How to Cancel Apple TV Plus: A Comprehensive Guide
Apple TV Plus offers a compelling library of original content, from award-winning dramas to engaging documentaries and family-friendly shows. However, there might come a time when you decide to cancel your subscription. Perhaps you’ve binged all the shows you wanted to watch, found the service doesn’t quite fit your viewing habits, or simply want to manage your streaming budget. Whatever the reason, cancelling Apple TV Plus is a straightforward process, though the exact steps vary depending on where you subscribed. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different methods, providing clear, step-by-step instructions for cancelling your Apple TV Plus subscription from any device.
Understanding Your Apple TV Plus Subscription
Before we dive into the cancellation process, let’s clarify a few key aspects of your Apple TV Plus subscription:
* **Subscription Types:** You might have subscribed directly through Apple, as part of an Apple One bundle, or through a third-party provider (e.g., a mobile carrier).
* **Free Trials:** Many users start with a free trial. Keep in mind the cancellation deadline to avoid being charged.
* **Billing Cycle:** Understand when your subscription renews to ensure you cancel before the next billing date.
* **Access After Cancellation:** Generally, you’ll retain access to Apple TV Plus until the end of your current billing cycle.
## Methods for Cancelling Apple TV Plus
Here’s a breakdown of the different methods you can use to cancel your Apple TV Plus subscription, along with detailed instructions for each:
### 1. Cancelling Apple TV Plus on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
This is arguably the most common method, as many users manage their Apple subscriptions through their iOS devices. Here’s how to do it:
**Step 1: Open the Settings App**
Locate the Settings app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. It’s the gray icon with gears.
**Step 2: Tap on Your Name (Apple ID, iCloud, Media & Purchases)**
At the top of the Settings menu, you’ll see your name and Apple ID. Tap on it to access your Apple ID settings.
**Step 3: Select ‘Subscriptions’**
In the Apple ID menu, scroll down and tap on ‘Subscriptions’. This will display a list of all your active and expired Apple subscriptions.
**Step 4: Find ‘Apple TV+’**
Locate ‘Apple TV+’ in the list of subscriptions. If you have multiple Apple subscriptions, you might need to scroll through the list.
**Step 5: Tap on ‘Apple TV+’**
Tap on ‘Apple TV+’ to manage its settings.
**Step 6: Tap ‘Cancel Subscription’ or ‘Cancel Free Trial’**
At the bottom of the Apple TV+ subscription page, you’ll find the option to ‘Cancel Subscription’ (if you’re a paying subscriber) or ‘Cancel Free Trial’ (if you’re still in the trial period). Tap on this option.
**Step 7: Confirm Your Cancellation**
A confirmation message will appear, explaining when your access to Apple TV Plus will end. Tap ‘Confirm’ to finalize the cancellation. You might be prompted to enter your Apple ID password or use Face ID/Touch ID to confirm.
**Step 8: Verify Cancellation**
After confirming, you should see that your Apple TV+ subscription is listed under the ‘Expired’ section (or a similar category indicating it’s no longer active). You’ll also receive an email confirmation of your cancellation.
### 2. Cancelling Apple TV Plus on Mac
If you prefer managing your subscriptions on your Mac, you can easily cancel Apple TV Plus through the App Store:
**Step 1: Open the App Store**
Open the App Store application on your Mac. You can find it in your Applications folder or by using Spotlight search (Command + Spacebar).
**Step 2: Click Your Name or the Sign-in Button**
In the App Store window, look for your name or the ‘Sign In’ button in the bottom-left corner of the screen. If you’re already signed in, your name will appear. If not, click ‘Sign In’ and enter your Apple ID credentials.
**Step 3: Click ‘Account Settings’**
After clicking your name, a menu will appear. Select ‘Account Settings’. You might be prompted to enter your Apple ID password again.
**Step 4: Scroll to ‘Subscriptions’**
In the Account Information window, scroll down until you find the ‘Subscriptions’ section. Click ‘Manage’ next to ‘Subscriptions’.
