How to end your Amazon Unlimited subscription in the UK

What is Amazon Music Unlimited?

Amazon Music Unlimited is Amazon's premium music streaming service available to UK subscribers, offering access to over 100 million songs in HD audio quality. It's important to clarify straight away that many people confuse this with Amazon Prime Music, which is the basic music service included with Prime membership. Amazon Music Unlimited is a separate, paid subscription that goes far beyond what Prime members get for free.

The service launched in the UK in 2016 and has grown significantly since then. Unlike Prime Music's limited catalogue of around two million songs, Unlimited gives you access to virtually every artist and album you can think of. Additionally, you get spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and lossless HD streaming at no extra cost, which sets it apart from competitors like Spotify who charge premium rates for high-quality audio.

Most importantly, Amazon Music Unlimited works across multiple devices including smartphones, tablets, computers, Echo devices, Fire TV, and even in your car through compatible systems. The service also includes offline downloads, unlimited skips, and personalised playlists based on your listening habits.

Keep in mind that Amazon frequently bundles this service with other offerings, which can make cancellation slightly more complex if you're not paying attention to which subscription you're actually terminating. I've seen countless cases where people cancelled Prime thinking they'd cancelled Music Unlimited, only to keep getting charged monthly.

Plans, features and pricing

Amazon Music Unlimited offers several subscription tiers in the UK, and understanding which one you're on is crucial before you start the cancellation process. First, let me break down the current pricing structure as of 2024:

Next, you should understand that all plans include the same music catalogue and audio quality features. The differences lie purely in how many people can use the service simultaneously and which devices you can access it from. The Single Device plan is particularly restrictive as it only works on one specific Echo or Fire device that you've registered.

Additionally, Amazon offers a free trial period for new subscribers, typically lasting three or four months depending on current promotions. This is where many cancellation issues arise because people forget to cancel before the trial ends and suddenly face unexpected charges. I've processed hundreds of cases where subscribers thought they'd cancelled during the trial but actually hadn't completed the process correctly.

The Family Plan deserves special mention because it's structured differently from competitors. Each family member gets their own individual account with separate playlists and recommendations, rather than sharing one account. Keep in mind that if you're the plan organiser and you cancel, you're terminating the service for all six potential users, not just yourself.

Why subscribers choose to cancel

From my experience handling thousands of music streaming cancellations, Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers typically cancel for several common reasons. First, many people find they're paying for multiple streaming services and need to consolidate. With Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and others all competing for the same £10 monthly spend, it makes financial sense to choose just one.

Additionally, some subscribers realise they're not using the service enough to justify the cost. If you're only listening to music occasionally, the free tier of Spotify or the basic Prime Music included with Amazon Prime might be sufficient. Most importantly, I've seen many cases where people signed up during a promotional period with heavily discounted rates, then faced sticker shock when the price jumped to standard rates.

Another significant reason involves audio quality expectations. While Amazon Music Unlimited does offer HD and Ultra HD streaming, some audiophiles find the implementation inconsistent across devices and prefer dedicated hi-fi services like Tidal or Qobuz.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding Amazon's cancellation terms is absolutely crucial before you send any cancellation letter. First, Amazon Music Unlimited operates on a subscription basis that automatically renews each month or year depending on your chosen plan. This means you're entering into a continuous contract that requires active cancellation to stop.

The good news is that Amazon doesn't impose any early termination fees or cancellation penalties for Music Unlimited subscriptions. You can cancel at any point during your subscription period, though you'll typically continue to have access until the end of your current billing cycle. Keep in mind that if you've paid annually, you won't receive a pro-rata refund for unused months unless there are exceptional circumstances.

UK consumer rights and notice periods

Under UK consumer protection law, specifically the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have a 14-day cooling-off period when you first subscribe to any digital service. This applies to Amazon Music Unlimited subscriptions purchased directly from Amazon. Most importantly, during this period you can cancel and receive a full refund, even if you've been using the service.

Additionally, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 provides further protections. If Amazon changes the terms of your subscription in a way that's detrimental to you, such as increasing the price or removing features, you have the right to cancel without penalty. I've successfully helped subscribers invoke this right when Amazon has made significant service changes.

Next, you should be aware that Amazon requires reasonable notice for cancellation. While they process cancellations relatively quickly through online methods, postal cancellations can take longer to process. I always recommend allowing at least 10 working days before your next billing date when cancelling by post to ensure your letter is received and processed in time.

