Cancelling your Amazon Prime Movie subscription, whether it’s a specific channel add-on like Paramount+ or the full Amazon Prime Video offering, is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can manage your subscriptions efficiently and avoid unwanted charges.
Understanding Your Amazon Movie Subscription Options
Before diving into the cancellation process, it’s crucial to understand the different types of movie subscriptions you might have through Amazon:
- Amazon Prime Video: This is included with a regular Amazon Prime membership. Cancelling Prime will also terminate your access to Prime Video.
- Prime Video Channels: These are additional subscriptions you can add to your Prime Video account, such as HBO Max (now Max), Showtime, Starz, Paramount+, and many others.
- Standalone Prime Video Subscription: Some users may have a standalone Prime Video subscription without the other benefits of a full Prime membership.
The cancellation steps vary slightly depending on which type of subscription you have. This article covers all scenarios.
Cancelling a Prime Video Channel Subscription
Prime Video Channels are managed separately from your main Prime membership. This means you can cancel channels without affecting your core Prime benefits.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cancelling Channels
Here’s how to cancel a Prime Video Channel subscription:
- Sign In to Your Amazon Account: Go to the Amazon website and sign in with the account you use for Prime Video.
- Access Your Account & Lists: Hover over “Account & Lists” in the top right corner of the page.
- Select “Memberships & Subscriptions”: This option will take you to a page listing all your subscriptions managed through Amazon.
- Find Prime Video Channels: Look for the section labelled “Prime Video Channels.” You may need to scroll down.
- Identify the Channel You Want to Cancel: Find the specific channel (e.g., Paramount+) you wish to cancel in the list.
- Click “Cancel Channel”: Next to the channel name, there will be an option to “Cancel Channel” or “Cancel Subscription.” Click this.
- Confirm Your Cancellation: You’ll likely be presented with options to pause your subscription or continue with the cancellation. Follow the prompts and confirm your choice. You might also be offered a discounted rate to stay subscribed. Be sure to read the terms carefully before proceeding.
- Verify Cancellation: You should receive a confirmation email and the channel should no longer appear in your list of active subscriptions. The expiration date of your access to the channel will also be displayed, allowing you to watch until the end of your billing cycle.
Important Considerations for Channel Cancellations
- Billing Cycle: You’ll usually have access to the channel until the end of your current billing cycle, even after you cancel.
- Cancellation Timing: It’s best to cancel a few days before your next billing date to ensure the cancellation processes fully and avoids unwanted charges.
- Re-subscribing: You can re-subscribe to a channel at any time through your Amazon account.
Cancelling an Amazon Prime or Standalone Prime Video Subscription
Cancelling your Amazon Prime or standalone Prime Video subscription is a more significant decision as it affects access to other Prime benefits.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cancelling Prime/Prime Video
- Sign In to Your Amazon Account: As before, go to the Amazon website and sign in.
- Access Your Account & Lists: Hover over “Account & Lists.”
- Select “Prime Membership”: Choose this option to manage your Prime membership settings. If you only have a standalone Prime Video subscription, you may see a different option like “Prime Video Settings” or similar.
- Manage Membership: On the Prime Membership page, look for the “Manage Membership” or “Update, cancel and more” option.
- End Membership: Select “End Membership” or a similar option indicating you want to cancel your Prime subscription.
- Review Benefits and Options: Amazon will likely show you the benefits you’ll lose and may offer alternative options, such as downgrading to a less expensive plan or putting your membership on hold.
- Confirm Cancellation: Proceed through the prompts to confirm your cancellation. You may need to click through multiple screens.
- Verify Cancellation: Check for a confirmation email and verify that your Prime status has changed in your account settings.
Considerations for Cancelling Prime/Prime Video
- Refund Eligibility: Depending on your usage and the timing of your cancellation, you may be eligible for a partial refund. Amazon’s refund policy can be found in their help section.
- Lost Benefits: Cancelling Prime will remove benefits like free shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Reading, and other exclusive member perks.
- Account Access: Cancelling Prime will not close your Amazon account; you can still use it to make purchases, but without Prime benefits.
- Standalone Prime Video: If you have a standalone Prime Video subscription, the cancellation steps are similar, focusing specifically on the video subscription settings.
Troubleshooting Cancellation Issues
Sometimes, cancellations don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues and solutions:
- Billing Charges After Cancellation: Verify the cancellation confirmation and check your billing statement carefully. Contact Amazon customer support immediately with proof of cancellation if you’re charged after the supposed end date.
- Difficulty Finding Cancellation Options: Double-check you are logged into the correct Amazon account. If you still can’t find the options, contact Amazon customer support for assistance.
- Accidental Subscription: If you accidentally subscribed to a channel, contact Amazon customer support immediately. They may be able to offer a refund, especially if you haven’t used the service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about cancelling Amazon Prime movie subscriptions:
1. Will I get a refund if I cancel my Amazon Prime movie subscription?
Refund eligibility depends on when you cancel your subscription and how much you’ve used it. Amazon’s policies regarding refunds are outlined in their help section. If you haven’t used the benefits of Prime (e.g., free shipping, Prime Video) and cancel shortly after being charged, you’re more likely to receive a full refund. For Prime Video Channels, you’ll generally have access until the end of your billing cycle, regardless of when you cancel, and won’t receive a refund.
2. How long does it take for my Amazon Prime movie subscription to be cancelled?
The cancellation is usually processed immediately. However, access to the movie subscription (Prime Video or a channel) will typically continue until the end of your current billing cycle.
3. Can I pause my Amazon Prime movie subscription instead of cancelling it?
Some Prime Video Channels offer the option to pause your subscription for a limited time. This is a great alternative if you only need a temporary break. Check the subscription settings for the specific channel to see if a pause option is available. You typically cannot “pause” a full Prime membership, but you can choose not to renew it.
4. Will I lose access to my purchased or rented movies if I cancel my Amazon Prime movie subscription?
No, cancelling your Amazon Prime movie subscription will not affect your access to movies you have purchased or rented. These purchases are tied to your Amazon account, not your Prime membership. You can still access them through your Amazon account.
5. How do I confirm that my Amazon Prime movie subscription has been cancelled?
Check your email for a cancellation confirmation email from Amazon. You can also verify the cancellation by going to your “Memberships & Subscriptions” page on Amazon and confirming that the subscription is no longer listed as active.
6. Can I cancel my Amazon Prime movie subscription through the Prime Video app?
You can manage your subscriptions, including cancellations, through the Prime Video app on most devices. The process is similar to cancelling on the website, leading you to your Amazon account settings.
7. What happens to my watch history after I cancel my Amazon Prime movie subscription?
Your watch history is generally retained even after you cancel your subscription. However, clearing your watch history is possible through your Amazon account settings if you desire.
8. Is it possible to cancel a specific movie rental on Amazon Prime Video?
No, once you rent a movie on Amazon Prime Video, you cannot cancel the rental. You will have the allotted time (usually 30 days to start watching, and 48 hours once you start watching) to view the movie.
9. How do I cancel an Amazon Prime Student membership?
The process for cancelling an Amazon Prime Student membership is the same as cancelling a regular Prime membership. Follow the steps outlined above to access your Prime Membership settings and proceed with cancellation. Remember to check for refund eligibility based on your usage.
10. Can I cancel my Amazon Prime movie subscription immediately and get a full refund?
This depends on Amazon’s refund policy and how much you’ve used your Prime benefits. If you cancel shortly after being charged and haven’t used the benefits extensively, you have a better chance of receiving a full refund. Contact Amazon customer support to inquire about your specific situation.
11. What are the alternatives to cancelling my Amazon Prime movie subscription?
Consider alternatives like downgrading to a cheaper plan (if available), pausing your subscription (for channels), or simply not renewing when your current subscription expires. Evaluate your usage and needs to determine the best option for you.
12. Who do I contact if I have trouble cancelling my Amazon Prime movie subscription?
Contact Amazon customer support directly through their website or app. You can find contact information and options for live chat, phone support, and email support in the help section of the Amazon website. Be prepared to provide your account information and details about your subscription for faster assistance.