Remember that free YouTube Premium trial you signed up for? The one you promised yourself you'd cancel before they started charging your card? Yeah, that one. Let's get that sorted.
First things first, grab your phone or head to your computer. This isn't brain surgery, but a screen and a steady hand are definitely beneficial (for tapping, not actual surgery!).
On Your Phone (Android or iPhone – We Don't Discriminate!)
Open the YouTube app. It's that red square with the white triangle. You know, the one you spend hours watching cat videos on.
Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner. It's probably a blurry selfie or a picture of your pet. No judgement.
A menu will pop up. Look for "Purchases and memberships." Tap that. It's where all the magic (or potentially, expensive surprises) happens.
You should see your YouTube Premium membership listed. Underneath it, you should find an option to "Manage." Click on it.
This is where the moment of truth arrives. You should see a button or link that says something like "Cancel membership" or "Deactivate." Don't be afraid! Tap it!
YouTube might try to guilt trip you with a sad message about how much you'll miss ad-free viewing. Don't fall for it! Be strong.
Confirm your cancellation when prompted. They might ask why you're leaving. You can tell them it's because you're training to become a professional ad watcher. Or just select a generic reason. It's up to you.
You should receive a confirmation email that your membership has been cancelled. Hooray! Victory is yours! Now, go treat yourself to something nice with all that money you saved. Maybe more cat videos?
On Your Computer (For Those Who Prefer a Bigger Screen)
Open your web browser and go to the YouTube website. You know, the one you keep open in a tab for "research purposes."
Click on your profile picture in the top right corner. Same blurry selfie rules apply.
Click on "Purchases and memberships" in the dropdown menu. It should be on the left side of your screen.
Find your YouTube Premium membership and click "Manage membership." Prepare for the cancelation dance.
Look for the "Deactivate" or "Cancel membership" button. It's often hiding in plain sight, like a shy kitten.
Click it. Again, prepare for YouTube's attempt to tug at your heartstrings.
Confirm your cancellation. It's okay; you're not breaking up with them, just pausing your relationship. Maybe you'll rekindle things later.
You should receive a confirmation email. Congrats, you've successfully navigated the labyrinthine world of online subscriptions! You deserve a medal. Or at least a longer coffee break.
Important Caveats (Just a Few, We Promise!)
Make sure to cancel at least 24 hours before your free trial ends. Otherwise, you might get charged for the next month. No one wants that surprise on their credit card statement.
You'll still have YouTube Premium benefits until the end of your free trial period. So, enjoy those ad-free videos while they last!
If you're having trouble finding the cancellation option, check YouTube's help center. They have detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips. Or ask a friend who's good with computers. They'll probably enjoy the opportunity to show off their tech skills.
And that's it! You've successfully cancelled your YouTube Premium free trial. Go forth and conquer the internet, one ad-supported video at a time!
