> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.chief.bot/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Upgrading, downgrading & cancelling

> Your plan isn't locked in.

[Your plan](/help/plans-credits-billing/plans-overview-explore-pro-power-user-enterprise) isn't locked in. You can upgrade to unlock more credits and capabilities, switch between monthly and yearly billing, or cancel — and the changes flow through automatically.

## Upgrade from Explore to a paid plan

1. Open [**Settings → Billing**](/help/plans-credits-billing/checking-your-credit-balance-usage) and select **Upgrade** (shown when you're on the free plan). This opens the pricing page.
2. In the **Go Pro** or **Power User** column, choose your billing period with the **monthly / yearly** toggle. The toggle also sets the price (for example $20/month or $200/year for Pro).
3. Select **Subscribe**.
4. Complete checkout in Stripe. When you return, Chief confirms the upgrade and your new plan and [credits](/help/plans-credits-billing/how-credits-work) appear shortly after.

<Note>
  ℹ️ **Good to know:** Plan changes are confirmed by a Stripe webhook that can trail the redirect. Chief polls your account when you return and flips the plan label and feature access automatically within a few seconds — no manual refresh needed.
</Note>

## Change billing period, downgrade, or cancel

Once you're on a paid plan, all of these happen in the [secure Stripe billing portal](/help/plans-credits-billing/managing-payment-methods-invoices).

1. Open **Settings → Billing** and select **Manage plan** (or **Manage Subscription** on the pricing page).
2. You're taken to the Stripe billing portal.
3. From there you can switch plans or billing periods, update your subscription, or cancel it. Confirm your change in the portal.
4. Return to Chief when you're done.

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="I'm on a paid plan but don't see Manage plan or Manage Subscription.">
    Subscription management is only available to the person who can manage billing for the plan. If your access is limited, the button is replaced with a "Contact support to manage your subscription" note — [reach out to support](/help/help-feedback-whats-new/getting-help-in-chief) to make changes.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The billing portal wouldn't open.">
    Chief shows "Failed to open billing portal. Please try again later." if the portal session can't be created. Wait a moment and select Manage plan again; if it keeps failing, contact support.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>