Guidelines To Help You Cancel Apple Subscriptions Effectively
Being the world’s largest company as of 2024 based on market capitalization, Apple’s ecosystem of tech products and services is used and loved by many. Among the popular products are the Apple App Store and iTunes, which allow you to purchase and manage your subscriptions with ease.
This article will explain how to cancel Apple subscriptions on different devices, as the process varies depending on which device you use. You’ll also learn helpful tips to prevent unwanted charges.
Note that the information in this guide is current as of November 2023. The processes may vary in some countries and regions. For updates and case-specific information, refer to the official Apple help center or contact support.
How To Cancel Subscriptions on an iPhone or iPad
Follow the steps below to cancel a subscription on an iPhone or iPad:
- Launch the Settings app.
- Tap your name, then Subscriptions.
- Tap the subscription you want to discontinue.
- Select Cancel Subscription. If you can’t find the option, scroll down.
If the Cancel button is unavailable or the expiration information is colored red, that means the subscription has already been canceled.
Apple suggests canceling subscriptions and trials at least 24 hours before their expiration date to avoid inadvertent renewals.
How To Cancel Subscriptions on a Mac Computer
To cancel an Apple subscription on Mac, take these steps:
- Go to the App Store app.
- Click your name.
- Select Account Settings.
- Scroll down to Subscriptions.
- Click Manage.
- Select the Edit option next to the subscription you wish to end.
- Click Cancel Subscription.
How To Cancel iTunes Subscriptions
If you purchased the subscription via iTunes on your Windows computer, you can cancel the service as described below:
- Open iTunes on your PC.
- Select Account from the menu bar at the top of the window.
- Choose View My Account.
- Scroll down to Settings.
- Click Manage next to Subscriptions.
- Find the subscription you wish to cancel, then select Edit.
- Click Cancel Subscription.
What To Do in Case You Can’t Find the Subscription
If you can’t see the subscription you want to cancel in the list, Apple recommends finding the receipt of said subscription and checking the Apple ID that was used. You can do so by typing “receipt from Apple” in the search bar of your email client and opening the email containing the specific receipt.
The table below breaks down some common scenarios and explains what you should do in each of them to cancel an Apple subscription:
| Scenario | Explanation | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The Apple ID on the receipt is from another person. | That person purchased the subscription for you. | Ask the person in question to follow the cancellation steps listed above. |
| The Apple ID on the receipt is from your second account. | You’ve signed in with the wrong Apple ID. | Sign in with the correct Apple ID and repeat the cancellation steps. |
| You can’t find the receipt. | You may have bought the subscription from another company. | Check your bank or credit card statement to see which company bills you, then contact that company to cancel your subscription. |
How Virtual Cards Make Subscription Cancellations Less Stressful
Although Apple’s cancellation process is straightforward, some companies may require additional steps. It’s also not uncommon for some subscription merchants to make canceling a difficult endeavor. These services aim to keep you subscribed for as long as they can, so they may sometimes resort to questionable practices.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve stopped the subscription effectively, it’s best to check with the company’s customer support as soon as possible. It’s advisable to be vigilant while attempting to cancel any service, as missing a step or failing to act in time could result in you paying another installment for a subscription you don't want.
You can also use virtual cards from Privacy to protect your funds from unwarranted charges. Virtual cards are connected to a real funding source, but they create a security layer around your transactions by masking your financial information with random card numbers at checkout. Besides security, virtual cards offer you more control over your spending, especially if you opt for a comprehensive virtual card provider like Privacy.
Take Charge of Your Spending With Privacy Virtual Cards
Privacy is a BBB®-accredited virtual card service offering various features to help keep your funds protected from unauthorized and unwarranted charges. You can connect your bank account or debit card to Privacy and generate Privacy Virtual Cards for any purpose. You have two card types at your disposal—learn about them in the table below:
