A radio release control (RRC) connection release method includes: sending, by user equipment (UE), a first message to a base station, where the first message carries a preset RRC release time determining parameter or a first RRC release time; if the UE adds the first RRC release time to the first message, setting, by the UE, timing duration of a first timer based on the first RRC release time, and starting the first timer; and releasing, by the UE, an RRC connection when the first timer expires.