How to Cancel YouTube Premium: A Step-by-Step Guide (2024)
YouTube Premium offers a fantastic ad-free experience, background playback, and YouTube Music Premium access. However, there might come a time when you need to cancel your subscription. Perhaps you’re cutting down on expenses, found another music streaming service you prefer, or simply aren’t using the benefits enough to justify the cost. Whatever your reason, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of canceling YouTube Premium, step-by-step, across various devices and platforms.
Understanding What Happens When You Cancel
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s understand what to expect after canceling YouTube Premium:
* Loss of Benefits: You will immediately lose access to ad-free viewing on YouTube, background playback, and YouTube Music Premium. This means you’ll start seeing ads again, and videos will stop playing when you switch to another app or lock your screen.
* Subscription End Date: You will retain the benefits of YouTube Premium until the end of your current billing cycle. You won’t be charged again after that date.
* Subscription History: Your subscription history will be maintained. If you decide to resubscribe later, your preferences and recommendations should remain intact.
* Downloads: Any videos you’ve downloaded for offline viewing will no longer be available once your subscription ends.
* YouTube Music Premium: Canceling YouTube Premium also cancels your YouTube Music Premium access. You will lose access to ad-free listening, background playback, and offline downloads in the YouTube Music app.
Methods to Cancel YouTube Premium
You can cancel YouTube Premium from a variety of devices, including:
* Computer (Web Browser): This is the most common and straightforward method.
* Android Device (Phone or Tablet): Canceling directly from your Android device is convenient.
* iPhone or iPad (iOS Device): The process differs slightly on iOS due to Apple’s App Store policies.
* YouTube App on Smart TVs and Game Consoles: You can manage subscriptions directly from some smart TVs and game consoles.
Let’s explore each method in detail.
Method 1: Canceling YouTube Premium on a Computer (Web Browser)
This method works on any computer with a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc.).
Step 1: Access YouTube
* Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the YouTube website: www.youtube.com.
Step 2: Sign In (If Necessary)
* If you’re not already signed in, click the “Sign In” button in the top right corner of the screen.
* Enter your Google account email address and password.
Step 3: Access Your Profile
* Once signed in, click on your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 4: Navigate to Purchases and Memberships
* In the drop-down menu, select “Purchases and Memberships.”
Step 5: Manage Membership
* You will see a section for “Memberships.” Find the “YouTube Premium” membership. It should show the renewal date and price.
* Click on “Manage Membership” (or sometimes just “Manage”). This might take you to a new page.
Step 6: Cancel Subscription
* On the membership management page, look for a button or link that says “Cancel Membership” or “Cancel Subscription.” The wording might vary slightly.
* Click on this button.
Step 7: Confirm Cancellation
* YouTube will likely present you with reasons why you might want to stay subscribed. They may offer you a discount or temporary benefit.
* If you are sure you want to cancel, scroll down and click on “Cancel YouTube Premium.” You might need to select a reason for canceling from a list.
Step 8: Final Confirmation
* A final confirmation message will appear, informing you of the date your subscription will end and when you’ll lose access to the Premium features.
* Click on “Yes, Cancel” or a similar confirmation button to finalize the cancellation.
Step 9: Verify Cancellation
* After canceling, you should receive an email confirmation to your Google account address. You can also return to the “Purchases and Memberships” page on YouTube to verify that your YouTube Premium membership is now marked as canceled, with the expiration date clearly displayed.
Method 2: Canceling YouTube Premium on an Android Device (Phone or Tablet)
This method is convenient if you primarily use YouTube on your Android device.
Step 1: Open the YouTube App
* Locate and open the YouTube app on your Android phone or tablet. Make sure you are logged in to the correct Google account.
Step 2: Access Your Profile
* Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Navigate to Purchases and Memberships
* In the menu that appears, tap on “Purchases and Memberships.”
Step 4: Manage YouTube Premium
* You will see your active subscriptions. Tap on “YouTube Premium.” This will take you to the subscription details page.
Step 5: Cancel Subscription
* On the subscription details page, tap on “Manage.” This will usually open your Google Play subscriptions.
* Look for an option that says “Cancel Subscription.” Tap on it.
Step 6: Choose a Reason for Canceling
* Google Play will ask you to select a reason for canceling your subscription. Choose the option that best reflects your reason or select “Prefer not to say.”
* Tap “Continue.”
Step 7: Confirm Cancellation
* A confirmation screen will appear, reminding you of the benefits you will lose and the date your subscription will end.
* Tap “Cancel Subscription” to confirm your cancellation.
Step 8: Final Confirmation
* You will see a final confirmation message indicating that your subscription has been canceled. You will continue to have access to YouTube Premium features until the end of your current billing cycle.
Step 9: Verify Cancellation
* You should receive an email confirmation from Google Play to your Google account address. You can also return to the “Purchases and Memberships” section in the YouTube app to verify that your YouTube Premium membership is now marked as canceled, with the expiration date displayed.
Method 3: Canceling YouTube Premium on an iPhone or iPad (iOS Device)
Canceling YouTube Premium on iOS is handled through your Apple ID subscription settings, as all in-app purchases are processed through the App Store.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
* Locate and open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. This is the app with the grey gear icon.
Step 2: Access Your Apple ID
* Tap on your name at the very top of the Settings menu. This will take you to your Apple ID settings.
Step 3: Navigate to Subscriptions
* In the Apple ID settings, tap on “Subscriptions.” It may take a few seconds for your subscriptions to load.
Step 4: Find YouTube Premium
* Scroll through the list of your active subscriptions until you find “YouTube Premium.” If you have other YouTube subscriptions (like YouTube TV), make sure you select the correct one.
* Tap on “YouTube Premium.”
