How to Cancel SiriusXM — Beat the Retention Team (2026 Guide)

Updated 2026-02-17 · 7 min read

SiriusXM is legendary for being difficult to cancel. They charge $10.99-$23.99/month ($132-$288/year), require you to call, and employ one of the most aggressive retention teams in any industry. Here's how to actually get through it.

⚠️ SiriusXM's Cancel Gauntlet

SiriusXM has been sued multiple times for making cancellation difficult. New York State even passed a law specifically because of companies like SiriusXM. Despite this, the cancel process in 2026 still involves a phone call and at least 15-20 minutes of retention offers.

Method 1: Cancel by Phone (Required for Most Plans)

Call 1-866-635-2349
Say "Cancel my subscription" to the automated system
You'll be transferred to a retention specialist (expect 5-10 min hold)
The agent will offer you at least 3-4 discount offers — decline each firmly
Say: "I understand, but I'd like to cancel. Please process my cancellation."
Get a confirmation number and write it down
Ask for a confirmation email

💡 The Retention Playbook (What They'll Try)

SiriusXM agents go through a scripted series of offers. Here's what to expect:

Offer 1: "We can offer you 50% off for 6 months" → "No thank you, please cancel."
Offer 2: "How about $5/month for 12 months?" → "I appreciate the offer, but please cancel my account."
Offer 3: "We have a streaming-only plan for $4.99/month" → "No, I want to fully cancel."
Offer 4: "We can give you 3 months free" → "Please just cancel my subscription. I need a confirmation number."

Method 2: Cancel via Online Chat

SiriusXM now offers chat cancellation (added after legal pressure):

Go to siriusxm.com/help
Click the chat icon
Type "I want to cancel my subscription"
The bot will transfer you to a live agent
Same retention dance, but you can be more blunt in text
Screenshot the confirmation

Method 3: Cancel Online (New — Limited)

After FTC pressure, SiriusXM added an online cancel option for some accounts:

Go to care.siriusxm.com/subscribe/manage
Sign in → find your subscription
Look for Cancel Subscription (may not appear for all account types)

SiriusXM Pricing Trap

What You're Probably Paying	What They'll Offer to Keep You
$23.99/month (Platinum)	$11.99/month for 6 months
$17.99/month (All Access)	$8.99/month for 12 months
$10.99/month (Music & Entertainment)	$4.99/month for 12 months

The hack: If you actually like SiriusXM, call to cancel every year and take the retention deal. You should never pay full price. Long-time subscribers routinely get 60-70% discounts just by threatening to cancel.

Refund Policy

Within 30 days of purchase/renewal: Prorated refund possible
Pre-installed car trial expired: Cancel before trial ends — no charge
Charged after canceling: Call immediately and dispute. Document your cancellation confirmation number.

⚠️ "Zombie Charges" After Canceling

SiriusXM has a well-documented history of continuing to charge customers after cancellation. Always: (1) get a confirmation number, (2) get an email confirmation, (3) check your next bank statement. If charged after canceling, dispute with your bank immediately.

Free Alternatives

Spotify Free — All the music, with ads. $0.
YouTube Music — Free tier with ads, huge library
iHeartRadio — Free live radio, talk shows, podcasts
TuneIn — Free live radio from around the world
Podcasts — Whatever talk content you liked on SiriusXM probably has a free podcast equivalent
Apple CarPlay / Android Auto — Stream any phone app through your car's speakers

🚗 The Car Radio Reality

SiriusXM survives because it came pre-installed in your car and the trial expired. With CarPlay/Android Auto, your phone connects to your car stereo seamlessly — giving you access to Spotify, podcasts, and every streaming service for free. SiriusXM's "unique" advantage of working in remote areas is real but niche.

🔍 Still Being Charged for SiriusXM?

SiriusXM shows up on bank statements as "SIRIUSXM" or "SXM*SIRIUSXM." Upload your bank statement to JustCancel to find it and every other forgotten subscription.

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Quick Cancel Guide: Sirius Xm

Direct cancel link + step-by-step instructions