Are you an avid audiobook listener who’s struggling to keep up with the monthly cost of your Audible subscription? You’re not alone! With the rising popularity of audiobooks, many users are wondering if it’s possible to skip a month on Audible without losing their membership or access to their beloved audiobooks. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Audible memberships, exploring the ins and outs of skipping a month, and what it means for your subscription.
Understanding Audible Memberships
Before we dive into the specifics of skipping a month, it’s essential to understand how Audible memberships work. Audible offers two primary membership plans: the Gold Monthly plan and the Platinum Monthly plan.
- The Gold Monthly plan costs $14.95 per month and includes one credit, which can be redeemed for any audiobook title, regardless of price or length.
- The Platinum Monthly plan costs $22.95 per month and includes two credits, which can be redeemed for any audiobook title.
Both plans come with additional benefits, such as:
- Access to Audible’s vast library of audiobooks
- Exclusive member-only discounts on select titles
- Ability to listen to audiobooks online or offline using the Audible app
- Access to original content, including podcasts and audio shows
Why Would You Want to Skip a Month?
There are several reasons why you might want to skip a month on Audible:
- Budget constraints: Let’s face it, Audible memberships can add up quickly, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Skipping a month can help you save some money without sacrificing your love for audiobooks.
- Listening backlog: If you’ve accumulated a large collection of unheard audiobooks, you might want to take a break to catch up on your listening.
- Changes in listening habits: Perhaps you’ve recently discovered a new hobby or activity that’s consuming more of your time, leaving you with less time for listening.
Whatever your reason, it’s essential to understand the implications of skipping a month on Audible.
Can You Really Skip a Month on Audible?
The short answer is: yes, you can skip a month on Audible, but there are some caveats. Audible allows you to pause your membership for a maximum of three months. During this time, your membership will be suspended, and you won’t be charged.
To pause your membership, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Audible account on the website or mobile app.
- Click on your name in the top right corner, then select “Account & Settings.”
- Scroll down to the “Membership” section and click “Pause membership.”
- Select the number of months you want to pause your membership (up to three months).
- Confirm your pause request.
What Happens to Your Credits?
When you pause your membership, your credits will be frozen, and you won’t be able to redeem them until your membership is reactivated. Any unused credits will remain in your account, and you can redeem them when you resume your membership.
How Does Pausing Affect Your Access to Audiobooks?
During the pause period, you’ll still have access to your library of purchased audiobooks, but you won’t be able to download or stream new titles. If you have any unfinished audiobooks, you can continue listening to them, but you won’t be able to access new content.
Rolled Over Credits: A Hidden Benefit
One of the most significant benefits of pausing your Audible membership is the rolled over credits feature. When you pause your membership, your unused credits will be rolled over to the next billing cycle. This means that if you have unused credits when you pause your membership, they’ll be waiting for you when you reactivate your account.
For example, let’s say you have two unused credits when you pause your Platinum Monthly plan for three months. When you reactivate your membership, you’ll have a total of four credits: two rolled over credits and two new credits for the current billing cycle.
Alternatives to Skipping a Month
If pausing your membership isn’t an option, there are alternative ways to adjust your Audible subscription to fit your budget:
- Downgrade to a lower plan: If you’re finding it difficult to keep up with the cost of your Platinum Monthly plan, consider downgrading to the Gold Monthly plan. This will reduce your monthly expense while still allowing you to access Audible’s vast library of audiobooks.
- Switch to an annual plan:
Audible offers annual plans that can help you save money in the long run. The annual Gold plan costs $149.50 per year (equivalent to $12.46 per month), while the annual Platinum plan costs $229.50 per year (equivalent to $19.13 per month).
Conclusion
Skipping a month on Audible is possible, but it’s essential to understand the implications of pausing your membership. By understanding how Audible memberships work and the benefits of pausing, you can make informed decisions about your subscription. Remember, pausing your membership isn’t the only solution – downgrading to a lower plan or switching to an annual plan can also help you adjust your subscription to fit your budget.
Before making any changes, weigh the pros and cons of pausing your membership, and consider the alternatives. With Audible’s flexible membership options, you can enjoy your favorite audiobooks without breaking the bank.
What happens if I skip a month on Audible?
When you skip a month on Audible, you won’t be charged for that month, and you won’t receive a new credit or access to a free audiobook. However, you’ll still have access to your existing library of audiobooks and any unused credits you may have accumulated.
It’s also important to note that skipping a month does not cancel your subscription. You can resume your subscription at any time, and you’ll be charged for the next month. Additionally, if you have any unused credits, they will remain in your account and can be used whenever you’re ready to download a new audiobook.
Can I still access my audiobooks if I skip a month?
Yes, you can still access your existing library of audiobooks even if you skip a month on Audible. Your audiobooks are stored in your library, and you can download or stream them at any time, regardless of whether you’re actively subscribed or not.
However, keep in mind that if you cancel your subscription altogether, you’ll no longer have access to any audiobooks you’ve borrowed through Audible’s service, only the ones you’ve purchased outright. But if you simply skip a month, your library remains intact, and you can pick up where you left off whenever you resume your subscription.
Will I lose my place in the audiobook if I skip a month?
No, you won’t lose your place in the audiobook if you skip a month on Audible. Your progress is synced across all devices connected to your Audible account, so when you resume listening, you’ll pick up right where you left off.
Additionally, if you’ve set a bookmark or created a clip, those will also be preserved, so you can easily find your place or reference important parts of the audiobook. This makes it easy to take a break from your subscription without worrying about losing your progress.
Can I still get customer support if I skip a month?
Yes, you can still get customer support from Audible even if you skip a month. Audible’s customer support team is available to help with any issues or questions you may have, regardless of your subscription status.
However, keep in mind that some support options may be limited if you’re not actively subscribed. For example, you may not be able to initiate a return or exchange for an audiobook if you’re not currently subscribed. But for general questions or technical issues, Audible’s customer support team is always available to assist you.
Can I still use my credits if I skip a month?
Yes, you can still use your accumulated credits even if you skip a month on Audible. Your credits will remain in your account and can be used whenever you’re ready to download a new audiobook, regardless of whether you’re actively subscribed or not.
However, it’s worth noting that credits do expire if your subscription is inactive for an extended period. According to Audible’s terms, credits expire after 12 months of inactivity. So, if you plan to skip multiple months, it’s a good idea to use your credits before they expire.
How do I skip a month on Audible?
To skip a month on Audible, simply log in to your account on the Audible website or mobile app. From there, go to your account settings and click on “Account & Settings.” Then, click on “Membership” and select “Skip this month’s credit.” You’ll be asked to confirm that you want to skip the month, and then you’re all set.
Keep in mind that if you’re currently on a free trial, you won’t be able to skip a month, as the trial is only valid for a limited time. Also, be aware that skipping a month does not cancel your subscription, so you’ll still need to manually cancel if you want to stop using Audible altogether.
Are there any consequences to skipping a month?
Generally, there are no consequences to skipping a month on Audible. You won’t be charged, and you won’t lose access to your existing library of audiobooks. However, as mentioned earlier, if you’re inactive for an extended period, your credits may expire.
Additionally, if you’re participating in Audible’s rewards program, skipping a month may affect your progress. But for most users, skipping a month is a convenient way to take a break from their subscription without incurring any penalties.