If you’re a Walmart+ member enjoying free access to Paramount+, you might wonder about upgrading for ad-free viewing or extra features, only to upgrade Walmart Paramount and then switch back Essential 7.99 later. This strategy helps you enjoy premium content temporarily without long-term costs. In this guide, we’ll break it down step by step, focusing on how it works in Tier 1 and Tier 2 countries like the US, where Walmart+ and Paramount+ are widely available. We’ll cover the basics, benefits, and tips to save money while keeping things simple.
Walmart+ offers great perks for everyday shoppers and streamers. Launched in 2020, it competes with services like Amazon Prime by bundling shopping deals with entertainment. One key benefit is the included Paramount Plus Walmart subscription, which gives you the ad-supported Essential plan at no extra cost. This has attracted millions of users—over 10 million Walmart+ subscribers as of recent reports—who love stacking savings on groceries and shows.
But what if you want more? Maybe you’re binge-watching a hit series and hate ads, or you need local channels for sports. That’s where upgrading comes in. Paramount+, owned by Paramount Global, started as CBS All Access in 2014 and rebranded in 2021. It boasts over 60 million subscribers worldwide, with popular shows like “Yellowstone” and live events like NFL games. The Essential plan is basic, but Premium adds ad-free streaming and 4K quality.
Many users, especially cost-conscious ones, use this hack: temporarily upgrade through Walmart+ for the extras, then revert. Based on user forums and official details, this can save you up to $60 a year compared to standalone subscriptions. Let’s dive into why this matters and how to do it right.
Understanding Walmart+ Streaming Perks
Walmart+ isn’t just about free shipping—it’s a full package for modern consumers. For $98 a year or $12.95 a month in the US, you get benefits like fuel discounts and Walmart+ streaming benefits. The standout is the complimentary Paramount Plus Walmart free plan, which is the Essential tier.
This plan includes:
- Access to thousands of episodes and movies.
- Live sports like UEFA Champions League.
- Ads during shows, but no extra fee beyond your Walmart+ membership.
Statistics show streaming bundles like this boost retention. A 2023 survey by Deloitte found 45% of users prefer bundled services to cut costs, especially in high-living-cost areas like the US and Canada.
If you’re in a Tier 2 country like Australia or the UK, check local availability—Paramount+ is international, but Walmart+ ties are mainly US-based. For global users, direct Paramount+ subscriptions apply, starting at similar prices adjusted for currency.
Related keyword: Walmart Paramount Plus billing—handled through Walmart for bundled plans, making it seamless.
Why Upgrade Your Paramount+ Plan Through Walmart+?
Upgrading lets you access better features without ditching the free base. The Paramount Plus Premium vs Essential debate boils down to ads and quality. Essential is ad-supported at no cost via Walmart+, while Premium removes ads and adds perks.
Reasons to upgrade:
- Ad-Free Viewing: Skip interruptions during marathons of “Star Trek” or “Survivor.”
- Higher Quality: Enjoy 4K on select titles, perfect for big screens.
- Extra Content: Some bundles include Showtime originals.
- Temporary Needs: Like watching NFL season without ads.
Tech-savvy users on forums report this as a top hack. For example, during football season, upgrades spike 20% per industry data from Cord Cutters News.
But remember, the goal is to upgrade Walmart Paramount and then switch back Essential 7.99 to avoid ongoing fees. The “7.99” refers to the standard Essential price if you go standalone, but with Walmart+, it’s free—saving you that amount monthly.
Related keyword: Walmart Paramount Plus upgrade—do it via the app for quick changes.
Step-by-Step: How to Upgrade Walmart Paramount
Ready to level up? Follow these simple steps. Always use the Walmart app or site for bundled plans—don’t go directly to Paramount+ to avoid duplicate accounts.
Bold Steps for Upgrading:
- Log Into Walmart+: Open the Walmart app or visit walmart.com. Go to your account and select “Walmart+ Membership.”
- Find Streaming Benefits: Scroll to “See All Your Walmart+ Benefits.” Click on “Video Streaming” or the Paramount+ section.
- Choose Upgrade: Look for “Manage Plan” or “Upgrade to Premium.” Options include:
- Monthly upgrade: About $5.49 extra on top of Walmart+.
- Annual: Prorated, around $64.99 total for the year.
- Link Accounts If Needed: If not already connected, enter your Paramount+ login. Walmart Paramount account linking is key—use the same email to avoid issues.
- Confirm Payment: Walmart handles billing. No need for new cards if your membership is current.
- Verify Access: Log into Paramount+ app. You should see ad-free options within 24 hours.
Tips: If you’re a Walmart employee, free plans might not upgrade—create a separate account. For refunds, contact support if changes don’t apply quickly.
This process takes under 5 minutes. Users report 90% success when following app prompts, per Reddit threads.
Related keyword: Paramount Plus Walmart subscription—upgrades tie directly to it.
Comparing Plans: Essential vs Premium
To decide if upgrading fits, compare the plans.
- Essential Plan:
- Price: Free with Walmart+ (standalone $7.99/month).
