Maybe you’re tired of the high prices. Maybe you weren’t keen on Password sharing campaign. Or maybe there’s nothing you want to watch anymore. Whatever the reason, you’re probably wondering: is it time to stop using Netflix?
The idea of pausing Netflix is more difficult than it is for other streaming services. For many of us, Netflix has been in our lives for decades — I’ve been a Netflix subscriber for nearly 20 years straight — while other big streaming companies are barely a few years old.
Because it’s been around for so long, Netflix can feel like a utility — you know, something you automatically pay for, like water and electricity. (or taxes).
On the other hand, my attitude towards newer streaming companies (like HBO Max or Peacock for example) is just that easy come easy go. When there’s something specific my family wants to watch, we record. Once this is done, we cancel. Caught up with the latest season of Hacks or Traitors? Farewell!
So what makes Netflix so special? Good question – and actually, after months of scrolling through row after row of Netflix videos I didn’t want to stream, I realized I was suffering from a serious case of Netflix fatigue.
Finally, I had enough, I canceled Netflix, and I’m glad I did. We’ll get back to Netflix eventually, but it’ll have to wait its turn while we do Rotate through other large streamersone by one.
So repeat after me: You He can Take a break from Netflix. decent. Just because you leave doesn’t mean you can’t come back.
How to take a break from your Netflix subscription
There are actually two ways to take a break from Netflix: either by pausing your membership (a relatively new option) or by canceling your subscription completely.
What’s the difference between just pausing and canceling? If you pause your Netflix membership, it will only remain paused for a month, and your subscription will start again once the month is up. You can “extend” the pause period briefly if you wish, but not indefinitely.
Click Membership management To start the process of pausing or canceling your Netflix subscription.
Ben Patterson/Foundry
If you cancel your Netflix membership, it will (of course) remain cancelled. But here’s the thing: Netflix will keep your membership details, including your profiles, watchlist, video ratings and recommendations, for up to 24 months after you click the cancel button.
Provided you remember to restart your subscription before those 24 months are up, you’re essentially suspending your membership.
Pause your Netflix membership
Just want to pause your Netflix subscription for a month or so? Here’s what you do.
- Open Netflix on the web, tap your profile icon in the upper-right corner of the screen, and then tap account.
- Near the top of your account screen, below where it says how long you’ve been a member (guilt trip!), you’ll find Membership management button. Go ahead and click on it.
- On the next page, click Cancellation of membership button; When you do this, you’ll be presented with a few options, including: Change plan, pause for a month, and Cancels.
- Click Pause for a month option, and you’re good to go – your Netflix subscription will be paused for a month starting on your next billing date.
You can pause your Netflix subscription for up to three months at a time.
Ben Patterson/Foundry
One week before the Pause ends, Netflix will give you the option to pause your membership for another month. Keep in mind that you can only pause your Netflix subscription for up to three months at a time.
Of course, Netflix makes it easy andPause your subscription whenever you want; Just visit Netflix on the web on mobile, and you’ll see “Do you want to unpause your membership?” Demands. If you choose to unpause your membership, you will be charged immediately for the following month, and your billing cycle will change accordingly.
Note: You can’t pause your membership if you’re on the Basic plan, and you can’t pause your membership if you pay by direct debit, gift card, or other Partner payments.
Cancel your Netflix membership
Want to take a longer break from Netflix, or cancel your subscription for good? Go to Netflix on the web and tap account in the upper-right corner of the screen, then click Membership management, Cancellation of membershipAnd finally End cancellation.
Despite Netflix’s dire warnings about losing access to your personal recommendations, your account profiles and other details will remain safe and sound for at least 24 months (previously only 10 months); After that, your Netflix data becomes vulnerable to deletion.
Updated to reflect recent changes to Netflix’s cancellation and membership pause policies.