How to Cancel YouTube Premium in 2026
To cancel YouTube Premium, go to your account settings and select the cancellation option — the process is moderately simple and takes about 3–5 minutes. At $14.99/month ($179.88/year), YouTube Premium is one of the most commonly canceled streaming subscriptions. Before you cancel, check if downgrading to a cheaper tier or pausing your subscription might save you money without losing access entirely.
Quick Summary
Monthly Cost
$14.99
Annual Cost
$179.88
Steps
5
Time
3–5 minutes
When you try to cancel
🔵 They'll offer to pause
YouTube Premium does not offer retention discounts but may present a pause option during cancellation.
Cancellation difficulty
Not Possible
YouTube Premium does not offer negotiated discounts.
Wait — you might already have YouTube Premium for free
Before canceling, check if any of these plans already include YouTube Premium:
YouTube Premium — includes Full access
Includes YouTube Music
Before You Cancel — Save Money Instead
Most YouTube Premium customers can lower their bill by 30-50% with retention scripts, hidden discounts, and plan optimization. You could save up to $7.50/month without canceling.
See our YouTube Premium savings guide →Step-by-Step Cancellation Instructions
- 1
Visit YouTube.com
- 2
Click your profile icon
- 3
Select 'Paid memberships'
- 4
Click on YouTube Premium
- 5
Choose 'Manage' then 'Cancel membership'
What to Expect During Cancellation
What they'll try
Discount offer in flow?
❌ No
Win-back email after?
❌ No
Access after cancel
Reverts to free YouTube with ads
Your data
All subscriptions, playlists, and history preserved
YouTube offers generous pause periods. Downloaded videos for offline viewing will expire after cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cancel my YouTube Premium subscription?
You can cancel YouTube Premium through your account settings on their website or app. The process is rated "medium" difficulty and takes 5 steps. Your access typically continues until the end of your current billing period, so you won't lose access immediately after canceling.
Will I get a refund if I cancel YouTube Premium?
Most YouTube Premium plans do not offer prorated refunds for the current billing period. Your access continues until the end of the period you've already paid for. If you recently subscribed or were charged unexpectedly, contact YouTube Premium support to request a refund — many services will accommodate recent charges.
Can I pause my YouTube Premium subscription instead of canceling?
Some streaming services including YouTube Premium offer a pause option that suspends your subscription for 1–3 months without canceling. This keeps your account settings, watchlist, and preferences intact. Check your account settings for a "Pause" or "Hold" option before canceling outright.
What happens to my data if I cancel YouTube Premium?
After canceling YouTube Premium, your account data is usually preserved for a period of time. You can typically reactivate and access your information if you resubscribe. Before canceling, export or save any important data, preferences, or content you want to keep.
Can I reactivate YouTube Premium after canceling?
Yes, you can typically resubscribe to YouTube Premium at any time after canceling. Most services allow you to reactivate your account with your original email address, and your previous settings or data may still be available. However, you may not get the same promotional pricing you originally signed up with — check for current deals before reactivating.
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About YouTube Premium: Ad-free YouTube, offline viewing, and YouTube Music access.