How to Cancel Your Apple Music Subscription: A Definitive Guide

So, you’re ready to part ways with Apple Music? Perhaps you’ve found a new streaming love, or you’re simply streamlining your monthly expenses. Whatever the reason, canceling your subscription is a straightforward process, though the exact steps depend on the device you’re using. Let’s cut to the chase: Here’s how to cancel your Apple Music subscription. The method varies based on the device you initially used to subscribe. On an iPhone or iPad, navigate to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions. On a Mac, open the Music app, go to Account > Manage Subscription. On an Android device, use the Apple Music app, tap the three dots, then Account > Manage Subscription. Regardless of the device, you’ll be directed to your subscription management page, where you can cancel your Apple Music subscription.

Canceling on Your iPhone or iPad

Apple makes managing subscriptions on its mobile devices relatively simple. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Open the Settings App: Locate the gray gear icon on your home screen and tap it. This is your gateway to all things iPhone/iPad configuration.

2. Tap Your Name: At the very top of the Settings menu, you’ll see your name and Apple ID photo. Tap this.

3. Navigate to Subscriptions: Scroll down until you find the “Subscriptions” option and tap it. This section lists all your active and expired Apple subscriptions.

4. Select Apple Music: You’ll see a list of your subscriptions. Find “Apple Music” and tap it.

5. Cancel Subscription: This is the moment of truth. You’ll see various options related to your subscription. Scroll down (if needed) until you find the “Cancel Subscription” button. Tap it.

6. Confirm Your Cancellation: Apple will likely try to entice you to stay with a persuasive message. However, stick to your guns! Confirm your cancellation by tapping the “Confirm” button.

7. Verification: Once canceled, your subscription status will change to reflect the cancellation, and you’ll see an expiration date. You can still access Apple Music until that date.

What if I Don’t See Apple Music in My Subscriptions?

This is a common issue. If you can’t find Apple Music in your subscriptions, it likely means you subscribed through a different method. Check if you subscribed directly through Apple (as described above) or perhaps through your mobile carrier or another third-party provider. If you used a third-party, you’ll need to cancel through them, typically via their app or website.

Canceling on Your Mac

If you primarily use your Mac for managing your digital life, here’s how to cancel Apple Music:

1. Open the Music App: This is the app with the colorful music note icon, likely in your dock or Applications folder.

2. Go to Account: In the menu bar at the top of your screen, click on “Account.”

3. Manage Subscription: In the drop-down menu, select “Manage Subscription”. This will likely open a new window or redirect you to a webpage.

4. Sign In (if prompted): You might be asked to sign in with your Apple ID and password.

5. Locate the Apple Music Subscription: You should see a list of your subscriptions. Find the Apple Music subscription.

6. Edit (if necessary): You might need to click an “Edit” button near the subscription.

7. Cancel Subscription: Similar to the iPhone method, look for the “Cancel Subscription” button and click it.

8. Confirm Cancellation: Apple will try to keep you on board, but remain steadfast. Confirm your cancellation.

9. Verification: Check that the subscription status reflects the cancellation and shows an expiration date.

Canceling on an Android Device

Yes, you can use Apple Music on Android, and canceling your subscription is possible directly through the app:

1. Open the Apple Music App: Find the Apple Music app on your Android device and open it.

2. Tap the Three Dots: In the top-right corner of the app, you’ll see three vertical dots. Tap them.

3. Tap Account: From the drop-down menu, tap on “Account.”

4. Manage Subscription: Select “Manage Subscription.” This will likely open a web browser and take you to your subscription management page.

5. Sign In (if prompted): Enter your Apple ID and password.

6. Cancel Subscription: Locate the “Cancel Subscription” button and tap it.

7. Confirm Cancellation: Confirm your decision to cancel.

8. Verification: Verify that the subscription status shows the cancellation and the expiration date.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Cancellation Takes Effect at the End of the Billing Cycle: You’ll still have access to Apple Music until the end of your current billing period.
• Downloaded Music Becomes Unavailable: Once your subscription expires, any music you’ve downloaded for offline listening will no longer be accessible.
• iCloud Music Library Remains: Your iCloud Music Library, containing music you’ve purchased or uploaded, will remain intact.
• Consider Alternative Subscription Options: Before canceling, explore other Apple Music plans like the Family or Student plans, which might better suit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will I get a refund if I cancel my Apple Music subscription early?

Generally, no. Apple doesn’t typically offer refunds for partial subscription periods. You’ll have access to Apple Music until the end of your current billing cycle, even if you cancel before the cycle ends.

2. Can I pause my Apple Music subscription instead of canceling it?

No, Apple Music doesn’t offer a pause feature. Your only option is to cancel the subscription entirely.

3. I canceled my subscription, but I’m still being charged. What should I do?

First, double-check your Apple ID account to ensure the subscription is indeed canceled and to confirm the expiration date. If you’re still being charged after the expiration date, contact Apple Support immediately. There might be a billing error or another subscription associated with your account.

4. Can I resubscribe to Apple Music after canceling?

Yes, absolutely! You can resubscribe to Apple Music at any time through the Music app or your device settings.

5. What happens to my playlists if I cancel Apple Music?

Your playlists are saved to your Apple ID. If you resubscribe to Apple Music later, your playlists will be available again. However, if you download the playlists for offline listening and then cancel, those downloaded songs will no longer be playable until you resubscribe.

6. I forgot my Apple ID password. How can I cancel my subscription?

You’ll need to reset your Apple ID password. You can do this by going to the Apple ID website (appleid.apple.com) and following the password reset instructions. Once you’ve reset your password, you can log in and cancel your subscription.

7. Can I cancel my Apple Music subscription from a web browser?

Yes, you can manage your Apple subscriptions through a web browser by going to appleid.apple.com, signing in with your Apple ID, and navigating to the “Subscriptions” section.

8. I’m on a Family Sharing plan. How does canceling my subscription affect the other members?

If you are the organizer of the Family Sharing plan and you cancel Apple Music, the subscription will be canceled for all family members. If you are a member of a Family Sharing plan and cancel, it will only affect your access, the other family members will continue enjoying Apple Music.

9. Will I lose my music library if I cancel Apple Music?

You will not lose your entire music library. Music you purchased from iTunes or uploaded yourself will still be available in your iCloud Music Library. However, music you added to your library from the Apple Music catalog will no longer be accessible without an active subscription.

10. Can I transfer my Apple Music playlists to another streaming service?

Yes, there are third-party apps and services that can help you transfer playlists between streaming services like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music. Some popular options include SongShift, FreeYourMusic, and TuneMyMusic.

11. I’m switching from Apple Music to Spotify. Is there anything else I should know?

Consider exporting your playlists before canceling. Also, remember that algorithms and music libraries differ between services, so you might need to rediscover some of your favorite tracks.

12. What happens to Apple One if I cancel Apple Music?

If you cancel Apple Music within an Apple One bundle, the price of your Apple One subscription will be adjusted to reflect the removal of Apple Music. You’ll still retain access to the other services included in your Apple One plan, such as iCloud+, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade.