Hey there! So, you’ve been diving into the world of online learning with Coursera, but maybe it’s time to take a break or switch things up. No worries—cancelling your Coursera subscription is easier than you might think.
Whether it’s a monthly Specialization, Coursera Plus, or something else, I’ve got you covered with a friendly, step-by-step guide. Plus, I’ll throw in some tips, answer common questions, and share what happens after you cancel. Let’s get started!
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Why You Might Want to Cancel
Life happens, right? Maybe you’ve finished your course, or your budget’s feeling a bit tight. Or perhaps you’re just not vibing with the platform anymore. Whatever the reason, cancelling a Coursera subscription is straightforward.
But before you hit that cancel button, it’s good to know what you’re working with. Coursera offers a few types of subscriptions, and the cancellation process can vary slightly depending on which one you have.
Here’s a quick look at the main subscription types:
- Specialization Subscription: A monthly fee for a series of courses to build specific skills. It stops automatically if you complete the Specialization.
- Coursera Plus: A monthly or annual plan giving you unlimited access to over 90% of Coursera’s catalog.
- Individual Course Subscription: Some courses require a monthly fee for graded assignments and certificates.
Understanding your subscription type helps you navigate the cancellation process smoothly. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Guide to Cancel Your Coursera Subscription
Cancelling your Coursera subscription is a breeze if you follow these steps. You can do it on a computer or mobile app, though some options (like Coursera Plus) are only cancellable via the website. Here’s how to do it.
On a Computer (Website)
- Log In to Coursera
Head to Coursera.org and sign in with your account. Use your email, Google, Facebook, or Apple ID—whatever you signed up with. - Go to My Purchases
Once logged in, look at the top-right corner of the homepage. Click your profile icon, then select My Purchases from the dropdown menu. - Find Your Subscription
In the My Purchases section, you’ll see a list of your active subscriptions. Click Manage Subscriptions to view details. - Cancel the Subscription
Next to the subscription you want to cancel, click the Cancel button. Coursera might ask you to confirm or share feedback about why you’re cancelling. This step is optional but can help them improve. - Confirm Cancellation
After clicking Cancel, you’ll see a confirmation screen explaining what happens next (like losing access to paid content). Hit Confirm to finalize. - Check Your Email
Coursera will send a confirmation email to verify your cancellation. Keep it for your records in case you need to reference it later.
On the Mobile App
Cancelling via the Coursera mobile app is similar, but Coursera Plus cancellations must be done on the website. Here’s how to cancel a Specialization or individual course subscription on the app:
- Open the App
Launch the Coursera app on your iPhone or Android device and log in. - Go to Settings
Tap the profile icon (usually in the top-right corner), then select Settings. - Find Subscriptions
Look for My Subscriptions or a similar option. Tap it to see your active plans. - Cancel Subscription
Select the subscription you want to cancel and tap Cancel Subscription. Follow any prompts to confirm. - Verify Cancellation
Like the website, you’ll get an email confirming the cancellation. Double-check your inbox or spam folder.
Cancelling via Apple or Google Play
If you subscribed through the Apple App Store or Google Play, you’ll need to cancel through those platforms, not Coursera’s website or app. Here’s a quick guide:
For iPhone (Apple App Store)
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap your Profile Name at the top.
- Select Subscriptions (if not visible, go to iTunes & App Store).
- Find Coursera in the list and tap it.
- Tap Cancel Subscription and confirm.
For Android (Google Play Store)
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap Menu (three lines) and go to Subscriptions.
- Select Coursera from the list.
- Tap Cancel Subscription and follow the prompts.
| Platform | Where to Cancel | Key Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Coursera Website | Coursera.org | My Purchases > Manage Subscriptions > Cancel |
| Coursera App | Mobile app (iOS/Android) | Settings > My Subscriptions > Cancel |
| Apple App Store | iPhone Settings | Profile > Subscriptions > Cancel |
| Google Play Store | Google Play Store app | Menu > Subscriptions > Cancel |
What Happens After You Cancel?
