Learn how to take a break from Netflix
Abstract created by Sensible Solutions AI
In abstract:
- PCWorld explains how you can handle Netflix fatigue by both pausing your subscription for as much as three months or cancelling whereas retaining profile information for twenty-four months.
- Taking breaks from Netflix is more and more frequent as a result of content material fatigue and value will increase, with rotating between completely different streaming providers as a viable technique.
- Each choices are accessible via your account settings on Netflix’s web site, although pausing isn’t out there for Fundamental plans. Detailed directions are supplied under.
Perhaps you’re sick of the worth hikes. Perhaps you’re not eager on the password-sharing crackdown. Or possibly there’s simply nothing you need to watch anymore. Regardless of the purpose, you is likely to be questioning: Is it time for a Netflix break?
The thought of placing Netflix on pause is extra fraught than it’s for different streaming providers. For many people, Netflix has been in our lives for many years–heck, I used to be a Netflix subscriber for almost 20 years straight–whereas the opposite massive streamers are barely a number of years previous.
As a result of it’s been round for thus lengthy, Netflix can begin to really feel like a utility–you understand, one thing you pay for mechanically, like water and electrical energy. (Or taxes.)
However, my angle towards the newer streamers (like, say, HBO Max or Peacock) is simple come, simple go. When there’s one thing particular my household desires to look at, we enroll. As soon as we’re completed, we cancel. Caught up with the most recent season of Hacks or The Traitors? Byeeeee!
What makes Netflix so particular, then? Good query–and certainly, after months of flicking via row after row of Netflix movies that I didn’t need to stream, I noticed I had a critical case of Netflix fatigue.
Lastly, I had sufficient–I canceled Netflix, and I’m glad I did. We’ll get again to Netflix finally, however it’ll have to attend its flip whereas we rotate via the opposite massive streamers, one after the other.
So, repeat after me: You can take a break from Netflix. It’s okay. And simply since you go away doesn’t imply you may’t return.
Learn how to take a break out of your Netflix subscription
There are literally a few methods to take a Netflix break: both by pausing your membership (a comparatively new possibility) or by cancelling your subscription outright.
What’s the distinction between simply pausing and cancelling? For those who pause your Netflix membership, it is going to solely keep paused for a month, and your subscription will begin up once more as soon as your month is up. You possibly can briefly “prolong” the pause if you want, however not indefinitely.
Click on Handle membership to begin the method of pausing or cancelling your Netflix subscription.
Ben Patterson/Foundry
For those who cancel your Netflix membership, it is going to (in fact) keep canceled. However right here’s the factor: Netflix will preserve your membership particulars, together with your profiles, watch record, video rankings, and suggestions, for as much as 24 months after you click on the “cancel” button.
Supplied you bear in mind to restart your subscription earlier than these 24 months are up, you’re basically placing your membership on maintain.
Put your Netflix membership on pause
Simply need to pause your Netfllix subscription for a month or so? Right here’s what you do.
- Open Netflix on the internet, click on your profile icon within the top-right nook of the display screen, then click on Account.
- Close to the highest of the Account display screen, slightly below the place it says how lengthy you’ve been a member (guilt journey!), you’ll discover the Handle membership button. Go forward and click on it.
- On the next web page, click on the Cancel Membership button; once you do, you’ll be offered with a number of choices, together with Change plan, Pause for a month, and Cancel.
- Click on the Pause for a month possibility, and also you’re set–your Netflix subscription will pause for a month beginning in your subsequent billing date.

You possibly can pause your Netflix subscription for as much as three months at a time.
Ben Patterson/Foundry
Per week earlier than your “pause” is over, Netflix offers you the choice to pause your membership for an additional month. Remember the fact that you may solely pause your Netflix subscription for as much as three months at a time.
Naturally, Netflix makes it simple to unpause your subscription everytime you need; simply go to Netflix on the internet on cell, and also you’ll see distinguished “unpause your membership?” prompts. For those who do select to unpause your membership, you’ll be charged instantly for the following month, and your billing cycle will change accordingly.
Notice: You possibly can’t pause your membership in the event you’re on the Fundamental plan, nor are you able to pause in the event you pay by way of direct debit, a present card, or different “accomplice” funds.
Cancel your Netflix membership
Need to take an extended break from Netflix, or cancel your subscription for good? Go to Netflix on the internet, click on Account within the top-right nook of the display screen, then click on Handle Membership, Cancel Membership, and eventually End Cancellation.
Regardless of Netflix’s dire warnings about shedding entry to your private suggestions, your account profiles and different particulars will stay secure and sound for no less than 24 months (beforehand it was solely 10 months); after that, your Netflix information is topic to being purged.
Up to date to mirror current adjustments in Netflix’s cancellation and membership-pause insurance policies.

