Amazon makes subscribing to Prime incredibly easy, but canceling it requires navigating through a maze of confirmation screens designed to make you stay. This tactic (known as a "dark pattern") is the reason so many people get stuck paying for Prime long after they stop using it.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to cancel your Amazon Prime video and shipping subscription, and explain the rules around getting a prorated refund.
Method 1: Cancel Amazon Prime on Your Computer
Using a desktop or laptop web browser is the easiest way to ensure you don't miss any of the confirmation buttons.
Go to Amazon.com and log in
Sign in to the specific Amazon account connected to the Prime charge.
Hover over "Account & Lists"
In the top right corner of the screen, hover your mouse over it and select Prime Membership from the dropdown.
Click "Manage Membership"
Near the top of the page, locate the "Manage Membership" section and click the down arrow.
Click "End Membership"
Select the option to end the membership. Amazon will immediately show you a screen of all the benefits you are losing. Scroll down and click "Continue to Cancel". You may have to do this 2 or 3 times before the cancellation is finalized!
Method 2: Cancel Using the Amazon Shopping App
If you prefer to use your phone, follow these steps in the official Amazon app:
- Open the Amazon app and tap the Profile icon at the bottom.
- Tap the Your Account button.
- Scroll down to the "Account settings" section and tap Manage Prime Membership.
- Tap the Manage membership dropdown menu at the top.
- Select End Membership.
- Scroll past the warnings and tap Continue to cancel until finalized.
How to Get a Prime Refund
When you cancel Amazon Prime, you are presented with options depending on your billing cycle and usage. Amazon's refund rules for 2026 are strict but fair:
1. The Automatic Full Refund
If you signed up for Prime (or a free trial converted into a paid plan) and you have not used any Prime benefits (no Prime video streaming, no free 2-day shipping) in the current billing cycle, Amazon will automatically refund the full charge to your credit card when you cancel.
2. The Prorated Partial Refund
If you are on an annual plan and you cancel mid-year, the automated system may calculate a prorated refund minus the value of the benefits you used. However, this is not guaranteed.
3. The Customer Service Method
If the automated system does not offer you a refund during cancellation, your best bet is human intervention. Go to the "Help" section at the bottom of Amazon's page, select "Something else," and start a live chat. Politely inform the agent that you forgot to cancel and request a partial refund. Agents often grant these requests as a one-time courtesy.
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Download Trackery for Free →Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't Amazon letting me cancel?
Amazon uses multiple screens to persuade you to stay. You must actively click "Continue to Cancel" or "End My Benefits" across three to four separate pages before the cancellation is processed. Don't close the browser too early!
How do I stop automatic payments on Amazon Prime?
There is no "pause payments" button; you must fully cancel your membership using the steps above. You will retain access until the end of your currently paid cycle, and then auto-renewal will be turned off.
Does deleting the Amazon app cancel Prime?
No. Deleting the app from your phone only removes the app. Your Amazon account, your stored credit cards, and your active Prime subscription will continue to be billed normally until you officially cancel the membership in settings.