This application provides example relay communications methods and apparatuses. A first terminal device can receive, from a second terminal device, indication information used to indicate the second terminal device to stop providing a first relay service between the first terminal device and a radio access network device. The first terminal device can then send notification information to the radio access network device through a third terminal device, to notify the radio access network device that the first terminal device accesses the radio access network device by using a second relay service of the third terminal device.