Cancel CBS All Access: The Right Way

How to cancel paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) from new zealand in 2026

Understanding paramount+ and why new zealanders use it

Paramount+ is a US-based streaming service that replaced CBS All Access, offering on-demand television shows, movies, and live sports content from the Paramount media group. If you're accessing it from New Zealand, you're using a service primarily designed for the United States market, which means you need to understand your rights and cancellation options.

Many New Zealand users subscribe to Paramount+ because the content library is significantly larger than what official NZ streaming services offer. You might have signed up using a US gift card, through Apple or Amazon, or directly via the Paramount+ website using a VPN or international payment method. The service itself isn't officially marketed here, so support can be slower and billing clarity becomes murkier. At Tocancel, we've helped thousands of New Zealand consumers navigate this exact situation, and you're absolutely in good company.

Why cancellation matters when you're outside the official territory

Subscribing to a US service from New Zealand doesn't break any laws. However, it does mean you need to be extra careful about how you cancel and claim refunds. Consumer protections are less straightforward when you're using a service outside its officially supported region. This guide will walk you through your cancellation rights under New Zealand law and show you exactly how to close your account.

Your location doesn't strip away your consumer rights-you still have them, you just need to enforce them correctly.

Your consumer rights under new zealand law

Before you cancel, you need to know what you're legally entitled to claim and enforce.

Consumer guarantees act protection

Under New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, you have the right to cancel services within a reasonable time if they fail to deliver what was promised. If Paramount+ stops working, fails to stream in high definition, or repeatedly cuts out, you have grounds to request a refund. If the service charged you twice by mistake, or billed you without consent, this law protects you.

Your legal position is this: if a digital service doesn't work as described, you can demand a refund or replacement. The Commerce Commission enforces the Consumer Guarantees Act, and they take streaming billing disputes seriously.

Fair trading act and misleading billing

The Fair Trading Act protects you from misleading practices. If Paramount+ auto-renewed your subscription without clear written consent, or converted USD charges to NZD at an unreasonably high rate without warning, you have grounds to complain. Document everything: screenshots of your account settings, payment confirmations showing currency conversion, and any email receipts.

If Paramount+ refuses to acknowledge misleading billing, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission or file a complaint with your bank.

Payment provider protections and chargebacks

Your bank, credit card company, or PayPal all have chargeback processes for non-delivery, fraudulent billing, or unauthorized charges. Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal protect cardholders when merchants fail to deliver promised services. If Paramount+ refuses a legitimate refund and you've documented your cancellation request, your bank can dispute the charge on your behalf-this is your escalation option if direct cancellation fails.

You have legal recourse even when dealing with a US company; use it confidently.

How to cancel paramount+ using four proven methods

Your cancellation route depends entirely on how you subscribed. Choose the method that matches your account setup exactly.

Method 1: cancel directly via the paramount+ website

If you signed up directly at paramountplus.com with an email address and password, this is your fastest cancellation path and gives you the clearest paper trail for your records.

1. Visit paramountplus.com/account and sign in with your email and password.
   • If you've forgotten your password, click "Forgot password?" and follow the reset link sent to your email.
   • Check your spam folder if the reset email doesn't arrive within 2 minutes.
2. Look for "Subscription," "Manage subscription," or "Billing" in your account menu.
   • This is usually located under "Account settings" or directly in the left-hand navigation.
   • On mobile, swipe the menu open if you don't see it immediately.
3. Select "View plan details," "Manage plan," or "Cancel subscription"-the exact wording varies.
   • Read the on-screen confirmation carefully; Paramount+ often offers a discounted rate to keep you subscribed.
   • Decline any offer unless you genuinely want to stay.
4. Confirm the cancellation by clicking the final "Cancel subscription" button.
   • You'll see a confirmation message on-screen and receive an email confirmation to your inbox within minutes.
   • Screenshot both confirmations immediately and save them to a folder labeled "Paramount+ Cancellation."
5. Note your final access date, which the system shows on-screen.
   • Your subscription continues until the end of your current billing period, then access stops automatically.
   • Mark this date on your calendar so you're not surprised when you lose access.

