Definition: What is Audible Subscription Cancellation?
Canceling your Audible subscription is the process of ending your monthly or annual Audible membership, which stops automatic billing and credit accrual. When you cancel, you retain permanent access to all audiobooks you've purchased with credits or money, but you lose access to the Audible Plus catalog (free streaming titles) and won't receive future monthly credits.
Audible subscriptions provide monthly credits (typically 1 credit per month for the basic plan) that you can use to purchase audiobooks. When you cancel, your subscription ends at the end of your current billing period, and you can continue using the service until then. Any unused credits are forfeited upon cancellation, so it's important to use them before canceling.
You can cancel your Audible subscription through the Audible website (audible.com) or the mobile app (Android/iOS). The cancellation process is straightforward, but understanding what you keep and lose is important for making an informed decision.
Key Point: Canceling your Audible subscription doesn't delete your account or remove purchased audiobooks. You keep your entire library of purchased titles permanently, but lose access to Audible Plus and future credits.
What: Understanding Audible Cancellation
When you cancel your Audible subscription, here's what happens:
Keep Purchased Audiobooks
All audiobooks you've purchased with credits or money remain in your library permanently. You can download, listen to, and access these titles even after canceling your subscription.
Your purchased audiobooks are yours to keep forever.
Lose Audible Plus Access
You lose access to the Audible Plus catalog, which includes thousands of free streaming audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals. These titles are only available with an active subscription.
Plus catalog titles are subscription-only benefits.
Forfeit Unused Credits
Any unused credits in your account are forfeited when you cancel. It's recommended to use all credits to purchase audiobooks before canceling to avoid losing them.
Credits don't carry over after cancellation.
Service Until Billing Period Ends
Your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing period. You can continue using Audible Plus and receiving benefits until that date, even after initiating cancellation.
You get full value for the current billing period.
Important: Use all your credits before canceling! Any unused credits are lost when you cancel. Browse your wishlist and purchase audiobooks with your remaining credits to maximize value.
When: When to Cancel Your Audible Subscription
You should consider canceling your Audible subscription in these situations:
Not Using the Service
If you're not listening to audiobooks regularly or have accumulated unused credits, canceling can save money. You can always resubscribe later if needed.
Budget Constraints
If you need to reduce monthly expenses, canceling Audible can free up funds. Your purchased audiobooks remain accessible, so you can still enjoy your existing library.
Switching to Alternative Services
If you're switching to other audiobook services (like Libro.fm, Scribd, or library services), you may want to cancel Audible. Your purchased titles remain accessible.
Temporary Pause Needed
If you need a break from audiobooks but want to keep your account, canceling and resubscribing later is an option. Your library and account remain intact.
Best Practice: Before canceling, use all your credits to purchase audiobooks from your wishlist. This maximizes the value of your subscription and ensures you don't lose credits.
How To: Step-by-Step Guide to Cancel Audible
Follow these steps to cancel your Audible subscription on mobile and desktop:
Method 1: Cancel on Desktop (Recommended)
Use All Your Credits First
Before canceling, browse your wishlist and use all remaining credits to purchase audiobooks. Go to audible.com, sign in, and purchase audiobooks with your credits.
This ensures you don't lose any credits when you cancel.
Go to Audible Website
Visit audible.com in your web browser and sign in to your account. Make sure you're signed in to the correct Audible account.
You can use any web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
Navigate to Account Details
Hover over or click on your name in the top right corner, then select "Account Details" from the dropdown menu. This opens your account settings page.
You'll see options for membership, payment, and account settings.
Go to Membership Details
In Account Details, find and click on "Membership Details" or "View membership details". This section shows your current subscription plan and billing information.
You'll see your plan type, next billing date, and credit balance.
Click Cancel Membership
Find the "Cancel membership" or "Cancel my membership" button/link and click it. Audible may show you retention offers or ask why you're canceling.
You can skip retention offers if you're sure you want to cancel.
Confirm Cancellation
Review the cancellation information, including when your subscription ends and what you'll keep. Click "Confirm cancellation" or "Yes, cancel membership" to finalize.
Your subscription remains active until the end of the current billing period.
Method 2: Cancel on Mobile (Android/iOS)
Open Audible App
Open the Audible app on your Android or iPhone device. Make sure you're signed in to your account.
The app interface may vary slightly between Android and iOS.
Go to Profile
Tap on the "Profile" or "Account" icon (usually in the bottom right or top right corner). This opens your account menu.
Look for your profile picture or account icon.
Select Account Details
Tap on "Account Details" or "Settings" in the profile menu. This may redirect you to the Audible website in your mobile browser.
Some mobile apps redirect to the website for account management.
Follow Desktop Steps
Once in Account Details, follow the same steps as desktop: Membership Details > Cancel membership > Confirm cancellation.
The mobile website interface is similar to desktop.
Pro Tip: Canceling via the desktop website is often easier and more reliable than using the mobile app. If you have trouble canceling on mobile, use a computer or mobile browser to access audible.com directly.
Why: Why Cancel Audible Properly
Canceling your Audible subscription properly is important for several reasons:
Preserve Your Library
Proper cancellation ensures you keep all purchased audiobooks. Your library remains accessible, and you can continue listening to titles you've bought even after canceling.
Maximize Credit Value
Using all credits before canceling ensures you get full value from your subscription. Purchased audiobooks are permanent, while unused credits are lost.
Avoid Unwanted Charges
Proper cancellation stops automatic billing. Your subscription ends at the current billing period, preventing future charges while allowing you to use the service until then.
Service Until Period Ends
When you cancel properly, you retain access to Audible Plus and all benefits until your current billing period ends. You get full value for what you've already paid.
Warning: Simply deleting the app or ignoring billing doesn't cancel your subscription. You must actively cancel through Account Details to stop automatic billing. Unused credits are forfeited upon cancellation, so use them first!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pause my Audible subscription instead of canceling?
Audible doesn't offer a pause feature for subscriptions. You must cancel and resubscribe later if you want to take a break. However, you can cancel and resubscribe at any time, and your library and account remain intact.
How long do I have access after canceling?
You retain access to Audible Plus and all subscription benefits until the end of your current billing period. After that, you lose Plus catalog access but keep all purchased audiobooks permanently.
Can I reactivate my Audible subscription later?
Yes, you can resubscribe to Audible at any time. Simply go to audible.com, sign in, and choose a membership plan. Your account, library, and purchase history remain intact, and you'll regain access to Audible Plus.
What if I cancel through Apple or Google Play?
If you subscribed through Apple App Store or Google Play, you must cancel through those platforms (Settings > Subscriptions). Canceling through Audible directly won't work for app store subscriptions. Check your subscription source first.
Do I get a refund when I cancel Audible?
Audible typically doesn't offer refunds for subscription fees already paid. However, if you cancel within 30 days of subscribing, you may be eligible for a refund. Contact Audible customer service for refund requests. Unused credits are not refundable.