Documentation requirements

When cancelling by post, you'll need to include specific information in your letter to ensure Amazon can identify your account and process your cancellation correctly. First, always include your full name exactly as it appears on your Amazon account. Next, provide your complete email address associated with the account, your postal address, and your Amazon customer number if you have it readily available.

Most importantly, state clearly that you wish to cancel your Amazon Music Unlimited subscription and specify the effective date you want the cancellation to take place. Keep in mind that vague language can lead to processing delays, so be explicit about your intentions.

Cancelling by post: the complete guide

Postal cancellation is often the most reliable method for terminating subscriptions, particularly when you want documented proof of your cancellation request. First, let me explain why postal cancellation offers significant advantages over other methods, especially for UK consumers.

Why postal cancellation is your best option

The primary advantage of cancelling by post is that you create a paper trail with legal standing. When you send a cancellation letter via Royal Mail Signed For or Special Delivery, you receive proof of postage and confirmation of delivery. This documentation becomes invaluable if Amazon claims they never received your cancellation request or if charges continue after you've cancelled.

Additionally, postal cancellation removes the frustration of navigating Amazon's website interface, which can be deliberately complex when it comes to cancellations. I've seen the cancellation process buried under multiple menu layers, and Amazon frequently updates their interface, making online instructions quickly outdated. A letter, however, is straightforward and unchanging in its approach.

Next, consider that postal cancellation gives you time to compose your request carefully and include all necessary information without the pressure of online forms or time limits. Most importantly, if you're cancelling due to a dispute, having your concerns documented in writing creates a stronger foundation for any potential claim or complaint.

Keep in mind that while online cancellation might seem faster, it doesn't always provide adequate confirmation. I've processed cases where subscribers clicked through cancellation screens but never received confirmation emails, leading to months of disputed charges. A postal cancellation with tracked delivery eliminates this ambiguity entirely.

Step-by-step postal cancellation process

First, gather all your account information before you begin writing your cancellation letter. You'll need your full name, email address associated with your Amazon account, your customer number if available, and details of your current Music Unlimited subscription plan. Having this information ready ensures you don't need to revise your letter multiple times.

Next, compose your cancellation letter on a computer or write it clearly by hand if necessary. Your letter should be concise but complete, stating your intention to cancel Amazon Music Unlimited, your account details, and your desired cancellation date. Additionally, request written confirmation of your cancellation to be sent to your postal address or email.

Most importantly, date your letter and sign it. An undated or unsigned letter can create processing complications and may not be considered a valid cancellation request under UK consumer law. Keep in mind that your signature confirms your identity and authorises the cancellation.

After completing your letter, make a photocopy or scan for your records before posting. This copy becomes crucial evidence if any disputes arise later. I cannot stress enough how many times a retained copy has saved subscribers from wrongful charges when Amazon's records were incomplete or incorrect.

Sending your cancellation letter

When you're ready to post your letter, you must send it to the correct Amazon address. Based on current information for UK customers cancelling Amazon Music Unlimited, send your cancellation letter to:

• Amazon EU S.a.r.L
• Customer Service
• 1 Principal Place
• Worship Street
• London
• EC2A 2FA
• United Kingdom

First, choose Royal Mail Signed For service at minimum, which currently costs around £2.50 for a standard letter. This service provides proof of postage and tracking, though not guaranteed delivery confirmation. Next, if you want absolute certainty, use Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm, which costs approximately £7.50 but includes full tracking and signature confirmation upon delivery.

Additionally, services like Postclic can streamline this entire process for you. Rather than visiting a post office, you can upload your letter digitally, and Postclic handles the professional printing, envelope preparation, and posting with full tracking included. This saves considerable time and ensures your letter is formatted correctly and sent via tracked delivery. Keep in mind that Postclic also provides digital proof of postage, which you can access anytime from your account.

Most importantly, send your letter well in advance of your next billing date. I recommend at least 10 working days before your renewal date to account for postal delays and processing time. If your renewal date is approaching quickly, you might want to cancel online first, then send a postal confirmation for your records.

What happens after posting

After you've posted your cancellation letter, track its delivery using the Royal Mail tracking number from your proof of postage. First, confirm that Amazon has received your letter, which typically shows as delivered within 2-3 working days for standard UK post. Next, allow 5-7 working days for Amazon to process your cancellation request once they've received it.

Additionally, monitor your email for confirmation from Amazon. They should send an email acknowledging your cancellation and confirming the date when your Music Unlimited access will end. Keep in mind that this confirmation email is crucial evidence that your cancellation has been processed correctly.

