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How to Cancel Your (Now Defunct) PlayStation Now Subscription (and What to Do Instead!)

Alright, gamers, let’s talk about canceling your PlayStation Now subscription… or rather, what was your PlayStation Now subscription. As many of you probably know, PlayStation Now (PS Now) is no longer a standalone service. It’s been absorbed into the revamped PlayStation Plus tiers, specifically the PlayStation Plus Premium tier. So, if you’re looking to cancel, the process is a bit different than it used to be. Let’s get this sorted out.

The process of cancellation depends on whether your subscription is to PS Plus Premium, or whether you are trying to cancel your PlayStation Plus account. If you have a subscription to PlayStation Plus Premium, here are the steps to cancel:

Access the PlayStation app on your Android or iPhone.
Select the PlayStation Store tab under the Menu icon.
Select Subscription Management.
Next to PlayStation Plus, tap Turn Off Auto-Renewal.

That’s the quick and dirty version. But since PS Now is now a part of PS Plus Premium, understanding the implications and alternatives is crucial. We’ll delve into that as we go.

Understanding the New PlayStation Plus Structure

Before we dive deeper into the cancellation process, let’s clarify the current PlayStation Plus structure. This is critical because what used to be PS Now is now integrated into these tiers:

PlayStation Plus Essential: This is the base tier, similar to the original PS Plus. It offers online multiplayer access, monthly downloadable games, and exclusive discounts.
PlayStation Plus Extra: This tier includes everything in Essential, plus access to a catalog of hundreds of PS4 and PS5 games to download and play.
PlayStation Plus Premium: This is where the PS Now functionality lives on! It includes everything in Extra, plus classic PS1, PS2, and PSP games (playable via streaming or download), PS3 games (streaming only), and game trials.

Cancelling Your PlayStation Plus Premium (or Lower Tier) Subscription

Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. Here’s how to cancel your subscription, remembering that if you were previously a PS Now subscriber, you’re likely now on the PlayStation Plus Premium tier.

Through the PlayStation App:

Launch the PlayStation App: Make sure you have the latest version installed on your iOS or Android device. You can find it in the iOS App Store or Google Play.
Navigate to the PlayStation Store: Tap the PlayStation Store icon (usually a shopping bag) at the bottom of the screen.
Access Subscription Management: Look for the Menu icon (usually three horizontal lines). Tap it and then select Subscription Management.
Select Your Subscription: You’ll see your active PlayStation Plus subscription. If you’re on Premium, it will specify that tier.
Turn Off Auto-Renewal: Tap Turn Off Auto-Renewal next to the PlayStation Plus subscription. This will prevent you from being charged again at the end of your current billing cycle.

Through the PlayStation Console (PS4 or PS5):

Go to Settings: From the PlayStation home screen, navigate to the Settings menu.
Select Account Management: Scroll down and select Account Management.
Choose Account Information: On the Account Management page, choose Account Information.
Access Subscriptions: Scroll down and select PlayStation Subscriptions.
Cancel Subscription: Select the PlayStation Plus subscription (including the Premium tier if applicable) and then choose Cancel Subscription.

Through the PlayStation Website:

Sign In to Account Management: Go to the PlayStation website and sign in to your account. Make sure you’re using the account associated with your PlayStation Plus subscription.
Select Subscription: Select Subscription from the menu on the left of the screen.
Cancel Subscription: Select Cancel Subscription next to the subscription you would like to cancel.

Important Considerations Before Cancelling

Expiration Date: Note the expiration date of your subscription. You’ll continue to have access to the benefits of your tier until that date.
Downloaded Games: Games downloaded as part of your PlayStation Plus subscription (including those that were previously available on PS Now) will become unplayable once your subscription expires, unless you purchase them separately. According to Sony’s website: “Once your PlayStation Plus membership ends, content you previously downloaded at no cost as part of the membership (such as Plus Monthly Games) will no longer be available. However, free avatars and content you purchased at a discounted PlayStation Plus price is yours to keep.”
Cloud Saves: Ensure your game saves are backed up to the cloud. You may lose access to them if you cancel your subscription.
Refunds: You can cancel your purchase of a subscription service and request a refund within 14 days from the initial transaction date, even after you start using the subscription. The refund may be reduced pro-rata to reflect the use you have had of the service.

