Don’t Keep Paying for Expensive Streaming Services. Here’s How to Cancel Them

The 60-second answer (read this first)

• Find who is billing you. That’s the only place you can cancel.
  

  • Apple (iPhone/iPad/Mac): Settings → [your name] → Subscriptions.

  • Google Play (Android): Play Store → Profile → Payments & subscriptions → Subscriptions.

  • Amazon Prime Video Channels: Prime Video → Account & Settings → Your subscriptions.

  • Roku: On device press * → Manage subscription → Turn off auto-renew (or my.roku.com → Manage subscriptions).

  • Direct on the service’s website: Account → Subscription/Billing → Cancel.

    
    

• Uninstalling an app does not cancel. Always turn off auto-renew.
  

• Cancel 24–48 hours before renewal. Give the system time to process.
  

• Keep proof. Screenshot the final end date and save the confirmation email.

Tip: Tools like SubSweeper surface every active subscription and the next charge date in one dashboard, so you don’t miss silent renewals.

Before you cancel

• Check your renewal date. If it’s in the next 24 hours, cancel now.

• Expect access to continue until the end of your current period. Most streamers don’t prorate refunds.

• Trials flip to paid if you don’t cancel in time. Some trials end access immediately once you cancel; others run to the trial end—your receipt or account page will say which.

How to cancel on each major platform

Apple App Store (iPhone/iPad/Mac)

1. Open Settings → [your name] → Subscriptions.

2. Choose the service (e.g., Disney+, Hulu, Max).

3. Tap Cancel Subscription, then Confirm.

Google Play (Android / web)

1. Open Google Play → Profile → Payments & subscriptions → Subscriptions.

2. Select the service.

3. Tap Cancel subscription and follow prompts.

Amazon Prime Video Channels (add-ons inside Prime)

1. Go to Prime Video → Account & Settings → Your subscriptions.

2. Find Channel (e.g., Paramount+, STARZ).

3. Click Cancel Channel/Unsubscribe and confirm. End date will display.

Roku-billed (The Roku Channel or in-channel purchase)

• On device: highlight the channel → press * → Manage subscription → Turn off auto-renew → Confirm.

• Web: my.roku.com → Manage subscriptions → Unsubscribe.

YouTube TV (add-ons or base plan)

1. Visit tv.youtube.com → Profile → Settings → Membership.

2. Uncheck the add-on or choose Deactivate/Cancel for the base plan.

3. Confirm and note the end date.

Hulu (base plan or add-ons)

1. Log in on the web → Account.

2. Choose Manage Add-ons to remove extras, or Cancel to end the plan.

3. Review changes → Submit.

Direct websites (go straight to the source)

• Netflix: Account → Cancel Membership.

• Disney+: Profile → Account → Subscription → Cancel.

• Max: Account → Subscription → Manage → Cancel (or cancel with the provider shown there).

• Paramount+: Account → Cancel subscription.

• Peacock: Account → Plans & Payment → Cancel.

• STARZ / MGM+ / AMC+ / BritBox: Account/Settings → Plan & Billing → Cancel.

• Sling / Fubo / Philo / DirecTV Stream / Apple TV+: Account → Subscription → Cancel (or cancel with the listed billing partner).

If the site says “manage this with your provider,” it means you joined through Apple, Google, Roku, Amazon, your cable/TV provider, or YouTube TV. Cancel there.

What happens after cancellation

• You keep streaming until the date shown on the confirmation page/email.

• No partial refunds for the unused time in most cases.

• Profiles and watchlists usually remain if you re-subscribe with the same account later.

• Receipts and invoices stay in your email—file them for disputes.

Can’t find the subscription? Do this

1. Search your email for “receipt,” “trial,” “renewal,” or the service name. The sender reveals the billing platform.

2. Check all Apple IDs / Google accounts on your devices. Many “missing” subs live under a secondary account.

3. Look at your card statement descriptor (e.g., APPLE.COM/BILL, GOOGLE, AMZNPRIME, ROKU).

4. Open Prime Video → Your subscriptions to catch hidden channels.

5. Use SubSweeper to scan inboxes and flag upcoming renewals across services automatically.

Troubleshooting & pro tips

• No “Cancel” button? It may already be set to end, or you’re in the wrong account/provider. Check the “billed by” line in the service’s account page.

• Got charged right after canceling? You likely canceled after the renewal processed. Save your proof and contact the billing platform for help; some offer post-charge grace options.

• Free trial nuance: Some platforms end access immediately on cancel during a trial; others run to the end of the trial. Always read the note on the confirmation screen.

• Family plans & bundles: If your mobile carrier or ISP bundles streaming, cancel the standalone plan first, then activate the bundle to avoid double billing.

• Rotate, don’t hoard. Keep one streamer active and rotate a second monthly. It’s the simplest way to cut costs without FOMO.

A 10-minute monthly cancellation checklist

• Open your Subscriptions page (Apple/Google/Roku/Amazon/YouTube TV + any direct sites).

• Sort by next renewal date.

• Cancel at least one “nice-to-have” service.

• Remove unused add-ons (4K tiers, sports packs, extra screens).

• Screenshot the confirmation and note the end date.

• Set a reminder for any annual plan renewing next month.

FAQ

Does deleting the app stop charges? No. You must turn off auto-renew with the platform that bills you.

Why can’t Netflix be canceled in the app? Most services require cancellation in the account website or the app store that billed you.

Can I get a refund? Usually no for partial months. Apple/Google/Amazon/Roku/YouTube TV each have their own refund rules—start with the place that billed you.

Will I lose my profiles and watch history? They’re typically retained for a while. Re-subscribe with the same login to restore them.

Final thoughts

Canceling streaming isn’t hard—finding the right place to cancel is the real trick. Identify the biller, turn off auto-renew there, and keep a confirmation screenshot with the end date. Build a quick monthly ritual (or let SubSweeper flag upcoming renewals), and you’ll stop paying for shows you’re not watching—without losing the ones you love.