How to Cancel Your Cox Communications Service

Quick Summary

Call 800-234-3993 to cancel - available 24/7
Early termination fee: up to $120 (1-year contract) or $240 (2-year), reduced by $10/month served
Return equipment within 10 days or face $65-$300 per device
Cox doesn’t provide prepaid return labels. You pay shipping
You can go contract-free for a $10/month premium if you want to avoid ETFs on future service

How to Cancel

Phone (Recommended)

Call 800-234-3993 or 866-218-5739. You’ll go through identity verification, then get transferred to retention. They’ll present alternatives. If you’ve decided, say: “I appreciate the offers, but I need to cancel my service today. Please proceed with cancellation.”

Get a confirmation number, confirm your final bill amount, and verify your exact equipment return deadline.

Tip: Call weekday mornings (8-10 AM) or early afternoon (1-3 PM) for the shortest wait times. Have your account number, PIN, and a list of all leased equipment ready. If you’re moving outside Cox’s 14-state coverage area, mention it - you may qualify for an ETF waiver.

In-Person

Visit a Cox retail store. Find locations at cox.com/local/search. Bring ID, account info, and your equipment. Faster processing, no phone wait, immediate equipment return. Hours are typically Monday-Saturday 10 AM-8 PM, Sunday 11 AM-5 PM.

Online

Not available. Chat and account portals just redirect you to phone support.

What It Costs

Early Termination Fee

Contract Length	Maximum ETF	Monthly Reduction
1-year	$120	$10/month
2-year	$240	$10/month

Example: cancel a 1-year contract after 6 months = $120 - (6 x $10) = $60 ETF.

ETF waivers: Moving outside Cox’s 14-state coverage area may qualify. Mention it when you call.

Important: Cox ETFs can reach $240 on a 2-year contract. Check your contract status before calling so you know exactly what you owe. If you’re moving outside their service area, bring it up immediately - it’s your best shot at a waiver.

Billing

Cox provides prorated billing through your cancellation date. One of the few providers that doesn’t charge you for the full month. Final bill arrives within 2-4 weeks.

Equipment Return

What You Return

Cable boxes and DVRs
Modems and gateways
Remote controls and power cords
CableCARDs and wall mounts

How to Return It

Cox store - bring equipment and ID. You get an immediate receipt with condition verification on the spot. Best option. No shipping cost.

UPS Store - over 4,500 locations. You pay shipping (typically $15-$30). Request signature confirmation and tracking.

Deadline

10 days from your disconnection date. Not your final bill date - your disconnection date. Don’t confuse the two.

Unreturned Equipment Fees

Equipment	Fee
Standard cable box	$65-$150
Contour DVR	$150-$300
Modem/gateway	$100-$200
Remote control	$25-$50

Important: Cox doesn’t provide prepaid return labels - you pay shipping. The 10-day window starts from disconnection, not billing. Return at a Cox store to avoid shipping costs entirely and get an immediate receipt.

After You Cancel

Final bill includes prorated service charges through disconnection, ETF if applicable, equipment fees, and any outstanding balances.

Confirmation is mailed. Online account stays accessible for 90 days. Cancel automatic payments and remove stored payment methods.

Email is deactivated immediately. Cox offers no email forwarding. If you use a Cox email address, migrate before you cancel.

Common Problems

Problem	Solution
Long hold times	Call weekday mornings. Or skip the phone and visit a Cox store
Retention pressure	“I’ve made my decision. Please process the cancellation.”
Equipment disputes	Get a receipt with serial numbers. Photograph everything before returning
Shipping cost for returns	Return at a Cox store instead. It’s free and you get instant confirmation
Multiple transfers	Ask for the cancellation department by name. Get rep names and direct numbers
Charged after moving	If Cox doesn’t serve your new address, request an ETF waiver retroactively