You can change your Netflix plan directly in your account settings on any device

Log into Netflix on a web browser, phone, or tablet. Go to your account settings — usually found in a menu under your profile picture or name. Select "Membership" or "Plan Details." From there you can switch to a different tier, pause your subscription, or cancel. The change takes effect immediately or on your next billing date, depending on which plan you choose.

Netflix offers several plan levels at different price points. The specific plans and prices available to you depend on your country and when you signed up. Switching between plans takes about two minutes and requires no phone call or customer service contact.

Key Takeaways

  • Plan changes happen in your account settings under "Membership" and take effect right away or on your next billing date.
  • Downgrading to a cheaper plan usually starts on your next billing cycle, while upgrading can start immediately.
  • You can pause your subscription for up to ten months without canceling, and your payment method stays on file.
  • Canceling removes your account entirely, but you can restart it later using the same email address.

Where to find your plan settings

On a computer, go to netflix.com and sign in. Click your profile icon in the top right corner. Select "Account" from the dropdown menu. Under "Membership & Billing," click "Change Plan" or "Manage Plan."

On a phone or tablet, open the Netflix app. Tap the profile icon at the bottom right. Scroll down and tap "Account." Select "Membership" or "Plan Details." You may be directed to a web browser to complete the change, depending on your device and operating system.

Upgrading versus downgrading your plan

When you upgrade to a more expensive plan, Netflix usually charges you a prorated amount for the remainder of your current billing cycle, then the new price applies to your next full cycle. The upgrade takes effect immediately, so you can use the higher tier right away.

When you downgrade to a cheaper plan, the change typically takes effect on your next billing date, not immediately. You keep access to your current plan until that date arrives. If you downgrade mid-cycle, you will not receive a refund for the difference.

Pausing your subscription instead of canceling

Netflix allows you to pause your account for up to ten months. While paused, you are not charged, but your profile, viewing history, and saved shows remain intact. You can resume at any time by logging back in or changing your account settings.

Pausing is useful if you know you will not watch for a few months but want to keep your account active. To pause, go to your account settings, select "Membership," and look for a "Pause Membership" or "Pause Subscription" option. The exact wording varies by country.

Canceling your account

To cancel, go to your account settings under "Membership" and select "Cancel Membership" or "Cancel Subscription." Netflix will ask you to confirm and may offer you a discount to stay. You can decline and proceed with cancellation. Your account closes at the end of your current billing cycle, and you lose access to Netflix after that date.

Cancellation is permanent for that account, but you can create a new Netflix account later using the same email address. Your viewing history and saved shows from the canceled account will not transfer to a new account.

What happens to your payment method

When you change plans, your payment method stays the same unless you update it separately. Netflix charges your card or payment account on the same day each month. If your payment method expires or fails, Netflix will attempt to charge it several times before suspending your account.

To update your payment method, go to account settings and select "Billing Info" or "Payment Method." You can add a new card, remove an old one, or switch between payment options. Changes take effect immediately for your next charge.

Plan changes on shared or family accounts

If you share your Netflix account with others, changing the plan affects everyone on that account. A higher tier may allow more simultaneous streams or better video quality, while a lower tier reduces both. Anyone currently watching will not be kicked off immediately, but the new restrictions apply to future sessions.

If you want to separate from a shared account, you will need to create your own Netflix account with a different email address and payment method. The original account owner controls the plan and billing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my plan in the middle of my billing cycle?

Yes. Upgrading takes effect immediately and you pay a prorated amount for the rest of your cycle. Downgrading takes effect on your next billing date, and you keep your current plan until then. You will not receive a refund if you downgrade mid-cycle.

What if I forget my Netflix password?

Go to netflix.com and click "Sign In." Select "Need help signing in?" and enter your email address. Netflix sends a password reset link to that email. Click the link and create a new password. You can then log in and access your account settings.

Can I get my money back if I cancel?

Netflix does not refund charges for the current billing cycle. Your account remains active until the end of that cycle. If you cancel mid-cycle, you keep access to Netflix through your billing date but are not charged again.

What if my plan change doesn't show up?

Refresh your browser or close and reopen the Netflix app. Sign out completely and sign back in. If the change still does not appear, wait a few minutes — Netflix sometimes takes time to update across all devices. If it persists after an hour, contact Netflix support through your account settings.

Can I switch back to a plan I had before?

Yes. You can change to any available plan at any time. If a specific plan is no longer offered in your country, Netflix will show you the closest alternative. Your viewing history and saved shows remain the same regardless of which plan you choose.