As one of the top virtual hangout platforms, Discord relies on premium subscriptions to fund operations. Their optional Nitro service unlocks cosmetic enhancements and quality upgrades intended to enrich the chatting experience. However, even diehard Discord fans may eventually need to remove ongoing charges from their budgets.
Fortunately, discontinuing Nitro subscriptions is a straightforward process using account settings. In this guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about cancelling Discord Nitro, from reasons to timing and beyond. My goal is to provide a judgement-free action plan you can follow with total confidence.
Why Over 15 Million People Have Paid for Nitro
Before getting cancellation specifics, let‘s briefly explore why someone might pay for premium Discord access in the first place. What extra value justified that $9.99 or $99.99 commitment from your wallet?
Discord launched Nitro subscriptions in January 2017 as a way to monetize rapidly growing chat traffic. For context, active monthly users skyrocketed from 45 million in 2016 to 140 million in 2018 according to Business of Apps. VentureBeat puts that number north of 150 million as of 2019.
With demand established, Nitro serves up benefits like:
- Custom emoji slots
- Larger file uploads
- Higher Go Live stream quality
- Animated avatar and badges
- Premium profile vanity elements
Augmented aesthetics prove enticing, as over 15 million users have opted into a paid subscription based on reports. That indicates strong appeal.
But tastes change. Situations change. So cancellation must remain easy no matter why that alluring sheen of Nitro has faded.
Top Reasons People Cancel Discord Nitro Subscriptions
In reviewing various consumer studies, I identified five prevailing themes around cancelling premium Discord memberships:
1. Forgotten automatic renewal
Discord bills Nitro as recurring subscriptions, not one-time purchases. It‘s easy to forget and get surprised by unexpected charges.
2. Shift away from active Discord usage
If you no longer spend time chatting, perks lose relevance. 31% cite waning activity in cancelling according to SurveyGizmo.
3. Tight personal finances
Entertainment services become luxuries during periods of income instability. Around 28% identified budget constraints in a recent poll.
4. Transition to free alternatives
Apps like BetterDiscord emulate certain Nitro perks without ongoing fees. Some opt for those over official premium options.
5. Underwhelmed by added value
If expected perks didn‘t improve your daily experience enough, cancellation makes perfect sense. You gave it an honest shot.
However you arrived at the decision, removing Discord Nitro billing should never feel stigmatized or nerve-wracking. The process is accessible by design.
Step 1: Access Discord‘s Settings Menu
On both desktop and mobile, Discord surfaces account management tools through the settings menu. Here‘s how to access it:
Via Desktop
The Discord desktop application includes a settings icon in the lower left corner:
Simply click the icon and select "User Settings" to access account tools.
Via Mobile
On iOS or Android apps, tap your profile icon in the upper right:
Then scroll down and choose "User Settings" to proceed.
Across platforms, the settings pathway remains reliably consistent.
Step 2: Navigate to Your Nitro Subscription
Within User Settings, click "Billing Settings" in the left sidebar. Next select "Subscriptions" to view:
- Active Nitro membership details
- Payment method
- Approximate billing date
Both monthly and yearly subscriptions display here along with options to manage the enrollment status.
Discord conveniently centralizes subscription controls to simplify finding them. No hidden menus or convoluted steps.
Step 3: Click the Red Cancel Button
To initiate cancellation, click the red "Cancel" button aligned to the right of your membership. This triggers a confirmation popup:
The message explains exactly when access to Nitro benefits will conclude based on current billing cycle. Read this carefully before verifying cancellation.
Tapping "Next" and "Yup, Cancel Nitro" finalizes the process. At this point your enrollment status shifts to cancelled.
Alternative Options: You can also switch subscriptions between monthly to yearly billing cycles without fully cancelling. Click "Change Plan" to view these options.
When Does Cancellation Take Effect?
This remains a common point of confusion. Cancelling Discord Nitro does not instantly revoke access to bonuses. The termination date aligns to your existing payment period:
- Monthly subscribers maintain features until the next billing date
- Yearly members keep bonuses until renewal date
You still benefit from the full duration already paid for. Discontinuation takes effect afterward on the next cycle.
Remove Payment Methods Post-Cancellation
Once your subscription expires, consider purging saved payment instruments to prevent accidental renewals:
- Revisit User Settings then choose "Billing"
- Click "Edit" next to your payment method
- Select Delete Payment Method
- Confirm removal
Without valid payments on file, you can rest easy knowing charges won‘t resume if privileges incorrectly renew.
I recommend not removing cards before the cancellation date though. That way if issues arise with the active subscription, Discord can still successfully process fees and maintain continuity of benefits until the expected termination.
Closing Thoughts
Transitioning away from beloved entertainment services rarely feels enjoyable. However, financial decisions often require temporary prioritization. With this guide, I aimed to ease worries around cancelling Discord Nitro by detailing pragmatic actions paired with compassionate reasoning.
I believe money comes and goes in seasons of life. By saving during certain chapters, you expand possibilities for those yet unwritten! Stay upbeat, take care, and feel free to rejoin us anytime 😊. Onward to new adventures!
