Kindle Unlimited is Amazon’s popular e-book subscription service, offering millions of books, magazines, and audiobooks for a monthly fee. It’s a great option for avid readers looking to explore a wide range of titles without the commitment of purchasing each one. However, whether you’re cutting back on monthly expenses, trying out other book subscription services, or simply not using it as much as you thought, canceling Kindle Unlimited is easy and only takes a few minutes.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the cancellation process, what happens to your books after you cancel, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Why You Might Want to Cancel Kindle Unlimited
While Kindle Unlimited is a fantastic resource for many, it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. Here are some reasons why people may choose to cancel:
Cost Savings:
Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month, which can add up over time. If you’re not using it regularly, this can be a significant expense.
Limited Book Selection:
Though there are millions of books available, Kindle Unlimited doesn’t include all bestsellers or the latest releases from certain authors. You might find that some of your favorite books aren’t part of the subscription.
Time Constraints:
If you find yourself too busy to read, the subscription might feel like an unnecessary expense.
Trying Other Services:
Other services like Audible, Scribd, or even public library apps like OverDrive may offer the books you want or suit your needs better.If any of these reasons resonate with you, here’s how to cancel your Kindle Unlimited subscription quickly and easily.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cancel Kindle Unlimited
Amazon makes it simple to manage your Kindle Unlimited subscription through your Amazon account. Here’s a detailed guide on how to cancel your membership.
Step 1: Sign In to Your Amazon Account
Go to the Amazon website or open the Amazon app on your device.
Log in with the Amazon account linked to your Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Step 2: Go to “Manage Your Content and Devices”
Once logged in, hover over the “Accounts & Lists” dropdown menu in the upper-right corner of the page.
Click on “Your Content and Devices” from the dropdown options. This will take you to a page where you can manage all of your digital content and services.
Step 3: Select the “Settings” Tab
On the “Your Content and Devices” page, you’ll see three tabs at the top: Content, Devices, and Preferences.
Click on the “Settings” tab. This tab provides a variety of options for managing your digital subscriptions and services.
Step 4: Find “Kindle Unlimited Settings”
Scroll down the page until you see “Kindle Unlimited Settings”.
In this section, you’ll find information on your subscription status, billing, and renewal dates.
Step 5: Click on “Cancel Kindle Unlimited Membership”
To cancel your subscription, select the “Cancel Kindle Unlimited Membership” option.
Amazon will display a message asking if you’re sure you want to cancel. Confirm by following the prompts on the screen.
Step 6: Confirm Your Cancellation
After confirming, you’ll receive a final message that shows your Kindle Unlimited end date. You can continue to use your Kindle Unlimited subscription until the end of your current billing period. After that date, Amazon will remove access to the borrowed books from your account.
What Happens After You Cancel Kindle Unlimited?
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Once your cancellation is confirmed, here’s what you can expect:
- Access to Books Until the Billing Cycle Ends: You’ll retain access to all borrowed books, audiobooks, and magazines until the last day of your current billing cycle. After this date, you won’t be able to access them, so be sure to finish any books you’re reading before then!
- No Additional Charges: After your final billing cycle ends, Amazon will stop charging you for the Kindle Unlimited subscription. You won’t incur any additional fees unless you decide to re-subscribe.
- Rejoining is Easy: If you ever wish to rejoin Kindle Unlimited, you can reactivate your subscription through your Amazon account. Simply follow the steps outlined above, and select “Join Kindle Unlimited” to resume your membership.
Pros and Cons of Cancelling Kindle Unlimited
Canceling Kindle Unlimited has some benefits and drawbacks, depending on your reading habits and financial goals. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros
- Save Money: By canceling, you’ll free up $11.99 each month to use on other things.
- Fewer Obligations: With fewer subscriptions, you’ll have more freedom to try other services, such as Audible or a local library app.
- Easy to Rejoin: If you change your mind, Amazon makes it simple to re-enroll and pick up where you left off.
Cons
- Lost Access to Titles: Once your billing cycle ends, you won’t have access to the books you’ve borrowed. You’ll need to purchase them individually if you want to keep reading.
- Limited Alternatives: While other book subscription services exist, none offer quite the same combination of e-books, magazines, and audiobooks as Kindle Unlimited.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canceling Kindle Unlimited
Will I Get a Refund When I Cancel Kindle Unlimited?
No, Amazon doesn’t offer refunds for unused time on a monthly subscription. When you cancel, you’ll retain access for the remainder of the billing period, but you won’t receive a prorated refund.
Can I Continue Reading Kindle Unlimited Books After Canceling?
No, you’ll lose access to all borrowed books once your subscription ends. If you want to keep reading them, you’ll need to either re-subscribe or purchase the books individually.
What if I Want to Pause My Subscription Instead?
While Amazon doesn’t offer an official pause option for Kindle Unlimited, you can reach out to Amazon customer support for assistance. They may be able to help you suspend the subscription for a limited time without canceling it entirely.
Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?
This depends on how much you read and what you like to read. If you find yourself reading several Kindle Unlimited books each month, the subscription may be a great value. But if you only read one or two books a month or find that your favorite titles aren’t included, it might not be the best fit.