AOL To End Dial-Up Internet On Sept. 30 After 30 Years, Closing A Defining Chapter In Online History

AOL To End Dial-Up Internet On Sept. 30 After 30 Years, Closing A Defining Chapter In Online History

It’s so hard to say goodbye…

AOL is ending its dial-up internet service after 30 years, officially pulling the plug on September 30, 2025. For decades, the screeching, beeping modem sound and the iconic “You’ve got mail” greeting were the soundtrack to getting online.

In the early 2000s, AOL was synonymous with the internet. From shiny free trial CDs and bustling chat rooms to AIM messages and slow-loading web pages, it defined the online experience for millions. At its height, more than 20 million subscribers used AOL’s dial-up to connect.

But as broadband, Wi-Fi, and fiber became the norm, dial-up faded into obscurity. AOL now says subscribers will still have access to their email accounts and other features, but the dial-up connection and the AOL Dialer will be shut down for good.

The decision marks the end of one of the internet’s most recognizable eras. Whether seen as a loss or simply overdue, the familiar sound of a modem connecting is about to be gone forever.

TJB Crew, did you use AOL dial-up during its glory days?