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Cancelling a German mobile contract in writing: deadline, form, template

The mobile contract keeps running — and costs more every month than it should? The good news: after the initial term you can cancel monthly. What you need and how the letter should look — here is the answer.

Updated August 2026 · 5 minutes read

Hand signing a cancellation letter, beside it a smartphone and a SIM card

The deadline: shorter than you think

Since December 2021, German mobile contracts work like this: after the initial term (usually 24 months) the contract renews only on a rolling basis and can be cancelled at any time with one month's notice (§ 56 TKG). So if your contract has been running longer, you don't need to wait for a "contract end". The notice period calculator works out the latest posting date.

Desk calendar with a circled date beside a contract document and a pen
After the initial term: cancellable with one month to the end of the month — no more waiting for the anniversary date.

The form: text form is enough

The cancellation needs text form — a letter is the safest option because you can prove receipt. The letter should contain:

  • your full name and address,
  • the phone number and the customer or contract number,
  • the clear sentence: "I hereby cancel my mobile contract with effect from the earliest possible date."
  • a request for written confirmation stating the end date.

A ready-made structure is in the template Cancel a mobile contract.

Taking your number with you

Want to keep your number? Then don't simply cancel — instead order the number porting with your new provider, who handles the cancellation with the old one. Important: porting is possible up to 30 days after the contract ends and costs nothing at the old provider. Check first whether your contract is still running — otherwise you pay twice.

Send it with proof

Send the cancellation by Einwurfeinschreiben or online via the letter editor with a dispatch confirmation. Keep the copy and receipt until the confirmation arrives. If no answer comes, the article Send a cancellation by registered mail helps further.

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