Vodafone and Three: one company, two sets of leaving rules
The two brands now sit in one business: Vodafone UK and Three UK completed their merger on 31 May 2025, forming VodafoneThree, and Vodafone became its sole owner on 30 July 2026. Even so, Vodafone and Three each still sell home broadband under their own terms, with their own way of leaving. Check whose name is on your bill first.
Everything here comes from the two brands' own help pages, terms and price guides, checked in October 2026, but your contract summary and price guide have the final say. For rules common to every provider, such as retention offers and email addresses, see our guide to cancelling any broadband contract.
Vodafone | Three | |
|---|---|---|
Change-your-mind window | Fibre: 14 days from the service activation date. 5G Broadband: 14 days from receiving the hub | 30-day money-back guarantee |
Notice once out of contract | 30 days | 30 days |
Leaving inside the minimum term | Fibre: 80% of the monthly price (including landline add-ons, minus discounts) for each month left when you give notice. 5G: help page says 80%, October 2026 terms say 98% | Plans from 9 November 2025: the monthly charges left in the minimum term, less a discount currently set at 3% |
Short or fee-free plans | Essentials Broadband: no early termination charges. Rolling one-month 5G: charged a month ahead, unused days refunded | The 5G hub plan is also sold on a 1-month term |
Equipment | Fibre router is yours 14 days after activation; 5G Hub and Outdoor Hub router must go back | 5G hub must go back; 4G hubs and eero devices needn't |
Final bill | Within 22 days of leaving (fee page) or 30 days of disconnection (final-bill page) | Within 38 days of cancelling, by post |
Switching or cancelling: which are you doing?
Moving to another provider? You normally don't need to contact Vodafone or Three at all. Ofcom's One Touch Switch process, live since 12 September 2024 (as reported by ISPreview), puts the new provider in charge. The provider you're leaving must write to you with switching information spelling out any early termination charges, and keep your service running unchanged until the new one is live.
Three's help pages agree that One Touch Switch is free and you needn't cancel first, though an exit fee and final bill may still apply.
You're cancelling, rather than switching, when no new provider is taking over the service, or when the new provider asks you to close the old account yourself (Three notes you can still switch that traditional way). Then giving notice is your job.
If you're leaving over price, compare deals at your postcode first, and see our guide to switching broadband providers for the full process.
How to cancel Vodafone broadband
Vodafone's Home Broadband and Phone terms (November 2025, the version Vodafone links as current) split leaving fibre into three stages. Its 5G Broadband terms (version October 2026) mostly match; differences are noted.
In the first 14 days: changing your mind
For fibre broadband, you can cancel within 14 days of your service activation date (the day the broadband goes live, not the day you ordered). Vodafone refunds what you've paid, including equipment delivery, minus service already used, and the equipment goes back.
Installation is the catch: agreed installation costs are payable unless you cancel before 9pm two working days before the engineer visit.
For 5G Broadband, the 14-day cancellation period starts when you receive the equipment, or the last item delivered if you ordered more than one. Cancel inside it and there's no early termination fee, but you pay for usage until disconnection and return everything, SIM and cables included. Our guide to the broadband cooling-off period explains these windows generally.
Inside your minimum period, and after it
Leave after the first 14 days but before your minimum period ends and you pay an early termination fee, worked out as explained below. Once the minimum period is over, you can cancel at any time with 30 days' notice and no fee. The 5G terms add that you give 30 days' notice inside the minimum period too; 5G plans run on a 30-day rolling, 12-month or 24-month minimum period, as your contract summary shows. Unsure when yours ends? Ask Vodafone to confirm it in writing.
How to contact Vodafone to leave
Vodafone's Contact us page lists these routes:
- TOBi, its 24/7 digital assistant, which can hand you to an agent;
- Just Ask Once messaging in the My Vodafone app, for pay monthly mobile and home broadband customers;
- phone: 191 free from a Vodafone mobile, or 0333 304 0191 from a landline;
- in store.
Get three things in writing (an email or saved chat will do): your end date, your early termination fee if you're in contract, and what to do with any equipment.