Method 2: cancel through apple app store (if you subscribed via iPhone or iPad)

If you subscribe through the Apple App Store, cancellation happens in your Apple account settings, not in the Paramount+ app itself.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app and tap your name at the top.
   • This takes you to your Apple ID account settings.
2. Tap "Subscriptions" and find "Paramount+" in the list.
   • If you see multiple Paramount+ entries, tap each one to identify your active subscription.
3. Tap "Paramount+" and select "Cancel subscription" or "Cancel app subscription."
   • Apple will ask you why you're cancelling; you can skip this or provide feedback.
4. Confirm the cancellation.
   • You'll see a cancellation confirmation immediately on-screen.
   • Apple sends a confirmation email to your registered Apple ID email address.
5. Your Paramount+ access continues until the renewal date shown on-screen.
   • Screenshot the renewal date for your records.

Method 3: cancel via google play store (if you subscribed on android)

Android users who subscribed through Google Play follow a similar path to Apple users.

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open Google Play Store and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines).
   • The menu is usually in the top left or top right corner.
2. Tap "Manage subscriptions" and find "Paramount+" in the list.
   • If you see multiple subscriptions, tap each to confirm which one is active.
3. Tap "Paramount+" and select "Cancel subscription."
   • Google will ask for cancellation feedback; you can provide it or skip it.
4. Confirm the cancellation.
   • Your access continues until the renewal date shown on-screen.
   • Google sends a confirmation email to your account email.
   • Take a screenshot of the renewal date and save it.

Method 4: contact paramount+ support directly if online cancellation fails

If you can't access your account online or the cancellation button doesn't work, reach out to Paramount+ support by email or phone.

1. Visit the Paramount+ help centre and look for "Contact Us" or "Support."
   • Go to help.paramountplus.com and scroll to the bottom for contact options.
2. Email support with your full name, account email address, and a clear cancellation request.
   • Subject line: "Cancellation request-account [your email address]"
   • Body: "I request immediate cancellation of my Paramount+ subscription effective [today's date]. Please confirm cancellation and my final billing date."
3. Send your email and keep a copy for your records.
   • Support typically responds within 24-48 hours.
4. If you don't hear back within 48 hours, follow up with a second email or call Paramount+ directly.
   • Keep all email correspondence; you may need it for a refund dispute later.

Refund rights and what to expect after cancellation

Understanding when Paramount+ owes you a refund is crucial for protecting your money.

When you're entitled to a refund

You are entitled to a refund if you cancel within a reasonable timeframe after purchase and haven't yet used the service significantly. If you cancel on the same day you subscribed, you have the strongest case for a full refund. Paramount+ doesn't offer automatic refunds for early cancellation-you have to request one and justify it.

You are also entitled to a refund if the service fails to deliver what was advertised (won't stream, constant buffering, app crashes on your device). Take screenshots of error messages or connection failures as evidence.

How to request a refund

Contact Paramount+ support and state your case clearly. Explain when you subscribed, when you cancelled, and why you're entitled to a refund under New Zealand consumer law. Reference the Consumer Guarantees Act if the service failed. Send this request in writing (email) so you have proof of your request.

Paramount+ will review your request and respond within 5-10 business days. If they refuse and you believe their refusal is unjust, escalate to the Commerce Commission or request a chargeback from your bank.

At Tocancel, we recommend always requesting a refund in writing-it strengthens your position if you need to escalate later.

Your access after cancellation

Your Paramount+ access continues until the end of your current billing period. If you cancelled on 15 January and your renewal date was 28 January, you have access until 28 January at 11:59 PM. On 29 January, your account locks and you can no longer stream.

This is normal and expected. Mark your calendar so you're not caught off guard.

Pricing structure and subscription tiers

Understanding what you were paying for helps you evaluate whether a refund is justified.

If you were on a trial that converted to paid without your clear consent, you have strong grounds for a refund under the Fair Trading Act. Document the original offer you accepted.

Common mistakes to avoid during cancellation

Cancellation feels simple until something goes wrong. Here are the traps that catch most people-and how to sidestep them.

Mistake 1: cancelling but not saving proof

This is heartbreaking and entirely preventable. You cancel your subscription, get a confirmation email, then delete it or lose track of it. Months later, Paramount+ charges you again, and you have no proof of cancellation. Always screenshot your cancellation confirmation, your account settings showing "Cancelled," and any email receipts. Save these in a dedicated folder on your computer or cloud storage.

