Whether you’re trimming your budget, tired of price increases, or just not using those free two-day shipping benefits anymore, you’ve decided it’s time to cut ties with your subscription. However, navigating the Amazon interface to find the cancel Amazon Prime button can sometimes feel like a deliberate maze.
We understand. No one wants to waste time searching through nested menus.
The process is actually quite simple once you know exactly where to click. Even better? Depending on how much you’ve used the service, you may be entitled to a full refund! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the cancellation process on both desktop and mobile, ensuring you stop that next recurring charge and potentially get your money back.
Key Takeaways
- The Refund Rule: If you haven’t used any Prime benefits (like shipping or video streaming) since your last charge, you qualify for a full refund.
- Don’t wait: Cancel immediately to prevent the next charge, but remember your benefits remain active until the end of the paid period.
- Easy Path: The quickest way to start the cancellation is by navigating directly to the ‘Manage Prime Membership’ page in your account settings.
- Keep Your Account: Canceling Prime does not close your regular Amazon shopping account.
Step 1: Navigate to Your Prime Membership Settings
The first step in how to cancel Amazon Prime is getting to the correct page on your account. The process is similar whether you are using a desktop browser or the mobile app.
On Desktop (Browser)
- Log in to your Amazon account.
- In the top right corner, hover over “Account & Lists.”
- Click on “Prime Membership.” This takes you directly to the management page.
On the Amazon Mobile App
- Open the Amazon App and tap the person icon (usually located at the bottom center).
- Tap on “Your Account.”
- Under the “Account Settings” section, find and tap “Manage Prime Membership.”
Step 2: Initiate the Cancellation Process
Once you are on the “Manage Prime Membership” page, look for the following options:
- Look to the right side of the screen, under the heading “Membership Management.”
- Find the link that says “Update, Cancel and More.”
- Click the drop-down menu and select “End Membership.”
Note: Amazon will try to convince you to stay. They will likely show you a page listing all the benefits you will lose (free shipping, Prime Video, etc.). Don’t worry; this is just marketing.
Step 3: Confirm Cancellation and Check Refund Eligibility
After clicking through a few screens designed to deter you, you will arrive at the final confirmation page. This is where you confirm the cancellation and see your refund status.
- Scroll to the bottom of the deterring screens.
- You should see a final button labeled “End My Membership.” Click this.
- On the final confirmation screen, Amazon will clearly state your refund status:
- Full Refund: If you have not used any Prime services (shipping, video, music) since your last renewal date.
- Partial Refund: Less common, but sometimes applicable if you used only one service minimally.
- No Refund: If you have actively used Prime benefits (e.g., used free shipping on a recent order or streamed a Prime Video movie).
Remember: If you cancel today, your benefits usually remain active until the last day of your current billing cycle. The membership will simply not renew.
What Happens When You Cancel?
| Amazon Prime Benefit | Status After Cancellation | Key Takeaway |
| Free 2-Day Shipping | Ends immediately upon expiration date. | You revert to standard shipping rates. |
| Prime Video / Music | Access ends upon expiration date. | You lose access to the included library. |
| Membership Fee | Stops being charged on the renewal date. | Crucial: Your goal is achieved—no more automatic payments. |
| Amazon Account | Stays active. | You can still shop on Amazon normally. |
Alternative: Downgrading and Pausing
If you are canceling because you are traveling or just won’t need the service for a few months, Amazon sometimes offers alternative options to outright cancel Amazon Prime.
1. The “Remind Me Later” Trick
If your renewal is coming up soon, Amazon may offer a “Remind Me Later” option. This will send you a notification three days before your membership auto-renews, giving you a final chance to cancel before you are billed.
2. Check for Promotional Discounts
When you initiate the cancellation process, Amazon occasionally offers a one-time discount (e.g., $20 off the annual fee) to entice you to stay. If you planned to come back anyway, this can save you money.
3. Switch to a Monthly Plan
If the annual fee is too much, you can sometimes switch your plan from annual to monthly. This costs more overall but offers greater budget flexibility and easier cancellation next time.
Conclusion
Canceling your Amazon Prime membership is a straightforward, if slightly annoying, digital process. By navigating directly to the “Manage Prime Membership” page and firmly clicking through the “End Membership” prompts, you can stop the recurring charge and secure any applicable refund.
You have taken control of your subscription expenses! Enjoy the money you’re saving, and remember, you can always rejoin Prime later if your circumstances change.
Would you like me to find the current monthly and annual price for an Amazon Prime membership in your region, so you can compare it to your savings?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I get a refund if I cancel my annual Prime membership?
A: Yes, potentially a full refund. Amazon grants a full refund if you cancel within three business days of signing up or renewing and you haven’t used any Prime benefits. If you have used some benefits, they will generally not issue a refund for the period you have already paid for.
Q: Can I still use my regular Amazon account after I cancel Prime?
A: Absolutely. Canceling Prime only removes the paid benefits (shipping, streaming, etc.). Your main Amazon shopping account, purchase history, saved payment methods, and wish lists all remain intact.
Q: How long does it take for the refund to be processed?
A: If you are eligible for a refund, it usually takes 3 to 5 business days for Amazon to process the payment and 7 to 10 business days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method.
Q: What is the last button I click to confirm cancellation?
A: The final, definitive button you need to click is usually labeled “End My Membership” or “Continue to Cancel.” This is usually on the final screen after Amazon has shown you all the benefits you lose.
