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 fraught than it is for other streaming services. For many of us, Netflix has been in our lives for decades–heck, I was a Netflix subscriber for nearly 20 years straight–while the other big streamers are barely a few years old. Because it’s been around for so long, Netflix can start to feel like a utility–you know, something you pay for automatically, like gas and electricity. (Or taxes.) On the other hand, my attitude toward the newer streamers (like, say, Max or Peacock) is easy come, easy go. When there’s something specific we want to watch, we sign up. Once we’re finished, we cancel. Caught up with the latest season of Hacks or Poker Face? Byeeeee! What makes Netflix so special, then? Good question–and indeed, after months of flicking through rows after row of Netflix videos that I didn’t want to stream, I realized I had a serious case of Netflix fatigue. Finally, I had enough–I canceled Netflix, and I’m glad I did. We’ll get back to Netflix eventually, but it’ll have to wait its turn while we rotate through the other big streamers, one at a time. 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. 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 Ben Patterson/Foundry 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. Updated May 7, 2024 to add new context and review for accuracy. Streaming Media

View Entire Post