What to do before you cancel TalkTalk broadband
Cancelling TalkTalk broadband should be a pretty simple process. But before you get in touch, there are two important steps to take: check your existing contract and choose a new deal.
Check your contract
You must contact TalkTalk to check the status of your current broadband contract before doing anything. TalkTalk broadband deals commonly have a contract length of 18-months, and you’ll have to pay a cancellation fee if you end your contract early.
We always recommend waiting until your contract ends, but that obviously isn’t always an option.
The easiest way to check your contract status is to simply give TalkTalk a call and ask.
Find a new broadband deal
Unless you’re cancelling because you no longer need broadband, you’ll need to pick a new service to move to after your TalkTalk service ends. You can sign up for a new deal right here on Broadband Genie. Here are some of the top offers available right now.
Not sure what's on offer in your area? Use our deals checker to see the services you can get at your address.
How to cancel TalkTalk broadband
If you’re out of contract: cancelling TalkTalk for free
As long as you're out of contract, cancelling is easy. If you’re moving to a broadband provider, thanks to a new 'One-Touch Switch' service, your new provider will handle the cancellation of TalkTalk and arrange your switchover in most cases.
If you simply don’t need broadband any longer, then it’s a little more involved. If this is the case for you, contact TalkTalk to end the contract. The quickest way to do this is to call TalkTalk on 0345 1720 088.
Have your account details at the ready! You’ll need to pass these over to verify your identity. Like any provider, TalkTalk will likely try to persuade you to stay. If you’re committed to leaving, be firm and politely decline any offers. Though if the cost is why you’re leaving, you may be able to negotiate a better deal.
You can also cancel in writing by sending a letter to:
TalkTalk
Soapworks
Colgate Lane
Salford
M5 3LZ
Make sure to include your full name, home telephone number, and signature. You’ll need to clearly explain why you want to leave. TalkTalk will respond to the billing address unless otherwise notified, so include an alternative contact address or phone number if you need to.
But be aware that TalkTalk will still call you after receiving a cancellation letter, so it may be best to just call them and start the process straight away rather than wait for the post.
For full details on how to get in touch, see our TalkTalk customer service numbers page.
Cancelling TalkTalk if you’re still in contract
The cancellation process is the same when you’re still in contract. The only difference is you’ll have an additional fee to pay on your final bill, which you should be told about during the cancellation call.
However, TalkTalk offers a 'Great Connection Guarantee'. So if you're not satisfied with your fibre broadband in the first 30 days of your services going live, you're free to leave and only pay for the time and services you've used. This is the only time you’ll really be able to cancel early without the early termination charge.
Cancelling TalkTalk broadband if you're moving home
If you cancel your TalkTalk broadband before your contract term is over, you might be charged an early termination fee.
If you're moving, it's likely you'll be take your TalkTalk Broadband package along with you. As TalkTalk uses the Openreach network, coverage across the UK is good. However, if you're currently signed up to an ultrafast fibre option such as TalkTalk Fibre 150, TalkTalk Fibre 500 or TalkTalk Fibre 900, there's a possibility you might have to downgrade your package, if you're still under contract.
There are a few things to know. You'll need to give at least 14 days notice (but no more than 3 months). There's also a £60 charge for moving home with TalkTalk. But, if you're prepared to renew your contract, this fee will be waived.
If you're out of contract, this high transfer price might be a good incentive to look around for a new broadband deal.
TalkTalk broadband early cancellation fees
When cancelling mid-contract, TalkTalk charges an early termination fee for each month remaining on your deal. The per-month fee varies depending on your package.
This table shows what it can cost to cancel some TalkTalk packages.
| TalkTalk broadband package | Charge per month remaining |
|---|---|
| Fast Broadband | £10.80 |
| Fibre 35 | £10.20 |
| Fibre 65 | £10.20 |
| Fibre 150 | £10.20 |
| Fibre 250 | £10.20 |
Prices last checked October 2024, but you should always confirm costs with your provider.
Frequently asked questions about cancelling TalkTalk
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What's TalkTalk broadband’s notification period?
If you’re cancelling TalkTalk and aren’t moving to another provider, you will have to give a 30-day notice period.
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Do I need to return my TalkTalk Wi-Fi router or TalkTalk TV box?
When your contract has ended, you'll be asked to return your Wi-Fi Hubs for recycling. TalkTalk Routers and TV boxes must be returned within 42 days, or you may be charged £50 (ask TalkTalk for a pre-paid returns bag).
TalkTalk currently recycles the following products:- TalkTalk Wi-Fi Hub and Wi-Fi Hub 2
- Amazon eero 6 and eero 6 Pro
- TalkTalk TV Hub and 4K TV Boxes
- TalkTalk Wi-Fi Booster
- TalkTalk GFast Modem
For more information on returning and recycling routers, check our guide: 'how to recycle a Wi-Fi router'.
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Can I keep my phone number?
Your number can be transferred to another provider. But you’ll need to notify your new provider when signing up that you wish to keep your number.
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Can I cancel for free if my TalkTalk broadband is too slow?
TalkTalk has signed up to the Ofcom broadband speed code of practice, which means you can cancel for free if the broadband is slow. You should start by speaking to technical support. They should try to fix the problem for you. If it can’t be fixed, TalkTalk is obligated to let you leave without penalty.
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Can I keep my TalkTalk email address if I change providers?
You'll have to pay for TalkTalk Mail Plus if you want to keep access to your email when you switch provider. This will cost you £5 per month or £50 for a year upfront. For more information, read our guide: "can I keep my email address if I change broadband provider?"
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Who do I speak to if I need to close down a TalkTalk account due to death?
You can contact the TalkTalk bereavement team on 0345 172 0038 (or free from a TalkTalk phone). Phones will be answered Monday-Friday between 9am-7pm and Sunday 9am-6pm.
For more help on this topic, read our guide: 'getting in touch with broadband bereavement teams'.
Expert Summary
No one looks forward to having to cancel their broadband package. But sometimes to get better download speeds, or just a better price, it’s often easiest to switch. Switching from TalkTalk to another provider on the network should be pretty simple thanks to 'One-Touch Switch'. You’ll just have to buy a new package, and they should deal with the admin for you.
Make sure you check your contract first. It’s best to switch providers if you’re out of the contract to avoid early cancellation fees. But if you’re out of contract, or you’re happy to pay for any exit fees, we recommend using our deals checker. Try this now and discover what broadband deals are available in your area.