CenturyLink is a provider of high-speed internet, phone service, and cable TV. Available in many parts of the country, their bundles are a popular choice to keep utility service costs down. However, there might come a time when you need to cancel your CenturyLink service for yourself or a deceased loved one.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Alternatives to Canceling Your CenturyLink Service
- How to Cancel Your Own CenturyLink Service
- How to Cancel a Deceased Loved One’s CenturyLink Service
- Frequently Asked Questions: Canceling CenturyLink
With more providers available than ever before, there are a lot of reasons you might cancel your CenturyLink service. From getting a better deal elsewhere to moving to a new city, it’s important to know how to cancel when the time does come.
That being said, CenturyLink, like other TV and internet providers, is in the business of keeping customers as long as possible. They notoriously make it difficult to cancel, hoping you’ll stay a loyal customer. In this guide, we’ll share how to cancel CenturyLink service once and for all.
Alternatives to Canceling Your CenturyLink Service
Before you cancel your CenturyLink service, consider if there’s an alternative that might work better for you. You might be able to lower the cost of your coverage without completely canceling your service. Since more people need to have internet in their home, even if they cancel TV or phone services, it might be easier to choose an alternative below:
- Promotions: CenturyLink often offers special discounts and promotions. While these are typically for new customers, you can always ask for a promotion to apply to your own existing service.
- Transfer: If you’re moving, you might be able to take your CenturyLink coverage with you. This can save you time and money on moving costs.
- Temporary hold: If you don’t need to use your services for a while (like if you’re traveling), you can suspend your services at a reduced rate. This is often cheaper than canceling and restarting later.
- Modem: If you’re renting any equipment from CenturyLink, consider purchasing your own outright. For example, most internet providers will charge you a monthly fee for a modem rental when you could purchase your own at a lower cost long-term.
- Change your package: Lastly, if you’re paying for more services than you’re using, it might be cheaper to change your service package. Paying for online internet vs. a large bundle is usually the cheapest option. Additionally, you can lower your internet speed.
There are some instances when these options above aren’t the right fit for you. For example, you might be moving to an area that isn’t covered under CenturyLink. If this is the case, it’s time to cancel using the steps below.
How to Cancel Your Own CenturyLink Service
Canceling your own CenturyLink service is relatively straightforward. However, there are a few different steps you need to follow to make sure you’re not charged any fees or late payments.
1. Log in to the online portal
Some CenturyLink users are eligible to cancel their service online. This means you can sign in to your CenturyLink account directly. On your home page, look for a green button that reads, “Disconnect Service.” If this is available, click this and follow the prompts to cancel your service.
If this button isn’t available, don’t fret. You can still cancel, but you will need to contact a service representative directly using the steps below.
2. Call or chat with a representative
To cancel your account or remove services, you will need to call or chat with CenturyLink directly if there is no way to cancel online. You can call 800-244-1111 between 8 am and 6 pm Monday through Friday. You can also chat online through the help portal.
When you speak to a representative, let them know you wish to cancel. They might offer a promotion or a better deal to keep you as a customer. It’s up to you if you still wish to cancel but follow their next steps.
3. Return your modem
If you leased a CenturyLink modem, router, or cable box, you need to return this within 30 days. If you fail to return your equipment on time, you could be charged up to $200. You can return this via mail or to a CenturyLink store. Always get a receipt upon return for your records.
4. Pay your final bill
Even after you cancel your CenturyLink account, you will still likely have a final bill. This closing bill is sent by mail. It shows an outstanding balance. If you paid a deposit when setting up your service, this will be applied to your final payment or credit.
5. Cancel your satellite TV service
Lastly, if you have any TV service through a satellite provider like DirectTV or DISH, this is separate from CenturyLink. You’ll need to contact these providers directly to cancel your service.
How to Cancel a Deceased Loved One’s CenturyLink Service
Knowing what to do when someone dies isn’t always easy. It’s important to take action to cancel any unused services and accounts, making sure your loved one’s finances are in order after death. Here’s how to cancel a deceased loved one’s CenturyLink service.
1. Log in to their online portal
The first way to cancel a deceased loved one’s CenturyLink account is to log in to their online portal directly. If you have access to their information via a password manager or other documentation, this is the easiest way to cancel. You can follow the steps above to cancel directly as though it was your own account.
2. Contact customer service
Alternatively, if you don’t have access to your loved one’s account, you can still cancel their service. You’ll need to contact a service rep directly by phone. Let the representative know you wish to cancel a deceased loved one’s service.
From here, you’ll need to verify your loved one’s identity by sharing their account details, full name, and a death certificate. Luckily, it’s easy to know how to get a death certificate. You will need to mail a copy of the death certificate with a written request to close the account.
3. Turn in any equipment
If your loved one rented any equipment from CenturyLink, get a list of what needs to be returned. Collect all cords, modems, and so on to return to a store directly. Like when returning your own equipment, be sure to get a receipt confirming your equipment has been returned.
4. Review the final bill
Last but not least, review the final CenturyLink bill. This should be received via mail within 30 days. Make sure any deposit was credited, and that there isn’t any extra charge for equipment or rentals. Only your loved one’s estate is responsible for paying this final bill. As part of your executor duties, canceling utilities is a key step.
Frequently Asked Questions: Canceling CenturyLink
It doesn’t have to be complicated to cancel your CenturyLink account, but it can be intimidating. It’s important to consider how this impacts your utility services before you cancel. Read through these frequently asked questions before you begin.
What happens when you close a CenturyLink account?
When you close your CenturyLink account, your coverage ends after your billing cycle. For example, if your coverage restarts on the 15th of every month, you’ll continue to have coverage until that date. At that time, you’ll need to return your equipment to avoid paying late fees.
If you need coverage at that new date, make sure you arrange for a new service provider in advance. This is especially true if you’re moving or temporarily suspending coverage.
Does CenturyLink charge a cancellation fee?
CenturyLink doesn’t charge a cancellation fee. That being said, you should still have outstanding charges depending on when you cancel. If you cancel before the end of your billing cycle, you won't have any prorated credits for the remainder of the cycle. This is why it’s important to review the final bill and any revised bill. It’s not uncommon for this to take 2 to 3 billing cycles to process.
Are You Ready to Cancel Your CenturyLink Account?
With that in mind, are you ready to cancel your CenturyLink account for good? If so, follow these steps above. Cable and internet companies are notorious for making it hard to cancel. From promotional rates to difficult policies, make sure you follow these steps carefully to keep your finances safe.
Knowing how to cancel your utility accounts is one of the best ways to stay on top of your funds. If you no longer need CenturyLink coverage, there are only a few steps to follow to truly cancel your account for good.