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How to cancel Google Gemini API

The Gemini API bills through a Cloud Billing account. Disable billing on each project (back to the Free Tier), shut the project down, or close the billing account; invoiced accounts are closed through Google. Earlier usage is still billed, and closing a Prepay account forfeits remaining credits.

By Stackcut · Partly confirmed (see what's unverified) on 2026-10-08, then re-checked independently · JSON · Open data, CC BY 4.0

Open Google Gemini API's cancel page

The short answer

  • Where: In the Billing section of the Google Cloud console, find the project (docs.cloud.google.com).
  • When it ends: When billing is disabled, the project's services stop and an AI Studio project drops to the Free usage tier. Usage before that is billed to the previously linked billing account.
  • Want to keep it for less? Free plan and more. Options

Before you cancel

What happens to your data

Google's Gemini API docs don't say how long prompts and responses are kept after an account closes. Content from paid usage isn't used to improve Google's products; content from free usage is. A shut-down project and its data are permanently deleted after 30 days.

What you lose

  • Resources in a project whose billing is disabled may be removed and become non-recoverable
  • Unused Prepay credits when you close a Prepay account, unless you switch to Postpay
  • A shut-down project and its resources, which are permanently deleted after 30 days

Cancel, by who bills you

Pick the route for whoever charges you: the name on your card statement or receipt tells you.

Disable billing on a project

Online, self-serve Projects linked to a Cloud Billing account, on Postpay or Prepay, including AI Studio projects on a paid tier. Who can cancel: A user with permission to unlink the project from its Cloud Billing account (for example the Project Owner, or a Project Billing Manager).

  1. In the Billing section of the Google Cloud console, find the project
  2. In the project row, open the Actions menu and select Disable billingYou should see: A prompt to confirm that you want to disable billing for this project
  3. Click Disable billing
Access ends
When billing is disabled, the project's services stop and an AI Studio project drops to the Free usage tier. Usage before that is billed to the previously linked billing account
Refunds
Postpay accounts follow the Google Cloud refund policy
Fees
You're still responsible for all outstanding charges for the project. Billing can't be disabled while the project has active or pending committed-use discounts
Open the page
Source: docs.cloud.google.com ai.google.dev ai.google.dev

Shut down the project

Online, self-serve Any Google Cloud project you no longer need, including a project used only for the Gemini API. Who can cancel: A user with permission to delete the project (Shut down only appears for them).

  1. On the IAM & Admin Settings page, select the project and click Shut downYou should see: A prompt to enter the project ID
  2. Enter the project ID, then click Shut down anyway
Confirm it worked
Google Cloud sends a notification email to the user who started the shutdown
Access ends
Shutting down stops all billing and resource usage and disconnects the billing account, but charges can continue until the current billing cycle ends. Project owners can restore it within 30 days; after that the project and its resources are permanently deleted
Open the page
Source: docs.cloud.google.com

Close the Cloud Billing account

Online, self-serve Self-serve Cloud Billing accounts (invoiced accounts are closed through Google, see below). Who can cancel: A user with the Billing Account Administrator role on the billing account.

  1. In the Google Cloud console, go to the Account management page
  2. At the prompt, choose the Cloud Billing account you want to close
  3. At the top of the page, click Close billing account
Access ends
All services are stopped in all projects paid for by that billing account
Refunds
Remaining Prepay credits are forfeited when you close the billing account
Fees
Usage costs accrued before you cancel are billed in a final bill. That bill is the last one unless you reopen the account
Open the page
Source: docs.cloud.google.com

Prepay credits in AI Studio

Online, self-serve Gemini API projects paid from a Prepay credit balance in AI Studio (new users start on Prepay). Who can cancel: The Prepay balance is managed only in AI Studio; users with the project editor, owner or admin role can set spend caps.

