How Do I Cancel SiriusXM: A Step-by-Step Guide That Actually Works

Thinking about cutting ties with your satellite radio service? You’re not the only one searching for “how do I cancel SiriusXM.” The cancellation process has gained a reputation for being frustratingly complex—so much so that in November 2024, the New York State Supreme Court ruled SiriusXM’s cancellation procedures violated consumer protection laws.

I’ll walk you through exactly how to cancel your SiriusXM subscription based on your specific situation, without the runaround.

First, Identify Who Bills You for SiriusXM

Before you can cancel, you need to know who’s charging you. This determines your cancellation path:

• Direct billing from SiriusXM: Look for charges on your statement like “SXM SIRIUSXM COM ACCT” or “SXM*SIRIUSXM.CO”
• Third-party billing: Purchased through Apple App Store or Google Play

Grab your most recent credit card statement and check who’s collecting your payments. This small step saves you time later.

Canceling When SiriusXM Bills You Directly

If SiriusXM charges you directly (the most common scenario), you have three cancellation options:

Option 1: Cancel by Phone (Most Effective Method)

1. Call 866-635-8641
2. Navigate the automated system (press 1 for English, if prompted)
3. When asked about the reason for your call, say “cancel subscription”
4. Be prepared for retention offers—they’ll likely try to keep you
5. Stay firm if you truly want to cancel
6. Get confirmation of your cancellation via email

Pro tip: Call during weekday mornings (8 am-11 am ET) when wait times are typically shorter.

Option 2: Cancel Through Your Online Account

1. Visit SiriusXM.com and log into your account
2. Click on your username in the top-right corner
3. Select “Manage Subscriptions”
4. Find the subscription you want to cancel
5. Look for the cancellation option (often hidden under “Subscription Options” or similar wording)
6. Follow the prompts to confirm cancellation

Warning: The online process is intentionally complicated. Many users report having to click through multiple screens of retention offers before finding the actual cancellation button.

Option 3: Cancel via Live Chat

1. Visit SiriusXM’s Contact Us page
2. Select the live chat option
3. When connected with an agent, clearly state you want to cancel
4. Have your account number or radio ID ready
5. Request email confirmation of your cancellation

Live chat hours: Monday-Friday (8 am-11 pm ET), Saturday-Sunday (8 am-8 pm ET)

Canceling When Billed Through Third Parties

For Apple iOS Subscriptions:

1. On your iPhone or iPad:
   • Open Settings
   • Tap your Apple ID at the top
   • Select “Subscriptions”
   • Find SiriusXM
   • Tap “Cancel Subscription”
2. On Mac:
   • Open App Store
   • Click your name in the bottom-left
   • Select “View Information” at the top
   • Scroll to “Subscriptions” and click “Manage”
   • Find SiriusXM and click “Edit”
   • Select “Cancel Subscription”

For Google Play Subscriptions:

1. Open the Google Play Store app
2. Tap your profile icon in the top-right
3. Select “Payments & subscriptions”
4. Tap “Subscriptions”
5. Find SiriusXM
6. Tap “Cancel subscription” and follow the prompts

What to Know About Timing and Refunds

Understanding the timing of your cancellation helps avoid unexpected charges:

• Cancel at least 24 hours before your renewal date to prevent automatic billing
• For monthly plans, cancellations within the first 7 days may qualify for immediate termination and a prorated refund
• Most cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing period—you’ll keep service until then
• Simply uninstalling the app or selling your vehicle does not cancel your subscription

What to Expect During Cancellation

Be prepared for SiriusXM’s retention tactics:

Important: Always request email confirmation of your cancellation. Without written proof, you might find yourself still being charged.

SiriusXM’s Cancellation Process is Changing

A November 2024 court ruling found that SiriusXM violated consumer protection laws by making cancellation unnecessarily difficult. The court noted customers had to:

• Navigate confusing automated phone systems
• Endure 11.5-minute average wait times (with many waiting much longer)
• Listen to multiple retention offers before cancellation was processed

As a result, SiriusXM will be required to implement simpler cancellation procedures. Additionally, a new Federal Trade Commission rule taking effect in January 2025 will mandate that subscription cancellations be as straightforward as the signup process.

After Cancellation: Confirm and Monitor

After you cancel:

1. Save the cancellation confirmation email
2. Check your credit card statement next month to confirm charges have stopped
3. If you see unexpected charges, contact SiriusXM directly and reference your cancellation confirmation

Avoiding SiriusXM Reactivation After Purchasing a New Vehicle

Many new and certified pre-owned vehicles come with free SiriusXM trials. To prevent automatic conversion to a paid subscription:

1. During the trial period, call SiriusXM at 866-635-8641
2. Tell them you want to decline renewal when the trial ends
3. Ask them to remove your payment information from your account

Common Cancellation Obstacles and Solutions

Remember, SiriusXM is legally obligated to honor your cancellation request—persistence pays off if you encounter resistance.

By following these steps, you can successfully cancel your SiriusXM subscription without the frustration many customers experience. The process might take some effort, but with this guide, you’re equipped to navigate the obstacles and officially end your service.