Thinking about canceling Parallels? You're not alone. Parallels, founded back in 1999, is a lifesaver for running Windows on a Mac, but keeping a subscription active when you don't need it is just burning cash. Maybe you bought Parallels just to play Helldivers 2 on your Mac and now the hype has died down, leaving you with a recurring charge. This guide will help you cancel it without any fuss. Subscriptions range from $99.99 to $149.99, and you can manage your account right from your desktop. By canceling, you could save up to $150 a year. Let's get that money back in your pocket.
How to Cancel Parallels on Desktop or Laptop
This is the most common method, as most Parallels subscriptions are managed directly through their website. It's a bit of a maze, but follow these steps carefully.
1 Go to the Parallels Website
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Parallels website. This is where your main account lives, even if you use the software on your Mac or PC.
2 Log In to Your Account
In the top-right corner, click on Sign In. Enter the email address and password associated with your Parallels subscription. If you forgot your password, now is the time to reset it.
3 Access Your Dashboard
Once logged in, you should be taken to your Parallels account dashboard. If not, find your name or account icon in the top right and select My Account or Dashboard from the dropdown menu.
4 Find Your Active Subscriptions
Look for a section labeled Active Subscriptions or something similar. It might be under a tab called 'Subscriptions and Licenses'. This is where the magic happens.
5 Turn Off Automatic Renewal
Find the specific Parallels subscription you want to cancel. Next to it, you should see a link or button that says Turn off automatic renewal. Click it. This is Parallels' way of saying 'cancel'.
6 Confirm Your Cancellation
A pop-up will likely appear asking you to confirm your decision. It might even offer you a discount to stay. Stick to your guns and confirm that you want to stop the renewal. You should receive a confirmation email shortly after.
How to Cancel Parallels on iPhone (iOS)
If you subscribed to a Parallels mobile app like Parallels Access through the App Store, you must cancel it through Apple.
1 Open the Settings App
Find and tap the gray Settings icon on your iPhone's home screen.
2 Tap Your Apple ID
Your name and profile picture are at the very top of the Settings menu. Tap on it to access your Apple ID settings.
3 Go to Subscriptions
On the Apple ID screen, tap on the Subscriptions option. This will show you all the active and expired subscriptions linked to your Apple account.
4 Find and Select Parallels
Scroll through the list to find your Parallels subscription (it might be listed as Parallels Access). Tap on it to manage it.
5 Cancel the Subscription
Tap the red Cancel Subscription button at the bottom of the screen. You'll be asked to confirm your choice. Once you do, the subscription is set to expire at the end of the current billing period.
How to Cancel Parallels on Android
For subscriptions made through the Google Play Store, you'll need to manage the cancellation directly from your Android device.
1 Open the Google Play Store
Launch the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2 Access Your Profile
Tap on your profile icon or initial in the top-right corner of the screen.
3 Navigate to Payments & Subscriptions
In the menu that appears, select Payments & subscriptions. This is where Google manages all your recurring charges.
4 Select Subscriptions
Tap on Subscriptions to see a list of all your active subscriptions through the Play Store.
5 Find and Cancel Parallels
Locate the Parallels subscription in the list and tap on it. At the bottom of the next screen, tap Cancel subscription and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm.
Cancel by Contacting Support
If you can't cancel through your account, you'll have to contact Parallels support. They don't make it easy to find a direct email or phone number for cancellations.
- Go to the Parallels Support Page: Navigate to their support section.
- Log In: You'll likely need to be logged in to submit a request.
- Submit a Ticket: Look for an option to submit a support ticket or start a live chat. Choose 'Subscription and Licensing' as the category.
- Request Cancellation: Clearly state that you want to cancel your subscription and stop all future payments. Be prepared for a slow response, some users report waiting a day or two for a resolution.
Before You Cancel: What You Should Know
- Your Data is Safe (Mostly): Canceling your subscription doesn't delete your virtual machines or the data inside them. However, you will lose the ability to run them with the latest version of Parallels Desktop. You may need to revert to an older version if you have a perpetual license, or you might lose access entirely.
- Refunds Are Tricky: Parallels offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on new purchases. If you're canceling a renewal, you are very unlikely to get a refund, even if the charge just went through. Their policy is pretty strict on this.
- No Pausing: There is no option to pause your subscription. You can only turn off the auto-renewal, which lets you use the software until the current paid period ends.
Having Trouble Cancelling Your Parallels Subscription?
It can be frustrating when the cancel button seems to be hiding. Here are a few things to try:
- Check Where You Subscribed: Did you buy it directly from Parallels, or through the Apple App Store or a reseller? You must cancel on the same platform where you purchased it.
- Use a Desktop Browser: Some account management features don't work well on mobile. Try logging into your Parallels account on a desktop or laptop computer.
- Clear Your Cache or Use Incognito: Sometimes browser issues can prevent pages from loading correctly. Clear your cache or open an incognito/private window and try again.
- Contact Support Directly: If all else fails, you'll have to go through their support portal. It might take longer, but a support agent can manually process the cancellation for you.
Subscription Plans and Pricing (2025)
| Plan | Price (per year) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Parallels Desktop Standard | $99.99 | Designed for home and student use. Runs Windows on Mac, basic features. |
| Parallels Desktop Pro | $119.99 | For developers, testers, and power users. Advanced networking tools, more RAM/vCPU allocation. |
| Parallels Desktop Business | $149.99 | For use in work environments. Centralized administration and management, unified volume license key. |
How Pine AI Can Help You Cancel Your Parallels Subscription
Tired of navigating confusing account dashboards and waiting for support? Let Pine AI handle it. We can cancel your Parallels subscription securely and efficiently. Just connect your account, and we'll take care of the rest, saving you time and preventing unwanted charges. It's that simple.
Frequently Asked Questions about Parallels
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Rachel Adams
Technology & Software Editor
Rachel Adams is the Lead Tech & App writer at Pine AI, where she decodes the complexities of the digital software landscape. With over eight years of experience as a software reviewer and tech journalist, her work focuses on the security, usability, and subscription models of popular apps and SaaS platforms. Rachel's insights empower consumers to make informed decisions, avoid predatory billing, and select software that genuinely adds value.