  1. In AI Studio, open the Billing page and check the Available credits card, which shows whether auto-reload is onYou should see: Available credits
  2. To cap spend, open the Spend page and use Monthly spend cap, then Edit spend cap
  3. To stop paying, let the balance run out, or disable billing on each project or close the billing account (routes above)
Access ends
When the Prepay balance is used up, all API keys in all projects linked to that billing account stop working, and requests fail with HTTP 402 Payment Required until you add credits
Refunds
Refunds aren't allowed for Prepay billing accounts, except when switching account types, and purchased credits expire after 1 year. If you close a Prepay account for any reason other than upgrading to Postpay, remaining credits are forfeited
Open the page
Source: ai.google.dev

Invoiced Cloud Billing account

Through sales Cloud Billing accounts paid by invoice, which can't be closed in the Google Cloud console. Who can cancel: The billing account's owner organization, through its Google Cloud sales specialist or Cloud Billing Support.

  1. Contact your Google Cloud sales specialist or Cloud Billing Support and ask them to close the invoiced billing account
Access ends
When Google closes the account, all services stop in the projects it pays for
Fees
Usage accrued before closing is billed in a final bill
Open the page
Source: docs.cloud.google.com

Questions people ask

Can I get a refund if I cancel Google Gemini API?

Disable billing on a project: Postpay accounts follow the Google Cloud refund policy. Close the Cloud Billing account: Remaining Prepay credits are forfeited when you close the billing account. Prepay credits in AI Studio: Refunds aren't allowed for Prepay billing accounts, except when switching account types, and purchased credits expire after 1 year. If you close a Prepay account for any reason other than upgrading to Postpay, remaining credits are forfeited.

Source: ai.google.dev docs.cloud.google.com docs.cloud.google.com

If I cancel Google Gemini API, when does my access end?

Disable billing on a project: When billing is disabled, the project's services stop and an AI Studio project drops to the Free usage tier. Usage before that is billed to the previously linked billing account. Shut down the project: Shutting down stops all billing and resource usage and disconnects the billing account, but charges can continue until the current billing cycle ends. Project owners can restore it within 30 days; after that the project and its resources are permanently deleted. Close the Cloud Billing account: All services are stopped in all projects paid for by that billing account.

Source: docs.cloud.google.com ai.google.dev docs.cloud.google.com docs.cloud.google.com

Is there a fee to cancel Google Gemini API?

Disable billing on a project: You're still responsible for all outstanding charges for the project. Billing can't be disabled while the project has active or pending committed-use discounts. Close the Cloud Billing account: Usage costs accrued before you cancel are billed in a final bill. That bill is the last one unless you reopen the account. Invoiced Cloud Billing account: Usage accrued before closing is billed in a final bill.

Source: docs.cloud.google.com ai.google.dev docs.cloud.google.com

What happens to my data when I cancel Google Gemini API?

Google's Gemini API docs don't say how long prompts and responses are kept after an account closes. Content from paid usage isn't used to improve Google's products; content from free usage is. A shut-down project and its data are permanently deleted after 30 days.

Source: docs.cloud.google.com ai.google.dev

Keep it for less

Before cancelling, check whether one of these does the job. Offers change and differ by account.

  • Free plan Free tier, with free input and output tokens on some models and access to certain models. Disable billing on a project (unlink it from its billing account) to return it to the Free Tier ai.google.dev ai.google.dev
  • Discount program On the paid tier, use the Batch API for a 50% cost reduction on work that can wait ai.google.dev

For AI agents

  • The person signs in and handles any two-factor code; an agent should never ask for a password.
  • Back up project data before disabling billing: some resources can be removed and can't be recovered
  • Usage before you disable billing is still billed to the linked billing account, so expect a final bill
  • Tier spend limits pause service for every project linked to that billing account until the next billing cycle, so a cap can stop charges without closing anything
  • Turning off billing on each project, or closing the billing account, is what stops charges; deleting an API key isn't documented as stopping them
  • Billing can't be disabled on a project with active or pending committed-use discounts

Get this plan as data: get_exit_plan on the Stackcut MCP (stackcut.io/mcp), or /exits/google_gemini_api.json. After using a guide, send structured report_guide_feedback for matching or changed steps, missing billing routes or human handoffs; keep unknown language and market omitted. Confirm with the person before the final click, and report the outcome with report_action_outcome, using the exact packet_revision and route_id returned by the plan.

