Cancel Your YouTube Premium Subscription
The YouTube Premium bundle-offering ad-free YouTube and YouTube Music-is one of the best value propositions in streaming, a fact we highlight in our Ultimate Music Streaming Showdown. However, if you're not using both services, it's a monthly cost you can cut.
This definitive guide will help you navigate the often-confusing cancellation process. We'll show you exactly how to cancel, whether you're billed via the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or directly, ensuring you stop the auto-renewal for good.
How to Cancel YouTube Premium Subscription
Follow the step-by-step instructions based on your device/platform.
Desktop (Web Browser)
- 1Open a web browser and go to youtube.com/paid_memberships.
- 2Ensure you are logged into the Google account with the Premium subscription.
- 3Find your YouTube Premium subscription and click 'Manage membership'.
- 4Click the 'Deactivate' link and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your cancellation.
Android (Billed via Google Play)
- 1Open the YouTube app on your Android device.
- 2Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- 3Select 'Purchases and memberships' from the menu.
- 4Tap on your Premium membership to open the management screen.
- 5Tap 'Deactivate' and follow the final confirmation steps to complete the cancellation.
iOS (Billed via Apple App Store)
- 1Open the 'Settings' app on your iPhone or iPad.
- 2Tap your name and Apple ID at the top of the screen.
- 3Select 'Subscriptions' from the list.
- 4Find and tap on your YouTube Premium subscription.
- 5Tap 'Cancel Subscription' and confirm your decision.
Third-Party Billing (e.g., Mobile Provider)
- 1If you are billed through a third-party service like your mobile provider (e.g., Verizon), you must cancel the subscription directly with them.
- 2Log in to your account on your mobile provider's website or app and navigate to their section for managing add-ons or subscriptions.
Want to never miss a subscription renewal? Set a free email reminder for any app - Netflix, Hotstar, Spotify, or even your gym membership - and stay in control of your payments.
Set a Free ReminderClever Ways to Save
Pause Your Membership Instead of Cancelling
If you just need a temporary break, YouTube allows you to 'Pause' your membership for one to six months. This is a great option to save money without losing your watch history or preferences when you decide to return.
The Family Plan 'Value Audit'
If you're on the expensive Family Plan ($22.99/mo), do a quick audit. If you're the only active user, switching to the Individual plan ($13.99/mo) can save you over $100 per year without losing any benefits for yourself.
You Still Get Ad-Supported YouTube Music
Cancelling your Premium subscription doesn't mean you lose access to YouTube Music entirely. Your account will revert to the free, ad-supported tier, so you can still listen to your playlists.
Pre-Cancellation Safety Checklist
You MUST Cancel Where You Originally Subscribed
CRITICAL: This is the #1 point of failure. If you subscribed on an iPhone, your billing is likely managed by Apple. You MUST cancel in your iPhone's 'Settings > Subscriptions'. If you subscribed on the YouTube website or Android app, you must cancel through Google.
Your Downloads Will Disappear
VERY IMPORTANT: Any videos or music you have downloaded for offline viewing will be deleted and become inaccessible once your subscription period officially ends. Plan accordingly, especially before travel.
No Refunds for Mid-Month Cancellations
YouTube's policy is strict: they do not offer partial refunds. When you cancel, you are only stopping future payments. Your premium benefits will continue until the end of the billing cycle you've already paid for.
Use a Desktop Browser for the Most Reliable Method
Mobile apps can sometimes have glitches. The most reliable way to cancel a Google-billed subscription is to log into your account on a computer and go directly to youtube.com/paid_memberships. This avoids any app-related issues.
Find Your Hidden Subscription Costs
Enter your monthly subscriptions to see where your money is going.
Total Monthly Spend
₹0.00
Your spending chart will appear here.
Did you know? We can notify you 5, 3, and 1 day before any renewal - and help you cancel in minutes.
Get Free NotificationsGot Questions? We've Got Answers.
Why can't I cancel my YouTube Premium subscription in the iPhone app?
Because your subscription is billed and controlled by Apple, not Google. You must go to your iPhone's main 'Settings' app, tap your Apple ID at the top, and cancel it from the 'Subscriptions' menu there.
Can I get a refund if I forgot to cancel before my renewal date?
Almost certainly not. Google's and Apple's policies are very strict about this. Once a payment for a new billing cycle has been processed, it is considered final and non-refundable.
How do I know my YouTube Premium subscription is actually cancelled?
You will receive a confirmation email from either Google or Apple. Additionally, on your 'Paid Memberships' page, the 'renewal date' will be replaced with an 'expiration date,' and the 'Deactivate' button will disappear.
What happens to my YouTube Music after I cancel?
You will lose access to YouTube Music Premium, which means you'll lose offline downloads and the ability to play music with your screen off. However, your account will revert to the ad-supported version of YouTube Music, and your playlists will remain.
Never miss a subscription renewal! Enter your details, and we’ll send you a free email reminder on the day it’s due - no signup needed.
Set My Free ReminderRecommended for You
How to Cancel Netflix
Stop unwanted charges from Netflix. Our 2025 guide provides direct cancellation links, step-by-step instructions, and secret tricks to get a discount. Learn how to cancel safely.
How to Cancel Hoichoi
The complete 2025 guide to cancelling your Hoichoi subscription. Learn the correct steps for all devices, discover hacks to get it cheaper, and follow our safety checklist to avoid errors.
How to Cancel Spotify Premium Family
The complete 2025 guide to cancelling Spotify Premium Family. Learn the safe way to cancel, what happens to each member's playlists and downloads, and get answers to key questions.
Tired of Remembering This Yourself?
Let CancelMates send you a free reminder 5 days before your YouTube Premium subscription renews.
No credit card required. 100% private.