**Step 5: Find ‘Apple TV+’**
Locate ‘Apple TV+’ in the list of subscriptions. You might need to scroll through the list if you have multiple subscriptions.
**Step 6: Click ‘Edit’ next to ‘Apple TV+’**
Click the ‘Edit’ button next to ‘Apple TV+’ to manage its settings.
**Step 7: Click ‘Cancel Subscription’**
On the Apple TV+ subscription page, you’ll find the option to ‘Cancel Subscription’. Click on this button.
**Step 8: Confirm Your Cancellation**
A confirmation message will appear, explaining when your access to Apple TV Plus will end. Click ‘Confirm’ to finalize the cancellation.
**Step 9: Verify Cancellation**
After confirming, you should see that your Apple TV+ subscription is no longer listed as an active subscription. You’ll also receive an email confirmation of your cancellation.
### 3. Cancelling Apple TV Plus on Apple TV
You can also manage your subscriptions directly from your Apple TV device:
**Step 1: Open Settings**
On your Apple TV, navigate to the main menu and open the ‘Settings’ app (the icon with gears).
**Step 2: Go to ‘Users and Accounts’**
In the Settings menu, select ‘Users and Accounts’.
**Step 3: Select Your Account**
Choose your account from the list of users. It should be the account associated with your Apple TV Plus subscription.
**Step 4: Select ‘Subscriptions’**
In your account settings, select ‘Subscriptions’.
**Step 5: Find ‘Apple TV+’**
Locate ‘Apple TV+’ in the list of subscriptions.
**Step 6: Select ‘Apple TV+’**
Select ‘Apple TV+’ to manage its settings.
**Step 7: Choose ‘Cancel Subscription’**
Select ‘Cancel Subscription’ to cancel your Apple TV Plus subscription.
**Step 8: Confirm Your Cancellation**
A confirmation message will appear. Confirm your decision to cancel.
**Step 9: Verify Cancellation**
After confirming, check the list of subscriptions to ensure that Apple TV+ is no longer listed as active.
### 4. Cancelling Apple TV Plus on the Web (tv.apple.com)
If you don’t have access to an Apple device, you can still cancel your subscription through the Apple TV website:
**Step 1: Go to tv.apple.com**
Open a web browser (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Firefox) and go to tv.apple.com.
**Step 2: Sign In**
Click the ‘Sign In’ button in the upper-right corner of the page and enter your Apple ID credentials (the email address and password associated with your Apple TV Plus subscription).
**Step 3: Click the Account Icon**
After signing in, click on the account icon in the upper-right corner (it usually displays your initials or profile picture).
**Step 4: Select ‘Settings’**
From the dropdown menu, select ‘Settings’.
**Step 5: Scroll to ‘Subscriptions’**
In the Account Settings page, scroll down to the ‘Subscriptions’ section.
**Step 6: Click ‘Manage’**
Click ‘Manage’ next to ‘Subscriptions’. This will redirect you to the subscriptions management page in your Apple ID account.
**Step 7: Find ‘Apple TV+’**
Locate ‘Apple TV+’ in the list of subscriptions.
**Step 8: Click ‘Cancel Subscription’**
Click ‘Cancel Subscription’ below ‘Apple TV+’.
**Step 9: Confirm Your Cancellation**
A confirmation message will appear. Confirm your decision to cancel.
**Step 10: Verify Cancellation**
After confirming, ensure that Apple TV+ is no longer listed as an active subscription.
### 5. Cancelling Apple TV Plus Through Third-Party Providers
If you subscribed to Apple TV Plus through a third-party provider (e.g., a mobile carrier like Verizon or a cable provider), the cancellation process will be different. You’ll need to cancel directly through that provider.
**Step 1: Identify Your Provider**
Determine which third-party provider you subscribed through.
