How to Cancel App Store Subscriptions via iOS and iTunes

The iTunes and iOS App Store platforms offer an unlimited number of subscription-based services and applications. These apps help us to learn a foreign language, learn to code, educate our children, and access handy media features.

While the convenience and security of monthly billing via Apple for these apps are valuable to many users, sometimes you find that you no longer need a particular subscription-based app or service. A lot of subscription-based businesses count on continuous revenue from users who forget to cancel their subscriptions and free trials. For many users, the subscriptions are a low-cost monthly fee and therefore, not worth the time to cancel. From Ron Lieber of The New York Times:

“None of your subscriptions will bankrupt you, though taken — and canceled — together and diverted to savings, they may add up to a decent chunk of a vacation budget. But the growing list of subscriptions is yet another reminder of just how much complication can come with convenience. It is often easier to start a recurring service than end it, and even when you spot the $9.99 a month, you may not want to put the $9.99 (or more) of effort required into getting rid of it. Which is exactly what these companies want you to think.”

Thankfully, Apple acting as the middleman means that you’re not just minimizing the financial risk of an over-charged bill or stolen financial information, you’re also giving yourself a single destination to cancel those App Store subscriptions.

If you’ve been trying to figure out how you can cancel your iTunes or app store subscriptions, here’s how to do it.

How to Cancel iTunes & App Store Subscriptions

Apple users have two options for canceling subscriptions. You can do it via your iPhone or iPad, or you can cancel your subscriptions through iTunes on your laptop or desktop computer.

Read below to see how you can easily cancel your iTunes and app store subscriptions using either of these two methods.

Cancel iTunes & App Store Subscriptions in iOS

Apple users are interacting with the iOS software. The company makes it easy to cancel your subscriptions from an iPad, iPhone, or Mac computer. To do so, head to Settings > iTunes & App Stores. Depending on the version of iOS that you are using will determine the steps that you take to cancel the subscription services.

If the “Subscriptions” option is not available in the settings (listed under “Payment & Shipping”), you will have to choose the “iTunes & App Store” on your mobile device.

Tap on your Apple ID at the top of the page.

If you have multiple Apple IDs, you’ll need to make sure you’re logged in with the account associated with the subscription you wish to cancel. If you’re not, then first tap; Sign Out. Then log back in with the correct Apple ID account.

Tap ‘View Apple ID’

If you’re logged in with the correct account, tap View Apple ID. Depending on your device’s security settings, you may need to authenticate with Touch ID, Face ID, or a passcode first.

Scroll down and select Subscriptions.

Select the Subscription to cancel

Find and select the subscription you wish to cancel from the list of your currently active subscriptions.

Tap Cancel Subscription

After selecting the desired subscription, tap Cancel Subscription at the bottom of the subscription’s info page.

Tap Confirm to verify your cancellation.

*Note that recurring subscriptions that have already been canceled will still be listed in your Active list until the date of their non-renewal expiration. You can distinguish these by a reference to an “Expires” date instead of “Next billing date.”

Once you reach this date, your subscription will become inactive and you will not be billed again unless you reactivate the subscription.

Cancel iTunes & App Store Subscriptions in iTunes

If you don’t have an iOS device handy, or if you just prefer to use the desktop route, you can also manage and cancel your App Store subscriptions via the iTunes app for macOS and Windows.

Tap ‘Account’ then ‘View Account’

Launch iTunes making sure that you’re logged into the correct account. Select Account > View My Account from the menu bar (macOS) or toolbar (Windows). Enter your iTunes password when prompted.

Click ‘Manage’ under ‘Subscription’

Scroll down to the Settings section and find the Subscription entry. You’ll see the total number of subscriptions listed. Note that this includes both active and expired subscriptions. Click the Manage button on the right.

Click ‘Edit’

Find the service or app subscription you wish to cancel and click Edit.

Click ‘Cancel Subscription’

Click Cancel Subscription and confirm your choice when prompted.

If you’re having trouble canceling a subscription or have questions related to billing and subscription terms, use the Contact Apple Support feature to initiate a support request via email, chat, or phone.

Cancel a Subscription on a Mac

Sometimes using a computer is just simpler. If you’re using a Mac open the App Store and follow these instructions:

Click ‘Store’ then ‘View My Account’

Click ‘Manage’

Click ‘Edit’

Click ‘Cancel Subscription’

What if You Don’t See the Subscription?

If you’ve been through the above-listed steps and do not see the subscription you wish to cancel there are a few things to consider:

• Is the application that you are looking for billed through iTunes? You can confirm this by checking your banking or credit card statements. Apple will bill you directly so the charge will mention the company name next to the charge.
• If you have multiple Apple ID’s it is possible that your subscription is under a different ID.
• Was the subscription set up by a family member? If so, it will not show up under your ID. Check with anyone in your Family Share group for the billing.
• If you received an email about a subscription that you did not sign up for, it may not be legitimate. Contact Apple Support for clarification.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cancel a subscription if I no longer have an Apple device?

Perhaps you’re canceling your subscriptions because you no longer have Apple products. If that’s the case, you can still cancel your subscriptions. You’ll need to do this using iTunes on a PC. Simply go to the iTunes website and click ‘Download.’ Then, follow the instructions to install.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eOnce this is done, sign in and follow the instructions above.

I need to cancel a subscription but can’t remember my Apple login. What do I do?

If you’ve noticed a subscription charge on your bank statement and need to cancel it but you don’t remember your Apple login, you can still cancel the subscription. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eFirst, try contacting Apple Support for assistance. If you still have an Apple product or the same phone number you used previously this will be much simpler. But, if Apple isn’t able to help try contacting your financial institution to block the charges in the future.

There are subscriptions I didn’t sign up for. What can I do?

If you downloaded an application and were automatically signed up for a subscription you can contact Apple Support or contact the developer of the app for a refund. Developer information is easily found by searching the application in the App Store.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eNext, you should be able to cancel the subscription using one of the methods above to prevent further charges.

Final Thoughts

You can set your subscriptions to cancel before they renew. For example, if your subscription doesn’t renew for 30 days, you can go to the Settings on your phone and cancel the subscription. Doing this will allow you to continue using the content until the cancellation date.

Using either of the two methods outlined above, you can quickly and easily cancel your iTunes and app store subscriptions so that you can avoid those recurring monthly charges.