YouTube Premium is a popular subscription service that offers ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and the ability to listen to YouTube Music in the background. However, if you find that you no longer need the service or simply want to save some money, learning how to cancel YouTube Premium (or Red) is essential. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to cancel YouTube Red on various devices, ensuring you can navigate the process smoothly.
🛑 Key Steps for How to Cancel YouTube Red
To cancel your YouTube Premium subscription and move to an alternative, follow these brief steps:
- Open the YouTube app or website and log into your account.
- Navigate to your profile icon and select “Paid Memberships”.
- Choose “Manage Membership” and click “Deactivate”.
- Confirm your cancellation and check for a Benefits End Date.
📱 How to Cancel YouTube Premium on Mobile Devices
If you’re using the YouTube mobile app on an iPhone, iPad, or Android device, the process is quite straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the YouTube App
Launch the YouTube app on your mobile device. You will land on your YouTube home screen.
Step 2: Access Your Profile
Tap on your profile icon located in the upper right corner of the screen to open the menu.
Step 3: Go to Paid Memberships
Select “Paid Memberships” from the menu. This will take you to the Memberships screen.
Step 4: Select Your YouTube Premium Subscription
Tap on your active YouTube Premium subscription. A screen with details about your subscription will appear. Tap “Manage”.
Step 5: Deactivate Your Subscription
Tap your active YouTube Premium subscription again to expand the section. From there, select “Deactivate”. A prompt will ask if you want to pause your subscription instead.
Step 6: Continue to Cancel
Click “Continue to Cancel” to proceed. A dialog box will appear asking why you are cancelling. Choose your reason and click “Next”.
Step 7: Confirm Cancellation
Finally, click “Yes, Cancel” to confirm your cancellation. A dialog box will inform you that your subscription is cancelled. Click “Close” to finish.
💻 How to Cancel YouTube Premium on the Website
If you prefer to cancel your subscription using a computer, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open a Web Browser
Navigate to YouTube.com and log into your account if prompted. You will arrive at your YouTube home page.
Step 2: Click on Your Profile Icon
Click your profile icon in the upper right corner of the screen to open the menu.
Step 3: Select Paid Memberships
Click “Paid Memberships” from the menu. This will display your current memberships.
Step 4: Manage Your Membership
Click “Manage Membership” next to your active YouTube Premium subscription. This will open a drop-down menu.
Step 5: Deactivate Your Subscription
Click “Deactivate” in the drop-down menu. A prompt will ask if you want to pause your subscription instead.
Step 6: Continue to Cancel
Click “Continue to Cancel”. A dialog box will ask you why you are cancelling. Choose your reason and click “Next”.
Step 7: Confirm Cancellation
Click “Yes, Cancel” to confirm your cancellation. A dialog box will inform you that your subscription is cancelled. Click “Close” to finish.
🤔 Why Are People Cancelling YouTube Premium?
As users evaluate their subscriptions, several reasons have emerged for why people choose to cancel YouTube Premium. Here are some common concerns:
- Ad Policy Changes: Some users worry about future ad placements even for premium members.
- Value for Money: Many feel the subscription doesn’t offer enough features compared to its cost.
- Music Quality: Dissatisfaction with the audio quality of YouTube Music has led some to seek alternatives.
- Removed Features: The discontinuation of features like Google Play Music has upset long-time users.
📋 Checklist: Things to Do Before You Cancel YouTube Premium
Before you hit that cancel button, consider these important steps:
- Export Your Playlists: Use services like TuneMyMusic to save your playlists for later.
- Discuss with Family: If you’re on a Family Plan, talk to your family members first.
- Explore Alternatives: Research other streaming services that might fit your needs better.
- Check Billing Dates: Make sure to cancel at least 24 hours before your next billing cycle.
- Consider Pausing: YouTube offers an option to pause your membership for a few months.
🔄 What Happens After You Cancel YouTube Premium?
Once you cancel, several changes will take effect:
- Ads Return: You will start seeing ads again on videos.
- No Offline Downloads: You can no longer download videos for offline viewing.
- Background Play Stops: Videos will not play in the background while using other apps.
- YouTube Music Access Ends: Access to YouTube Music Premium features will be revoked.
- Family Sharing Ends: Family members will lose access to premium features.
❓ FAQ: Common Questions About Cancelling YouTube Premium
Can I cancel my YouTube Premium subscription anytime?
Yes, you can cancel at any time during your billing cycle.
What happens to my playlists after cancellation?
Your playlists will remain, but you won’t be able to access premium features like offline downloads.
Can I reactivate my subscription after cancelling?
Yes, you can reactivate your subscription at any time by following the same steps for subscribing.
Will I be charged if I cancel before my billing date?
No, you will not be charged for the next billing cycle if you cancel before the billing date.
✨ Final Thoughts on Cancelling YouTube Premium
Deciding whether to cancel YouTube Premium depends on your usage and value derived from the service. If you find that you are not utilizing the benefits enough, it may be time to cancel. Remember to back up your playlists and explore alternatives before making your final decision. Whether you choose to stay or go, we hope this guide on how to cancel YouTube Premium has been helpful!
Original Publish Date 5/16/2019— Updated 10/6/2024
Recent Stories
Follow Us On
Get the latest tech stories and news in seconds!
Sign up for our newsletter below to receive updates about technology trends