Canceling cable sounds like a headache. You’ve got a box to return, a phone call you’re dreading, and a worry that you’ll lose your sports and news. The truth is, switching to streaming is easier than ever if you do it in the right order.
Follow these seven steps and you’ll go from cable bill to streaming without missing a single game.
Step 1: Look at what you’re really paying
Pull up your latest cable bill and look past the advertised price. Many bills include extra charges for equipment rental, extra boxes, DVR service, and other fees. Write down your true monthly total. That’s the number you’re trying to beat.
While you’re there, check whether you get internet from the same company. You’ll want to keep your internet and cancel only the TV part.
Step 2: Make a list of what you actually watch
Most households watch a handful of things regularly. Write down:
- The sports you follow (for many families, that’s football first).
- Your go-to news.
- The shows and movies you watch most.
This list helps you choose a streaming service that covers what matters, instead of paying for hundreds of channels you never turn on.
Step 3: Check your contract and equipment
Before you cancel, find out:
- Is there an early termination fee? If you’re still under contract, it may make sense to wait until it ends.
- What equipment do you need to return? Cable boxes, remotes, and sometimes other gear. Unreturned equipment can show up as a charge on your final bill.
- When does your billing cycle end? Timing your cancellation near the end of a cycle helps you get the most out of what you’ve already paid.
Step 4: Test your internet speed
Streaming runs on your home internet, so make sure it’s up to the job. Run a speed test on the TV or device you’ll use most.
For live TV and sports with UGFTV, we recommend 50 Mbps or faster for each TV that’s streaming, with 25 Mbps as the minimum. If you have several TVs streaming at once, add it up.
If your speed comes in low, talk to your internet provider about your plan, or connect your streaming box to your router with an Ethernet cable for a steadier connection.
Step 5: Pick a streaming device
You don’t need a new TV. A small streaming box plugs into the HDMI port on the TV you already have.
Our top pick is the ONN Google TV 4K, sold at Walmart. It’s affordable, quick, and easy to set up. Here’s our step-by-step ONN Google TV setup guide.
Other options that work with UGFTV:
- Android TV boxes and Nvidia Shield (setup guide)
- Amazon Firestick, older models only. Newer models running Vega OS may have trouble with the app (setup guide)
- Android phones and tablets (setup guide)
- iPhone, iPad, and web browsers (setup guide)
Compare all devices on our Platforms page.
Step 6: Choose your live TV service and test it before you cancel
This is the most important step: set up and test streaming before you cancel cable. That way there’s no gap and no stress.
UGFTV is a prepaid live TV, sports, and movies service that’s a great fit for cord cutters:
- Live TV, news, and sports, including every NFL game, all season long.
- Movies and shows on demand.
- Plans from $25 a month, or just $20 a month on the 12-month plan.
- No contract and no auto-renew. You pay once for the time you want.
- One account for your household.
Start with the free 3-day trial. There’s no credit card, it takes about 30 seconds, and your login is sent by email and text. Watch your sports, your news, and your shows on the TV you’ll actually use. If it fits your household, pick a plan on the Plans page.
Step 7: Cancel cable and return your equipment
Once your streaming setup is working, it’s time to make the call (or use your provider’s website or chat, if they offer it).
- Be clear and polite: “I’d like to cancel my TV service and keep my internet.”
- Expect an offer to stay. If you’ve already made the switch, you can say, “Thanks, but I’ve already made other arrangements.”
- Ask for a confirmation number and the date your TV service ends.
- Return your equipment quickly and keep the receipt or tracking number.
- Check your final bill to make sure everything is correct.
That’s it. You’ve cut the cord.
Quick checklist
- ☐ Found my true monthly cable cost
- ☐ Listed the sports, news, and shows I watch
- ☐ Checked my contract and equipment
- ☐ Tested my internet (50 Mbps per TV recommended, 25 Mbps minimum)
- ☐ Got a streaming device (ONN Google TV 4K recommended)
- ☐ Tested UGFTV with the free 3-day trial
- ☐ Canceled cable TV and returned equipment
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose live sports if I cancel cable?
Not with UGFTV. You get live sports, including every NFL game all season long. Use the free trial to see it on your own TV before you cancel.
Do I need a smart TV to stream?
No. A streaming device like the ONN Google TV 4K plugs into almost any TV with an HDMI port.
How fast does my internet need to be?
We recommend 50 Mbps or faster for each TV, with 25 Mbps as the minimum. Your internet comes from your internet provider, so check your speed before you switch.
Is there a contract with UGFTV?
No. Every plan is prepaid with no contract, and it never renews automatically.
Do I need a credit card for the trial?
No. The 3-day trial needs no credit card. One free trial per household.
Who can I contact with questions?
Email support@ugftv.com and we’ll help you out.
Ready to cut the cord?
Test it first, switch when you’re ready, and never sign another TV contract. Your first three days are on us.
No credit card. No contract. No auto-renew.
— The UGFTV Team