McAfee, founded way back in 1987, is one of the oldest names in cybersecurity, offering everything from basic antivirus to full-blown identity protection. Maybe you got it with a new PC or signed up during a moment of panic about online safety, we've all been there. With plans ranging from $29.99 to $179.99, it's easy to see why you might want to cancel, especially if you're not using all the features. This guide covers canceling on your desktop, iOS, and Android devices, potentially saving you up to $180 a year. Honestly, with all the talk about data breaches lately, it feels like you need an army of tools, but sometimes a single subscription just isn't the right fit anymore.
How to Cancel McAfee Subscription on Desktop
This is the main way to cancel, but they don't make it super obvious. You have to navigate through your account settings. Weirdly, I had to refresh the page twice before the 'My Subscription' link even showed up for me.
1 Go to the McAfee Website
Open your browser and navigate to myaccount.mcafee.com.
2 Log In to Your Account
Enter your registered email and password. If you forgot it, you'll have to go through the password reset process. Fun.
3 Find Your Subscriptions
In the dashboard, look for a tab or link that says "My Subscription" or "Auto-Renewal Settings". Honestly, they move this around sometimes, so you might have to click around a bit.
4 Turn Off Auto-Renewal
Find the subscription you want to cancel and click the toggle or button to turn off auto-renewal. They will almost certainly hit you with a pop-up trying to convince you to stay with a special offer. Just push through it.
5 Confirm the Cancellation
Follow any final prompts to confirm your choice. You should receive an email confirming that your auto-renewal has been turned off. Definitely keep that email for your records.
How to Cancel McAfee Subscription on iOS
If you subscribed through the App Store, you have to cancel it through Apple. McAfee's support team can't do it for you. It's pretty straightforward, thankfully.
1 Open Your Settings
Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2 Tap Your Apple ID
Tap your name and profile picture at the very top of the screen.
3 Go to Subscriptions
Tap on the "Subscriptions" menu item.
4 Find and Cancel McAfee
Find McAfee in the list of your active subscriptions and tap on it. Then, tap "Cancel Subscription". If you don't see the button, you might have already canceled it.
How to Cancel McAfee Subscription on Android
Similar to iOS, if you bought it through the Google Play Store, that's where you have to cancel it. The process is a little buried in the Play Store app itself.
1 Open the Google Play Store
Launch the Play Store app on your Android device.
2 Access Your Profile
Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner.
3 Go to Payments & Subscriptions
In the menu, select "Payments & subscriptions".
4 Manage Subscriptions
Tap on "Subscriptions" to see all your active ones.
5 Find and Cancel McAfee
Locate the McAfee subscription in the list, tap on it, and then select "Cancel subscription". Follow the on-screen instructions to finish.
Cancel McAfee Subscription with phone
You can call McAfee support at (866) 622-3911. They are available 24/7. Be prepared for a wait and have your account information ready. One user on Reddit said, 'The phone rep tried to offer me three different discounts before finally letting me cancel.' So, stay firm if you really want out.
Cancel McAfee Subscription with live chat
McAfee offers live chat support on their website. Go to the McAfee Support page and look for the chat option. You'll likely have to talk to a virtual assistant first before getting a real person. It can be faster than calling, but sometimes the chat window randomly closes. Total headache.
Before you hit cancel, know this: McAfee offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual subscriptions. If you're outside that window, you won't get a refund. Your protection will just continue until your current subscription period ends. They don't really offer a "pause" option, it's either on or off. Also, canceling means your devices are vulnerable, so make sure you have a replacement like Windows Defender ready to go.
McAfee Plans and Pricing 2025
| Plan | Price (First Year) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| McAfee+ Premium | $49.99/yr | Covers unlimited devices. Includes Antivirus, VPN, Password Manager, and Identity Monitoring. Good for families. |
| McAfee+ Advanced | $89.99/yr | All Premium features plus Personal Data Cleanup, Lost Wallet Protection, and $1M in Identity Theft Coverage. |
| McAfee Total Protection | $29.99/yr | A more basic plan. Covers up to 5 devices with Antivirus, Web Protection, and a Password Manager. |
Frequently Asked Questions about McAfee
Can I unsubscribe from McAfee anytime?
Can I get a refund from McAfee if I forgot to cancel?
How do I know my McAfee subscription is cancelled?
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What else should I know before I cancel my McAfee subscription?
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Olivia Harper
Content Manager
Olivia Harper, a Content Manager with nine years of experience, creates user-focused guides on subscription services. Featured in Digital Consumer Reports, her work simplifies subscription terms and cancellations.
