How to Cancel Your Audible Membership on Amazon: A Definitive Guide

So, you’re thinking about parting ways with your Audible membership. Maybe you’ve devoured every audiobook on your wishlist, or perhaps your listening habits have shifted. Whatever the reason, cancelling your Audible subscription is a relatively straightforward process, though it can sometimes feel a bit like navigating a labyrinth within the Amazon ecosystem. Let’s cut through the noise and get straight to the point.

How do I cancel my Audible membership on Amazon? You cannot directly cancel your Audible membership through the Amazon website. Instead, you need to cancel it directly through the Audible website. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Sign in to your Audible account on the Audible website: Go to audible.com on your computer or mobile browser (the process is identical).
2. Navigate to your Account Details: Hover over your name in the top navigation menu and click on “Account Details.”
3. Locate the “Cancel Membership” Option: In the Account Details section, you’ll find a block labeled “Membership Details.” Underneath your current membership information, you should see an option that says “Cancel membership.” Click on it. If you don’t see this option, make sure you are logged into the Audible website and not just your Amazon account.
4. Follow the Prompts: Audible will present you with several screens attempting to dissuade you from canceling. They may offer discounts, free audiobooks, or pauses to your membership. If you’re sure you want to cancel, continue clicking through the prompts, indicating that you still wish to cancel.
5. Confirm Cancellation: You will eventually reach a screen confirming your cancellation. You should also receive an email confirming your cancellation. Make sure to check your spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully cancelled your Audible membership. Remember that you’ll retain access to any audiobooks you purchased with credits or directly, even after your membership ends. Now, let’s dive into some common questions that often arise during this process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cancelling Audible

1. What happens to my Audible credits when I cancel?

Your unused Audible credits are generally forfeited when you cancel your membership. Audible considers these credits to be a perk of the membership, so they are typically withdrawn upon cancellation. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to use all your credits before cancelling to maximize their value. You can browse for audiobooks and redeem your credits right up until the moment you cancel.

2. Can I still listen to audiobooks I bought with credits after I cancel?

Yes! This is a crucial point. Any audiobooks you purchased, whether with credits or through direct purchase, are yours to keep forever. They will remain in your Audible library and can be downloaded and listened to even after your membership is terminated. Think of it like buying a physical book – you own it regardless of whether you continue a library membership.

3. Can I pause my Audible membership instead of canceling?

Absolutely! Audible offers a pause option as an alternative to cancellation. This allows you to temporarily suspend your membership for a period of 1 to 3 months. During the pause, you won’t be charged your monthly fee and won’t receive any new credits, but you’ll retain access to your existing audiobook library. This is a great option if you want a break from your membership without losing your progress or access to your purchased audiobooks. You can reactivate your membership at any time during the pause. This option is presented as an alternative when you attempt to cancel your membership.

4. How do I reactivate my Audible membership after canceling?

Reactivating your Audible membership is simple. Just log in to your Audible account on the Audible website and you should see an option to “Reactivate Membership.” Clicking this will reinstate your membership at the current rate and credit allowance. You’ll instantly regain access to all the membership benefits, including monthly credits and discounts.

5. Will I receive a refund if I cancel my Audible membership in the middle of the month?

Generally, you won’t receive a refund for the unused portion of your current billing cycle when you cancel. Your membership benefits, including access to the Plus Catalog and any purchased credits, will continue until the end of the billing period. Therefore, it’s often best to cancel your membership closer to the end of your billing cycle to maximize your remaining benefits.

6. Can I cancel my Audible membership through the Audible app on my phone or tablet?

While the Audible app is great for listening to audiobooks, you cannot directly cancel your membership through the app. You’ll need to use a web browser (on your phone, tablet, or computer) and follow the steps outlined earlier, accessing the Audible website directly. This is a common point of confusion for many users.

7. I can’t find the “Cancel Membership” option on my account page. What should I do?

If you’re having trouble locating the “Cancel Membership” option, double-check that you’re logged into the correct Audible account – the one associated with the membership you wish to cancel. Also, ensure you are on the Audible website (audible.com) and not just your Amazon website. If you’re still having trouble, contacting Audible customer support is your best bet. They can guide you through the process or manually cancel your membership for you.

8. What is the Audible Plus Catalog, and what happens to access to it when I cancel?

The Audible Plus Catalog is a vast collection of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals that are available for unlimited listening as part of your Audible membership. When you cancel your membership, you lose access to the Plus Catalog. You can no longer listen to these titles without an active membership. However, as mentioned before, any audiobooks you purchased (with credits or directly) remain in your library regardless.

9. Can I rejoin Audible after canceling my membership?

Absolutely! You are always welcome to rejoin Audible after canceling. Simply log in to your Audible account and select the option to reactivate your membership. Keep an eye out for promotional offers that might be available when you rejoin. Sometimes, Audible will offer a special rate or additional credits to entice you back.

10. How do I check my cancellation date to confirm my membership has ended?

After canceling, you should receive a confirmation email from Audible with your cancellation date. You can also check your Account Details on the Audible website. It will show your membership status as “Cancelled” along with the date your membership will officially end.

11. What if I subscribed to Audible through iTunes or Google Play?

If you subscribed to Audible through iTunes (Apple) or Google Play (Android), you’ll need to cancel your membership through their respective subscription management systems, not through the Audible website. Go to your Apple ID subscriptions in your Apple account settings or your Google Play subscriptions in your Google account settings, find your Audible subscription, and cancel it from there. The instructions and interfaces will vary depending on the platform, but the principle is the same: manage the subscription through the platform where you initiated it.

12. Are there alternatives to canceling or pausing my Audible membership to save money?

Yes, there are a few options:

• Downgrade your membership: If you have an Audible Premium Plus plan with more credits than you need, consider downgrading to a plan with fewer credits to reduce your monthly cost.
• Wait for sales and promotions: Audible frequently offers discounts on audiobooks and membership deals. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to purchase audiobooks at a lower price or take advantage of limited-time membership offers.
• Use Audible Escape (Romance Package): If you primarily listen to romance audiobooks, consider Audible Escape (if available). It offers unlimited access to a wide selection of romance titles for a lower monthly fee than a standard Audible Premium Plus membership.

By following these steps and understanding the ins and outs of Audible membership cancellation, you can confidently manage your subscription and ensure a smooth transition. Remember to use those credits and enjoy your existing audiobook library!