Thinking about canceling Xbox Game Pass? You're not alone. Microsoft launched Game Pass back in 2017, and it's a great deal until it's not. Maybe the game library isn't hitting the spot anymore, or you're just tired of seeing that charge every month. With all the talk about Call of Duty finally coming to the service, a lot of people are re-evaluating if it's worth keeping active right now. This guide will help you cancel without the headache. Subscriptions range from $9.99 to $16.99 a month, and you can save up to $203.88 a year by canceling. We'll cover how to do it on your desktop or console.
How to Cancel Xbox Game Pass Subscription on Desktop (Web Browser)
This is probably the easiest way to cancel. You can do it from any computer or even your phone's web browser. Just make sure you remember your Microsoft password.
1 Go to Your Microsoft Account
Go to the Microsoft account website and sign in. Use the same account you use for your Xbox profile. Sometimes it asks for a two-factor code, so have your phone ready.
2 Find 'Services & subscriptions'
Once you're logged in, look for the Services & subscriptions tab at the top of the page. It's sometimes hidden under a 'More' menu, which is a bit annoying.
3 Locate Your Game Pass Subscription
You should see your Xbox Game Pass subscription listed here. Find it and click on Manage. I had to scroll past a bunch of old Office trials to find mine.
4 Turn Off Recurring Billing
Under the subscription details, you'll see an option that says Turn off recurring billing. This is Microsoft's way of saying 'cancel'. Click it. They might show you an offer to try and keep you, just ignore it and confirm.
5 Confirm the Cancellation
After you confirm, the page should update to show 'Expires on [date]' instead of 'Next charge on [date]'. You should also get a confirmation email. If you don't, check your spam folder or go back to the page to double-check. Better safe than sorry.
How to Cancel Xbox Game Pass Subscription on Xbox Console (Series X/S or One)
You can also cancel directly from your console if you prefer. The process is similar to the web version, but involves navigating through the console's menus. Honestly, I find the web browser method faster, but this works too.
1 Open the Guide
Turn on your console and press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
2 Go to Settings
Navigate all the way to the right to your profile icon and select Settings.
3 Select Subscriptions
In the Settings menu, go to the Account tab and then select Subscriptions. This menu can sometimes be slow to load, so give it a second.
4 Find Your Game Pass Plan
You'll see your active Xbox Game Pass subscription. Select it to view the details.
5 Turn Off Recurring Billing
Just like on the website, you'll see an option to Turn off recurring billing. Select this and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your cancellation. It feels like a lot of button presses just to cancel something.
Cancel Xbox Game Pass Subscription with phone
You can try calling Microsoft Support at 1-800-642-7676. Be prepared for a potentially long wait and navigating phone menus. It's usually faster to use the website. Their support hours are typically standard business hours.
Cancel Xbox Game Pass Subscription with live chat
Microsoft pushes everyone towards its support portal for live chat. Go to the Microsoft Support website, sign in, and navigate the virtual agent until it gives you the option to talk to a person. It can feel like a maze. One user on Reddit said, 'The bot asked me the same question three times before letting me talk to a human.' Yep, sounds about right.
Before you cancel, know this. You won't lose your game saves or your Xbox profile. You just lose access to the Game Pass game library at the end of your billing cycle. Microsoft generally does not offer prorated refunds. If you cancel a day after you were charged, you're probably out of luck, but you can always try pleading your case with support. You can't pause the subscription, only cancel it.
Xbox Game Pass Plans and Pricing 2025
| Plan | Price (per month) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Game Pass Core | $9.99 | Replaces Xbox Live Gold. Includes online console multiplayer and a catalog of over 25 games. No new day-one releases. |
| PC Game Pass | $9.99 | Access to a library of hundreds of PC games, including day-one releases from Xbox Game Studios. Also includes an EA Play membership for PC. |
| Game Pass Ultimate | $16.99 | The all-in-one plan. Includes everything from Core and PC Game Pass, plus the ability to play games from the cloud on various devices and an EA Play membership for both console and PC. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Xbox Game Pass
Can I unsubscribe from Xbox Game Pass anytime?
Can I get a refund from Xbox Game Pass if I forgot to cancel?
How do I know my Xbox Game Pass subscription is cancelled?
How long does it take for Xbox Game Pass to cancel?
What else should I know before I cancel my Xbox Game Pass subscription?
How do I raise a complaint to Xbox Game Pass?
Chloe Anne-Bennett
Streaming & Entertainment Editor
Chloe Anne-Bennett is the Streaming & Entertainment Editor at Pine AI. Chloe is a leading voice on the business of streaming, entertainment and the evolving landscape of digital media. Before contributing to Pine AI, Chloe was an entertainment correspondent for a major news outlet, where she reported on everything from box office trends to the impact of streaming services on traditional media. At Pine AI, Chloe leverages her deep industry knowledge to provide our readers with insightful analysis of the latest trends, helping them make sense of their subscriptions and where to hit the sweet spots in how to handle customer service reps.