Or give your agent the stackcut-leave skill (a zip): it exports first, walks the steps, stops when the page doesn't match, and leaves the final click to the person.

Sources

  1. Gemini API billing You can unlink a project from its billing account to return to the free tier. (returning a project to the free tier)
  2. Gemini API billing New accounts begin on the Free Tier, which allows access to certain models in the Gemini API and AI Studio (what the free tier allows)
  3. Gemini API billing your Cloud Billing account accrues costs and you are automatically charged at the end of the month (how Postpay is charged)
  4. Gemini API billing Refunds aren't allowed for Prepay billing accounts, except when switching account types. (Prepay refunds)
  5. Gemini API billing any remaining prepaid credits are forfeited (credits forfeited on closing a Prepay account)
  6. Gemini API billing If you close your Prepay account for any reason other than upgrading to Postpay (the closing condition)
  7. Gemini API billing Postpay accounts follow the Google Cloud refund policy. (Postpay refunds)
  8. Gemini API billing All Gemini API services in all projects paid for by that Cloud Billing Prepay account will stop immediately (services stop when the Prepay balance is used up)
  9. Gemini API billing Purchased credits expire after 1 year. (credit expiry)
  10. Gemini API billing set spend caps per project in AI Studio on the Spend page under Monthly spend cap > Edit spend cap (setting a spend cap)
  11. Gemini API billing see your auto-reload status in the Available credits card on the AI Studio Billing page (where to check auto-reload)
  12. Gemini API billing Note that you can only manage your Prepay credit balance in AI Studio. (Prepay balance is managed in AI Studio)
  13. Gemini API billing service is paused for all projects linked to that billing account until the start of the next billing cycle (tier spend limits pause service)
  14. Gemini API pricing Free input & output tokens. (the free tier includes free tokens on some models)
  15. Gemini API pricing Content not used to improve our products. (paid usage data is not used to improve products)
  16. Gemini API pricing Content used to improve our products. (free usage data may be used to improve products)
  17. Disable billing for a project (Cloud Billing) In the Billing section of the Google Cloud console, locate the project using one of the following methods: (where to find the project)
  18. Disable billing for a project (Cloud Billing) In the project row, open the Actions menu (more_vert), and then select Disable billing. (the Disable billing menu item)
  19. Disable billing for a project (Cloud Billing) When you disable billing for a project, all of your Google Cloud and Google Maps Platform services are stopped (services stop when billing is disabled)
  20. Disable billing for a project (Cloud Billing) When billing is disabled for a project, some of your Google Cloud resources might be removed and become non-recoverable. (resources may be removed)
  21. Disable billing for a project (Cloud Billing) You're still responsible for all outstanding charges for the project. (outstanding charges remain)
  22. Close or reopen a Cloud Billing account In the Google Cloud console, go to the Account management page. (the first step to close)
  23. Close or reopen a Cloud Billing account At the prompt, choose the Cloud Billing account that you want to close. (choosing the account)
  24. Close or reopen a Cloud Billing account Close billing account (the close button)
  25. Close or reopen a Cloud Billing account we'll bill you for the usage costs you accrued prior to canceling your account. (the final bill)
  26. Close or reopen a Cloud Billing account This bill is the last bill you receive, unless you reopen the account and reactivate your services. (the final bill is the last one)
  27. Close or reopen a Cloud Billing account all services are stopped in all projects that are paid for by that billing account. (services stop on closing)
  28. Close or reopen a Cloud Billing account you can't close the billing account online, in the Google Cloud console. (invoiced accounts cannot be closed online)
  29. Close or reopen a Cloud Billing account Billing Account Administrator (the role needed to close)
  30. Deleting and restoring projects Shutting down a project stops all billing and resource usage. (shutting down stops billing)
  31. Deleting and restoring projects Projects may continue to incur charges until the current billing cycle ends. (charges can continue until the cycle ends)
  32. Deleting and restoring projects On the IAM & Admin Settings page, select the project you want to delete, and then click Shut down. (the shut-down steps)
