Coursera is a fantastic online learning platform that offers courses from world-renowned universities and institutions. With a wide variety of topics, flexible learning schedules, and certifications, it’s no surprise that millions have subscribed to its services. However, life happens—circumstances change, budgets tighten, or the need for a subscription might simply pass. In such cases, knowing how to cancel a Coursera subscription quickly and efficiently is essential.
TL;DR
If you’re looking to cancel your Coursera subscription, you can do it from your account settings or directly via the course page. Be sure to do it before your next billing cycle to avoid unwanted charges. Cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing period. Note that uninstalling the Coursera app does not cancel your subscription.
Understanding Coursera Subscription Types
Before diving into the cancellation steps, it’s important to understand which type of subscription you’re enrolled in. Coursera offers several payment models:
- Monthly subscriptions for Specializations
- Annual subscriptions for Coursera Plus
- Individual Course Purchases
- Free Trials, typically 7 days
Each of these has slightly different approaches to cancellation and refund policies, so be sure to identify which category your current plan falls into before proceeding.
Steps to Cancel a Coursera Subscription
To cancel a Coursera subscription, users can follow one of these two main methods: using a browser or the mobile app.
Canceling via Web Browser (Recommended)
- Go to coursera.org and log in to your account.
- Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner of the homepage.
- Select “My Purchases” or “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- Look for your active subscription under the “Subscriptions” heading.
- Click on “Manage Subscription”.
- Choose the “Cancel subscription” option.
- Follow the prompts and confirm the cancellation when asked.
Once canceled, you will not be charged for the next billing cycle. However, you will still have access to your courses until the end of the current billing period.
Canceling via Mobile App
If you’re using the Coursera app on iOS or Android, the process varies slightly and is handled through your app store’s subscription settings.
For iOS (iPhone/iPad):
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap your name at the top, then tap “Subscriptions”.
- Select your Coursera subscription.
- Tap “Cancel Subscription”.
For Android:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile icon, then choose “Payments & subscriptions”.
- Select “Subscriptions” and find your Coursera subscription.
- Tap “Cancel subscription” and follow the onscreen instructions.
Note: Cancelling from within the app itself doesn’t guarantee that the auto-renewal will stop. Always manage subscriptions via the respective app store.
Canceling Free Trials
Cancelling a free trial is critical to avoid being charged once the trial converts to a paid plan. To prevent auto-renewal charges, cancel at least one day before the trial ends.
- Follow the same steps as canceling any paid subscription.
- You will retain access until the end of the trial period.
- Once canceled, you won’t be billed.
Failing to cancel on time may result in an automatic charge, and Coursera doesn’t always grant refunds for late cancelations.
Pausing vs Canceling
In some cases, students may choose to pause their subscription rather than cancel it permanently. Here’s how a pause works:
- You can pause your specialization subscription for one, two, or three months.
- Go to “My Purchases” or the course home page and look for the pause option.
- Pausing halts billing and progress tracking but doesn’t permanently unsubscribe you.
This is ideal for users who anticipate returning but need a temporary break.
Things to Keep in Mind After Canceling
After canceling your Coursera subscription, there are a few consequences and considerations to take note of:
- Course access ends after the current billing period unless you re-enroll.
- You may lose course progress data unless you’ve earned a certificate or completed the course.
- You can always re-subscribe later if you change your mind.
- There are no penalties for canceling a subscription early—it simply stops future billing.
Refund Policy
In general, Coursera’s refund policy varies based on the type of subscription:
- Monthly subscriptions: No refunds once payment is processed.
- Annual subscriptions (Coursera Plus): 14-day money-back guarantee (if no certificates were earned).
- One-time course purchases: Refunds available within 14 days, as long as no certificate has been issued.
If you believe you’ve been wrongly charged or didn’t receive relevant communication, contact Coursera support for help.
Common Issues During Cancellation
Sometimes users run into trouble while trying to cancel. Here are a few frequently faced problems and how to resolve them:
- Can’t find subscription: Double-check your account and email for multiple profiles.
- App still showing enrolled: Try logging out and logging back in to update your current status.
- Continue being charged: You may have canceled on the app but not through the correct app store. Always ensure cancellation through the original point of purchase.
FAQ
- Q: Will I lose access to my certificate if I cancel?
A: No, once earned, certificates remain accessible—even after cancellation. - Q: Can I restart a subscription later?
A: Yes, you can re-subscribe at any time using the same account. - Q: Is uninstalling the Coursera app enough to cancel?
A: No, uninstalling the app does not cancel your subscription. - Q: Can I get a refund after canceling?
A: Refunds are limited and subject to Coursera’s policies. Typically, subscriptions are non-refundable. - Q: What happens to my course progress?
A: Your progress is saved, but you lose access to premium features unless you re-subscribe.
Understanding how to cancel your Coursera subscription helps you stay in control of your learning experience and finances. Whether you’re taking a break, switching platforms, or finished with your courses, the process is straightforward. Just make sure to cancel before your next billing period to avoid unexpected charges.
