Growing up in the 1990s means you’ve probably heard the beeping and hissing sound of a modem connecting to the internet. This was the era of dial-up, with AOL — short for America Online—being one of the most popular services.
Back in the day, almost every home that had internet was using an AOL dial-up internet service. You might even remember those America Online CDs that came in the mail, offering a free trial. And of course, the famous “You’ve received mail!” greeting when you log in.
But now, it’s 2025, and most people have fast broadband, fiber, cable, or wireless home internet connections. Dial-up is so slow that it feels like a thing of the past. Surprisingly, AOL’s dial-up service still exists—but not for much longer.
AOL to Discontinue Its Dial-Up Internet Service In September
For a period of 34 years, AOL’s dial-up internet service connected numerous users. Now, the company has decided to discontinue dial-up internet service after September 30, 2025.
AOL said in its announcement that it regularly evaluates its products and services to be familiar with new technologies. After a routine evaluation, the company decided to discontinue dial-up service. In simple words, AOL routinely evaluates its products and has decided that dial-up is just too old for today’s needs.
This means the service and the associated software, like the AOL dialer software and AOL Shield browser, will no longer be available in America Online plans. If you are still a subscriber using AOL dial-up, you’ll need to switch to a faster option before the end of September.
Why Is AOL Ending Dial-Up Now?
AOL’s dial-up service was optimized for older operating systems and worked through phone lines. This was a big step forward in 1991, but today’s internet users want reliable, fast connections to enjoy videos, games, and downloads without waiting.
Today’s broadband and fiber provide speeds that are significantly faster than dial-up, whereas wireless and satellite home internet are getting increasingly popular even in a bit slower rural regions.
So, AOL’s dial-up is still a thing—but the truth is, the world has moved on. Government census data and the 2019 US Census estimated that very few households still rely on America Online dial-up access. Many users now use cable, fiber, or wireless internet instead.
Are there many people still using dial-up Service?
You may be questioning whether dial-up service will still work in 2025. The simple answer is yes, but in very small numbers. The government-collected census information indicates only a tiny number of people still use it.
These users are mostly in rural areas where modern internet connections are still hard to get. For them, AOL’s dial-up service was an affordable way to get online. But even there, wireless and satellite providers are making it easier to get faster speeds.
The End of an Era
For many people, this is the end of a period. America Online was an iconic provider that introduced millions to the internet. The America Online traditional internet connection tone, the America Online logo, and the excitement of hearing “You’ve got mail!” will forever be part of internet history.
Since new technology is always being developed, companies need to adapt. AOL constantly assesses the services it provides to ensure they still satisfy modern demands. That’s why they have decided to shut down dial-up access.
What Is Going To Happen After September 30, 2025?
If you still have an AOL subscription for dial-up, your service will no longer work after September 30. The company will stop supporting the dial-up service on September 30, and it will be longer be available in AOL plans.
You will need to switch to something faster, like broadband, fiber, or wireless home internet. Many providers offer affordable plans for people switching from dial-up.
What About AOL’s Other Services?
Even though dial-up is ending, AOL’s other products will still be around. You can still use AOL Mail, the AOL Shield browser, and other AOL services. But the service and the associated software for dial-up will be retired.
Yahoo, which is now connected with America Online under the same parent company, will continue to focus on modern internet services.
Why Did People Love AOL?
In the 90s and early 2000s, America Online was more than just an ISP (internet service provider). It was your chat rooms, your email, your news feed, and your portal to the internet.
Back then, many people didn’t even say “Go online”—they said “Sign into AOL.” That’s how big it was.
The AOL dialer software and America Online interface were optimized for older operating systems, making them easy for beginners. And yes, a lot of people got started on the internet thanks to AOL’s no-cost trial offers.
Pulling the Plug
By shutting down dial-up, America Online is removing one of the last echoes of the early Internet. It’s not just the end of a service; it’s the end of an age when the online world moved at a slow pace.
Dial-up may still remind people of the days when using the Internet felt magical. For others, it’s a relief—no more waiting five minutes for a single picture to load!
Looking Forward
Leaving dial-up behind is bittersweet, but necessary. In a world where speed and reliability power our education, careers, and fun. Old, slow connections just can’t compete.
By ending dial-up in Sept 2025, America Online is making room for better options. Whether you choose fiber, cable, wireless, or satellite, you’ll enjoy speeds that make the old dial-up days seem ancient.
Conclusion
Yes, AOL’s dial-up service still exists, but only for a few more months. After 34 years, AOL to end the service on September 30th, 2025. This is truly the end of an era in internet history.
If you’re one of the few still using dial-up access, it’s time to look at faster internet access options. While we’ll miss the nostalgia—the CDs, the old software, and the America Online Shield browser, and that famous “You’ve received mail!”—the future of the internet is faster, bigger, and better.