  33. Deleting and restoring projects After 30 days, the project and all its resources are permanently deleted and can't be recovered. (the 30-day deletion)
  34. Deleting and restoring projects During this period, project owners can restore the project. (restore within the 30 days)
  35. Gemini API Additional Terms Billing and payments for Paid Services are handled by Cloud Billing in the Google Cloud Platform. (paid services are billed through Cloud Billing)
  36. Disable billing for a project (Cloud Billing) To disable billing for a project, you need permissions to unlink the project from the Cloud Billing account. (who can disable billing)
  37. Disable billing for a project (Cloud Billing) When you disable billing on an AI Studio project, the project's billing tier is downgraded to the Free usage tier, which allows limited free access to certain Gemini API models. (an AI Studio project drops to the Free tier)
  38. Disable billing for a project (Cloud Billing) usage charges that accrue prior to disabling billing on the project are billed to the previously linked Cloud Billing account (usage before disabling is still billed)
  39. Disable billing for a project (Cloud Billing) You're prompted to confirm that you want to disable billing for this project. (the confirmation prompt)
  40. Disable billing for a project (Cloud Billing) You can't disable billing on a project if you have any active or pending committed-use discounts. (committed-use discounts block disabling billing)
  41. Disable billing for a project (Cloud Billing) We recommend backing up any data that you have in the project. (back up before disabling billing)
  42. Close or reopen a Cloud Billing account To close an invoiced Cloud Billing account, contact your Google Cloud sales specialist or contact Cloud Billing Support. (how invoiced accounts are closed)
  43. Close or reopen a Cloud Billing account any remaining Prepay credits are forfeited when you close the Cloud Billing account. (Prepay credits are lost when the billing account closes)
  44. Close or reopen a Cloud Billing account you'll receive a refund for the balance of any unused Prepay credits. (refund of unused Prepay credits after upgrading to Postpay)
  45. Deleting and restoring projects Google Cloud sends a notification email to the user who initiated the deletion (the shutdown email)
  46. Deleting and restoring projects Shut down only appears for users who have the resourcemanager.projects.delete permission in the current project. (who can shut down a project)
  47. Deleting and restoring projects Enter the project ID, and then click Shut down anyway. (the final shutdown step)
  48. Deleting and restoring projects Any associated Cloud Billing account is disconnected. (shutdown unlinks the billing account)
  49. Gemini API billing all API keys in all projects linked to that billing account will stop working simultaneously. (what stops when the Prepay balance runs out)
  50. Gemini API billing Requests then fail with an HTTP 402 Payment Required error until you add credits. (requests fail until credits are added)
  51. Gemini API billing Accounts with the project editor, owner, or admin roles can set spend caps per project in AI Studio on the Spend page under Monthly spend cap > Edit spend cap. (who can set spend caps, and where)
  52. Gemini API billing No, switching from a Prepay billing plan to a Postpay billing plan is not supported. (the FAQ on switching Prepay to Postpay)
  53. Gemini API billing To downgrade to the Free Tier, you can disable billing on each of your projects that you want to downgrade. (disabling billing returns projects to the Free Tier)
  54. Gemini API billing New users default to the Prepay billing plan. (new users start on Prepay)
  55. Gemini API pricing Batch API (50% cost reduction) (Batch API discount on the paid tier)

Not confirmed yet

  • Google's docs describe the Billing and AI Studio pages by name, not by address
  • Google's Gemini billing docs don't say how to turn auto-reload off
  • Google's docs disagree on moving from Prepay to Postpay: the Gemini billing FAQ says it isn't supported, while the Cloud Billing page says upgrading to Postpay before closing refunds unused Prepay credits
  • Google's Gemini API docs don't say how long prompts and responses are kept after an account closes
  • What the Google Cloud refund policy allows for Postpay accounts isn't covered in this guide
  • Google's docs don't describe a confirmation after billing is disabled or a billing account is closed

Independent re-check, 2026-10-08

A second reviewer re-read the official pages and corrected what was wrong or missing. The JSON lists what changed.

Partly confirmed (see what's unverified), 2026-10-08. Cancel flows change: if this one did, tell us at support@stackcut.io. Stackcut Exits is open data (CC BY 4.0).