Is Your Spotify Subscription Still Hitting the Right Note? How to Cancel & Explore Alternatives
Are you tired of the same old playlists? Perhaps you’ve found a new streaming service that better suits your musical tastes, or maybe you’re simply looking to trim your monthly expenses. Whatever the reason, sometimes it’s time to say goodbye to your Spotify subscription. This guide provides a clear and concise walkthrough on how to cancel your Spotify Premium account. But, recent controversies surrounding Spotify’s choices might also factor into your decision, so we’ll address those too. Let’s get started.
Why You Might Be Considering Cancelling Spotify
Beyond the usual reasons like budget constraints or exploring other platforms, a recent controversy has some users re-evaluating their Spotify subscriptions. Spotify has faced criticism for running recruitment ads for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These ads, which encourage users to “join the mission to protect America,” sparked outrage among some listeners. Despite calls from music labels and users, Spotify has defended its decision to continue running these ads, stating that they adhere to their advertising policies.
This decision has led some users to seek alternative streaming services that align better with their values. Music labels have voiced their concerns, emphasizing that platforms have a social responsibility to consider the impact of the content they host. This controversy highlights the broader ethical considerations involved in supporting streaming services and their advertising practices.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cancelling Your Spotify Premium Subscription
The cancellation process is relatively straightforward, though it can vary slightly depending on how you initially subscribed. Here’s the standard method:
- Log in to your Spotify Account: Using a web browser (not the app), go to the Spotify website and log in to your account. This is important, as you cannot cancel directly from the mobile app.
- Navigate to Your Account Page: Once logged in, click on your profile icon in the top right corner and select “Account.” This will take you to your account overview.
- Find Your Subscription Details: On the account overview page, look for the “Your plan” section. Click on “Change plan”.
- Choose Spotify Free: Scroll down to the “Spotify Free” section and click “Cancel Premium”.
- Confirm Your Cancellation: Spotify will likely present you with reasons to stay and offer alternative plans. Click “Continue to cancel” to proceed. You may need to complete a short survey or provide feedback.
- Final Confirmation: On the final confirmation page, confirm that you want to cancel your subscription. You should receive an email confirming your cancellation.
Remember that you’ll still have access to Premium features until your next billing date. After that, your account will revert to the free version of Spotify.
Alternative Cancellation Methods
If you subscribed to Spotify Premium through a third party, such as Apple’s App Store, Google Play Store, or a mobile provider, the cancellation process will be different. Here’s how to cancel in those scenarios:
Cancelling Through the Apple App Store:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on your name at the top.
- Tap on “Subscriptions.”
- Find your Spotify subscription and tap on it.
- Tap “Cancel Subscription.” Confirm your cancellation if prompted.
Cancelling Through the Google Play Store:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Tap on “Payments & subscriptions” and then “Subscriptions.”
- Find your Spotify subscription and tap on it.
- Tap “Cancel subscription.” Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm.
Cancelling Through a Mobile Provider:
If you subscribed through a mobile provider, you’ll need to contact them directly. Log in to your mobile provider’s website or app, or call their customer service line. Find the section related to subscriptions or add-ons and locate your Spotify subscription. Follow their instructions to cancel.
Life After Spotify: Exploring Music Streaming Alternatives
Cancelling your Spotify subscription doesn’t mean you have to give up on streaming music altogether. There are many excellent alternatives available, each with its own unique features and benefits:
- Apple Music: A strong contender with a vast library, seamless integration with Apple devices, and lossless audio quality.
- YouTube Music: Benefits from YouTube’s massive video library, making it great for live performances and remixes.
- Amazon Music Unlimited: Offers a large catalog and integration with Amazon devices. Prime members often receive discounted rates.
- Tidal: Known for its high-fidelity audio quality, appealing to audiophiles who prioritize sound quality.
- Deezer: Another popular option with a focus on personalized playlists and a wide range of music.
Consider what features are most important to you, such as audio quality, library size, or integration with your existing devices, when choosing a new streaming service. Many offer free trials, allowing you to test them out before committing to a subscription.
Choosing to cancel a subscription, whether due to budgetary concerns, ethical considerations or simply exploring alternatives, is a personal decision. Hopefully, this guide has provided clear steps to cancel your Spotify subscription and explore other music streaming options. Happy listening!