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#1 Easiest Way to Cancel YouTube Premium in 2026

Step-by-step guide to cancel YouTube Premium subscription. All methods covered including web, iOS, Android, plus the best alternatives.

How to Cancel YouTube Premium — The Complete Guide

YouTube Premium removes ads, enables background playback, and includes YouTube Music. If you no longer need these features, canceling is straightforward. Here is how to do it on every platform.

How to Cancel YouTube Premium on the Website

  1. Go to youtube.com/paid_memberships and sign in.
  2. Click Manage membership next to YouTube Premium.
  3. Click Deactivate or Cancel membership.
  4. Select a reason for canceling.
  5. Click Continue to cancel and confirm.

How to Cancel YouTube Premium on Android

  1. Open the YouTube app.
  2. Tap your profile picture in the top right.
  3. Tap Paid memberships.
  4. Tap YouTube Premium then Deactivate.
  5. Follow the prompts to confirm cancellation.

How to Cancel YouTube Premium on iPhone

If you subscribed through Apple:

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Tap your Apple ID then Subscriptions.
  3. Find YouTube Premium and tap it.
  4. Tap Cancel Subscription.

Cancellation Methods Comparison

| Cancel Method | Difficulty | Time Required | Refund Policy | |---|---|---|---| | YouTube Website | Easy | 2 minutes | No refund; Premium until billing period ends | | YouTube Android App | Easy | 2 minutes | Same as website | | Apple / iTunes | Easy | 3 minutes | Apple refund policy applies | | Google Play | Easy | 2 minutes | Google Play refund policy | | Phone / Email | Not available | N/A | No phone cancellation option |

What Happens After Canceling YouTube Premium

  • You keep Premium access until the end of your billing cycle.
  • Ads return on YouTube videos.
  • Background playback and offline downloads stop working.
  • YouTube Music Premium access is also removed (it is included with YouTube Premium).
  • Your playlists, subscriptions, and watch history remain intact.

Best YouTube Premium Alternatives

  • Spotify Premium — Better music discovery algorithms and podcast integration. No video component.
  • Apple Music — Lossless audio quality included. Best for Apple device users.
  • Brave Browser — Free browser that blocks YouTube ads without a subscription.
  • NewPipe (Android) — Open-source YouTube client with background playback. No account needed.
  • Amazon Music Unlimited — Competitive music streaming alternative with spatial audio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I still have ads after canceling YouTube Premium?

Yes. Once your Premium subscription ends, you will see ads on YouTube videos again. Ads appear before, during, and after videos.

Does canceling YouTube Premium also cancel YouTube Music?

Yes. YouTube Music Premium is included with YouTube Premium. When you cancel Premium, you lose both services. You can subscribe to YouTube Music Premium separately if you only want the music service.

Can I get a refund for YouTube Premium?

Google does not typically offer refunds for YouTube Premium. If you subscribed through Apple, you may request a refund through Apple within 48 hours of being charged.

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