Moving home or moving abroad
Moving isn't automatically a free exit. For fibre, Vodafone asks for at least 30 days' notice of a home move, and transferring the service may start a new minimum period. If Vodafone can't serve your new UK address, you can end the agreement with evidence of the move, though its terms reserve the right to apply termination fees. Moving abroad needs 30 days' notice, and fees apply in the minimum period.
5G Broadband can only be used at its approved address. If Vodafone can't provide it at your new home, the 5G terms say you may cancel without early termination fees, though its hub still goes back. See our guide to broadband when moving home.
How Vodafone works out the early termination fee
Vodafone's Price Plan for home broadband and phone (consumer prices from 1 October 2026) sets the fibre fee as:
80% of your plan's monthly price, including landline add-on charges, minus discounts, times the months left in your minimum period when you give notice.
- Months are counted when you give notice, so the fee shrinks as your end date approaches.
- VAT is included for completed disconnections, and any discount you're still eligible for after cancelling is applied.
- Installation offers can be clawed back: after a free or cheaper installation, the difference from the standard price may be added.
- Essentials Broadband, Vodafone's 12-month plan for customers on eligible benefits, has no early termination charges during the minimum period. Our guide to social tariffs explains who qualifies.
5G Broadband is less clear-cut. Vodafone's fee help page applies the same 80% method to 24-month 5G plans, but its 5G Broadband terms (version October 2026) set the fee as the monthly cost including VAT, times the months left, times 98%. As Vodafone's documents disagree, get your figure in writing. On a rolling one-month 5G plan, the help page says you're charged for the month ahead, with unused days refunded pro rata.
An example of the fibre arithmetic (hypothetical, no real prices): with ten months left when you give notice, the fee equals eight months of your monthly price after discounts. With two months left, it equals 1.6 months.
You can ask Vodafone for your figure at any point in the minimum period; its fee help page gives the same 0333 304 0191 number for broadband fee questions. Mobile plans use a different method on that page, so if you have both with Vodafone, ask about each plan you're ending.
When you can leave Vodafone without a fee
Besides the change-of-mind window, Vodafone's fibre terms describe these ways out of the minimum period without the fee:
- Poor service: if the service keeps degrading, or Vodafone fails to do something fundamental to it, you may be able to leave without the fee. It isn't automatic: contact Vodafone to discuss options. The 5G terms say much the same where the service is materially degraded for an unreasonable time.
- Super WiFi that doesn't deliver: if, after up to three WiFi Boosters, Vodafone can't get you a Wi-Fi signal and at least 10Mbps in every room, you can leave without the fee by telling Vodafone within 30 days of receiving the final booster. Exclusions apply, such as a broadband fault.
- Changes against you: a change the terms don't permit that harms you, if you tell Vodafone within the 30-day notice period.
Separately, if Vodafone itself ends the agreement, because it's permanently unable to provide the service or by giving you 30 days' written notice, the terms say you pay no termination fee, only charges up to the end date.
The annual price rise in your contract is not a reason to leave free; the terms say so directly. Our guides to Vodafone and Three price rises and leaving broadband without an exit fee go further.
What leaving does to Vodafone Together and your mobile
Vodafone Together discounts an eligible extra plan bought direct from Vodafone when you already have a qualifying plan, and home broadband can be either. Vodafone's Together terms (effective 20 May 2026) and its leaving page say:
- If your broadband is the qualifying plan and you have no other eligible plan, new plans won't get the discount, but plans that already have it keep it. How long is worded differently: clause 8 of the terms gives 27 months for SIM-only mobile plans and 39 months for airtime plans with a phone; clause 12 says "for their minimum term"; the leaving page says until the end of the minimum contract period. Ask Vodafone in writing how long each plan's discount will last before you cancel.
- After that minimum period, Vodafone reassesses your eligibility when you add or upgrade eligible plans.
- The discount is removed if you move the discounted plan to an ineligible one or transfer it to someone else.
- Annual price rises aren't discounted.
Our guide to how broadband and mobile discounts work compares similar offers.
Vodafone's leaving page lists more that ends when you switch provider: entertainment plans are lost; Charge to Bill and Add to Plan payments stop, so subscriptions paid that way need a new payment method; and any remaining Extras allowances are lost.
