Established in 1987, McAfee provides antivirus software across iOS, Android, and desktop, with plans ranging from $29.99 to $149.99 annually. You could save up to $150 by cancelling before the price jumps. Visit McAfee. Much like the recent global tech panic caused by the CrowdStrike outage, keeping unnecessary software running just adds anxiety. Pissed Consumer lists over 3,000 complaints in the last 3 years, with users frequently citing "impossible cancellation loops" and "unauthorized renewal charges." It feels harder to quit than a gym membership in January. With rising renewal costs and constant negative press about bloatware, cutting ties is a smart move.
How to Cancel McAfee on iPhone (iOS)
If you subscribed via the App Store, you must cancel through Apple. Deleting the app does nothing.
1 Open Settings
Tap the grey Settings gear icon on your home screen. If you can't find it, swipe down from the middle of the screen and type "Settings" in the search bar.
2 Tap Your Name
Click on your Apple ID name at the very top of the list. It usually has your profile picture next to it.
3 Select Subscriptions
Tap the Subscriptions tab. It might take a second to load your active list.
4 Find McAfee
Scroll through the list until you see McAfee Security. If it isn't there, you likely signed up directly through their website, not Apple.
5 Cancel Subscription
Tap Cancel Subscription (or Cancel Free Trial). Confirm your choice when the pop-up appears. You will keep access until the current billing cycle ends.
How to Cancel McAfee on Android
This method only works if you paid via Google Play. If you paid with a credit card on their site, use the Desktop guide below.
1 Open Google Play Store
Launch the Google Play Store app on your phone or tablet.
2 Tap Profile Icon
Tap your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen.
3 Payments & Subscriptions
Select Payments & subscriptions from the menu list.
4 Select Subscriptions
Tap Subscriptions to view your active recurring payments.
5 Cancel McAfee
Find McAfee in the list, tap it, and select Cancel subscription. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm.
How to Cancel McAfee on Desktop (Web)
This is the most common method since most people buy directly from McAfee. They hide the button deep in the settings.
1 Log In
Go to the McAfee website and log in to your account. You might need to verify your email if it's been a while.
2 Go to My Account
Hover over My Account in the top navigation bar and select My Account from the dropdown menu.
3 Auto-Renewal Settings
Look for the Auto-Renewal tile or link on your dashboard. Click Update settings or Manage Auto-Renewal.
4 Turn Off Auto-Renewal
You will see a toggle switch. Click to turn it Off. They will likely show you a warning screen about being "unprotected" to scare you.
5 Confirm Cancellation
Click Turn off again. They might ask for a reason. Select one and finish the process. Ensure the status says Inactive before closing the tab.
What is McAfee Cancellation Policy
McAfee has a fairly specific refund policy that can be confusing. Generally, if you cancel within 30 days of your initial purchase, you can request a full refund. For annual renewals, they offer a 60-day money-back guarantee after the automatic charge hits. However, this requires you to actually contact support, which is a pain. If you are on a monthly plan, you usually can't get a refund for the current month. Complaints on the BBB often mention that getting the actual money back takes weeks of chasing support agents.
Before You Cancel McAfee: What You Should Know
Make sure you are ready before you cut the cord.
- Protection Stops: Your antivirus protection usually continues until the end of the billing cycle, but verify this on the confirmation screen.
- Data Retention: They keep your account data unless you specifically request a data deletion via their privacy portal.
- Refund Eligibility: If you were just auto-renewed yesterday, call them immediately. You have a 60-day window for annual renewals.
- Alternative Software: Ensure you have Windows Defender or another tool active so you aren't left vulnerable.
Having Trouble Cancelling Your McAfee Subscription?
Stuck in a loop? You aren't alone. Here are a few tricks to force it through:
- Check the Source: Did you buy it via Dell, HP, or Best Buy? You might have to cancel through their portal, not McAfee's.
- Use Incognito Mode: Sometimes their site glitches on purpose. Try opening a private window to log in.
- Desktop is King: The mobile site is terrible for account management. Use a laptop or desktop computer.
- Call Them: If the buttons are missing, call their support at 1-866-622-3338. Be prepared for a wait.
Subscription Plans and Pricing (2025)
| Plan Name | Annual Price (Intro) | Renewal Price (Approx) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $29.99 | $89.99 | 1 Device, Antivirus, VPN |
| Plus | $39.99 | $119.99 | 5 Devices, Identity Monitoring |
| Premium | $49.99 | $149.99 | Unlimited Devices, Cleanup Tools |
| Advanced | $89.99 | $199.99 | Identity Theft Coverage, Lost Wallet |
How Pine AI Can Help You Cancel Your McAfee Subscription
With cybersecurity costs rising and auto-renewal prices nearly tripling after the first year, now is the perfect time to audit your digital security expenses. Pine AI makes this annoying process simple.
Step 1: Let's get started to cancel McAfee Simply tell us that you want to cancel your subscription with McAfee, we'll ask for some account details to get started.
Step 2: Pine gets to work We navigate the confusing clicks, wait on hold, and handle the awkward conversations to ensure it's actually cancelled. We don't just suggest it; we finish it.
Step 3: You're free from McAfee The payments stop and you get your time back. No "retention offers," no run-around, just a confirmed "one-and-done" result.
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?
How long does it take for McAfee to cancel?
What else should I know before I cancel my McAfee subscription?
How do I raise a complaint to McAfee?
How does Pine AI work with McAfee to cancel my subscription?
