How to change your Netflix plan
You can change your Netflix plan at any time through your account settings on any device. Log in to Netflix, go to your account menu (usually in the top right corner), select "Account," then find "Membership" or "Plan details." From there you can see your current plan, what each plan costs, and switch to a different tier. The change takes effect immediately, and Netflix will adjust your next billing date based on what you've already paid.
If you downgrade to a cheaper plan, Netflix credits the difference toward your next bill. If you upgrade to a more expensive plan, you'll pay the difference right away, and your billing cycle stays the same. You do not need to contact Netflix customer service to make this change — the entire process happens in your account settings.
The plans available depend on your country and current subscription type. Standard plans typically include HD streaming and multiple simultaneous streams, while premium plans add 4K resolution. Basic plans usually limit you to one stream at a time and standard definition. Netflix occasionally changes plan names and pricing, so the exact options you see will reflect what's current in your region.
Key Takeaways
- You change your plan through Account > Membership in your Netflix settings, and the change takes effect immediately.
- Downgrading credits the unused portion to your next bill; upgrading charges you the difference right away.
- Your billing cycle does not reset when you change plans — Netflix adjusts based on what you've already paid.
- You can switch plans as often as you want, and there is no penalty for downgrading or canceling.
- Plan names, prices, and available tiers vary by country and change periodically.
What happens to your viewing history and saved content when you downgrade
Your viewing history, saved shows, and watchlist remain intact no matter which plan you switch to. Downgrading does not delete your profile or erase what you've watched. The only difference is the video quality and how many people can stream at the same time.
If you downgrade from a plan that allows 4K to one that does not, Netflix will simply stream in the highest quality your new plan supports. You can still watch the same content — it just plays in a lower resolution. Your profile, preferences, and recommendations stay exactly as they were.
How to cancel Netflix instead of changing your plan
If you want to stop paying for Netflix entirely, you cancel through the same Account menu. Go to Account > Membership, scroll to the bottom, and select "Cancel membership" or "Cancel your subscription." Netflix will ask you to confirm and may show you a discount offer to keep you as a customer. If you proceed, your access ends at the end of your current billing period — you do not lose service immediately.
You will receive an email confirming the cancellation. Your profile and viewing history are saved for a limited time (usually around 10 months), so if you resubscribe later, you can recover your watchlist and recommendations. There is no cancellation fee, and you do not need to contact support.
Pausing your subscription instead of canceling
Netflix offers a pause option in some countries that lets you temporarily stop your subscription without canceling. If available in your region, you'll see "Pause membership" in your Account settings. Pausing typically lasts two to three months, and your billing pauses during that time. When the pause period ends, Netflix automatically resumes charging you unless you cancel or pause again.
Pausing is useful if you know you won't use Netflix for a few months but want to keep your profile and settings. It costs nothing and does not affect your saved content. Check your Account > Membership section to see if this option is available where you are.
Changing payment method or billing address
You can update your payment method and billing address in Account > Billing details or Payment info (the exact label varies by device and region). Add a new credit card, debit card, or other payment method, then set it as your primary payment source. Netflix will charge your new payment method on your next billing date.
If your payment fails, Netflix sends you an email and usually gives you several days to update your payment information before suspending your account. You can fix this at any time through your billing settings, and your service resumes once the payment goes through.
Switching between different Netflix accounts or profiles
If you share a Netflix account with others, each person can have their own profile within the same subscription. Profiles have separate watchlists, viewing history, and recommendations. You switch between profiles by selecting a different profile name when you open Netflix or by going to your account menu and choosing a different profile.
If you want to move to a completely separate Netflix account (not just a different profile on the same subscription), you'll need to create a new account with a different email address and payment method. Your old profile's history does not transfer to the new account, though you can manually add shows to a new watchlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my plan on my phone or tablet?
Yes. Open the Netflix app, tap your profile icon, go to Account, then Membership or Plan details. The process is the same as on a computer. Some older app versions may require you to go through a web browser instead, but Netflix generally supports plan changes through the mobile app.
What if I change my plan and then change my mind?
You can switch back to your previous plan at any time through your Account settings. There is no waiting period or penalty. If you downgraded and then upgrade again, Netflix charges you the difference for the remainder of your billing cycle.
Do I lose my shows and movies if I downgrade?
No. Your library, watchlist, and viewing history stay the same. The only change is video quality and how many people can stream simultaneously. You can still watch everything your new plan includes.
When does my new plan price take effect?
If you upgrade, you pay the difference immediately and your billing date stays the same. If you downgrade, the new price takes effect on your next regular billing date, and Netflix credits the unused portion of your current plan toward that date.
Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?
Netflix does not refund partial months. When you cancel, your access continues until the end of your current billing period. You stop being charged after that date. If you cancel and then resubscribe within a few months, your profile and history are usually still there.