Your cancellation proof is your insurance policy-keep it safe.

Mistake 2: confusing "cancel" with "pause"

Some streaming services offer a "pause subscription" option alongside "cancel." If you tap pause by mistake, your subscription stays active and you continue to be charged. Check the exact wording of every button you click during cancellation. If you see "pause," "take a break," or "suspend," click it only if you intend to reactivate later.

Mistake 3: cancelling in the app instead of through your account

If you subscribed through Apple App Store or Google Play, cancelling inside the Paramount+ app won't work. You must cancel through your device's settings (Apple Settings or Google Play). Attempting to cancel in-app will frustrate you and likely fail. Follow the method that matches your subscription type exactly.

Mistake 4: not checking your bank statement after cancellation

Even when you cancel correctly, billing glitches happen. Check your bank statement two weeks after your final access date. If you see another Paramount+ charge, contact your bank immediately and file a chargeback. This is why Tocancel always recommends monitoring your accounts closely for 30 days after any cancellation.

Mistake 5: accepting a discount offer instead of cancelling

When you try to cancel, Paramount+ often displays a popup offering you a discounted rate to stay subscribed. If you're set on leaving, decline this offer firmly. If you accept it by accident, you're now recommitted to the service. Go back into your account settings and cancel again if this happens.

Cancellation popups are designed to confuse you-read them carefully and click only what you intend.

After cancellation: what happens next

Your subscription is cancelled, your access ends at the right date, and you're expecting that to be the end. Sometimes it is-and sometimes small issues emerge. Here's what to watch for and what to do.

If paramount+ charges you after cancellation

This shouldn't happen, but if it does, act quickly. Log into your account and verify that cancellation shows as confirmed. Take a screenshot. Then contact your bank or payment provider within 10 days of the unexpected charge and request a chargeback, explaining that you cancelled and have proof.

Your bank can reverse the charge if you provide evidence of cancellation. This is why saving that confirmation screenshot is absolutely critical.

If you want to rejoin later

You can resubscribe to Paramount+ at any time. Simply log back into your account (using the same email) or download the app again and select a subscription tier. Your previous viewing history and profiles will usually be restored. Paramount+ sometimes offers returning customers a discounted reactivation offer-watch your email for this.

If you want to report paramount+ to the commerce commission

If you believe Paramount+ has broken New Zealand consumer law (misleading billing, no clear cancellation path, failing to refund after service failure), file a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission. Visit beehive.govt.nz/commerce-commission and select "Lodge a complaint." The Commerce Commission investigates streaming service billing disputes and has successfully forced refunds.

Don't hesitate to escalate if you believe you've been treated unfairly. The Commerce Commission exists to enforce your rights.

Cancellation checklist for your records

Use this checklist to ensure you've covered every step and have all necessary documentation.

Keep this checklist completed and filed with your cancellation proof. It demonstrates diligence if you later need to dispute a charge.

Why tocancel is your partner in this process

Cancelling a streaming subscription shouldn't require a guide-but when it's a US service accessed from New Zealand, the rules become murky. Tocancel exists to translate your rights into clear, actionable steps. We've helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel overseas subscriptions, recover refunds, and stand up to billing glitches.

This guide gives you everything you need: your legal rights, exact step-by-step cancellation methods, refund pathways, and escalation options if Paramount+ refuses to cooperate. You have the law on your side. Now you have the knowledge to enforce it.

If you face resistance or billing issues after following these steps, Tocancel provides additional resources and supports your right to fair treatment. Your consumer protection doesn't end at the New Zealand border-it travels with you.

Contacting paramount+ support if needed

Paramount+ doesn't maintain a public cancellation address for New Zealand residents. Instead, reach support through these channels:

• Email: [email protected] (include "Cancellation Request" in the subject line)
• Help Centre: help.paramountplus.com
• In-app support: open Paramount+ and tap "Settings" then "Help" or "Contact Us"

When contacting support, provide your account email, full name, and a clear cancellation date. Request written confirmation of cancellation and your final billing date. Save all correspondence.

You have the right to cancel, the law backs you up, and Tocancel stands with you. Take action today.