How Do I Cancel My DISH Service?

In this article, you will learn the six steps to canceling your DISH service. The article covers considerations such as making sure a new service (if wanted) is lined up, dealing with the DISH retention specialist, returning DISH equipment and making sure you are aware of any fees or penalties. The article also advises readers to check the final bill to make sure the account is closed and the equipment has been received.

Dec 7, 2022

Whether you are moving or have just decided you don't want to get DISH network services anymore, you have reached a point where you want to cancel your service. How do you cancel DISH service? You can contact customer service here and follow these steps to canceling your DISH account.

How to Cancel DISH:

  1. Make sure you are ready to cancel your service before you make the call. If you are completely cutting out television services, makes sure you are ready. If you are switching to another provider, is your new service up and running, or will you have some downtime between canceling DISH and starting your new service? Are you ready for dealing with a retention specialist whose primary job is to get you to not cancel your service?
  2. Have your account information handy. Also, keep a pen and paper nearby so you can write down the name of the customer service rep you speak with and what the rep tells you in the phone call. Log the date and time you called to cancel your service with DISH and if you were advised of any fees or penalties that would be assessed.
  3. Know your contract. Make sure you can cancel without incurring any additional fees or early cancelation penalties. If you are ending your contract before its expiration date, you may be on the hook for the remaining fees of the contract. If you can show DISH did not fulfill the terms of the contract (for example, you had an excessive number of days where service was down), you may be able to avoid those fees, but you need to know what is covered in your contract to make your argument.
  4. Call customer service and be ready to fend off their arguments of why you should keep your service. DISH does not allow customers to cancel service via email or online. Some things to remember when calling customer service include:
  • Your reason for wanting to cancel your DISH service
  • The date you wish the cancelation to go into effect
  • How to settle the account if you have any fees or unpaid balance
  • How to return any equipment you are leasing from DISH.
  • Once you have confirmed with DISH that your service will be canceled, return any equipment you have that belongs to DISH. Take care to box the equipment in a way that it will not be damaged when returned. It is a good idea to take a photo of the equipment in the package before sealing it shut and to insure the package if you are concerned it will be damaged in transit.
  • Carefully check your final bill to make sure it is paid in full. You also want to make sure the account has been fully closed and that all equipment has been received by DISH.

    • If you are on the fence and don't know if you wish to cancel right away, you can request a pause in service while you decide. If you are sure and want to cut ties with DISH, call customer service here and cancel your service.

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    How Do I Cancel My DISH Service?

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