How to permanently disable auto-renewal so you never get surprised by an unexpected renewal charge again. This guide applies specifically to YouTube Premium ($13.99/mo) subscribers in Torrance, California. California's Automatic Renewal Law (ARL) protects you.
California's Automatic Renewal Law (ARL) (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17600) gives Torrance residents specific protections when dealing with YouTube Premium:
Penalties: Consumers can recover actual damages plus $1,000 in statutory damages per violation
Applied to YouTube Premium (YouTube website or app) for Torrance residents
Log into your account settings
Go to the service's website (not app, unless it's an app-store subscription). Navigate to Settings → Billing → Subscription or Plan.
Look for 'Auto-Renewal' or 'Recurring Billing' toggle
Most services have an explicit auto-renewal toggle. Turn it off. You will typically keep access until your current paid period ends, then it won't renew.
Get written confirmation
After toggling, screenshot the settings page and save any confirmation email. If they charge you after disabling auto-renewal, you have documented proof.
For app-store subscriptions, disable in the store
iPhone: Settings → [Your Name] → Subscriptions → [App] → Turn off Renew. Google Play: Manage subscriptions → Cancel. The app itself cannot see these settings.
Set a final billing date reminder
Note when your current period ends. After that date, verify no charge appears. If you see a charge after disabling auto-renewal, that is an unauthorized charge.
Method: YouTube website or app · Difficulty: easy
YouTube Premium-specific tips
No refund. Access until period ends.
Under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17600, Torrance residents may be entitled to a full refund if YouTube Premium didn't properly disclose auto-renewal terms.
SubScrub auto-cites Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17600 for Torrance residents