Step 5: Cancel Subscription
* On the YouTube Premium subscription page, tap on “Cancel Subscription.” If you don’t see this option, it means the subscription is already canceled or is not being billed through Apple.
Step 6: Confirm Cancellation
* A confirmation message will appear, asking you to confirm that you want to cancel your subscription.
* Tap “Confirm” to proceed with the cancellation.
Step 7: Verify Cancellation
* After confirming, the YouTube Premium subscription page will indicate that the subscription will expire on a specific date. You will continue to have access to the benefits until that date.
* You should also receive an email confirmation from Apple to your Apple ID email address.
Important Notes for iOS Users:
* Billing Through Apple: If you originally subscribed to YouTube Premium through the YouTube app on your iPhone or iPad, your subscription is billed through Apple. You *must* cancel through the Settings app as described above. Canceling through the YouTube app or website will not cancel your Apple-billed subscription.
* Subscription Status: If you don’t see YouTube Premium listed in your Apple subscriptions, it means your subscription is not billed through Apple. It’s likely billed directly through Google, in which case you should follow the instructions for canceling on a computer or Android device.
Method 4: Canceling YouTube Premium on Smart TVs and Game Consoles
The process for canceling YouTube Premium on a Smart TV or game console can vary depending on the device and the YouTube app version. However, the general steps are similar.
General Steps:
Step 1: Open the YouTube App
* Turn on your Smart TV or game console and open the YouTube app. Make sure you are signed in to the correct Google account.
Step 2: Access Your Profile
* Navigate to your profile picture or account icon within the YouTube app. The location of this icon varies depending on the device.
Step 3: Find the Settings or Account Section
* Look for a “Settings,” “Account,” or similar option in the YouTube app menu. The wording may vary.
Step 4: Manage Memberships or Subscriptions
* Within the settings or account section, look for an option related to memberships, subscriptions, or purchases. It might be called “Purchases and Memberships” or something similar.
Step 5: Select YouTube Premium
* You should see a list of your active subscriptions, including YouTube Premium. Select it.
Step 6: Cancel Subscription
* Look for a “Cancel Subscription” or similar option. The wording may vary depending on the device.
* Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your cancellation. You may be prompted to enter your Google account password.
Step 7: Verify Cancellation
* After canceling, you should receive an email confirmation to your Google account address. You can also return to the subscriptions section in the YouTube app to verify that your YouTube Premium membership is now marked as canceled, with the expiration date displayed.
Specific Instructions for Some Devices:
* Roku: On Roku, you typically manage subscriptions through your Roku account on the Roku website. You would need to log in to your Roku account on a computer or mobile device and find the subscriptions section to manage your YouTube Premium subscription.
* PlayStation/Xbox: On PlayStation or Xbox, you typically manage subscriptions through your PlayStation Network or Xbox Live account settings, respectively. You would need to access your account settings on the console itself or through the console’s website.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issue: Can’t Find the Cancellation Option
* Incorrect Account: Ensure you are logged in to the Google account that is actually associated with your YouTube Premium subscription. This is the most common cause of this issue.
* Billed Through Apple: If you’re on an iOS device and can’t find the cancellation option in the YouTube app or website, your subscription is likely billed through Apple. Follow the iOS cancellation instructions above.
* Already Canceled: Double-check your “Purchases and Memberships” page to see if your subscription is already marked as canceled. If it is, you don’t need to do anything further.
* Family Plan Manager: If you are part of a YouTube Premium family plan, only the family plan manager can cancel the subscription.
Issue: Still Being Charged After Cancellation
* Check Cancellation Date: Confirm the exact date your YouTube Premium subscription is supposed to end. You will continue to be charged until that date.
* Multiple Accounts: You might have accidentally subscribed to YouTube Premium with a different Google account. Check your other Google accounts to see if they have a subscription. Review your Google Play and Apple Subscriptions too for subscriptions linked to those accounts.
* Contact Support: If you’ve confirmed that your subscription is canceled and the cancellation date has passed, but you’re still being charged, contact YouTube Premium support or Google Play support for assistance. Be prepared to provide them with your account information and proof of cancellation.
Issue: Trouble Canceling on a Smart TV or Game Console
* Device-Specific Instructions: Consult the user manual for your specific Smart TV or game console model for instructions on managing subscriptions. The process varies depending on the device.
* Manage Online: If you’re having trouble canceling directly on your Smart TV or game console, try managing your subscription through the YouTube website on a computer.
Alternatives to Canceling YouTube Premium
Before you completely cancel your YouTube Premium subscription, consider these alternatives:
* Pause Your Subscription (If Available): Some subscription services offer the option to pause your subscription for a certain period, rather than canceling it completely. This allows you to temporarily stop payments and usage without losing your account and preferences. YouTube does not offer pausing. But it is worth considering if you believe you may want to subscribe again in the near future.
* Downgrade to YouTube Music Premium Only: If you primarily use YouTube Premium for the ad-free listening experience on YouTube Music, you can downgrade to a standalone YouTube Music Premium subscription, which is typically cheaper than YouTube Premium.
* Switch to a Family Plan: If you have multiple family members who use YouTube, consider upgrading to a YouTube Premium family plan. This can be a more cost-effective option than individual subscriptions.
* Wait for a Promotion: YouTube occasionally offers promotions or discounts on YouTube Premium subscriptions. Keep an eye out for these offers to potentially reduce your subscription cost.
Conclusion
Canceling your YouTube Premium subscription is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the correct steps depending on your device and billing method. By following the instructions in this guide, you can easily cancel your subscription and avoid unwanted charges. Remember to verify your cancellation and contact support if you encounter any issues. Before canceling, consider whether alternatives like pausing your subscription or switching to a family plan might better suit your needs. Good luck!