AOL has confirmed it will retire its dial-up internet service, as well as the associated Dialer software and Shield browser, on September 30, 2025. The company attributed the decision to a routine evaluation of its products and services.

This marks the formal end of a service first launched in 1991 that played a defining role in early internet access. AOL’s distinctive modem tones and the “You’ve got mail” greeting became ingrained in pop culture during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Despite the rise of broadband and wireless connectivity, dial-up persisted among a small share of users. Census estimates show that over 160,000 U.S. households still relied solely on dial-up as of 2023, mainly in areas with limited broadband access.

AOL’s decision places it among legacy services making their exit. The shutdown follows earlier retirements like AIM in 2017, Skype video calling this year, and Internet Explorer in 2022. These moves underscore the broader shift away from dated technologies toward modern alternatives.