YouTube TV is a fantastic streaming service, offering live TV, on-demand content, and a robust channel lineup. But sometimes, you might decide it’s time to part ways. Maybe you’re cutting costs, switching to another platform, or just taking a break from streaming. Whatever the reason, canceling your YouTube TV subscription is straightforward if you know the steps.
Why You Might Want to Cancel YouTube TV
Before we get into the how-to cancel subscription, let’s talk about why you might be considering cancellation. YouTube TV costs around $72.99 per month, which can add up over time. If you’re not watching enough content to justify the price, it might feel like an unnecessary expense.
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Some users also cancel because they’ve found a cheaper alternative, like Hulu or Sling TV, or because they’re overwhelmed by too many subscriptions.
Others might be in a free trial and want to avoid charges. No matter your reason, knowing how to cancel properly ensures you don’t get billed unexpectedly.
Things to Know Before Canceling
Canceling YouTube TV is simple, but there are a few key details to understand first. These will help you make an informed decision and avoid surprises.
- Access Until Billing Cycle Ends: If you’re on a paid subscription, you’ll retain access to YouTube TV until the end of your current billing period. However, canceling during a free trial ends access immediately.
- No Refunds for Partial Months: YouTube TV doesn’t offer refunds for unused portions of your subscription.
- Pause Instead of Cancel: If you’re unsure about permanently canceling, you can pause your subscription for up to six months, keeping your recordings safe.
- Recordings Expire: After cancellation, your DVR recordings will be available for 21 days. If you don’t resubscribe within that time, they’ll be deleted.
Understanding these points will help you decide whether to cancel or pause and prepare you for what happens next.
How to Cancel YouTube TV on a Computer
The easiest way to cancel YouTube TV is through a web browser on your computer. Whether you’re using a Windows PC, Mac, or Linux machine, the process is the same. Follow these steps:
- Visit the YouTube TV Website: Open your preferred browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) and go to tv.youtube.com.
- Sign In: Click the “Sign In” button in the top-right corner and log in with your Google account credentials.
- Access Settings: Click your profile picture or avatar in the top-right corner. From the dropdown menu, select “Settings.”
- Go to Membership: In the left sidebar, click “Membership” to view your subscription details.
- Cancel Membership: Find the “Manage” button next to your YouTube TV plan. Click it, then select “Cancel Membership.”
- Choose a Reason: YouTube TV will ask why you’re canceling. Pick a reason from the list or select “Prefer not to say.” You might also be offered a pause option here.
- Confirm Cancellation: Click “Continue Canceling” and then “Yes, Cancel” to finalize. You’ll receive a confirmation email once the process is complete.
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit tv.youtube.com | Use any browser |
| 2 | Sign in | Use Google account |
| 3 | Go to Settings | Click profile picture |
| 4 | Cancel Membership | Confirm reason and finalize |
After canceling, check your email for confirmation and log back into your account to ensure the subscription status shows as canceled.
Canceling YouTube TV on an Android Device
If you’re using an Android phone or tablet, you can cancel directly through the YouTube TV app. Here’s how:
- Open the App: Launch the YouTube TV app on your Android device.
- Sign In: Ensure you’re logged in with the correct Google account.
- Go to Profile: Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Access Settings: Select “Settings” from the menu.
- Manage Membership: Tap “Membership,” then find the “Manage” option next to your plan.
- Cancel Subscription: Tap “Cancel Membership,” choose a reason, and confirm by following the prompts.
The process is quick and mirrors the web browser method. Just make sure you’re using the account tied to your subscription.
Canceling YouTube TV on an iPhone or iPad
Unfortunately, you can’t cancel YouTube TV directly through the iOS app due to Apple’s restrictions. Instead, you’ll need to use a mobile browser. Here’s the step-by-step guide:
- Open a Browser: Launch Safari or another browser on your iPhone or iPad.
- Go to YouTube TV: Navigate to tv.youtube.com and sign in with your Google account.
- Access Profile: Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings: Select “Settings” from the dropdown.
- Cancel Membership: Tap “Membership,” then “Manage.” Select “Cancel Membership,” choose a reason, and confirm.
This method is identical to canceling on a computer, just adapted for a mobile browser. Double-check your account status afterward to confirm the cancellation.
Pausing Your YouTube TV Subscription
If you’re not ready to fully cancel, pausing your subscription is a great alternative. Pausing stops charges for up to six months while preserving your recordings. Here’s how to do it:
- Log In: Go to tv.youtube.com or open the YouTube TV app and sign in.
- Go to Membership Settings: Click or tap your profile picture, then select “Settings” and “Membership.”
- Select Pause: Click “Manage,” then choose “Pause Membership.” Use the slider to set a pause duration (4 weeks to 6 months).
- Confirm: Save your changes. Your subscription will pause at the end of the current billing cycle.
While paused, you won’t have access to live TV or recordings, but your library will be saved for up to nine months. You can resume your subscription manually at any time.
What Happens After You Cancel?
Once you cancel, here’s what to expect:
- Access Until Billing Cycle Ends: You can continue watching YouTube TV until your current payment period expires, unless you’re on a free trial.
- No More Charges: Your subscription won’t renew, and you won’t be billed again.
- Loss of Add-Ons: Any add-on networks (like HBO or Showtime) will no longer be accessible after the billing cycle.
- Recordings Expire: DVR recordings will be deleted after 21 days unless you resubscribe.
If you change your mind, resubscribing is easy. Just log back in, choose a plan, and you’re set. However, you may lose access to promotional pricing or old recordings.
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
Canceling YouTube TV is usually hassle-free, but here are some tips to ensure a smooth process:
- Check Your Billing Date: Cancel before your next billing cycle to avoid being charged for another month.
- Verify Cancellation: Log back into your account to confirm the subscription is deactivated.
- Contact Support if Needed: If you face issues, use YouTube TV’s live chat or email support through the Help section.
- Consider Alternatives: Before canceling, explore other streaming services like Hulu, Sling TV, or Pluto TV to ensure you’re getting the best value.
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Check Billing Date | Prevents unexpected charges |
| Verify Cancellation | Confirms the process worked |
| Contact Support | Resolves any issues quickly |
| Explore Alternatives | Ensures you find the right service |
Exploring Alternatives to YouTube TV
If you’re canceling because of cost or content, consider these alternatives:
- Hulu + Live TV: Offers live TV and a vast on-demand library for a similar price.
- Sling TV: A budget-friendly option with customizable channel packages.
- Pluto TV: Free, ad-supported streaming with live and on-demand content.
- Disney+: Great for families or fans of Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars.
Each service has its strengths, so compare them based on your viewing habits and budget.
FAQs: How to Cancel YouTube TV Subscription
Q. Can I cancel YouTube TV during a free trial?
A. Yes, you can cancel during a free trial, but your access will end immediately. To avoid charges, cancel before the trial period ends.
Q. Will canceling YouTube TV affect my regular YouTube account?
A. No, canceling YouTube TV won’t impact your regular YouTube account or other Google services.
Q. How do I contact YouTube TV support if I have issues?
A. Go to tv.youtube.com, click your profile picture, and select “Help.” You can access live chat, email support, or request a call.
Conclusion
Canceling your YouTube TV subscription doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re using a computer, Android device, or iPhone, the process is quick and user-friendly. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can cancel or pause your subscription with confidence, avoid unexpected charges, and explore other streaming options that suit your needs.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is accurate as of May 2025 and based on YouTube TV’s current cancellation process. Always check the official YouTube TV website for the latest instructions or contact their support team for assistance with specific issues.
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