Here's how to cancel Google Stadia

After Google detailed Stadia at GDC 2019, it’s fair to say that platform hasn’t quite lived up to the potential we saw in that initial presentation. Between a sparse library of games and some missing features at launch, there are many reasons you may want to cancel your Stadia subscription while Google works on making the overall package more compelling.

Read more: Google Stadia games list

If you are wanting to end your experience with this service, here’s how to cancel Google Stadia.

What’s the difference between Stadia Basic and Stadia Pro?

Before you learn how to cancel Google Stadia, you will have to learn what that actually means. Both the platform’s free and paid tiers allow you to stream some of the latest video games to your Chromecast Ultra, PC, and mobile device. By paying Stadia Pro’s $9.99 monthly fee, you get access to a better gameplay experience. You can play games at up to a 4K resolution with 5.1 surround sound, provided you have the necessary equipment. 

Stadia Pro has other perks as well. By canceling your membership, you won’t get any of the free games Google gives to subscribers every month, and you won’t have access to discounts on select games and add-ons. 

The main thing to take away from all this is that even if you cancel your Stadia Pro subscription, you can still play any games you purchased through the platform’s store. However, you won’t be able to play them in 4K without re-upping your subscription. 

How to cancel your Stadia Pro subscription

1. Click or tap on your avatar.

The first step to canceling your Stadia Pro subscription is to click or tap on your avatar icon — that’s the player profile picture you picked when you first created your Stadia account. Whether you’re on desktop or mobile, it’s at the top right of the interface. 

2. Click on “Stadia settings.”

On desktop, clicking on your avatar will cause a drop-down menu to appear. You’ll then want to click on “Stadia settings.” If you’re following along on your phone, you can skip to the next step.

3. Click or tap on “Purchases & subscriptions,” and then “Unsubscribe.” 

You’ll see a menu option titled “Purchases & subscriptions,” click or tap on it. Near the top of this next part of the interface, you’ll see two options, “Manage” and “Unsubscribe,” nestled next to one another. Click or tap on the latter. 

When you click or tap on the unsubscribe button, a pop-up window will ask you to complete a one-question survey about why you don’t want Stadia Pro anymore. Google will highlight the perks of the tier one last time before letting you go. You’ll still have access to all of the benefits of Stadia Pro until what would have been your next billing cycle. If you change your mind before your subscription ends, you can tap the “Restore” to resubscribe.