How to Cancel BT Broadband

Cancelling BT broadband if you're out of contract

Luckily, it’s easy to cancel your BT broadband if your contract’s minimum term is up. As well as not having to pay any cancellation fees, you’ll be able to switch to a new deal and take advantage of the exclusive offers reserved for new customers.

If you find a new deal with a different provider, it’s quick and easy to switch. In most cases, all you need to do is sign up to a new plan and choose an installation date. Your new provider will handle the rest, including getting in touch with BT to arrange the move.

In general, if you’re switching to another provider that uses BT’s Openreach network, set-up is very straightforward.

On the other hand, if you’re switching to Virgin Media’s cable broadband or an independent full fibre provider, like Hyperoptic, you’ll need to contact BT yourself. Not to mention, installation may be a little trickier – an engineer may need to visit to help with setting up your services.

Compare our latest broadband deals

Out of contract with BT? You’ll have your pick of broadband deals, whether that’s a top-of-the-range package with TV and landline from a major provider, or a budget-friendly broadband-only plan from a smaller company.

Here’s a snapshot of the cheap deals currently available, to give you an idea of what’s out there:

Cancel BT broadband if you're under contract

If you’re still in contract with BT, you can cancel – but you’ll most likely have to pay an early termination fee.

Before leaving, BT recommends you to first report any problems with your service, such as internet speed or connection issues – they may be able to fix this. And if you’re thinking of cancelling due to such problems, getting it fixed may dissuade you from leaving early.

You should also check your contract end date, so you have a rough idea of how much time is left on your contract and whether it’s worth cancelling early. You should be able to find this information via your online account with BT, or you could give its customer service team a call.

If you’re near the end of your contract, consider whether you can stay put for a few more months. That way, you can cancel your broadband once the minimum term is up, without paying any extra fees.

On the other hand, if you’ve found a really good deal to switch to – and your new provider is willing to pay some of the exit fees incurred – you may find it worth cancelling early.

BT calculates the early termination fee in this way: it charges a fee for every month left on your contract at the time of cancellation, then subtracts 1% if you send your final payment early, as well as take off any costs it’ll save as a result of you leaving early.

And if you cancel part way through a month, it’ll work out the charge on a pro rata basis.

If you do decide to cancel, you’ll need to give BT at least 30 days’ notice.

Our page on cancelling your broadband contract early goes into more detail.

Can I avoid BT's cancellation fee?

There are some instances where you can leave your BT broadband contract without having to pay an exit fee.

Of course, the easiest way to leave fee-free is if your contract’s minimum term is up. Most broadband contracts last between 12 and 24 months – it’s best to check when exactly your contract finishes. If you can wait until then, you’ll be free to switch without incurring any exit fees.

Conversely, if you’ve just signed up to a BT broadband package, you’ll get a 14-day cooling off period from when your service goes live. If you change your mind within that time, you can leave your contract penalty-free.

In some cases, you may be able to leave your contract early and without penalty if your provider has increased the monthly cost of your broadband mid-contract. According to Ofcom rules, if the price hike is higher than the annual rate of inflation, you’re allowed to leave within 30 days of being notified of the price hike. However, providers are allowed to increase prices mid-contract in line with inflation – and this is stated in your BT contract.

Finally, you may be experiencing an ongoing problem with your internet connection. If BT hasn’t sorted out any issues within one month, you’re allowed to leave without paying a cancellation fee – more on that below.

Can I cancel for free if my broadband is too slow?

Depending on your situation, you may be able to cancel fee-free if you’re experiencing slow broadband.

BT is part of Ofcom’s broadband speed code of practice. As a result, you have the right to cancel your contract early, without paying a fee, if your broadband speed falls below the minimum speed that was promised. If you face this issue and the problem is on BT’s end, but they haven’t solved it within one month, you’ll be able to leave penalty-free.

However, proving broadband problems can be a bit of a grey area. The best thing to do is to record whenever your broadband speed dips, and contact BT every time this problem occurs.

How do I contact BT to cancel my subscription?

To cancel your contract with BT, you can call them on 0800 783 1401. Phone opening hours are 8am-9pm Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm on Saturdays, and 9am-6pm on Sundays.

Can I cancel without contacting BT?

If you’ve found another provider to switch to, you might not need to get in touch with BT to cancel your broadband. Thanks to Ofcom’s ‘One Touch Switch’ scheme, your new provider will typically deal with all the admin involved in a switch – including getting in touch with your current provider to cancel.

However, if you’re cancelling and haven’t signed up to a new provider yet, you’ll have to get in touch with BT yourself. Plus, if you’re switching but haven’t received any notification of transfer, you may want to contact BT to confirm the switch.

Do I have to return my BT router?

If you’re cancelling your broadband contract with BT, you’ll have to return any equipment that was supplied with your package. This includes any BT Hub or BT TV box. If you don’t return your equipment, you may be charged.

Your new provider will send you a new router, anyway, so you’ll have no need for your old BT router.