Your Vodafone router, 5G hub and final bill
Equipment rules depend on whether you have fibre through a router or 5G Broadband through a hub. Fibre first.
Vodafone's terms say that, unless stated otherwise, you own the equipment it supplies 14 days after your service activation date. Leave after that and you needn't send the router back, though Vodafone's returns page says leavers can return it free, at a store or with an emailed label. Our guide to cancelling any broadband contract covers wiping a router you keep.
Super WiFi and Broadband Back-up kit: Vodafone's Price Plan lists non-return charges for WiFi Boosters and Back-up equipment that, unlike the router charge, aren't limited to cancelled orders. If you have either, ask Vodafone in writing whether it must go back.
Leaving early is different. If the service ends before activation or within 14 days of it, the terms say the equipment must go back within 30 days, or a fee applies. Vodafone's returns page is stricter: change-of-mind returns must be sent within 14 days, or the return order is cancelled and your contract continues on the current agreement, service and billing. Send it promptly and keep a receipt. Kit bought from another retailer goes back to that retailer.
5G Broadband hubs
Vodafone's 5G terms split the kit into what Vodafone owns and what you own:
- Vodafone owns the indoor 5G Hub, the main Outdoor Hub router (labelled "Outdoor Hub") and any cables, during and after the minimum period. These go back when you stop paying, or a non-return fee applies. Take the SIM out of a 5G Hub before returning it, unless you're cancelling in the 14-day cancellation period, when the SIM and cables go back too.
- You own the Power Hub (the second of the two routers that make up an Outdoor Hub set-up), the SIM and some ancillary items, once 14 days have passed since you received them. After that you needn't return them.
Vodafone emails return instructions with a pre-paid returns label, and the 5G terms give you 30 days from the date of those instructions. Include the packaging, accessories, any free items and the dispatch note and keep proof of posting. Paying the non-return fee doesn't make the hub yours.
The final Vodafone bill
Vodafone bills a month in advance, so the final bill may include the next month, with unused days refunded pro rata (in proportion to days unused), plus any early termination fee.
Don't cancel your Direct Debit: Vodafone usually collects up to 10 days after the final bill, which may show a charge or a refund. Vodafone's fee page says the final bill comes within 22 days of leaving, its final-bill page within 30 days of disconnection, so allow 30 before chasing.
How to cancel Three home broadband
Three's 4G and 5G home broadband runs through a hub, not a phone line. Its current price guide, for customers who joined or upgraded from 9 November 2025, lists a 4G hub plan on 24 months and a 5G hub plan on 1 or 24 months.
- Within 30 days: 4G and 5G home broadband both have a money-back guarantee; contact Three to cancel.
- After that: give Three 30 days' notice, with your Home Broadband number ready.
- Switching: contact your new provider; under One Touch Switch it handles the switch, including cancelling your Three account.
- Inside your minimum term: an early termination fee may be charged.
Three's leave page sends you to its Contact us page rather than giving a cancellation number.
How Three works out its early cancellation fee
If you joined Three or upgraded on or after 9 November 2025, the price guide sets the fee as a lump sum equal to the total of the monthly charges remaining in the minimum term, less a variable discount, currently 3%, which Three may change.
An example of the arithmetic (hypothetical, no real prices): with ten months left, the fee would equal 9.7 months of your monthly charge.
Joined or last upgraded earlier? Your fee follows the price guide for that period, and Three keeps older guides online, including one for plans from 8 September 2024 to 8 November 2025.
The guide's general "Our plans" section also says your contract lasts a minimum of 1 month and needs 30 days' notice to end, even though its plan tables list 24-month terms, so check your contract summary for your own minimum term. Our guide to rolling monthly broadband contracts explains the trade-offs of short terms.
Three hubs, Connect Together and the final bill
Three's 5G hub stays Three's property and must be returned when you leave, in or out of contract. Three's leave page says you'll be charged a non-return fee if it isn't; its price guide says a charge is placed on your account. Three provides a free pre-paid returns bag. 4G hubs and eero devices (Wi-Fi mesh units) don't need returning. If you bought your hub through another retailer or partner, check that retailer's returns policy and fees.
