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Cancel Youtube Premium: Step-by-Step Guide
How to cancel YouTube premium in new zealand: your complete guide
What is YouTube premium and why you might cancel
YouTube Premium is a paid subscription that removes ads from your videos, lets you play audio in the background, and gives you offline access to content across YouTube and YouTube Music. It's a bundled service designed for seamless viewing across your devices - but it's not right for everyone, and that's completely okay.
At Stopee, we understand that subscriptions come and go based on your life and budget. Whether you're cutting back on spending, found a cheaper alternative, or simply don't use the Premium features enough to justify the cost, cancelling YouTube Premium in New Zealand should be straightforward. This guide walks you through every cancellation method, refund rights, and what to expect after you cancel.
Key features of YouTube premium
YouTube Premium includes ad-free viewing across all videos, background audio playback (so you can lock your phone and keep listening), and the ability to download videos for offline watching. You also get early access to YouTube features and a YouTube Music subscription bundled in. All these features apply to whichever device you're signed into with your Google account.
When cancellation makes sense
You might cancel if you rarely use offline downloads, don't mind ads, or if YouTube Premium has become a forgotten line item on your credit card. Some people cancel seasonally - during tight budget months - and resubscribe later. Stopee encourages you to review your subscriptions regularly and keep only the services you genuinely value.
Your consumer rights under new zealand law
New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act (1993) and Fair Trading Act (1986) protect you when you cancel digital subscriptions like YouTube Premium. Understanding these rights helps you push back if YouTube refuses to refund you fairly.
What the law says about cancellations
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, goods and services must be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and safe. If YouTube Premium isn't delivering what you paid for - if ads still appear, or background play doesn't work - you have grounds to request a refund or cancellation without penalty. Additionally, if YouTube's terms are unclear or deliberately misleading about cancellation, the Fair Trading Act may apply.
Most importantly, you have the right to cancel at any time. While YouTube's standard policy is no refund for unused time, you're not bound by unfair contract terms. If you cancel partway through a monthly billing cycle and YouTube refuses any refund despite local law supporting one, Stopee recommends escalating to the Commerce Commission.
Your right to a cooling-off period
If you subscribed to YouTube Premium within the last 14 calendar days and haven't substantially used the service, you may have a right to cancel and receive a full refund under consumer law - even if YouTube's terms say otherwise. This is especially true if you didn't clearly agree to a "no refund" clause at purchase.
How to cancel YouTube premium: step-by-step methods
Your cancellation method depends on where you subscribed: directly on YouTube's website, through Apple's App Store, or via Google Play on Android. Each platform has its own process, but Stopee has broken them all down so you don't get lost.
Cancel via the web (recommended method)
Cancelling directly through YouTube's website is the cleanest and most transparent method. You keep your YouTube account intact, and you can resubscribe anytime. Follow these steps:
- Log into your Google account at youtube.com.
- Click your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Select Paid memberships from the dropdown menu.
- Find YouTube Premium and click Manage next to it.
- Click Cancel membership in red text.
- Choose your cancellation reason from the dropdown (optional but helpful feedback).
- Click Cancel membership again to confirm.
Pro tip: YouTube will often show you a retention offer - a discount or free trial extension - before finalising your cancellation. Take a moment to review it, but don't feel pressured. If the discount isn't worth it, proceed with cancellation.
Warning: Some users report that YouTube redirects them to a survey or feedback page instead of a confirmation screen. If this happens, check your email for a cancellation confirmation. If you don't receive one within 24 hours, log back in and verify the membership shows as cancelled.
Cancel via apple (iPhone and iPad)
If you subscribed to YouTube Premium through the Apple App Store, you must cancel through Apple's systems - YouTube cannot cancel it for you directly. Here's how:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your name at the top of the screen.
- Tap Subscriptions.
- Find and tap YouTube Premium.
- Tap Cancel Subscription in red.
- Confirm your cancellation.
Pro tip: Apple processes cancellations immediately, and you'll receive a confirmation email. You retain access to YouTube Premium until the end of your current billing period - typically the same day you cancelled, depending on your subscription cycle.
