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If you’ve ever tried to cancel a SiriusXM subscription, you might have felt like you needed a strategy guide just to get through the process. For years, the company’s cancellation process was notoriously difficult, but major legal rulings and new regulations have changed the game. Here’s what you need to know about canceling SiriusXM in 2026.
Yes, But Things Are Changing
SiriusXM has been legally required to make cancellation easier, but the transition is ongoing. A New York judge ruled in late 2024 that the company’s “long and burdensome” cancellation process was illegal, and new FTC rules now require companies to make canceling as easy as signing up
The Problem: Why Canceling Was So Frustrating
SiriusXM’s cancellation process was intentionally designed to be difficult. Here’s what the investigation revealed:
- Phone cancellations averaged 11.5 minutes – customers had to speak at length with live agents
- Online cancellations took up to 30 minutes – far longer than the simple signup process
- Agents used a six-part retention script – customers were pushed through as many as five separate offers before cancellation was processed
- Agents were explicitly told to “not take ‘no’ for an answer” – internal training documents confirmed this strategy
A New York Supreme Court justice found that SiriusXM violated the Restore Online Shoppers Confidence Act (ROSCA), which requires companies to provide “simple mechanisms” to cancel subscriptions .
The Big Changes (What’s Actually Different Now)
1. The New York Ruling (November 2024)
Justice Lyle Frank ruled that SiriusXM’s cancellation procedure was “clearly not as easy to use as the initiation method,” violating federal law . The judge ordered SiriusXM to implement a “simple cancellation method” that doesn’t require speaking to live agents .
Important caveat: This ruling currently applies specifically to New York customers, though SiriusXM has said it will also follow the FTC’s incoming “click-to-cancel” rule .
2. The FTC “Click-to-Cancel” Rule (Effective January 2025)
The Federal Trade Commission’s new rule requires businesses to make canceling subscriptions as easy as signing up . Under this rule:
- Same medium requirement: If you signed up online, you should be able to cancel online
- No unreasonable barriers: Companies cannot create obstacles that impede cancellation
- Cost-effective and timely: Cancellation must be easy to use and immediate
3. The $28 Million Settlement (2026)
SiriusXM agreed to a $28 million settlement to resolve multiple class action lawsuits over unlawful cancellation practices, hidden fees (a 21.4% “Music Royalty Fee”), and unauthorized robocalls . Eligible class members could receive up to $1,500 each .
How to Cancel SiriusXM Today
Option 1: Try Online First
Visit your Online Account Center at care.siriusxm.com and look for the cancellation option under your subscription settings .
Option 2: Call Customer Service
If online cancellation fails:
Pro tip: If you call, be prepared for retention offers, but know that you can now insist on cancellation without agent interaction in New York.
Option 3: Third-Party Subscriptions
If you purchased through a third party (like Apple or Amazon), you must cancel directly through that service – not through SiriusXM .
FAQs About SiriusXM Cancellation in 2026
Q: Is SiriusXM still hard to cancel in 2026?
A: It’s getting easier. Legal rulings and the new FTC “click-to-cancel” rule require simpler cancellation, though the transition is ongoing .
Q: Can I cancel SiriusXM online now?
A: Yes, try your Online Account Center at care.siriusxm.com . Under the FTC rule, online signups must now allow online cancellations .
Q: Does the New York ruling apply to me if I live outside New York?
A: The court ruling directly applies to New York customers, but SiriusXM has stated it will follow the FTC’s nationwide “click-to-cancel” rule .
Q: How long does it take to cancel by phone now?
A: While the average used to be 11.5 minutes, the process should become quicker under the new regulations. However, retention attempts may still occur .
Q: What if I signed up through a third party?
A: You must cancel directly with that third-party service. SiriusXM cannot cancel third-party subscriptions for you .
Q: Can I get a refund for unused time?
A: Refund policies vary. Monthly plans may be eligible for refunds within 7 days; annual plans within 30 days (pro-rated) .
Q: Is there a class action settlement I can claim?
A: Yes. SiriusXM agreed to a $28 million settlement over cancellation practices and hidden fees. Eligible customers may receive up to $1,500 .
