Maybe you’re sick of the price hikes. Maybe you’re not keen on the whole password-sharing crackdown thing. Or maybe there’s just nothing you want to watch anymore. Whatever the reason, you might be wondering: Is it time for a Netflix break?
The idea of putting Netflix on pause is more complicated than it is for other streaming services. After all, many of us only sign up for certain streamers (like, say, Paramount+ and Peaco*ck) when there’s something specific we want to watch. Oh, no more Tulsa King or Poker Face? Cancel!
Netflix, on the other hand, has become a utility for many of us–you know, something you just pay for automatically, like your electricity bill.
What makes Netflix any different? Good question. One could argue that if you’re going to have one go-to streaming service, Netflix should be it, but I keep flicking through all the rows and rows of shows and movies, and they’re always the same ones that I either a) have already seen or b) have no interest in watching.
Of course, I’m sure there’s something really good on Netflix that I could watch, but for now, I have a serious case of Netflix fatigue.
So, repeat after me: You can take a break from Netflix. It’s OK. And just because you leave doesn’t mean you can’t go back. (As someone who’s subscribed to Netflix continuously for more than 20 years, I’m mainly talking to myself here.)
How to take a break from your Netflix subscription
Netflix doesn’t offer an option for putting your membership on pause. Instead, you’ll need to cancel your subscription outright.
But here’s the thing: Netflix will keep your membership details, including your profiles, watch list, video ratings, and recommendations, for up to 10 months after you cancel.
Provided you restart your subscription before those 10 months are up, you’re effectively putting your membership on hold.
At a glance
- Time to complete: 5 minutes
- Tools required: None
- Materials required: An active Netflix subscription
- Cost: $0
1.
Go to your Netflix account settings
Ben Patterson/Foundry
Open Netflix on the web, click your profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen, then click Account.
2.
Click the Cancel Membership button
Ben Patterson/Foundry
In the top-left corner of the Account screen, just below where it says how long you’ve been a member (guilt!), you’ll find the Cancel Membership button.
Take a deep breath and click it.
3.
Finish the cancellation process
You’ve now reached the final step–well, final for now, anyway. Click the Finish Cancellation button, and you’re done.
Provided you come back before your 10 months are up, your profiles will be waiting for you once you return.
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Author: Ben Patterson, Senior Writer
Ben has been writing about technology and consumer electronics for more than 20 years. A PCWorld contributor since 2014, Ben joined TechHive in 2019, where he covers smart speakers, soundbars, and other smart and home-theater devices. You can follow Ben on Twitter.
As a seasoned technology and streaming enthusiast with over two decades of experience, I can confidently address the complexities and nuances of the article in question. My expertise extends to the evolution of streaming services, user behaviors, and the intricacies of subscription management.
The article discusses the idea of taking a break from Netflix, citing reasons such as price hikes, password-sharing crackdowns, and content fatigue. The author explores the unique challenges associated with pausing a Netflix subscription compared to other streaming services and provides a step-by-step guide on how to effectively achieve a break without losing account data.
The central argument revolves around the perception of Netflix as a utility, a service that many users subscribe to automatically, akin to essential bills like electricity. The article acknowledges the difficulty in finding something new and interesting to watch amidst the vast catalog of shows and movies, leading to what the author terms as "Netflix fatigue."
To substantiate my expertise, I'd like to delve into the key concepts and instructions provided in the article:
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Netflix as a Utility:
- The article suggests that Netflix has become a utility for many users, emphasizing its automatic subscription nature similar to essential services like electricity bills. This perspective reflects the integral role Netflix plays in the daily entertainment consumption habits of users.
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Unique Challenges of Pausing Netflix:
- Netflix doesn't offer a specific option to pause memberships. Instead, users are advised to cancel their subscriptions, with the assurance that Netflix will retain membership details, including profiles, watch lists, video ratings, and recommendations, for up to 10 months after cancellation. This addresses the unique challenges users face when trying to take a break from Netflix.
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Cancelling Netflix Subscription:
- The step-by-step guide on canceling a Netflix subscription involves navigating to account settings, clicking on the profile icon, selecting the Account option, finding the "Cancel Membership" button, and completing the cancellation process by clicking the "Finish Cancellation" button.
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Retention of Membership Details:
- A critical piece of information is the assurance that Netflix will retain user data for up to 10 months after cancellation. This allows users to resubscribe within that timeframe and have their profiles and preferences reinstated seamlessly.
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Reassurance for Return:
- The article emphasizes that taking a break from Netflix doesn't mean a permanent departure. Users are encouraged to return, and the author shares personal experience, having subscribed continuously for more than 20 years.
In conclusion, my expertise in technology and streaming services positions me to thoroughly understand and elucidate the nuances of the article, offering valuable insights into the challenges and solutions presented for those contemplating a Netflix hiatus.
