How to Cut the Cord: A Step-by-Step Checklist

Cutting the cord means replacing cable or satellite TV with streaming, and often an antenna. The safest order is simple: list what you watch, check what you can get, test a replacement, then cancel. Do it in that order and you avoid gaps, surprise fees and lost recordings.

Use this checklist from start to finish. Most households can do it in a week or two.

Step 1: list what your household actually watches

Ask everyone at home to write down what they watched over the past few weeks. Be specific:

• Channels: the networks you tune in to regularly.
• Live events: teams, leagues, award shows and news.
• Shows: series you follow, and which channel or service they air on.
• Times: whether you watch live, record or catch up later.

Mark the must-haves. A channel someone checks once a month is a nice-to-have, not a deal-breaker.

Step 2: check your local channels

Local broadcast stations carry network shows, local news and many big games. There are two ways to get them without cable:

• An over-the-air antenna. Free to watch once you have the antenna. Reception depends on distance from broadcast towers and your surroundings.
• A live TV streaming service that carries your locals. YouTube TV carries locals in most US markets, and Hulu + Live TV and Fubo carry them in many markets. DIRECTV says locals come with every streaming package. Sling TV has limited locals, and Philo has not carried them.

Enter your ZIP code on each provider's channel lookup page. Do not rely on national lineups.

Step 3: check sports coverage

Sports are the most common reason cord-cutting goes wrong. National sports networks are widely carried, but regional sports networks vary a lot by area and service, and they change.

For each team on your must-have list, check which network carries its games in your area and which streaming services carry that network. Some leagues also sell their own streaming packages; check current options.

Step 4: pick a service that matches your list

Use your list from step 1 to shortlist one or two services.

Check the current price, any regional fees and what add-ons you would need. Plan prices change; check the current price on the provider's site.

Step 5: check your internet and devices

Streaming depends on your internet connection and your devices.

• Internet speed. Check each provider's recommended speeds, and remember that several people streaming at once need more bandwidth.
• Wi-Fi coverage. If the main TV is far from the router, consider a wired connection or better router placement.
• Devices. Every TV you use needs a supported smart TV app or a streaming stick, box or console. Check the provider's supported devices list.
• Simultaneous streams. If several people watch at once, check how many streams your plan allows.

Step 6: test before you cancel

Sign up for your chosen service while cable is still active. Some services may offer a free trial; check current terms and set a calendar reminder before it ends.

During the test week:

1. Watch your must-have channels and at least one live event.
2. Set up your cloud DVR and record a few shows. Check how recordings and any limits work.
3. Create profiles for everyone in the household.
4. Try the app on every TV you use.
5. Ask everyone whether anything important is missing.

If something is missing, try a second service or add an antenna before you cancel cable.

Step 7: watch or save anything on your cable DVR

Recordings on a cable box or a cable company's cloud DVR are typically lost when service ends. Watch anything important first.

Step 8: cancel cable the right way

When you are confident in the replacement:

• Check for a contract or early termination fee. Ask your provider what applies to your account.
• Ask about keeping internet only. Most providers allow it, but bundle discounts may end. Ask what your new internet bill will be.
• Get a confirmation. Note the date, the name of the agent if you speak to someone and any reference number.
• Check your final bill for prorated charges or unexpected fees.

Step 9: return equipment

Return cable boxes, DVRs and remotes by the provider's deadline, and keep the receipt or tracking number. Unreturned equipment can lead to charges on your final bill. If you rent a modem or router and keep internet service, leave those connected.

Step 10: review after a month

After a few weeks, check what you actually use:

• Is anyone missing a channel or a team?
• Are you paying for add-ons nobody watches?
• Would a lighter service plus an antenna cover your needs?
• Are there on-demand services you could rotate instead of keeping year round?

Because the services we review bill month to month, it is easy to adjust.

The checklist at a glance

A hypothetical example

Imagine a household of four. Their list shows local news, one football team, a few entertainment channels and two kids' series. An antenna test picks up their locals. The team's games air on local stations and one national sports network.

They test a lighter live service that carries the sports network and the entertainment channels, keep the antenna for locals and add an on-demand service for the kids. After a week, nothing is missing, so they cancel cable, return the box and keep internet only. This is illustrative only; your mix depends on your own list.

Next steps

Compare all eight services on our streaming services ranking, read how we rank, and see our guide to watching live TV without cable for more on antennas and free apps. Lineups, prices and regional availability change, so check current details before you subscribe.