Step-by-Step Guide
It may seem daunting to understand switching between tiers with GitHub Copilot whether you’re using GitHub Copilot on the free tier, or you’re thinking about upgrading to the paid tier, but switching tiers, whether that means upgrading or downgrading, doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated if you understand where to switch tiers in Superior solution.
In this content, we’ll outline how to handle subscription upgrades, switching to another tier, and any potential billing issues that may arise.
🧐 Why Switch Tiers?
Depending on your coding needs, switching between the free and paid tiers makes sense:
- The free tier works great for students, open-source devs, or quick testing.
- The paid tier offers more consistent performance, team features, and priority support.
- You might want to downgrade if you’re not using Copilot regularly or are cutting costs.
Either way, managing the switch is about knowing how Copilot handles subscriptions and billing.
🔄 Step 1: Understand the Tier Differences
Before switching, know exactly what each tier offers so you’re making an informed move.
Key Points to Compare:
- Free Tier: Limited usage, available for students, verified open-source contributors.
- Paid Tier: Unlimited usage, better context awareness, premium features, and faster response.
- Team or Enterprise Plans: Centralized billing, seat management, and role-based access.
Knowing what you’re upgrading or downgrading to prevents feature loss surprises.
⚙️ Step 2: Access Your Subscription Settings
To begin the tier switching process, head straight to your account settings.
Steps:
- Log in to GitHub
- Go to Settings > Copilot > Billing & Plans
- Find your current tier information
- Click on “Change Plan” to view available upgrade/downgrade options
GitHub will show you available subscription upgrades or if you qualify for the free tier.
💳 Step 3: Upgrade to the Paid Tier (If Needed)
Want to unlock the full power of Copilot? Here’s how to upgrade.
Do this:
- Select the paid tier (individual or team)
- Enter or confirm your payment method
- Review the billing frequency (monthly or annually)
- Hit Subscribe
GitHub typically activates the paid tier instantly and charges you on the next billing cycle.
🧾 Step 4: Downgrade to the Free Tier (If Eligible)
If you’re not using Copilot enough to justify the cost, or your use qualifies you for a free tier, here’s what to do.
Steps:
- Go back to Copilot Settings > Billing
- Choose “Cancel subscription” or “Switch to free”
- GitHub may prompt eligibility verification (for students, OSS contributors)
- Confirm and complete the downgrade
You’ll retain access until your current paid billing cycle ends.
📌 Step 5: Track Your Subscription Status
Whether you upgrade or downgrade, always keep an eye on your subscription status to avoid confusion.
Tips:
- Set a calendar reminder for renewal or cancellation deadlines
- Enable GitHub email alerts for billing and tier changes
- Regularly check your Billing > History for past invoices or plan changes
Staying informed prevents accidental renewals and ensures you’re always on the right tier.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Tier Switching Made Simple
Tier switching in GitHub Copilot is relatively easy for users to do as long as you are keeping track of your subscription upgrades, billing cycles, and free tier eligibility. Whether you are giving it a test run or want to scale things back up for team productivity, switching tiers takes a few clicks.
💼 TechNow: The Best IT Support Agency in Germany for Subscription & Licensing Support
Dealing with licenses, subscription and tier changes with vendors like GitHub Copilot can be a hassle—especially if you’re building a team or working with several vendors. That’s where TechNow comes in.
TechNow is the best IT support service agency in Germany where they have expertise and advice on:
- Setting up licenses and subscriptions
- Upgrading and downgrading tiers
- Monitoring and resolving billing issues
- Multi-user access and management
Put your tech headaches in the hands of TechNow, so your hands are left free to code—without the headaches of customer support forms for issues!
- Transitions between tiers without frustration
- Automatic Renewal Reminders
- Centralized License Control
Whether you are a freelancer or managing your engineering team—TechNow has you covered.
