Ah, Roku! It’s like the Swiss army knife of streaming, offering a smorgasbord of content, from Netflix to Hulu, and yes, CBS All Access (recently rebranded as Paramount+). But what happens when you’re done binging all of “Star Trek: Discovery” or simply don’t want CBS on your Roku anymore?
Let me guide you through the somewhat winding path of saying goodbye to CBS on your trusty Roku.
TL;DR: To cancel CBS (now Paramount+) on Roku, head over to your Roku account page, locate the CBS or Paramount+ subscription, and select ‘Cancel’. Always make sure to check for any final charges and note the end date of your subscription.
Now, let’s dive deeper, shall we?
Table of Contents
Unraveling the Steps
Step 1: Navigating to Your Roku Account
To start the cancellation process, you first need to access your Roku account:
- Visit the official Roku website on a computer or mobile device.
- Click on ‘Sign In’ and enter your credentials.
- Once logged in, find and click on the ‘Manage Subscriptions’ option.
Step 2: Finding CBS (Paramount+)
Within the ‘Manage Subscriptions’ tab:
- Scroll through your list of subscriptions until you locate CBS or Paramount+.
- Select it to view more details about your subscription.
I recommend you always take a moment here to review the details, especially the renewal date. Sometimes, you might just be a day away from a renewal!
Step 3: Initiating the Cancellation
- Next to the CBS or Paramount+ listing, there should be an option to ‘Cancel’. Click on it.
- Roku might ask you for a reason for cancellation. Select the one that best fits, or simply choose ‘Other’.
- Confirm the cancellation.
Note: Always ensure you get a confirmation of the cancellation. You wouldn’t want any unexpected charges, would you?
Step 4: Double-Checking on Your Roku Device
Although you’ve done the work on the website, I recommend:
- Turning on your Roku device.
- Navigate to the CBS or Paramount+ channel.
- Ensure that it reflects your recent cancellation, possibly showing an option to resubscribe or reactivate.
Table: Channel Name and Associated Channel Numbers
(Note: The channel numbers mentioned are hypothetical, as Roku’s channel store doesn’t assign traditional “channel numbers.”)
| Channel Name | Channel Number(s) |
|---|---|
| Netflix | 12, 45, 99 |
| Hulu | 15, 47, 78 |
| CBS/Paramount+ | 18, 48, 102 |
| Starz | 20, 49, 105 |
| HBO Max | 25, 58, 110 |
The Aftermath of Cancellation
After cancelling a subscription like CBS (or Paramount+), many users believe the process ends once they hit the ‘cancel’ button. But there’s more to this story, and understanding the finer details can save you potential headaches in the future.
Still Seeing the Channel on Your Roku?
One common misconception is that once you cancel a subscription, the channel will vanish from your Roku device. This isn’t the case. Cancelling the subscription simply halts any future billing and revokes access to premium content.
What Should You Do?
- Removing the Channel: If you no longer wish to see the channel on your Roku home screen, you can remove it. Navigate to the channel, press the * button on your remote, and select ‘Remove channel’.
Note: I recommend this step for a cleaner interface, especially if you’re certain you won’t be resubscribing anytime soon.
Refunds and Billing Cycles
Unlike some services where cancellation leads to a prorated refund, with Roku subscriptions, you’re usually committed until the end of your current billing cycle.
What Does This Mean?
- Access Until the End: Even after cancellation, you’ll have access to CBS or Paramount+ content until the end of your billing cycle. So if you’ve canceled 10 days before your month’s end, you still have 10 days to enjoy.
- No Surprises: Roku doesn’t offer refunds for partial months or days within your billing cycle. Therefore, it’s wise to cancel closer to the renewal date if you’re looking to maximize value.
Keeping an Eye on Email Communications
After cancellation, keep an eye on your email. Roku and CBS (Paramount+) might:
- Confirm Your Cancellation: Always ensure you receive an email confirmation of your cancellation. It’s your proof should any billing discrepancies arise later.
- Offer Special Deals: Sometimes, they might lure you back with exclusive offers or inform you about new content you’re missing out on.
Alternative Viewing Options
Once you’ve canceled CBS (Paramount+) on Roku, there are still multiple avenues to explore content:
- Free Trials on Other Platforms: CBS or Paramount+ might be available with promotional offers on other platforms. Keep an eye out!
- Alternative Channels: Platforms like Hulu or Amazon Prime sometimes have CBS shows available in their libraries, though not always the latest episodes.
Note: Always check if the content you wish to watch is available before committing to another platform or channel.
Account Security
Finally, a point often overlooked, but of utmost importance:
- Password Management: If you’ve decided to cut ties with several streaming services, it might be a good time to update passwords, ensuring your online safety.
- Payment Methods: Check to see if any outdated cards or accounts are linked to your Roku. Update or remove them as needed.
Deeper Insights and Personal Touches
- Feedback Matters: After cancelling, Roku might ask for feedback. While it’s optional, I always believe in sharing feedback. It helps improve services!
- Trial Periods: Often, people sign up for a trial and forget about it. If you’re cancelling to avoid being charged after a trial, set a reminder next time to save the hassle.
- Reactivation: Fear not! If you ever feel the pangs of Star Trek withdrawal, you can always resubscribe to CBS or Paramount+ via Roku. Sometimes they even offer special deals for returning customers.
Conclusion
Cancelling CBS (or any service) on Roku might seem daunting initially, but with the right steps, it’s a walk in the park. Remember, it’s crucial to always monitor your subscriptions to ensure you’re only paying for what you love to watch.
And Roku, with its versatility, always makes it easy to hop back on if you change your mind. Happy streaming!
FAQ
What is CBS All Access now called on Roku?
It’s called Paramount+.
Will I be charged after cancelling?
No, but always double-check the end date of your subscription and any final charges.
Can I resubscribe if I change my mind?
Absolutely! Roku makes it easy to reactivate subscriptions.
Note: Always remember to regularly monitor your subscriptions to avoid any unexpected costs. Happy streaming!
