You can change your Netflix plan anytime through your account settings
Netflix lets you switch between plans without cancelling your subscription. You can upgrade to a plan with more screens or better video quality, or downgrade to a cheaper option. 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 or create a new account. If you downgrade, Netflix will tell you what features you are losing before you confirm the change.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your Netflix account on a web browser or the Netflix app, then go to Account settings to see your current plan and available options.
- Your new plan starts on your next billing date, so you will not pay extra or get a refund for the current billing period.
- Downgrading removes features like simultaneous screens or higher video quality, and Netflix shows you exactly what you will lose before you confirm.
- If you downgrade and are currently using more screens than your new plan allows, you will be asked to stop watching on some devices before the change takes effect.
How to change your plan on the Netflix website
Open a web browser and go to netflix.com. Sign in with your email and password. Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select Account from the dropdown menu.
On the Account page, find the section labeled Membership or Plan Details. Click the button that says Change Plan or Upgrade Plan. Netflix will show you all available plans with their prices, number of screens, and video quality. Select the plan you want and click Confirm or Update Plan. You will see a confirmation message with your new plan name and the date it starts.
How to change your plan in the Netflix app
Open the Netflix app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device. Tap the profile icon (usually in the top right or bottom right corner). Select Account or Settings. Look for Membership, Plan Details, or Subscription.
Tap Change Plan or Upgrade Plan. The app will show your current plan and available options. Select the plan you want and follow the prompts to confirm. Some devices may redirect you to the Netflix website to complete the change, which is normal.
What happens when you downgrade
When you downgrade to a cheaper plan, Netflix lists exactly what you lose. For example, if you move from Premium to Standard, you lose the ability to watch on four screens at once and drop from 4K video quality to 1080p. If you move to Basic, you also lose the ability to watch on multiple screens and get only 720p quality.
If you are currently watching on more screens than your new plan allows, Netflix will ask you to stop watching on some devices before the change takes effect. For example, if you downgrade from Premium (four screens) to Standard (two screens) and someone in your household is watching on three screens right now, you will need to stop playback on one device. The change does not happen when ready — you have until your next billing date to make this adjustment.
What happens when you upgrade
Upgrading to a higher plan takes effect on your next billing date. You do not pay extra for the upgrade during your current billing period. For example, if you upgrade from Standard to Premium on the 15th of the month and your billing date is the 20th, you pay the Standard price for those five days and the Premium price starting on the 20th.
Once your upgrade takes effect, all your profiles when ready gain the new features. If you upgrade from Standard to Premium, everyone in your household can now watch on four screens at once and access 4K video quality.
Plans available and what they include
| Plan | Monthly Price | Video Quality | Simultaneous Screens | Ads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | Lowest | 720p | 1 | Yes |
| Basic | Low | 720p | 1 | No |
| Standard | Medium | 1080p | 2 | No |
| Premium | Highest | 4K | 4 | No |
Netflix prices vary by region and change periodically. The plans listed above are the standard options in the United States, but your country may have different pricing or plan names. Check your Account page to see the exact prices and plans available in your location.
When your plan change takes effect
Your new plan starts on your next billing date, not when ready. If you change your plan on the 10th and your billing date is the 25th, you will continue paying for your current plan until the 25th. On the 25th, your new plan begins and you are charged the new price.
You can change your plan as many times as you want. If you upgrade and then downgrade within the same billing period, only the final change takes effect on your next billing date. Your watch history, saved shows, and profiles remain unchanged no matter which plan you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my watch history or saved shows if I downgrade?
No. Your profiles, watch history, saved shows, and all your settings stay exactly the same when you change plans. The only things that change are the video quality and number of screens you can use at once.
Can I change my plan if I am in the middle of a billing cycle?
Yes. You can change your plan anytime, and the new plan takes effect on your next billing date. You will not be charged extra or receive a refund for the current billing period.
What if I downgrade but someone is already watching on too many screens?
Netflix will ask you to stop playback on extra devices before your billing date arrives. You have until your next billing date to make this adjustment. If playback is still active on too many screens when the change takes effect, Netflix will stop playback on the extra screens automatically.
Can I upgrade and downgrade in the same month?
Yes. If you change your plan multiple times in one billing cycle, only your final change takes effect on your next billing date. You are charged based on whichever plan is active when your billing date arrives.
Does changing my plan affect my payment method?
No. Your payment method stays the same when you change plans. Netflix will charge your existing payment method on your next billing date at the new plan price.