You can change your Netflix plan anytime through your account settings
Netflix lets you switch between plans without canceling your account. You can upgrade to a higher tier, downgrade to save money, or switch between ad-supported and ad-free versions. The change takes effect on your next billing date, and you keep your profile, watch history, and saved shows.
The process takes about two minutes and happens entirely in your account settings. You do not need to contact Netflix support unless something goes wrong with the payment method itself.
Key Takeaways
- Plan changes take effect on your next billing date, not when ready, so you will keep your current plan until then.
- You can switch plans through the Account menu on any device where you are signed in, or through the Netflix website.
- Downgrading to a lower tier or ad-supported plan does not delete your account or watch history.
- If you downgrade, some features like simultaneous streams or video quality may change right away, even though billing changes on your next date.
- Changing plans does not affect any active downloads or saved shows, though some may become unavailable if you downgrade to a plan that does not support them.
How to change your plan on the Netflix website
Sign in to Netflix.com and go to your account page. Click the "Membership" or "Plan details" section — the exact label depends on your region, but it is always in the Account menu. You will see your current plan and a list of other plans available to you.
Select the plan you want and click the button to confirm. Netflix will show you the new billing amount and the date the change takes effect. Confirm again, and the change is saved. You will receive an email confirmation with your new plan details.
If you are switching from an ad-free plan to an ad-supported plan, Netflix may ask you to confirm that you understand ads will appear. If you are upgrading, your payment method will be charged the difference on your next billing date.
How to change your plan on a phone, tablet, or TV
Open the Netflix app and go to your profile menu — usually a circle or icon in the top right corner. Select "Account" or "Settings." Look for "Membership," "Plan," or "Subscription" depending on which device you are using.
Tap or select your current plan, and you will see the other plans available. Choose the one you want and confirm. The app will show you the new price and billing date before you finalize the change.
On some TV apps, the plan change menu may be limited or unavailable. If you cannot find the option on your TV, use the website or mobile app instead — the change will explore to all your devices once it is saved.
What happens to your shows and downloads when you change plans
Your watch history, saved shows, and profiles stay with your account no matter which plan you choose. If you downgrade to a plan with lower video quality, shows you are currently watching will continue at the quality your new plan allows, but you will not lose access to them.
Downloads on your phone or tablet may be affected if you downgrade to a plan that does not support offline viewing. Netflix will notify you if any downloads will be removed. Saved shows and lists remain in your account even if you temporarily cannot watch them at the quality you prefer.
If you downgrade to a plan with fewer simultaneous streams — for example, from Premium to Standard — you may be logged out on extra devices if too many people are watching at once. This does not happen when ready, but the next time you try to watch on more devices than your plan allows, Netflix will ask you to choose which device to keep active.
Understanding the differences between Netflix plans
Netflix offers plans at different price points with different features. The main differences are video quality, number of people who can watch at the same time, and whether ads appear during shows. Some regions also offer a mobile-only plan that works only on phones and tablets.
The Standard plan usually allows two simultaneous streams in HD quality. Premium allows four streams in 4K. The ad-supported plan costs less but includes ads and may have fewer simultaneous streams. Basic plans, where still available, allow one stream in standard definition.
Check your region's current plan options on the Netflix website, because plans and prices change by location and over time. The plan comparison page shows exactly what each tier includes before you make a change.
When your plan change takes effect and how billing works
Plan changes take effect on your next billing date, not when ready. If you upgrade today and your billing date is in two weeks, you will keep your current plan for those two weeks, then switch to the new plan on the billing date. You will be charged the new plan price starting that day.
If you downgrade, the same timing applies — you keep your current plan until your next billing date, then the lower price takes effect. Netflix does not prorate charges or give refunds for the days remaining on your old plan.
Your billing date is the same day each month that you signed up or last changed your plan. You can see your exact billing date in the Account section under Membership or Plan details.
What to do if your plan change does not go through
If you see an error message when trying to change your plan, the most common cause is a problem with your payment method. Check that your credit card or payment account is current and has not expired. If it has, update it in your Account settings before trying to change plans again.
If your payment method is fine but the change still will not go through, try signing out completely and signing back in. Clear your browser cache if you are using the website. If the problem continues, contact Netflix support through the Help Center on the Netflix website — they can see what is blocking the change and fix it.
Do not create a new account to work around a stuck plan change. Netflix will see the duplicate account and may suspend both. Always try updating your payment method or contacting support first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my plan in the middle of my billing cycle?
Yes, you can change your plan anytime. The change takes effect on your next billing date, not when ready. If you upgrade, you will pay the new price starting on that date. If you downgrade, you will pay less starting on that date.
Will I lose my watch history if I downgrade?
No. Your watch history, saved shows, and profiles stay with your account no matter which plan you choose. Downgrading does not delete anything from your account.
What if I switch to an ad-supported plan and then change my mind?
You can switch back to an ad-free plan anytime through the same Account menu. The change takes effect on your next billing date. You will pay the higher price for the ad-free plan starting that date.
Do I have to change my plan on the same device I use to watch Netflix?
No. You can change your plan on the website, phone app, or TV app, and the change applies to your entire account across all devices. Use whichever device is easiest for you.
What happens if multiple people use my account and we disagree on the plan?
Only the account owner can change the plan. If you share an account with others, you may want to discuss plan changes with them first, since features like simultaneous streams or video quality affect everyone on the account.