**Step 2: Contact Your Provider or Visit Their Website**
Visit your provider’s website or contact their customer support. Look for instructions on how to cancel subscriptions or streaming services.
**Step 3: Follow Their Cancellation Instructions**
Follow the specific steps provided by your provider to cancel your Apple TV Plus subscription. This might involve logging into your account on their website, calling customer service, or visiting a physical store.
**Examples:**
* **Verizon:** If you subscribed through Verizon, you’ll likely need to manage your subscriptions through the My Verizon app or website.
* **Other Cable/Internet Providers:** Check your provider’s website or contact their customer support for specific instructions.
## Important Considerations After Cancelling
* **Access Until End of Billing Cycle:** You will generally have access to Apple TV Plus until the end of your current billing cycle. You can continue watching shows and movies until that date.
* **Email Confirmation:** Check your email for a confirmation message from Apple (or your third-party provider) confirming your cancellation. Keep this email for your records.
* **Re-subscribing:** You can always re-subscribe to Apple TV Plus in the future if you change your mind.
* **Apple One:** If you cancel Apple TV Plus as part of an Apple One subscription, you’ll need to manage the entire Apple One subscription. Cancelling Apple One will cancel all the included services.
* **Family Sharing:** If you’re sharing your Apple TV Plus subscription through Family Sharing, cancelling the subscription will affect all members of the family group.
* **Troubleshooting:** If you encounter any issues during the cancellation process, contact Apple Support or your third-party provider for assistance.
## Why Might You Want to Cancel Apple TV Plus?
There are various reasons why someone might choose to cancel their Apple TV Plus subscription:
* **Limited Content:** While Apple TV Plus offers high-quality original content, its library is smaller compared to streaming giants like Netflix or Disney Plus. Some users might find the selection insufficient to justify the monthly cost.
* **Finished Watching Shows:** You might have subscribed to watch a specific show or movie and, once you’ve finished it, no longer feel the need to maintain the subscription.
* **Cost:** Streaming services can add up, and managing your budget might require cutting back on subscriptions. Apple TV Plus, while competitively priced, is still an expense.
* **Alternative Streaming Options:** You might prefer other streaming services that offer a wider variety of content or cater more specifically to your interests.
* **Technical Issues:** Although rare, some users might experience technical difficulties with the Apple TV Plus app or service, leading to frustration and a desire to cancel.
* **Lack of New Content:** A lull in new releases might prompt users to cancel temporarily and resubscribe when fresh content becomes available.
## Tips for Managing Your Apple Subscriptions
* **Set Reminders:** Set reminders in your calendar to remind you when your free trials are ending or when your subscriptions are renewing. This helps you avoid unwanted charges.
* **Review Your Subscriptions Regularly:** Take some time each month to review all your active subscriptions and assess whether you’re still using and benefiting from them.
* **Consider Bundling:** If you use multiple Apple services (e.g., Apple Music, iCloud+, Apple Arcade, Apple TV+), consider subscribing to Apple One, which can save you money compared to subscribing to each service individually.
* **Take Advantage of Free Trials:** Don’t be afraid to take advantage of free trials to explore different streaming services and see if they meet your needs. Just remember to cancel before the trial period ends if you don’t want to be charged.
* **Use a Password Manager:** Use a password manager to securely store your Apple ID and other subscription login credentials. This makes it easier to manage your accounts and avoid forgetting passwords.
* **Check for Promotions:** Keep an eye out for promotions and deals on Apple TV Plus or other streaming services. You might be able to get a discounted rate or a free trial through a special offer.
## Conclusion
Cancelling your Apple TV Plus subscription is a simple process that can be accomplished through various methods, depending on your device and subscription type. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this guide, you can easily manage your Apple TV Plus subscription and avoid unwanted charges. Remember to verify your cancellation and understand when your access to the service will end. Whether you’re cutting costs, switching to a different streaming service, or simply taking a break from Apple TV Plus, this guide provides the information you need to cancel with confidence.