Connect Together discounts
Three's Connect Together multi-line offer can use home broadband as the qualifying (full-price) plan, or discount a home broadband plan added as an extra line. In October 2026 its page said both that disconnecting the qualifying plan doesn't affect other discounted plans and that cancelling it removes the discount from your other plan, so ask Three in writing what your other plans will cost.
The final Three bill and refunds
Three charges monthly in advance, so bills continue until the final one, which arrives within 38 days of cancelling and shows any exit fee and overpayment credit. Refunds over 50p are paid within 14 days of the final bill to the linked bank account or card.
Three's pages differ on online access afterwards (the leave page says My3 shows bills for 18 months, the price guide says they can't be viewed), so download bills you want first.
Before you leave Vodafone or Three: a checklist
- Check the brand on your bill and find your contract summary and price guide.
- Find your end date and, if you're in contract, ask for your exit fee in writing.
- Switching? Don't cancel first. Line up the new provider and let it run One Touch Switch.
- Check linked mobile discounts (Vodafone Together or Three Connect Together) and ask what your other plans will cost.
- Move anything charged to your bill, such as Charge to Bill subscriptions, to another payment method.
- Return what must go back: Vodafone's 5G Hub or Outdoor Hub router, Three's 5G hub, and all Vodafone kit if you cancel in the 14-day window. Ask about WiFi Boosters or Back-up equipment. Get a postage receipt each time.
- Leave the Direct Debit running until the last payment or refund has gone through, then check the final bill for the fee, refunds and any equipment charge.
Deciding where next? See our overview of UK broadband providers, or compare deals at your postcode. If you'd rather re-contract, the Vodafone broadband deals and Three broadband deals pages show what each offers where you live. Leaving another provider too? See our guides to cancelling BT, EE or Plusnet and cancelling TalkTalk.
Cancelling Vodafone or Three broadband FAQs
How much notice do I need to give to cancel Vodafone broadband?
Once your minimum period has ended, Vodafone's terms say you can leave whenever you like by giving 30 days' notice, with no exit fee. For fibre, you can change your mind within 14 days of the service going live; for 5G Broadband, within 14 days of receiving the hub. Leaving between those points is allowed, but an early termination fee applies.
How is the Vodafone broadband early termination fee calculated?
For fibre, Vodafone takes 80% of your monthly price, including landline add-ons and minus discounts, times the months left in your minimum period when you give notice; a free installation may be added back. For 24-month 5G, its help page says 80% but its October 2026 terms say 98%, so get your figure in writing.
Do I have to return my Vodafone router when I leave?
Not usually for fibre: Vodafone's terms say the equipment is yours 14 days after activation, though leavers can return a router free. Cancel before then and it must go back. Vodafone's indoor 5G Hub and Outdoor Hub router must always be returned; the Power Hub and SIM become yours after 14 days.
Will I lose my Vodafone Together discount if I cancel my broadband?
Not straight away. If your broadband is the qualifying plan and you have no other eligible one, Vodafone's Together terms say new plans won't get the discount but existing discounted plans keep it. The terms put that period as 27 or 39 months in one clause and "their minimum term" in another, and the leaving page says the end of the minimum contract period, so ask Vodafone in writing how long yours lasts.
How is Three's home broadband cancellation fee worked out?
For plans joined or upgraded from 9 November 2025, Three charges a lump sum equal to the monthly charges left in your minimum term, less a discount currently set at 3% that Three may change. Older plans follow the price guide for the date you joined, which Three keeps online.
Do I need to send my Three 5G hub back?
Yes. Three owns the 5G hub, so it goes back when you leave, in contract or not; otherwise Three's leave page says you'll be charged a non-return fee. It provides a free pre-paid returns bag. 4G hubs and eero devices don't need returning, and a hub bought from another retailer follows that retailer's returns policy.
Do I need to contact Vodafone or Three if I'm switching to another provider?
Usually not. Under One Touch Switch you deal only with the provider you're joining. Vodafone or Three, as the provider you're leaving, has to tell you about any exit fee in its switching information and keep you connected until the new service starts. Contact them yourself only if you're cancelling outright or the new provider asks you to.
