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.
Parallels, founded in 1999, is the go-to for running Windows on a Mac. Maybe you got it just to use one ancient piece of work software, making you feel a bit like you're in an episode of Severance with a separate work brain. But with subscriptions costing from $24.99 to $149.99 a year, it's an expensive fix. Cancelling can save you up to $150 annually. This guide helps you navigate the process on desktop, iOS, or Android. You can find more details on their official website, but we'll get you sorted right here.
Subscription Plans and Pricing
| Plan | Price (per year) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Parallels Desktop Standard | $99.99 | For home and student use. Basic features for running Windows on Mac. |
| Parallels Desktop Pro | $119.99 | For developers, testers, and power users. Advanced networking tools and more processing power. |
| Parallels Desktop Business | $149.99 | For use in work environments. Centralized administration and management capabilities. |
| Parallels Access | $19.99 | Remotely access your computer from any device. |
| Parallels Toolbox | $24.99 | A suite of over 40 one-touch tools for Mac and PC. |
How to Cancel Parallels on Desktop or Laptop
This is the most common way to cancel, since most Parallels subscriptions are purchased directly from their website.
1 Go to the Parallels Website
Open your web browser and navigate to the Parallels website. You'll need to sign in, so have your account details ready. This is where they manage all the billing stuff.
2 Access Your Account Dashboard
Click on the Sign In button, usually at the top right corner. Enter your email and password. Once you're in, look for your name or an account icon and click it to go to your Dashboard.
3 Find Your Active Subscriptions
In your account dashboard, find a section called Active Subscriptions or something similar. It might be under 'Products & Services' or 'Billing'. Honestly, I had to click around a bit to find it the first time.
4 Turn Off Automatic Renewal
Next to the subscription you want to cancel, you should see an option that says Turn off automatic renewal. Click on that link. This is Parallels' way of saying 'cancel'. They don't make it super obvious.
5 Confirm Your Cancellation
A pop-up will likely appear asking you to confirm. It might even offer you a discount to stay. If you're sure, proceed with the cancellation. You should receive a confirmation email shortly after. Keep that email just in case.
How to Cancel Parallels on iPhone (iOS)
If you subscribed to a Parallels app like Parallels Access through the Apple App Store, you must cancel it through your iPhone or iPad settings.
1 Open the Settings App
Find and tap the gray Settings icon on your iPhone or iPad'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, iCloud, and other 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 Cancel Parallels
Scroll through the list to find your Parallels subscription (it might be for Parallels Access). Tap on it, then tap the Cancel Subscription button. You'll need to confirm your choice.
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. Make sure you're signed into the correct Google account you used to purchase the subscription.
2 Access the Menu
Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
3 Navigate to Subscriptions
From the menu that appears, select Payments & subscriptions, and then tap on Subscriptions. This screen lists all your current and past subscriptions through Google Play.
4 Select and Cancel Parallels
Find the Parallels app in your list of active subscriptions and tap on it. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a Cancel subscription button. Tap it and follow the on-screen instructions to confirm.
Before You Cancel: What You Should Know
When you cancel your Parallels subscription, you're really just turning off auto-renewal. You can continue using the software until the end of your current paid billing period. Your virtual machines are stored on your computer, so you won't lose any data immediately. However, you may not be able to run them after the license expires. Parallels offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on new purchases, but they typically do not offer prorated refunds for annual plans cancelled mid-year. There is no option to pause your subscription.
Having Trouble Cancelling Your Parallels Subscription?
Still stuck? Sometimes things just don't work. Here are a few things to try:
- Check where you bought it: If you can't find the subscription in your Parallels account, you might have bought it through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You have to cancel it where you bought it.
- Use a computer: Some subscription management pages don't work well on mobile browsers. Try logging into your Parallels account from a desktop or laptop.
- Clear your browser cache: Old data can sometimes cause issues. Clear your cache and cookies or try using an incognito/private browser window to log in.
- Contact support directly: If all else fails, you'll have to contact Parallels support. Be prepared to provide your account information and the license key for your product.
How Pine AI Can Help You Cancel Your Parallels Subscription
Tired of navigating confusing menus just to cancel a subscription? Let Pine AI handle it. We can cancel your Parallels account for you, quickly and securely. No more hunting for hidden buttons or worrying about surprise renewal charges. Save time and up to $150 a year with just a few clicks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Parallels
Can I unsubscribe from Parallels anytime?
Can I get a refund from Parallels if I forgot to cancel?
How do I know my Parallels subscription is cancelled?
How long does it take for Parallels to cancel?
What else should I know before I cancel my Parallels subscription?
How do I raise a complaint to Parallels?
How does Pine AI work with Parallels to cancel my subscription?
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.