Warning: Apple does not always show refund eligibility upfront. If you subscribed within the last 14 days on Apple, you may have grounds to request a refund directly from Apple after cancelling. Contact Apple Support (available through your Settings app) and reference your consumer rights.
Cancel via google play (Android)
Subscriptions purchased through Google Play are cancelled from your Google Play account settings, not through YouTube itself.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Tap Manage subscriptions.
- Select YouTube Premium from the list.
- Tap Cancel subscription.
- Follow the prompts to confirm.
You can also manage Google Play subscriptions online at myaccount.google.com/payments. Access to YouTube Premium continues until the end of your current billing cycle.
YouTube premium pricing in new zealand
Before you cancel, knowing what you're paying helps you decide whether the service truly justifies its cost. Here's a snapshot of current YouTube Premium pricing in New Zealand:
| Plan type | Price (NZD) | Billing cycle | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Monthly | $14.99 | Monthly | Flexibility, short-term trials |
| Individual Annual | $139.99 | Yearly | Budget-conscious long-term users |
| YouTube Music (standalone) | $12.99 | Monthly | Music lovers only (no ad-free video) |
| Premium Family Plan | $22.99 | Monthly | Up to 5 family members |
At $14.99 per month, YouTube Premium costs around $180 annually. If you're cancelling because you don't use the service, or because other ad-blockers or alternatives are cheaper, Stopee fully supports your decision to redirect those funds elsewhere.
What happens after you cancel YouTube premium
Cancelling YouTube Premium doesn't delete your account or your watch history - it simply removes your paid benefits. Understanding what changes helps you prepare for life after Premium.
Your access during the final billing period
After you cancel, you keep YouTube Premium features until the end of your current billing period. If your billing date is the 15th and you cancel on the 20th, you retain all Premium benefits (no ads, background play, offline downloads) through the 14th of next month. After that date, your account reverts to free YouTube.
Pro tip: Mark the end date of your Premium access on your calendar. Some users forget and panic when ads suddenly reappear - it's just your free access kicking in.
What you lose after the billing period ends
Once your billing period expires, ads return to all videos. Background audio playback stops working (you can't lock your phone and keep listening). Offline videos you downloaded may become inaccessible on some devices, depending on your download settings. You lose your YouTube Music access as well.
Your account remains active and free
Your YouTube account itself stays active. Your subscriptions, playlists, watch history, and uploaded content all remain intact. You can still use YouTube entirely free - you'll just see ads and won't have Premium features.
Refunds: what you can expect and how to claim one
YouTube's default policy is no refund or credit for unused time after cancellation. However, this doesn't mean refunds are impossible - they depend on how you subscribed, when you subscribed, and where you live.
Refund policy for web subscriptions
If you subscribed directly on YouTube.com, YouTube's terms state you receive no refund for the remainder of your billing period. However, this policy is often challenged under consumer law. If you subscribed within 14 days and haven't substantially used Premium, or if YouTube's service was faulty (ads still appeared, features didn't work), you have grounds to request a refund by contacting YouTube Support and citing the Consumer Guarantees Act.
Refunds through apple and google play
Both Apple and Google Play offer refund windows, typically 14-48 hours after purchase. If you subscribed on one of these platforms and want your money back, contact the platform's support team first - not YouTube. They handle refunds independently.
Pro tip: When requesting a refund through Apple or Google, cite that you didn't receive the service as described, or that you cancelled within the cooling-off period. Both platforms are more generous with refunds than YouTube itself.
When escalation to the commerce commission is necessary
If YouTube refuses a refund you believe you're entitled to under the Consumer Guarantees Act or Fair Trading Act, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission. Document everything: your subscription date, cancellation confirmation, your refund request email, and YouTube's rejection. The Commerce Commission can investigate whether YouTube's terms are unfair or misleading. Stopee has seen users succeed with escalations when they provided clear evidence.
Common mistakes people make when cancelling
Cancelling a subscription should be simple, but small mistakes can leave you subscribed longer than intended or locked out of refunds. We've seen all of these happen, and we want to help you avoid them.
