Thinking about canceling YouTube Premium? You're not alone. Launched back in 2014 (though it's had a few name changes), YouTube Premium offers ad-free viewing, background play, and YouTube Music. But with prices ranging from $7.99 to $22.99 a month, it's an easy cut to make if you're not using it. Maybe you signed up just to watch that new MrBeast documentary without ads and now it's time to go. Canceling can save you up to $276 a year. This guide covers how to cancel on desktop, iOS, and Android without the headache.
How to Cancel YouTube Premium Subscription on Desktop
This is probably the most straightforward way to cancel. It works on any computer with a web browser, whether it's a Mac or a PC.
1 Go to the Memberships Page
Open your web browser and head over to youtube.com/paid_memberships. You'll need to be logged into the correct Google account.
2 Find and Manage Your Membership
You should see your YouTube Premium subscription listed. Underneath it, click the Manage membership link. I've seen people on Reddit say this button sometimes doesn't load on the first try. If that happens, just give the page a quick refresh.
3 Click Deactivate
On the next screen, you'll see your plan details. Click on Deactivate. It feels a little dramatic, but that's the button you need.
4 Continue to Cancel
YouTube will try to convince you to stay by offering to pause your membership instead. If you're set on canceling, just click Continue to cancel.
5 Confirm Your Cancellation
They'll ask why you're leaving. Pick a reason or don't, it doesn't really matter. Then hit that final Cancel Premium button to confirm. You're done.
How to Cancel YouTube Premium Subscription on Android
Canceling on an Android device is pretty simple since it's all handled directly within the YouTube app.
1 Open the YouTube App
Open the YouTube app on your Android phone or tablet. Make sure you're signed in.
2 Tap Your Profile Picture
Tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen.
3 Go to Purchases and Memberships
From the menu, select Purchases and memberships. This is where all your paid stuff with YouTube lives.
4 Select Your Membership and Deactivate
Tap on your Premium membership to see the details. Then, tap Deactivate.
5 Confirm the Cancellation
Just like on desktop, it will offer to pause your plan. If you're sure you want to cancel, tap Continue to cancel and follow the final prompts.
How to Cancel YouTube Premium Subscription on iOS
This is where it gets annoying. If you signed up for YouTube Premium through the app on your iPhone, you have to cancel it through your Apple ID, not the YouTube app. It's a classic Apple move.
1 Open the Settings App
On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app. It's the gray gear icon.
2 Tap Your Apple ID
Tap your name and Apple ID at the very top of the Settings screen.
3 Select Subscriptions
On the next screen, tap on Subscriptions. You'll see a list of all active and expired subscriptions tied to your Apple account.
4 Find YouTube Premium
Find YouTube Premium in the list and tap on it.
5 Tap Cancel Subscription
Tap the Cancel Subscription button and confirm your choice. If you don't see a cancel button, it might mean your subscription is already set to expire.
Cancel YouTube Premium Subscription with live chat
YouTube support is mostly online. If you're a Premium member, you might have access to live chat. Go to the YouTube Help Center, click 'Contact us', and follow the prompts about your issue. It will eventually give you an option for chat or email support if you're eligible. Honestly, it can take a while to get a real person.
Before you cancel, know this: you won't get a partial refund. Your Premium benefits will continue until the end of your current billing cycle. The good news? YouTube lets you pause your membership for up to 6 months, which is a nice alternative if you just need a break. Also, canceling doesn't delete your YouTube account, it just puts the ads back on.
YouTube Premium Plans and Pricing 2025
| Plan | Price (per month) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $13.99 | Ad-free videos, background play, video downloads, and YouTube Music Premium for one account. |
| Family | $22.99 | All the benefits of the Individual plan, but for up to 6 family members (ages 13+) in the same household. |
| Student | $7.99 | All the benefits of the Individual plan for eligible college students. Requires annual verification. |
Frequently Asked Questions about YouTube Premium
Can I unsubscribe from YouTube Premium anytime?
Can I get a refund from YouTube Premium if I forgot to cancel?
How do I know my YouTube Premium subscription is cancelled?
How long does it take for YouTube Premium to cancel?
What else should I know before I cancel my YouTube Premium subscription?
How do I raise a complaint to YouTube Premium?
Chloe Anne-Bennett
Streaming & Entertainment Editor
Chloe Anne-Bennett is the Streaming & Entertainment Editor at Pine AI. Chloe is a leading voice on the business of streaming, entertainment and the evolving landscape of digital media. Before contributing to Pine AI, Chloe was an entertainment correspondent for a major news outlet, where she reported on everything from box office trends to the impact of streaming services on traditional media. At Pine AI, Chloe leverages her deep industry knowledge to provide our readers with insightful analysis of the latest trends, helping them make sense of their subscriptions and where to hit the sweet spots in how to handle customer service reps.
