YouTube TV offers live TV streaming with a wide range of channels and features. However, there may come a time when you decide to cancel it—perhaps you’ve found an alternative, or you’re cutting costs. Whatever your reason, this complete guide will show you how to cancel YouTube TV subscription quickly and efficiently.
Why People Cancel YouTube TV
Before diving into how to cancel YouTube TV subscription, it helps to understand common reasons people make this decision:
- Increasing monthly costs.
- Limited content or missing channels.
- Switching to a different streaming service.
- No longer needing live TV.
- Temporary break or budget cuts.
Knowing your reason can help determine if you need a full cancellation or a temporary pause.
Step-by-Step: How to Cancel YouTube TV Subscription
Canceling your subscription is easy if you follow the correct process. Below is a breakdown of the steps involved.
Step 1: Open YouTube TV
Start by logging into your account:
- Visit tv.youtube.com.
- Sign in with the Google account linked to your YouTube TV subscription.
- Click on your profile photo in the top-right corner.
Step 2: Go to Settings
Once you’re in your account:
- Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
- Click on Membership from the left-side panel.
This section allows you to manage your plan.
Step 3: Click on “Manage”
In the Membership section:
- Locate your YouTube TV base plan.
- Click Manage beside the base plan.
You’ll now see two main options—Pause or Cancel.
Step 4: Select “Cancel”
To proceed with cancellation:
- Choose Cancel instead of pausing.
- You may be prompted to answer a few questions about why you are leaving.
- After selecting a reason, confirm by clicking Cancel Membership.
Congratulations—you’ve now completed the process on how to cancel YouTube TV subscription.
How to Cancel YouTube TV Subscription on Mobile
If you’re on a smartphone or tablet:
- Open the YouTube TV app.
- Tap on your profile icon.
- Go to Settings > Membership.
- Tap Manage and then select Cancel.
Note: Cancellation must be done in a browser for some devices, especially iPhones and iPads.
How to Pause Instead of Cancel
Sometimes, you may not want to cancel completely. Here’s how to pause instead:
- Follow the same path: Settings > Membership > Manage.
- Click Pause instead of Cancel.
- Choose the pause duration (up to 6 months).
Your billing will stop during the pause period. Once it ends, service and charges resume automatically.
What Happens After You Cancel YouTube TV
Knowing what to expect helps avoid surprises:
- You retain access until the end of your billing cycle.
- Your recorded programs (in the cloud DVR) are stored for 21 days.
- Add-on networks are removed immediately.
This ensures you’re not paying for extra time, but you still enjoy service until the period ends.
How to Cancel YouTube TV Free Trial
If you’re in the trial phase:
- Go to Settings > Membership as described earlier.
- Click Cancel Trial.
Be sure to cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged.
How to Cancel YouTube TV Subscription Through Google Play
If you subscribed through Google Play:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Tap your profile icon.
- Go to Payments & subscriptions > Subscriptions.
- Find YouTube TV and tap Cancel subscription.
This route is available for Android users who used Google Play billing.
How to Cancel YouTube TV on Roku or Apple Devices
On Roku:
- Press the Home button on the Roku remote.
- Highlight the YouTube TV app.
- Press the Star button (*) on your remote.
- Select Manage subscription > Cancel subscription.
On Apple:
- Open Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions.
- Find YouTube TV.
- Tap Cancel Subscription.
Note: If the subscription was made via YouTube directly, cancellation must be done through the YouTube TV website.
How to Check If Your Subscription Was Canceled
After canceling, verify:
- Return to Settings > Membership.
- You should see a notice that your membership will end after the current billing period.
Google will also send you a confirmation email.
Can You Restart Your Subscription Later?
Absolutely. Here’s how:
- Visit tv.youtube.com.
- Sign in.
- Go to Settings > Membership.
- Click Restart Membership.
You can resume anytime, though your preferences may not be saved.
Alternatives to YouTube TV
If you’re canceling because YouTube TV isn’t meeting your needs, consider these alternatives:
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes Hulu library and live TV.
- Sling TV: Lower-cost, customizable plans.
- FuboTV: Sports-centric live streaming.
- Philo: Budget-friendly with entertainment and lifestyle channels.
- DirecTV Stream: Offers a more traditional cable feel.
Explore these services before canceling to ensure a smooth transition.
Best Practices Before Canceling
To ensure a stress-free process, follow these tips:
- Save your favorite DVR content.
- Take note of billing cycles.
- Check for email confirmations.
- Explore pausing if you’re unsure about canceling.
Being prepared makes cancellation more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get a refund if I cancel early?
No. YouTube TV does not offer prorated refunds. Access continues until the billing cycle ends.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. There are no contracts, so you can cancel at any time.
Will I lose my DVR recordings?
Recordings are stored for 21 days after cancellation.
Can I cancel add-ons only?
Yes. In Settings > Membership, click Manage next to the add-on and choose Cancel add-on.
Is there a cancellation fee?
No. YouTube TV charges no cancellation fees.
Conclusion
Understanding how to cancel YouTube TV subscription gives you control over your streaming choices. The process is straightforward whether you’re using a browser, mobile device, or a third-party service. Whether you’re moving to another platform or taking a break, canceling is a simple and quick process.
Use this guide to cancel without confusion or delays. With the steps above, you can manage your digital subscriptions confidently and make decisions that suit your viewing habits and budget.
