How to Cancel YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium walks you through a retention gauntlet of save offers. Expect under 5 minutes from start to confirmation.
Google offers a pause option but cancel button remains visible.
Time to cancel
3 min
Methods
Website, Mobile
Phone call required
No
Retention offer
Yes
Why YouTube Premium scores 18/100
Retention wall
A sequence of save offers — discounts, pauses, downgrades — must be dismissed one by one before cancellation is permitted.
Step-by-step: cancelling YouTube Premium
These steps reflect the current YouTube Premium flow. For the rich walkthrough with direct links, read our full YouTube Premium cancellation guide.
- 1
Gather your account info
Log in to YouTube Premium (or locate your account email and billing ID) before starting. Save a copy of the email confirming your current plan so you have evidence of the billing terms.
- 2
Open the cancel page
From your account settings, navigate to Subscription or Billing and look for "Cancel" or "Manage plan." On YouTube Premium this option is typically reached via Account → Subscription.
- 3
Click through the retention screens
YouTube Premium presents a sequence of save offers before confirming cancellation. Click the less-prominent "No thanks, cancel" link on each screen — the highlighted button keeps the subscription active.
- 4
Verify the cancellation
Check your account dashboard for a "subscription ends on [date]" message. Take a screenshot. If a final confirmation email does not arrive within 24 hours, follow up via the same channel.
Cheaper alternatives to YouTube Premium
If you're cancelling because the price is too high — not because the service is bad — these alternatives cover the same category for less. Links marked "sponsored" earn CancelDirect a small commission; the rest we list because they're the honest pick.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get a refund when I cancel YouTube Premium?
YouTube Premium does not guarantee a refund, but you keep access through the end of the current billing period. If you were charged after attempting to cancel, dispute the charge with your bank using the confirmation email as evidence.
Can I pause YouTube Premium instead of cancelling?
YouTube Premium offers a pause during the retention flow. This keeps your data but delays the re-charge by 1–3 months. If you are likely to return within 90 days, pausing is reasonable. If you are leaving for good, skip the pause offer and complete the cancel.
What happens to my YouTube Premium renewal?
After you cancel, YouTube Premium stops all future renewals. Your next credit card statement should show no charge from YouTube Premium. Verify the first statement after cancelling to confirm.