Mistake 1: cancelling the app instead of the subscription
Deleting the YouTube app from your phone does not cancel your subscription. YouTube will continue charging you. You must cancel the subscription through your payment method - the website, Apple, or Google Play - not just uninstall the app.
Mistake 2: forgetting which platform you subscribed through
If you're unsure whether you subscribed on YouTube.com, Apple, or Google Play, check your email for the original confirmation. The confirmation email will show the payment method and platform. Trying to cancel on the wrong platform wastes time.
Mistake 3: not checking your confirmation
After you click "Cancel," wait for a confirmation email. If you don't receive one within a few hours, log back in and check your membership status. Some users think they've cancelled when the page simply froze.
Mistake 4: missing the 14-day refund window
If you have refund rights under consumer law, they typically expire 14 days after your purchase. Don't wait weeks to cancel if you want a refund. Act quickly and keep your purchase confirmation email as evidence.
Checklist: before and after you cancel
Use this checklist to prepare for cancellation and confirm you've completed all necessary steps:
| Step | Action | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Locate your subscription confirmation email and note the platform (YouTube.com, Apple, or Google Play) | [ ] Done |
| 2 | Identify your current billing date and calculate when your final Premium access ends | [ ] Done |
| 3 | Complete the cancellation through the correct platform | [ ] Done |
| 4 | Wait for and screenshot the cancellation confirmation email | [ ] Done |
| 5 | If claiming a refund, submit your request within 14 days with supporting evidence | [ ] Done |
| 6 | After your billing period ends, verify that ads have returned and Premium features have stopped | [ ] Done |
What alternatives exist to YouTube premium
If you're cancelling because YouTube Premium doesn't meet your needs, consider these alternatives to see if any fit your budget and viewing habits better:
| Alternative service | Cost (approx NZD/month) | Key benefit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ad-blockers (browser extension) | Free | No ads on YouTube in browser | Budget users on desktop |
| Spotify Premium | $12.99 | Ad-free music, better audio quality | Music lovers, not video watchers |
| Apple Music | $12.99 | Curated playlists, lossless audio | Apple ecosystem users |
| YouTube Music (standalone) | $12.99 | YouTube Music without video Premium | Music-first users |
| Premium family plan (shared) | $22.99 (divided by family) | More members = lower per-person cost | Large households |
If cost is your main concern, consider asking family members whether they'd split a YouTube Premium Family Plan - at $22.99 per month for up to 5 people, the cost per person drops significantly. But if you're truly not using Premium features, cancelling is the right call.
How to contact YouTube support if cancellation fails
If you follow the steps above and your cancellation doesn't go through, or if you need to dispute a charge, you can reach YouTube Support. Here's how:
Visit support.google.com/youtube and select "Memberships and purchases" as your topic. You can submit a support form describing your issue. Include your subscription confirmation email, your cancellation attempt confirmation (if any), and the dates involved. YouTube typically responds within 24-48 hours in New Zealand.
Pro tip: If YouTube Support is unhelpful or slow, escalate by contacting the Commerce Commission directly. Provide evidence that you attempted to resolve the issue with YouTube first. Stopee recommends keeping screenshots of every step.
Summary: cancelling YouTube premium with confidence
Cancelling YouTube Premium in New Zealand is straightforward when you know which platform you subscribed through. Whether you used the YouTube website, Apple's App Store, or Google Play, your cancellation takes effect within minutes. You retain Premium access through the end of your current billing period, after which your account reverts to free YouTube with ads.
Refunds aren't guaranteed by YouTube's standard terms, but you may have rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act, especially if you cancelled within 14 days of subscribing or if the service was faulty. Don't hesitate to escalate to the Commerce Commission if YouTube refuses a refund you believe you're entitled to.
Mark your calendar for when your final Premium access expires, and remember that your YouTube account, subscriptions, and watch history remain intact. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel their subscriptions cleanly and reclaim their money when the law was on their side. Visit stopee.com for more guides on cancelling other services, comparing subscription costs, and understanding your consumer rights in New Zealand.