How to Cancel Amazon Audible: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever found yourself staring at your bank statement, wondering where that recurring charge came from? Chances are, it’s an Amazon Audible subscription! Millions of people enjoy Audible’s vast library of audiobooks, but sometimes life changes, budgets tighten, or you simply realize you aren’t listening as much as you thought you would. That’s when the question arises: how do I cancel Audible?

Cancelling a subscription can feel like navigating a maze, especially when large companies deliberately bury cancellation options to retain subscribers. This guide aims to simplify the process, walking you through the steps to easily cancel your Audible membership and avoid unwanted charges. We’ll cover different devices and scenarios, ensuring you regain control over your subscriptions and your finances.

What happens to my credits? Can I still listen to my audiobooks?

How do I cancel my Audible membership?

You can cancel your Audible membership by signing in to your account on the Audible website (not the app), navigating to your Account Details page, and then selecting “Cancel membership.” Follow the prompts to complete the cancellation process. Be sure to download any audiobooks you want to keep before cancelling, as you may lose access to them after cancellation depending on your membership type.

Audible makes it relatively straightforward to cancel your membership through their website. The key is to remember that cancellation options are primarily found there, not within the Audible app itself (whether on iOS or Android). Log into your Audible account on a computer or mobile browser for the best experience. Once logged in, look for either “Account Details” or a similar option within your account settings. This is typically found by clicking on your name or profile icon in the top right corner of the website. From there, you should see an option to “Cancel membership” or “Manage Membership” and then “Cancel membership.” Audible may present you with different offers or incentives to stay before proceeding with the cancellation. If you are certain about cancelling, simply continue to follow the prompts. Remember that cancelling your Audible membership may affect your access to previously purchased audiobooks depending on the nature of your subscription. While you should be able to retain access to titles bought with cash or a credit card, titles acquired via credits during your membership may become inaccessible upon cancellation, though Audible allows for a grace period in some instances. It’s wise to download anything you want to keep before you finalize the cancellation.

Will I lose my purchased audiobooks if I cancel Audible?

No, you will not lose access to the audiobooks you’ve purchased with credits or money if you cancel your Audible membership. These audiobooks are yours to keep and will remain in your Audible library, accessible even after your subscription ends.

While canceling your Audible membership will revoke benefits like monthly credits, member discounts, and access to the Audible Plus catalog (if applicable), it will not affect your ownership of previously purchased titles. Think of it like buying a physical book – once you’ve purchased it, it’s yours regardless of whether you continue to shop at that bookstore or not. The same principle applies to audiobooks purchased on Audible. You can access your purchased audiobooks through the Audible app or website, even without an active subscription. Simply log in to your account and navigate to your library, where all your owned titles will be available for download and listening. You might miss out on new member benefits and deals, but your existing audiobook collection remains safe and accessible.

Can I still listen to my audiobooks after canceling my Audible subscription?

Yes, you can still listen to audiobooks you purchased with credits or outright from Audible even after canceling your subscription. These audiobooks are yours to keep and will remain in your Audible library.

While canceling your Audible membership means you lose access to membership benefits like monthly credits, exclusive sales, and discounts, it does not remove the audiobooks you have already acquired. These titles are permanently linked to your Amazon account and can be accessed through the Audible app or website, just as before. You can download them for offline listening whenever you like. However, if you downloaded any audiobooks through the Audible Plus catalog (included with your membership) or returned any titles to get a credit back, those books will no longer be accessible after canceling your subscription. Those titles were part of the “borrowed” content and are only available during active membership.

How do I cancel Audible if I subscribed through the Amazon app store?

To cancel your Audible subscription that you started through the Amazon Appstore, you’ll need to manage the subscription directly through your Amazon account. This is because the subscription is tied to your Amazon account and not directly to the Audible app itself.

To cancel, the easiest way is to visit the Amazon website or use the Amazon app. Navigate to “Your Memberships & Subscriptions” within your Amazon account settings. Look for your Audible subscription in the list of active subscriptions. Here, you should find options to manage the subscription, including the ability to cancel it. Follow the prompts to confirm your cancellation. You’ll typically be given the option to pause your subscription instead of cancelling outright, if you’d prefer to temporarily suspend your payments. It’s important to remember that canceling through the Amazon Appstore method will prevent future charges, but it might not immediately remove your access to Audible content. You’ll generally retain access until the end of your current billing cycle. Also, be aware that if you have Audible credits, you’ll likely lose them when your subscription ends, so it’s a good idea to use them before cancelling.

What happens to my unused credits when I cancel Audible?

When you cancel your Audible subscription, what happens to your unused credits depends on the specific terms of your membership and how long you’ve been a member. Generally, you will forfeit any unused credits if you cancel your membership. Audible often allows a short grace period or offers the option to use your remaining credits before the cancellation takes full effect.

Audible’s policy is designed to encourage active usage of credits while you’re a member. Since the monthly fee you pay is partially based on receiving these credits, the expectation is that you’ll redeem them regularly. When you cancel, Audible removes access to benefits tied to active membership, including the continued right to redeem credits. It’s strongly recommended you use any remaining credits *before* you cancel. To avoid losing credits, consider these options: redeem them for audiobooks you want to keep, pause your membership instead of cancelling, which may allow you to retain credits temporarily, or contact Audible customer support to inquire about your specific situation and any potential options. Sometimes, they may offer a compromise depending on your membership history.

Is there a cancellation fee for Audible?

No, Audible does not charge a cancellation fee. You can cancel your membership at any time without incurring any extra charges beyond what you’ve already paid for your current billing cycle. However, cancellation terms may vary slightly depending on specific promotions or offers you may have signed up for.

Cancelling your Audible membership is generally straightforward, and Audible aims to make the process relatively painless to avoid deterring customers. If you cancel before your next billing date, you will typically retain access to any audiobooks you purchased with credits or cash, as these are yours to keep permanently. However, if you cancel, any credits you haven’t used may be forfeited, unless you are offered an alternative like a refund or extension. It’s best to check the specific terms of your cancellation offer as presented during the cancellation process. While there isn’t a cancellation fee, Audible may try to retain you as a customer by offering incentives, such as a discounted rate for a few months or bonus credits. These offers can be beneficial if you still plan to use the service occasionally. If you’re cancelling because you haven’t been using Audible enough, pausing your membership might be a better option, if available, as it allows you to retain your credits and resume your membership later.

Can I pause my Audible membership instead of canceling it?

Yes, in most cases, you can pause your Audible membership instead of canceling it entirely. Audible offers a pause feature that allows you to temporarily suspend your membership for a specified period, typically up to three months.

Audible’s pause feature is a convenient option if you know you won’t be actively using your account for a while but don’t want to lose your accumulated credits or your access to the Audible library titles you’ve purchased. During the pause, you won’t be charged membership fees. You will, however, typically be unable to use your existing credits or receive new monthly credits until you reactivate your membership. You will still retain access to all titles you purchased with credits or outright. To initiate a pause, you’ll usually need to navigate to your Audible account settings on the Audible website (not the app). The exact steps might vary slightly depending on your membership type and location, but it generally involves looking for options like “Pause Membership,” “Suspend Membership,” or contacting Audible customer support directly for assistance. Keep in mind that some older Audible plans or those obtained through specific promotions might not be eligible for pausing. If you don’t see the option to pause, contact Audible customer support for further clarification.

And that’s all there is to it! Canceling your Audible membership is pretty straightforward. Thanks for reading this guide, and we hope it helped you out. Even though you’re saying goodbye to Audible for now, we hope you’ll consider coming back sometime in the future for more audiobook adventures. Happy listening (or, you know, reading)!