- Features: Ads, basic streaming, live sports.
- Best for: Casual viewers saving money.
- Premium Plan:
- Price: Extra $5.49/month via Walmart+ (standalone $12.99).
- Features: Ad-free, 4K, downloads.
- Best for: Heavy users or event watchers.
A Kiplinger report notes Premium users watch 30% more content due to no ads. But for budget folks, stick to short upgrades.
Related keyword: ad-supported Paramount Plus plan—that’s Essential, great for starters.
If weighing Walmart+ subscription perks against standalone, Walmart+ adds shopping value, making it a better deal overall.
Potential Issues and How to Fix Them
Upgrades aren’t always smooth. Common hiccups include:
- Billing Delays: Charges appear, but plan stays Essential. Wait 24-48 hours or chat with Walmart support.
- Linking Errors: Mismatched emails cause problems. Double-check during setup.
- Employee Restrictions: Free staff plans can’t upgrade—use a personal email.
Reassuringly, most fixes are quick. Paramount+ support can help unlink if needed.
Related keyword: Walmart Paramount Plus downgrade—easy via the same menu.
How to Switch Back to Essential After Upgrading
The beauty is reverting without hassle. Upgrade Walmart Paramount and then switch back Essential 7.99 keeps costs low.
Bold Steps for Downgrading:
- Access Manage Plan: Back in Walmart app, go to Walmart+ > Benefits > Paramount+ > Manage Plan.
- Select Downgrade: Choose “Revert to Essential” or similar. Confirm.
- Check Confirmation: Email notifies changes. Log into Paramount+ to verify ads return (but access stays).
- Monitor Billing: Next cycle should drop the extra fee. If not, request refund.
This works because Walmart+ bundles allow flexible streaming service downgrade options. No penalties, as long as you’re within terms.
Example: A user upgraded for “Halo” season, paid $5.49 for a month, then switched back—total savings vs standalone: $7.99.
Related keyword: downgrade Paramount Plus from Premium to Essential—instant in most cases.
Cost Savings and Long-Term Strategy
By using this method, you save big. Standalone Essential is $7.99/month, but free with Walmart+. Upgrading temporarily costs less than full Premium.
Annual math:
- Walmart+ alone: $98/year.
- With upgrade (3 months): Extra ~$16.47.
- Vs standalone Premium: $155.88/year.
That’s over $40 saved. For streaming enthusiasts, combine with deals like AARP discounts1.
Related keyword: Paramount Plus Essential 7.99—the base price, but skip it with Walmart+.
Consider Paramount Plus plan management for optimal use. Track shows and downgrade post-binge.
Advanced Tips for Streaming Optimization
Go beyond basics:
- Bundle More: Add Paramount Plus Showtime upgrade if available—extra originals for a fee.
- Multi-Device Use: Stream on up to 3 screens.
- Cancel Anytime: No contracts; cancel Paramount Plus upgrade via app.
For international users in Tier 2 spots like Mexico, check Paramount+ local pricing—often cheaper but without Walmart tie-in.
Related keyword: Walmart+ Paramount Plus Essential—your free entry point.
Link to helpful resources: For business-savvy readers building side hustles around deals, check how to start a small business or startup funding options.
FAQ: Common Questions on Upgrading and Switching
How do I upgrade my Paramount+ plan through Walmart+?
Log into your Walmart+ account via the app or website and navigate to the streaming benefits section to select the Premium upgrade.This adds ad-free viewing for an extra fee, typically $5.49 monthly, and activates within 24 hours for seamless access.
Can I switch back to the Essential plan after upgrading?
Yes, go to the manage plan option in your Walmart+ benefits and choose to downgrade to Essential at any time.You’ll revert to the ad-supported version without penalties, keeping your free access bundled with Walmart+.
What are the costs involved in this upgrade and switch?
Upgrading to Premium costs about $5.49 extra per month on top of your Walmart+ subscription.Switching back eliminates the fee, saving you the standalone Essential price of $7.99 if you’re not bundled.
Are there any restrictions on switching plans multiple times?
No major limits exist, but monitor your billing cycle to avoid overlapping charges.Walmart+ allows flexible changes, making it ideal for temporary upgrades like binge-watching seasons.
Conclusion: Maximize Your Streaming Smarts
In summary, to upgrade Walmart Paramount and then switch back Essential 7.992, leverage your Walmart+ perks for free Essential access, upgrade via the app for temporary Premium benefits, and downgrade when done. This approach saves money, avoids ads when needed, and fits cost-conscious lifestyles in Tier 1 and Tier 2 countries. With over 40,000 titles on Paramount+, it’s a win for entertainment lovers.
What shows are you upgrading for? Share in the comments to help others optimize!
References
- Walmart Streaming Benefits – Official guide on Walmart+ perks, including Paramount+ details for US audiences seeking bundled savings. ↩︎
- Reddit Thread: How to Upgrade Paramount with Free Walmart – User discussions on upgrade steps, issues, and hacks, ideal for tech-savvy consumers in English-speaking markets. ↩︎