If you haven't received confirmation within 10 working days of your letter being delivered, you should follow up. Most importantly, don't assume the cancellation has been processed just because you sent the letter. I've seen cases where letters were received but not processed due to administrative errors.

Common postal cancellation mistakes to avoid

First, never send your cancellation letter without tracking. I've handled too many cases where subscribers sent letters via standard post with no proof, then faced continued charges because Amazon claimed they never received the cancellation request. Without proof of postage, you have no evidence to support your claim.

Next, don't use vague language in your cancellation letter. Phrases like "I'm thinking about cancelling" or "I'd like to discuss cancellation" don't constitute clear cancellation instructions. Be explicit and direct, stating "I am cancelling my Amazon Music Unlimited subscription effective immediately" or specifying your preferred end date.

Additionally, avoid sending your letter to the wrong address. Amazon has multiple addresses for different purposes and different regions. Sending your UK cancellation to an address in Luxembourg or the United States will cause significant delays. Always verify you're using the current UK customer service address before posting.

Keep in mind that failing to include adequate account identification information is another common mistake. If Amazon cannot identify which account your letter refers to, they cannot process your cancellation. Always include at minimum your full name and email address associated with the account.

Tips from former members

After processing thousands of Amazon Music Unlimited cancellations, I've gathered invaluable insights from subscribers who've successfully terminated their subscriptions. First, these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your cancellation goes smoothly.

Timing your cancellation strategically

Most importantly, timing matters significantly when cancelling Amazon Music Unlimited. If you're on a monthly plan, cancel at least 10 days before your renewal date to ensure processing completes before the next charge. I've seen numerous cases where subscribers cancelled just days before renewal and still got charged because the cancellation wasn't processed in time.

Additionally, if you're on an annual plan, set a reminder for at least three weeks before your renewal date. Annual subscriptions are easy to forget about, and that £99-£169 charge can be an unwelcome surprise. Keep in mind that Amazon typically doesn't offer refunds for annual subscriptions once they've renewed, even if you cancel immediately afterwards.

Download your playlists before cancelling

Next, if you've spent time curating playlists on Amazon Music Unlimited, you'll lose access to them once your subscription ends. Former members consistently recommend taking screenshots of your playlist track listings or manually recreating them on your next streaming service before you cancel. This simple step saves hours of trying to remember which songs you'd collected.

Check for bundled subscriptions

First, verify whether your Music Unlimited subscription is bundled with other Amazon services. Some promotional offers combine Music Unlimited with Prime, Audible, or other services at discounted rates. Cancelling one component might affect pricing or availability of the others. Additionally, if you're part of a Family Plan as a secondary member, check with the plan organiser before sending your own cancellation letter, as you might need them to remove you instead.

Keep all documentation permanently

Most importantly, retain every piece of documentation related to your cancellation indefinitely. This includes your copy of the cancellation letter, proof of postage, tracking information showing delivery, and any confirmation emails from Amazon. I recommend creating a dedicated folder, either physical or digital, for all subscription cancellation documents.

Keep in mind that disputes can arise months after you've cancelled, particularly if there are billing errors or if Amazon's systems incorrectly reinstate your subscription. Having comprehensive documentation makes resolving these issues straightforward, whereas without it, you're relying on Amazon's records, which aren't always accurate.

Monitor your bank statements carefully

After cancelling, check your bank or credit card statements for at least three months to ensure no further charges appear. Set calendar reminders for your previous renewal dates so you remember to check. Additionally, if you do see an unexpected charge, dispute it immediately with both Amazon and your bank. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to recover wrongful charges.

Consider the free alternatives first

Next, before cancelling, remember that Amazon Prime membership includes Prime Music at no additional cost. While the catalogue is much smaller than Music Unlimited, it might be sufficient for casual listening. Former members often report they cancelled Music Unlimited but found Prime Music adequate for their actual usage patterns, saving them £10-11 monthly.

Use the postal method for disputed cancellations

Finally, if you've attempted to cancel online or previously and continue to see charges, postal cancellation becomes essential. The documented proof of your cancellation request, combined with tracked delivery confirmation, provides irrefutable evidence that you've requested termination. This documentation is particularly valuable if you need to involve your bank's chargeback process or file a complaint with trading standards authorities.

Keep in mind that Postclic offers particular advantages for disputed cancellations because it provides professional formatting, guaranteed tracked delivery, and permanent digital records of your cancellation request. When you're dealing with a company as large as Amazon, having every possible piece of evidence supporting your position makes a significant difference in resolving disputes quickly and in your favour.