How to Cancel Spotify Premium (and Delete a Free Account)


6 min read 14-11-2024
How to Cancel Spotify Premium (and Delete a Free Account)

We all know the struggle: You're tired of paying for a streaming service you barely use. Maybe you found a new platform, your budget got tighter, or maybe you're just ready to take a break from music altogether. Whatever your reason, cancelling Spotify Premium can feel like a monumental task.

But fear not! This guide will walk you through every step, from cancelling your Premium subscription to deleting your free account. We'll cover all the scenarios, from the simplest cancellation to the more complex situations.

Cancelling Your Spotify Premium Subscription

Spotify makes it relatively easy to cancel your Premium subscription. You can do it from your computer, your mobile app, or even by contacting customer support.

Cancelling From Your Computer

  1. Log in to your Spotify account. Head to the Spotify website and enter your login details.
  2. Go to your Account Overview. You'll find a link to your account in the top right corner of the screen.
  3. Click on "Your plan". This will take you to your subscription details, where you can manage your Premium plan.
  4. Click "Change Plan". This will take you to a page where you can select a different plan.
  5. Choose "Cancel subscription." This will bring up a confirmation message, ensuring you understand the consequences of cancelling.
  6. Confirm your cancellation. Read the confirmation message carefully and click "Confirm" to finalize your cancellation.

You will continue to have access to your Premium features until your current billing cycle ends. After that, you'll automatically revert to the free version of Spotify.

Cancelling From the Mobile App

The mobile app offers a slightly different, but equally straightforward, cancellation process:

  1. Open the Spotify app. Make sure you're logged into the correct account.
  2. Tap on "Your Library". This will be the icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
  3. Tap on the "Settings" gear icon. You'll usually find this at the top right of the screen.
  4. Scroll down to "Account". Select this option to access your account details.
  5. Tap on "Manage your Premium." This will take you to a page where you can manage your Premium subscription.
  6. Select "Change Plan". This will allow you to change your Premium plan.
  7. Choose "Cancel Subscription". You'll be asked to confirm your cancellation.
  8. Confirm your cancellation. Read the confirmation message carefully and click "Confirm" to finalize your cancellation.

As with the desktop method, your Premium features will remain active until the end of your current billing cycle. After that, your account will automatically revert to the free version.

Cancelling Through Customer Support

If you're having trouble cancelling your subscription through the app or website, you can always contact Spotify's customer support for assistance.

  1. Visit the Spotify support page. This is the quickest and most efficient way to reach out to Spotify.
  2. Select the "Account and Billing" category. This will filter the support options to those related to your account.
  3. Choose the relevant topic. Scan the available topics and select the one closest to your issue.
  4. Fill out the contact form. This form will ask you for information related to your account and the issue you're experiencing.
  5. Submit the form. Once you've completed the form, Spotify will contact you shortly to assist with your cancellation.

Customer support representatives are well-equipped to handle various cancellation requests, and they'll guide you through the process.

Understanding the Different Subscription Types

Before we dive into cancelling your subscription, it's important to understand the different types of Spotify subscriptions:

  • Spotify Premium: This is the most popular subscription, offering ad-free listening, unlimited skips, and access to higher quality audio. It's available in various plans, such as Individual, Duo, Family, and Student.
  • Spotify Premium for Students: This plan is specifically designed for students and offers a significant discount compared to the regular Premium plan.
  • Spotify Family: This plan allows up to six family members to enjoy all the benefits of Premium at a discounted rate.
  • Spotify Duo: This plan offers two Premium accounts at a reduced price compared to two individual Premium plans.

Understanding which subscription type you have will help you navigate the cancellation process more effectively.

How to Delete Your Free Spotify Account

Deleting your free Spotify account is slightly different from cancelling your Premium subscription. While you can easily switch back to the free version after cancelling your Premium, deleting your free account permanently removes your entire profile, including your playlists, saved songs, and listening history.