Once you cancel, you might wonder, “What’s next?” Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- Access to Content: You’ll keep access to paid course materials (like videos, quizzes, and assignments) until the end of your current billing period. After that, you can only access free courses or audit materials (no graded assignments or certificates).
- Certificates: Any certificates you’ve earned stay in your Coursera account forever. You can still share them on LinkedIn or your resume.
- Course Progress: Your progress is saved, so if you re-subscribe later, you can pick up where you left off. However, personalized deadlines may reset.
- Billing: No further charges will hit your account after the current billing cycle ends.
If you’re mid-course and want to finish before losing access, plan your cancellation timing carefully. You can cancel early and still use the remaining time in your billing period.
Tips for a Smooth Cancellation
Want to make the process even easier? Here are some handy tips:
- Check Your Subscription Type: Confirm whether you have Coursera Plus, a Specialization, or an individual course subscription. This avoids confusion.
- Cancel Before the Billing Date: To avoid unwanted charges, cancel a few days before your next billing cycle.
- Save Your Work: Download any certificates or notes you want to keep before your access ends.
- Explore Alternatives: If you’re cancelling due to cost, check if you qualify for Coursera’s financial aid or look at free courses.
- Contact Support if Needed: Stuck? Use Coursera’s Learner Help Center or the chat bubble on their website for assistance.
Refund Policy: Can You Get Your Money Back?
Coursera’s refund policy depends on your subscription type. Here’s the scoop:
- Coursera Plus: You can get a full refund within 14 days of purchase if you haven’t earned any certificates. After 14 days, no refunds are available, but you can cancel to stop future charges.
- Specializations and Courses: Refunds are possible within 14 days of payment, provided you haven’t earned a certificate. No refunds are offered after the 14-day window or for payments made after a free trial.
- Free Trials: Most subscriptions come with a 7-day free trial. Cancel within this period to avoid charges. If you earn a certificate during the trial, Coursera may charge for one month.
To request a refund, visit the Learner Help Center and submit a request within 14 days. Keep in mind that refunds for purchases made via Apple or Google Play follow those platforms’ policies.
Alternatives to Cancelling
Not sure if cancelling is the right move? Here are a few options to consider:
- Audit Courses for Free: Many Coursera courses let you audit for free, giving access to videos and readings without graded assignments or certificates.
- Apply for Financial Aid: If cost is an issue, apply for financial aid through the course page. You’ll need to explain your financial need and commitment to learning.
- Take a Break: Cancel now and re-subscribe later. Your progress is saved, so you can jump back in when you’re ready.
- Switch Platforms: Explore other learning platforms like Udemy, edX, or Skillshare if Coursera isn’t meeting your needs.
FAQs: How to Cancel Coursera Subscription
Q. Will I lose my course progress if I cancel?
A. No, your progress is saved in your Coursera account. If you re-subscribe later, you can pick up where you left off, though deadlines may reset.
Q. Can I keep my certificates after cancelling?
A. Yes, any certificates you’ve earned remain in your account and can be accessed or shared anytime.
Q. How do I know my subscription is cancelled?
A. You’ll receive a confirmation email from Coursera. You can also check My Purchases or Manage subscriptions to ensure no active plans remain.
Q. What if I subscribed through Apple or Google Play?
A. You must cancel through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, not Coursera’s website or app. Follow the steps outlined above for your device.
Wrapping It Up
Cancelling your Coursera subscription doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a few clicks on the website or app (or through Apple/Google Play), you can stop your subscription and avoid future charges.
Just remember to check your subscription type, cancel before the next billing date, and save any certificates you’ve earned. If you’re unsure about cancelling, explore free courses, financial aid, or other platforms to keep your learning journey going.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is accurate as of April 16, 2025, based on Coursera’s official website and related sources. Policies may change, so always check Coursera’s Learner Help Center for the latest details. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee specific outcomes.
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