
How To Cancel YouTube Premium?
Want out of YouTube Premium? This article provides a definitive guide on how to cancel YouTube Premium easily and quickly, whether on your computer, phone, or tablet.
Understanding YouTube Premium and Its Benefits
YouTube Premium offers an ad-free viewing experience, background playback, YouTube Music Premium access, and the ability to download videos for offline viewing. It’s a tempting package for avid YouTube users, but sometimes circumstances change, and you need to understand how to cancel YouTube Premium. Before diving into the cancellation process, let’s quickly recap the key advantages:
- Ad-Free Viewing: Watch any YouTube video without interruptions.
- Background Playback: Continue listening to videos even when your screen is off.
- YouTube Music Premium: Enjoy ad-free listening on YouTube Music, plus background playback and downloads.
- Offline Downloads: Save videos for later viewing without an internet connection.
- YouTube Originals: Access exclusive content created by YouTube.
The Straightforward Process: How To Cancel YouTube Premium
The process for canceling your YouTube Premium subscription is relatively simple, but varies slightly depending on the device you’re using. We will cover the most common methods.
Cancelling YouTube Premium on a Computer (Web Browser):
- Go to the YouTube website (youtube.com) and sign in to the Google account you used to subscribe to YouTube Premium.
- Click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Select “Purchases and memberships”.
- Find the YouTube Premium membership.
- Click “Manage membership.”
- Click “Deactivate”.
- Click “Cancel”.
- YouTube may offer you a pause subscription. If you still wish to cancel, select “Continue to cancel”.
- Select a reason for cancellation from the options provided or choose “Prefer not to say” then click “Next”.
- Click “Cancel YouTube Premium”.
Cancelling YouTube Premium on an Android Device:
- Open the YouTube app on your Android device.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Tap on “Purchases and memberships”.
- Tap on your YouTube Premium membership.
- Tap “Manage”. This should open your Google Play subscriptions.
- Tap “Cancel subscription”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your cancellation.
Cancelling YouTube Premium on an iOS Device (iPhone/iPad):
Since YouTube Premium subscriptions on iOS are typically managed through Apple’s App Store, the process is a bit different:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on your name at the top.
- Tap on “Subscriptions”.
- Find your YouTube Premium subscription.
- Tap “Cancel Subscription”.
- Confirm your cancellation.
Important Considerations and Potential Issues
While the cancellation process is generally straightforward, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Cancellation Timing: Your YouTube Premium benefits will continue until the end of your current billing cycle. You will not receive a refund for any unused portion of the subscription.
- Family Plans: If you are the manager of a YouTube Premium family plan, canceling the plan will cancel YouTube Premium for all members of the family group. Make sure to inform your family members beforehand.
- Billing Discrepancies: If you encounter unexpected charges after canceling, contact Google Support or Apple Support (depending on where you subscribed) immediately.
- Paused Subscriptions: YouTube sometimes offers a pause option before outright cancellation. Be sure you understand the implications of pausing versus cancelling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing Pause with Cancellation: A paused subscription is not the same as a canceled subscription. You will still be billed after the pause period ends.
- Canceling Through the Wrong Platform: Ensure you’re canceling through the platform where you initially subscribed (Google Play, Apple App Store, or YouTube website).
- Forgetting to Cancel: If you no longer want YouTube Premium, don’t delay the cancellation process. Unnecessary charges can quickly add up.
Comparing Cancellation Methods
Here’s a table summarizing the different cancellation methods:
| Platform | Cancellation Method | Access Point |
|---|---|---|
| Computer (Web) | YouTube website -> Profile -> Purchases & memberships -> Manage membership -> Cancel | youtube.com |
| Android Device | YouTube app -> Profile -> Purchases & memberships -> Manage -> Cancel subscription | YouTube app |
| iOS Device (iPhone/iPad) | Settings app -> Your Name -> Subscriptions -> YouTube Premium -> Cancel Subscription | iOS Settings app |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will I get a refund if I cancel YouTube Premium?
No, you will not receive a refund for any unused portion of your current billing cycle. You’ll retain access to YouTube Premium benefits until the end of that cycle.
What happens to downloaded videos after I cancel?
Downloaded videos will no longer be accessible once your YouTube Premium subscription ends. You’ll need an active subscription to download and watch videos offline.
Can I re-subscribe to YouTube Premium later?
Yes, you can re-subscribe to YouTube Premium at any time. Simply follow the same steps you initially used to subscribe.
How do I cancel a YouTube TV subscription?
YouTube TV is a separate service from YouTube Premium. To cancel YouTube TV, go to tv.youtube.com, click your profile picture, then select “Settings,” then “Membership,” and finally, “Cancel.”
I am being charged even after I cancelled. What should I do?
First, double-check that you actually cancelled the subscription and didn’t just pause it. If you confirmed cancellation and are still being charged, contact Google Support immediately or Apple Support depending on where you subscribed.
What if I subscribed through Apple and I don’t see the subscription in my iPhone settings?
Ensure you are logged into the correct Apple ID in your settings. Sometimes, users have multiple Apple IDs and may have subscribed with a different one.
Will cancelling YouTube Premium affect my regular YouTube account?
No, canceling YouTube Premium only affects your premium benefits. Your regular YouTube account and channel will remain unaffected.
Can I cancel YouTube Premium on my Smart TV?
While you can watch YouTube Premium on your Smart TV, you typically cannot manage subscriptions there. You’ll need to use a computer, phone, or tablet to cancel.
Is there a way to pause YouTube Premium instead of canceling?
Yes, YouTube offers a pause feature in some regions. When you attempt to cancel, you may be presented with the option to pause your subscription for a specific period.
If I have a family plan, who controls the cancellation?
The manager of the family plan is the only one who can cancel the YouTube Premium family plan. Cancelling it will remove premium benefits for all family members.
How can I confirm that my YouTube Premium subscription has been cancelled?
After canceling, check your “Purchases and memberships” section on YouTube. It should indicate that your subscription is cancelled and display the date your benefits will end. You should also receive an email confirmation of the cancellation.
Does cancelling YouTube Premium affect my access to YouTube Music?
Yes, cancelling YouTube Premium also cancels your YouTube Music Premium benefits, including ad-free listening, background playback, and downloads. You’ll revert to the free, ad-supported version of YouTube Music.