Let’s be honest—Netflix has been a lifesaver for many of us, keeping us entertained with binge-worthy shows and late-night movie marathons. But sometimes, life (or your bank account) calls for a change, and you might decide it’s time to cancel your subscription.
Maybe you’re cutting back on expenses, switching to another streaming service, or just not using Netflix enough to justify the cost. Whatever the reason, canceling should be easy, right?
Well, yes—if you know where to look. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the cancellation process step by step, no matter what device or service you use to subscribe. I’ll also share some tips on what happens after you cancel, and alternatives you might want to consider. Let’s dive in!
Things to Consider Before Canceling Netflix
Before you rush to hit that cancel button, here are a few things to check:
📅 When Does Your Billing Cycle End?
Netflix doesn’t cancel your service immediately when you hit “Cancel.” Instead, it lets you keep streaming until the end of your billing cycle (aka, the date your next payment was due).
So, if you cancel mid-month, you can still watch Netflix for the rest of the month. No refunds, though—Netflix doesn’t do partial-month refunds.
🔄 Do You Want to Take a Break Instead?
Instead of fully canceling, you can pause your membership for up to three months. This means you won’t get charged, and when you come back, everything—your watchlist, recommendations, and history—will still be there.
💾 What Happens to Your Account After Canceling?
Good news: Netflix keeps your watch history and preferences for 10 months after you cancel. So, if you ever come back, it’ll be like you never left.
How to Cancel Your Netflix Subscription (Step-by-Step)
The steps to cancel depend on how you signed up for Netflix. Let’s go through each method.
🖥️ Canceling via Web Browser (Fastest Method)
If you signed up directly through Netflix, canceling is simple:
- Go to Netflix.com and sign in.
- Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner and select “Account.”
- Under Membership & Billing, click “Cancel Membership.”
- Confirm cancellation by clicking “Finish Cancellation.”
And that’s it! You’ll still have access until your billing period ends.
📱 Canceling on Mobile (Apple & Android Users)
If you subscribed through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, you’ll need to cancel through your phone settings.
For iPhone & iPad Users (Apple App Store Subscriptions):
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Tap your name at the top, then select “Subscriptions.”
- Find Netflix and tap “Cancel Subscription.”
For Android Users (Google Play Subscriptions):
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile picture, then go to “Payments & Subscriptions.”
- Tap “Subscriptions”, find Netflix, and hit “Cancel Subscription.”
📺 Canceling Netflix on Smart TVs & Streaming Devices
If you signed up through Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV, you need to cancel directly from those platforms.
- Roku Users:
- Press the Home button on the Roku remote.
- Highlight the Netflix app and press the Star (*) button on your remote.
- Select “Manage Subscription”, then “Cancel Subscription.”
- Confirm and you’re done!
- Apple TV Users:
- Open Settings on Apple TV.
- Go to “Users & Accounts” and select “Subscriptions.”
- Select Netflix and hit “Cancel Subscription.”
🧾 What If You’re Billed Through a Cable or Mobile Provider?
If your Netflix bill comes through T-Mobile, Verizon, Comcast, or another provider, you can’t cancel through Netflix directly. Instead, you’ll have to log into your provider’s website and cancel from there.
What Happens After You Cancel?
❓ Can You Still Watch Netflix After Canceling?
Yes! Your account remains active until the end of your billing cycle. So if your next payment was due on the 15th, you’ll still have access until then.
📂 Will Netflix Delete Your Account?
Nope! Netflix holds onto your account info, watch history, and preferences for 10 months after you cancel. If you reactivate within that time, you’ll pick up right where you left off.
💸 Can You Get a Refund?
Unfortunately, Netflix does not offer refunds for unused time. Even if you cancel on day one of your billing cycle, you won’t get your money back.
Alternatives to Canceling Netflix
If you’re thinking of canceling but aren’t 100% sure, here are some other options:
💰 Switch to a Cheaper Plan
Netflix now offers a Standard with Ads plan for $6.99/month, which is much cheaper than the regular ad-free plans. If cost is the issue, consider downgrading instead of canceling.
👨👩👧 Share an Account
Netflix now allows users to add an extra member for $7.99/month, so if you’re splitting the bill with family or friends, this could be a more affordable option than canceling.
📴 Pause Instead of Canceling
Pausing your account for up to 3 months lets you take a break without losing your settings and recommendations.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
🚨 “I Can’t Find the Cancel Option!”
- If you don’t see a Cancel Membership button, you’re likely paying through a third-party provider (like Apple or your cable company). Try canceling through them instead.
💳 “Netflix Charged Me After Canceling!”
- First, double-check your email for a cancellation confirmation.
- Make sure you’re not logged into another Netflix account using the same payment method.
❌ “I Want to Delete My Account Permanently.”
- Canceling your subscription does not delete your account.
- To permanently delete your Netflix account, email privacy@netflix.com after your billing cycle ends.
Final Thoughts: Should You Cancel Netflix?
Canceling Netflix is easy if you know where to look—but before you go, ask yourself:
✅ Do I use Netflix often enough to justify the cost?
✅ Would switching to a cheaper plan work instead?
✅ Is there an alternative streaming service I prefer?
If canceling still feels like the right move, just follow the steps above, and you’ll be free from monthly charges in no time. And remember, you can always come back!
Have you canceled Netflix before? What was your reason? Share your experience in the comments! 🎬💬