days

BT requires 30 calendar days' notice to cancel broadband. If you give notice on 1 October, your service ends on 31 October (or the next working day).

You'll pay for those 30 days, even if you don't use the service. You cannot shorten the notice period.

How to cancel BT Broadband

Option 1: Cancel by phone (fastest for in-contract customers)

If you're still in contract, you must cancel by phone.

1. Call 0800 800 150 (free from UK landlines and mobiles)
2. Say "Cancel" or "Leave BT" when prompted
3. You'll speak to the retentions team — they may offer a discount or lower price to keep you
4. If you still want to cancel, confirm you want to leave
5. They'll confirm your cancellation date and early exit fee (if applicable)
6. Ask for a cancellation reference number

Opening hours: Monday–Friday 9am–8pm, Saturday 9am–6pm, Sunday 9am–6pm

Option 2: Cancel online via My BT (out-of-contract only)

If you're out of contract, you can cancel online. If you're in contract, you must phone.

1. Log in to My BT
2. Go to Your package
3. Scroll down and click Leave BT
4. Select Broadband and phone (or just broadband if you don't have BT phone)
5. Choose your cancellation date (minimum 30 days from today)
6. Confirm cancellation
7. You'll receive a confirmation email with your cancellation date and reference

If you don't see "Leave BT", you're still in contract and must call to cancel.

Option 3: Cancel by letter (slowest)

You can cancel by letter, but it's slower and BT may contact you to confirm.

Write to:

BT Cancellations
Correspondence Centre
Providence Row
Durham
DH98 1BT

Include in your letter:

• Your full name
• Your BT account number (on your bill)
• Your service address
• Your contact phone number
• "I wish to cancel my BT Broadband service with 30 days' notice from the date of this letter."
• The date you're writing
• Your signature

Post the letter by recorded delivery so you have proof. BT processes letters within 7 working days.

Switching to another broadband provider: One Touch Switch

If you're switching to another Openreach-based provider (Sky, TalkTalk, Plusnet, EE, Vodafone, etc.), use One Touch Switch. Your new provider cancels BT for you automatically.

How One Touch Switch works

1. Order broadband from your new provider
2. Give them your BT account number (on your bill or in My BT)
3. Your new provider contacts BT to arrange the switch
4. BT automatically gives 30 days' notice
5. Your service switches on the agreed date (usually 2–4 weeks)
6. BT sends your final bill, including any early exit fee

You don't need to call BT. Your new provider handles everything.

What if you're not switching to another provider?

If you're moving house without broadband, or stopping broadband entirely, you must cancel BT directly by phone or online. One Touch Switch only works when switching to another provider.

What happens after you cancel

Your final bill

BT sends your final bill within 2 weeks of cancellation. It includes:

• 30 days' notice period charges
• Early exit fee (if applicable)
• Any outstanding charges or credits
• Equipment non-return fee (if you don't send equipment back)

The bill is usually taken via Direct Debit within 14 days. If you've cancelled your Direct Debit, BT will send a paper bill or contact you for payment.

Returning BT equipment

You must return:

• BT Hub (router)
• BT TV Box (if you have BT TV)
• Mini TV boxes
• Power cables and remote controls

You don't need to return: Ethernet cables, phone cables, microfilters, or your own equipment.

BT sends a prepaid returns bag within 5 days of cancellation. Pack the equipment, seal the bag, and drop it at any Post Office. No postage needed.

Deadline: 14 days from your cancellation date. If you don't return equipment, BT charges up to £150 on your final bill.

What happens to your BT email address?

Your @btinternet.com email stays active permanently, even after you cancel broadband. BT does not delete email accounts.

Access your email at bt.com/email using your existing login.

If you want to close your email account, you must request it separately by calling 0800 800 150.

What happens to your BT phone number?

If you're switching providers, your landline number transfers automatically (if your new provider offers landline).

If you're stopping broadband entirely, you'll lose the number. BT cannot hold numbers for customers without active service.

What happens to BT Sport?

BT Sport (now TNT Sports) is a separate subscription. If you cancel BT Broadband, BT Sport continues unless you cancel it separately.

To cancel BT Sport:

1. Log in to My BT
2. Go to Your package → TV
3. Cancel BT Sport

Or call 0800 800 150 and ask to cancel BT Sport.

Common questions

Can I cancel BT Broadband without paying an early exit fee?

Only if:

• You're out of contract
• You're within the 14-day cooling-off period
• BT increases your price mid-contract (you have 30 days to cancel penalty-free from the price rise notification)
• BT changes your contract terms materially (e.g. removes a service)

Otherwise, you'll pay £5 per month remaining, capped at £60.

What if BT increased my price mid-contract?

BT usually increases prices in March/April each year by inflation (CPI) plus 3.9%. This is allowed under your contract.

However, BT must notify you 30 days in advance. You have 30 days from the notification date to cancel penalty-free.

If you miss the 30-day window, you'll pay the early exit fee as normal.

Can I pause BT Broadband instead of cancelling?

No. BT does not offer a pause or hold option. You can only cancel. If you want broadband again later, you'll need to sign up as a new customer.

What if I'm moving house?

BT lets you transfer your broadband to your new address for free (or a small charge if the new property needs installation work).

To move your BT Broadband:

1. Log in to My BT
2. Go to Your package → Moving home
3. Enter your new address
4. Choose your moving date
5. BT will arrange installation at your new property

Your contract continues at your new address. You won't pay an early exit fee.

If BT isn't available at your new address, or the new property already has another provider's service, you can cancel penalty-free. Call 0800 800 150 and explain.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Only if you've paid in advance and cancel mid-month. BT refunds unused days on a pro-rata basis.

For example, if you pay £30/month and cancel on the 15th day of a 30-day month, BT refunds £15.

Refunds appear on your final bill as a credit, or BT refunds your bank account within 14 days.

What if I cancel my Direct Debit instead of cancelling BT?

Cancelling the Direct Debit does not cancel your BT contract. BT will:

• Contact you for payment
• Send paper bills
• Eventually suspend your service
• Report non-payment to credit agencies

Always cancel the contract with BT first, then cancel the Direct Debit after your final bill is paid.

If you need help cancelling Direct Debits, see our bank-by-bank Direct Debit cancellation guide.

How long does it take to cancel BT Broadband?

30 days from the date you give notice. If you cancel on 1 October, your service ends on 31 October.

If you're switching using One Touch Switch, the timeline is set by your new provider (usually 2–4 weeks).

What if BT refuses to cancel?

BT cannot refuse a cancellation request if you're out of contract. If you're in contract, they must allow you to cancel and charge the early exit fee.

If BT refuses or delays unreasonably:

1. Request a deadlock letter (ask for this during the call)
2. Contact the Communications Ombudsman at commsombudsman.org
3. The Ombudsman will investigate and can force BT to cancel

You cannot contact the Ombudsman until BT has given you a deadlock letter or 8 weeks have passed since your complaint.

Track your BT Broadband renewal before it happens

Most people only remember to cancel BT when the bill arrives. SubSorted reminds you before each renewal so you can decide whether to keep, renegotiate, or cancel without the rush.

• Contract end reminders — get notified 60 days before your BT contract ends
• Price rise alerts — track when BT increases prices and decide if you want to cancel penalty-free
• No bank access required — your data stays on your device
• Works with 100+ UK services — broadband, mobile, streaming, gym, and more