How to cancel your Netflix subscription: a step-by-step guide

With recent price hikes impacting pretty much everything, it’s no surprise most of us need to prioritise what we’re spending on. And more often than not, the first to go are the streaming services.

There’s already an overload of on-demand content to watch across several platforms, and despite being one of the more popular options, the content on Netflix recently may not be tickling your fancy as much. So, perhaps you’ve been looking to part ways with the big red streaming giant.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how you want to spend your hard-earned cash, so if you’re looking for help in managing your subscriptions, you can check out our streaming services price comparison hub.

If Netflix truly isn’t cutting it for you anymore, we've got you covered with five easy steps on how to cancel your Netflix subscription below.

Step 1: Log into Netflix

In order to cancel your Netflix subscription, you’ll need to log into your account via any compatible device. These include a mobile device or an internet browser.

Please note, you cannot cancel your Netflix account using a Netflix app on any Smart TV or if your Netflix subscription is provided through one of its partners, such as Optus.

Step 2: Click on your Profile icon

Once logged in, you’ll need to click on your Profile, depicted by the icon of your choosing, in the top right corner of Netflix’s homepage.

Step 3: Select the Account tab

There’s a menu dropdown living under your Profile — click on the Account tab in this menu.

Step 4: Choose the ‘Cancel Membership’ button

Your Account tab will open a new page that looks like the above image containing all your plan and account information. On the left side of the screen will be a button that reads ‘Cancel membership’. Click on it to proceed.

Step 5: Click on ‘Finish Cancellation’

Selecting the ‘Cancel Membership’ button will take you to the landing page as pictured above. Here you’ll be presented with three options: Finish cancellation, Pause for one month or Change your plan (based off of your current plan). To cancel your Netflix membership, you will need to click on the ‘Finish cancellation’ button.

In the example above, the account is currently subscribed to a Standard plan, so we've been given the option of changing to the cheaper, ad-supported plan. The other option, Pause for one month, allows you to take a break from the platform, where you can continue to browse the Netflix library and you can unpause at any time.

It's also worth mentioning that Netflix will hold on to your viewing history for 10 months after you cancel, so if you decide to resubscribe within that time, you won't have to go digging for your favourite shows or movies.

Step 6: Confirmation

If you’ve cancelled your subscription on the day before your new billing cycle, you’ll automatically be redirected to the Netflix sign-on page once the process has been completed. You’ll also receive a cancellation confirmation email to your account’s registered email address.

However, you’ll be able to sign-in and use your Netflix account for the remainder of your monthly billing cycle if you’ve undertaken the cancellation process before your next renewal. After that date, though, your account will indeed be cancelled.

Should you cancel Netflix this month?

Cancelling Netflix will depend on where you need to save and what kind of entertainment you’re after. There’s no denying that Netflix is one of the more expensive streaming services out there — especially if you're unwilling to take the ad-supported route. And with diminishing content quality, it might be worthwhile waiting for truly unmissable shows and movies before reactivating your subscription.

If you're unsure about Netflix, here's a reason to stay subscribed this month.

December is the ideal time to sign up for Netflix, with a festive lineup guaranteed to spark joy for all ages. In the first week of December, new additions include With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, Jay Kelly, My Secret Santa and The Abandons. Mid-month, the latest Benoit Blanc whodunnit, Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man, drops on December 12, followed by Emily in Paris S5 on December 18. And to round out the Boxing Day binge, Stranger Things S5 Part 2 will debut with three episodes before the massive finale on New Year's Day.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide if Netflix is worth your hard-earned cash. If you're still unsure, we have a price guide on Netflix Australia that may be worth checking out.