What iQIYI is and who runs it

iQIYI is a Chinese video streaming service owned by Baidu, one of China's largest tech companies. It streams TV shows, movies, and original content primarily in Mandarin Chinese, though some titles include English subtitles or dubbed audio. The service is available in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and through international apps in other countries, though content and pricing vary by region.

If you're in the United States or Canada, you access iQIYI through its standalone app or website. The company operates its own payment system and customer support separate from other streaming platforms. Unlike Netflix or Disney+, iQIYI does not bundle with other services or offer family plans in most regions.

Key Takeaways

  • iQIYI offers a free tier with ads and paid tiers that remove ads and unlock premium content, with pricing that varies by region and currency.
  • Most paid subscriptions renew automatically each month or year, and you cancel through your account settings or the payment method you used to sign up.
  • Content is primarily in Mandarin Chinese; English subtitles are available on many titles but not all, and dubbed versions are rare.
  • iQIYI's library changes regularly, and shows or movies you watch may disappear when licensing agreements end.
  • If you signed up through a third-party app store (Apple, Google Play, Amazon), you may need to cancel through that store rather than iQIYI's website.

Subscription tiers and what each one includes

iQIYI offers a free tier supported by advertisements. You can watch a limited selection of content without paying, but ads play before, during, and after videos. The free tier does not include access to the newest episodes of shows or premium original content.

Paid tiers remove ads and unlock more recent episodes and exclusive shows. The exact tier names and prices vary by region — in the United States, iQIYI typically offers monthly and annual options at different price points. A monthly subscription renews automatically each month unless you cancel, and an annual subscription renews after twelve months. Check iQIYI's website or app for current pricing in your country, as rates change and regional pricing differs.

Some paid tiers also include early access to new episodes or the ability to download content to watch offline, though these features depend on which tier you choose and where you live. Read the description of each tier before you pay to confirm what you're getting.

How to sign up and set up payment

To create an iQIYI account, download the app or visit iQIYI's website and select "Sign Up." You'll need an email address or phone number, a password, and your country or region. Some regions also require a payment method at signup even for the free tier, while others do not.

If you want a paid subscription, you add a payment method in your account settings. iQIYI accepts credit cards, debit cards, and in some regions, local payment methods like Alipay or WeChat Pay. When you choose a paid tier, the first charge happens immediately, and then the subscription renews on the same date each month or year depending on which plan you picked.

If you sign up through an app store — Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore — the payment goes through that store instead of directly to iQIYI. Your subscription still renews automatically, but you cancel it through the app store's settings, not through iQIYI's website.

Canceling your subscription

To cancel an iQIYI subscription you signed up for directly on the website or app, log into your account, go to account settings or subscription management, and select the option to cancel. The exact steps depend on whether you're using the website or mobile app, but both have a cancellation option in the subscription or billing section. You can cancel anytime, and your access continues until the end of your current billing period.

If you signed up through Apple, Google Play, or Amazon, you must cancel through that app store's subscription settings, not through iQIYI. On Apple devices, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions and select iQIYI. On Android through Google Play, open the Play Store app, tap your profile icon, select Subscriptions, and find iQIYI. On Amazon devices, go to Your Account > Subscriptions and select iQIYI to cancel.

After you cancel, you lose access to paid features immediately, though you can still use the free tier if iQIYI offers one in your region. If you cancel before your billing date, you won't be charged again.

Content, language, and what changes over time

iQIYI's library is primarily in Mandarin Chinese. Many titles include English subtitles, but not all — check the subtitle options on a specific show or movie before you start watching. Dubbed versions in English are uncommon; most international content on iQIYI is subtitled rather than dubbed.

The content available changes regularly because iQIYI licenses shows and movies for set periods. A series you watch may disappear from the service when the license expires, even if you started watching it. iQIYI does not always announce when content is leaving, so if you find something you want to watch, start it soon rather than saving it for later.

iQIYI produces original shows and movies, many of which are exclusive to the platform. These originals are often available only in Mandarin, though some have English subtitles. New episodes of ongoing series typically release on a weekly schedule, and iQIYI sometimes offers early access to new episodes if you pay for a higher tier.

Troubleshooting common issues

If your subscription won't start or you're charged but can't access paid content, first check that you're logged into the correct account. If you have multiple iQIYI accounts, your subscription may be on a different one than the one you're using. Log out and log back in with the email or phone number you used to purchase the subscription.

If you're outside mainland China and the app says content is not available in your region, iQIYI restricts some titles by location. This is a licensing restriction, not a problem with your account. Try a different show or movie to confirm your subscription is working.

If you were charged but don't remember signing up, check your email for a confirmation. If you signed up through an app store, the charge may appear under the app store's name (Apple, Google, Amazon) rather than under iQIYI. If you believe the charge was unauthorized, contact your payment method's customer service to dispute it, and also reach out to iQIYI's support through the app or website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my iQIYI account with family members?

iQIYI's terms of service state that accounts are for personal use only, and sharing login credentials violates the terms. The service does not offer a family plan or multi-profile feature in most regions. If multiple people want to watch, each person typically needs their own account.

What happens if I don't cancel before my renewal date?

Your subscription renews automatically on the same date each month or year, and you're charged the full amount for the next billing period. If you don't want to renew, cancel before that date. If you're charged by mistake, contact iQIYI support or your payment method's customer service to request a refund.

Can I change my subscription tier without canceling?

Yes. Log into your account settings and select the option to upgrade or downgrade your subscription. The change usually takes effect immediately, and iQIYI adjusts your next billing date based on the price difference. Check your account after you make the change to confirm the new tier is active.

Does iQIYI work outside China?

iQIYI is available in the United States, Canada, and several other countries through its app and website. However, some content is restricted by region due to licensing agreements, so you may not see the full library outside mainland China. Content available to you depends on where you're located when you access the service.

How do I get a refund if I was charged by mistake?

Contact iQIYI support through the app or website with your order number and a description of the issue. If you signed up through an app store, you can also request a refund through that store's support. Most app stores allow refunds within a set window (usually 48 hours) if you request them quickly.