Here's how you can delete your free account:

  1. Log in to your Spotify account. Access the Spotify website and enter your login details.
  2. Go to your Account Overview. You'll find a link to your account in the top right corner of the screen.
  3. Click on "Account." This will lead you to your account settings.
  4. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. Look for the "Close your account" link.
  5. Click "Close your account." This will bring up a confirmation message, reminding you that deleting your account will permanently remove your data.
  6. Select your reason for leaving. Choose the reason that best reflects your decision to delete your account.
  7. Enter your password. You'll be prompted to confirm your identity with your password.
  8. Confirm account closure. Read the confirmation message carefully and click "Close Account" to finalize the process.

Deleting your account will permanently remove all your data, including your playlists, saved songs, and listening history. It's important to make sure you've backed up any valuable data before proceeding.

Why You Might Want to Cancel Spotify Premium

There are many reasons why you might choose to cancel your Spotify Premium subscription. Here are some common motivations:

  • Budget constraints: Streaming services can be expensive, and if you're on a tight budget, cancelling your Premium subscription can help you save money.
  • Limited usage: If you find yourself rarely using Spotify, especially with the emergence of other music streaming platforms, cancelling your Premium subscription can save you unnecessary expenses.
  • Trial period expiration: Many new Spotify users sign up for a free trial to explore the platform. After the trial period ends, you might decide to cancel your subscription if you don't find Premium worth the cost.
  • Discontent with the service: If you're unhappy with Spotify's features or experience, you might choose to cancel your subscription and explore alternative options.

Whatever your reason, it's important to evaluate your usage and needs to decide if Spotify Premium is still the right choice for you.

Tips for Managing Your Spotify Subscription

Here are a few tips to help you effectively manage your Spotify Premium subscription:

  • Check your billing cycle: Make sure you understand your billing cycle and how much you're being charged each month. This will help you plan your cancellation date to avoid unnecessary charges.
  • Utilize free trials: If you're unsure about Spotify Premium, sign up for a free trial to explore the features and decide if it's worth the investment.
  • Explore other options: Compare Spotify's offerings with other music streaming platforms to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
  • Take advantage of promotions: Keep an eye out for promotional offers and discounts from Spotify. You might find attractive deals that can reduce your monthly cost.

By managing your subscription effectively, you can ensure you're getting the most out of Spotify without spending more than necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I pause my Spotify Premium subscription instead of cancelling it?

Unfortunately, Spotify doesn't offer a pause feature for its Premium subscription. You can only cancel your subscription or change your plan.

2. What happens to my playlists and saved songs when I cancel my Premium subscription?

Your playlists and saved songs will remain accessible even after you cancel your Premium subscription. You'll only lose access to the Premium features like ad-free listening and unlimited skips.

3. Can I cancel my Spotify Premium subscription through my mobile carrier?

No, you cannot cancel your Spotify Premium subscription through your mobile carrier. You'll need to cancel it directly through the Spotify website or mobile app.

4. Will I get a refund if I cancel my Spotify Premium subscription?

You'll only receive a refund if you cancel your subscription within 14 days of your initial purchase and haven't used any Premium features. Otherwise, you'll continue to be charged for the remaining days of your billing cycle.

5. What happens if I forget to cancel my Spotify Premium subscription before the trial period ends?

Once your free trial ends, you will automatically be enrolled in the Premium subscription. You'll then be charged for the subscription unless you cancel it beforehand.

Conclusion

Cancelling your Spotify Premium subscription or deleting your free account can be a straightforward process. However, understanding the different subscription types and the implications of each action is crucial. Whether you're looking to save money, explore alternative music streaming platforms, or simply take a break from music, this guide has equipped you with the knowledge and steps to manage your Spotify account effectively. Remember to weigh your options carefully, consider your usage and needs, and choose the solution that best suits your situation.

By taking control of your Spotify subscription, you can ensure that your music experience aligns with your needs and budget, without compromising on the enjoyment of listening to your favorite artists.