Need to take a break from your Audible subscription but don’t want to lose your credits? This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about pausing your Audible membership, including step-by-step instructions, key considerations, and expert tips.
- Audible allows you to pause your membership once every 15 months for up to 3 months
- Pausing preserves your unused credits while stopping monthly payments
- You’ll lose access to the Plus Catalog during the pause period
- Annual members cannot pause their subscriptions
- Consider canceling instead if you need a longer break
- 90 million+ audiobooks in Audible’s library
- 30% discount on additional purchases for Premium Plus members
- 3 months maximum pause duration
- 15 month waiting period between pauses
Understanding Audible Membership Options
Before deciding to pause your membership, it’s important to understand Audible’s subscription models. Audible offers several membership tiers with different benefits:
- Audible Plus: Access to thousands of titles in the Plus Catalog ($7.95/month)
- Audible Premium Plus: 1 credit per month plus Plus Catalog access ($14.95/month)
- Audible Premium Plus Annual: 12 credits upfront plus Plus Catalog access ($149.50/year)
According to industry reports, about 68% of Audible members choose the Premium Plus monthly plan, making pausing a relevant option for most subscribers.
Pausing vs. Canceling: Key Differences
Audible provides two options when you need a break from your membership: pausing and canceling. Understanding the differences is crucial for making the right decision.
| Feature | Pausing | Canceling |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Once every 15 months | Unlimited |
| Duration | 3 months maximum | Indefinite |
| Credits | Kept during pause | Lost upon cancellation |
| Plus Catalog Access | Lost during pause | Lost immediately |
| Purchased Books | Kept forever | Kept forever |
Step-by-Step Guide to Pausing Your Audible Membership
Log in to your Audible account – Visit the Audible website on your desktop or mobile browser and sign in with your Amazon credentials.
Navigate to Account Details – Click on your name in the upper-right corner and select “Account Details” from the dropdown menu.
Find the Pause Option – Under “Membership Details,” look for the “Pause Membership” button between “Cancel Membership” and “Switch Membership.”
Confirm Your Decision – Click “Continue” when prompted to confirm you want to put your account on hold for three months.
Verify the Pause – You should receive a confirmation email from Audible about your paused membership.
What Happens After You Pause Your Membership
Understanding the consequences of pausing your Audible membership will help you set proper expectations:
- Billing: Your monthly payments will stop immediately
- Credits: Any unused credits will remain in your account
- Access: You’ll lose access to the Plus Catalog during the pause period
- Purchased Content: All previously purchased audiobooks remain available
- Automatic Renewal: Your membership will automatically resume after 3 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I pause my Audible membership more than once?
A: Audible only allows one pause every 15 months. If you need another break within this period, you’ll need to cancel instead.
Q: Will I lose my credits if I pause my membership?
A: No, your unused credits will remain in your account during the pause period. However, remember that credits expire 12 months after they’re issued, regardless of whether your membership is active or paused.
Q: Can I access the Plus Catalog while my membership is paused?
A: No, Plus Catalog access is suspended during the pause period, but you can still listen to audiobooks you’ve purchased with credits or cash.
Q: Can annual members pause their subscriptions?
A: No, the pause feature is only available for monthly members. Annual members would need to cancel if they need a break.
Alternative Options to Pausing
If pausing doesn’t meet your needs, consider these alternatives:
- Downgrade your plan: Switch to the cheaper Audible Plus plan ($7.95/month)
- Use up credits: Spend your accumulated credits before canceling
- Switch to annual: Pay upfront and get all credits at once
- Cancel and rejoin: You can always sign up again later
For those who listen primarily at night, our guide on Audible’s sleep timer feature might help you get more value from your membership.
Final Thoughts
Pausing your Audible membership can be a smart way to take a break while preserving your unused credits. By following the steps outlined in this guide and understanding the limitations of the pause feature, you can make an informed decision about managing your audiobook subscription.