Troubleshooting Common Cancellation Issues

Can’t Find the Subscription: Double-check that you’re logged in with the correct account. It’s easy to have multiple PlayStation accounts.
Auto-Renewal Already Turned Off: If the option to turn off auto-renewal isn’t available, it might already be disabled. Check your expiration date to confirm.
Problems with the Website or App: Try using a different browser or device. Sometimes technical glitches can interfere with the cancellation process.
Contacting PlayStation Support: If you’re still having trouble, don’t hesitate to contact PlayStation Customer Support directly. Call Consumer Support at 877-971-7669.

FAQs: Your PlayStation Plus/Now Cancellation Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the cancellation process and address any lingering concerns:

Can I cancel my PlayStation Plus subscription and get a refund? Yes, you can cancel your purchase of a subscription service and request a refund within 14 days from the initial transaction date, even after you start using the subscription. The refund may be reduced pro-rata to reflect the use you have had of the service.
What happens when you cancel PlayStation Plus? Once your PlayStation Plus membership ends, content you previously downloaded at no cost as part of the membership (such as Plus Monthly Games) will no longer be available. Online multiplayer access will also be revoked unless you purchase the games separately.
How do I access my subscriptions on PS app? To manage your subscription, go to the PlayStation Store in the app, then select the Menu icon, then Subscription Management.
How do I change my subscription on the PS app? Select the PlayStation Store tab, tap Menu icon, then Subscription Management. Select your PlayStation Plus subscription and select Change Plan.
Why won’t my subscription cancel? This could be due to several reasons. You might be logged into the wrong account, or the subscription may have already been cancelled. Try using a different device or contacting PlayStation Support.
Will I lose my PS Plus games if I cancel my subscription? Yes, games downloaded as part of your PlayStation Plus subscription will become unplayable once your subscription ends, unless you purchase them separately. Free avatars and content you purchased at a discounted PlayStation Plus price are yours to keep.
How long do PlayStation refunds take? Please allow at least 7 business days after your refund status changes from “Return Initiated” to “Return Accepted” for your refund to be credited to your original payment method. Depending on your payment method or financial institution, it could take longer.
Do PlayStation subscriptions auto-renew? Yes, by default, PlayStation subscriptions auto-renew. You can disable this feature in your account settings.
Where is “Manage Subscriptions” on PS4? Go to “Settings”, select “Account Management”, click on “Account Information” and choose “PlayStation Subscriptions”.
I uninstalled the PlayStation App. Does that cancel my subscription? No, uninstalling the app does not cancel your subscription. You need to follow the steps outlined above to cancel it properly.
Can I cancel a subscription on my iPhone? You can only cancel subscriptions on iPhones if the subscription was purchased through Apple’s App Store and is linked to your Apple ID account. For PlayStation subscriptions, you need to cancel them through the PlayStation ecosystem (app, console, or website).
If I cancel, can I resubscribe later? Absolutely! You can resubscribe to PlayStation Plus at any time.
What if I’m still being charged after cancelling? Contact PlayStation Support immediately. Provide them with proof of cancellation and they should be able to resolve the issue.
Is there a way to pause my subscription instead of cancelling? Unfortunately, PlayStation does not offer a “pause” feature for subscriptions. The only options are to cancel or keep the subscription active.
With PS Now gone, what are the best game subscription alternatives (besides PS Plus Premium)? Xbox Game Pass is the most prominent alternative. It offers a vast library of games for a monthly fee.

Games Learning Society

For more information regarding how these games work, how they are developed, and the educational value of gaming, please visit the Games Learning Society. You can visit the website to learn more about how games are developed and their educational value GamesLearningSociety.org.

Cancelling a subscription, especially one that’s gone through a transition like PlayStation Now, can be a bit confusing. However, by following these steps and understanding the nuances of the new PlayStation Plus tiers, you can manage your subscription effectively. Happy gaming!

How do I cancel my PS Now subscription on the app?