Phone Contract Notice Period: 1 Month — Plus What to Do If the Provider Makes It Hard
Cancelling a phone, internet, or streaming contract sounds simple — but often isn't. Providers sometimes respond late, keep charging despite a cancellation, or the notice period is unclear. Here's a calm overview of how to go about it.
Notice period for a phone contract: the short answer
Since the TKG reform of 1 December 2021: after the minimum term ends, the notice period is just one month. The minimum term itself can no longer exceed 24 months, and automatic renewal for another full year has been abolished — after that, your contract simply continues indefinitely and can be cancelled at any time with one month's notice.
If you have an older contract: if it has already renewed automatically at least once since 1 December 2021, the new one-month notice period applies from that renewal onward. If the original minimum term hasn't ended yet, you'll need to wait it out — check your bill or online account for the exact date.
How do you cancel correctly?
- The cancellation should be in writing (email is enough for most providers since the law change; many contracts even require a cancellation button on the website).
- State your date, customer number, and the desired cancellation date clearly.
- Ask for written confirmation of the cancellation with the exact end date.
What to do if the provider doesn't respond
If no confirmation comes after a reasonable time (e.g. 2–3 weeks), it's worth following up in writing, referencing the original cancellation. Always keep proof that you cancelled (sending log, read receipt, registered mail for important cases).
What to do if money is still being charged despite the cancellation
- Dispute it in writing, referencing the cancellation with its date.
- For a direct debit: get the charge reversed at your bank within eight weeks (chargeback right).
- For persistent problems: contact the Bundesnetzagentur or a Verbraucherzentrale.
How should you respond?
1. You want to cancel regularly at the end of the term – cancel in writing, ideally requesting confirmation.
2. The provider doesn't confirm – follow up, referencing the original cancellation and proof.
3. Money is still being charged despite the cancellation – dispute it and possibly reverse the direct debit.
4. You want to cancel early (e.g. moving abroad) – state a specific reason; this isn't always automatically a special right to cancel.
Quick example of a cancellation letter
- customer number and contract details
- a clear statement: "I hereby cancel my contract as of ..."
- a request for written confirmation
This is exactly where BriefMagic helps: describe your situation in your own language – it turns into a clearly structured cancellation letter in German, with the right tone for the provider. You don't need to know the exact rules or hunt for the right phrasing yourself. There's a translation back into your language too, and the letter stays saved in case a reply comes.
Quick summary
- Check exactly when your contract can be cancelled.
- Cancel in writing, with a request for confirmation.
- Keep proof of the cancellation.
- For persistent problems, the Bundesnetzagentur or Verbraucherzentrale can help.
This article doesn't replace legal advice. For complicated cases, a Verbraucherzentrale can help further.