Xbox, launched by Microsoft way back in 2001, is a giant in the gaming world. It's not just a console, it's a whole service, mainly through Xbox Game Pass. Maybe you signed up to play Starfield and now you're done, or maybe you're just tired of seeing that charge hit your account every month. With all the talk about Call of Duty finally coming to Game Pass, tons of people are signing up, but not everyone sticks around. This guide will help you cancel your subscription, which can range from $9.99 to $16.99 a month. We'll walk you through canceling on desktop and your console. By canceling, you could save up to $204 a year. Let's get that money back in your pocket.
How to Cancel Xbox Subscription on Desktop
This is probably the easiest way to cancel. You can do it from any computer or even the browser on your phone. No need to even turn on your console.
1 Go to Microsoft Account Services
First, open your web browser and head over to the Microsoft account services page: account.microsoft.com/services.
2 Sign In to Your Account
You'll need to sign in with the same email and password you use for your Xbox account. If you're already logged in, you might just land on the right page.
3 Find Your Xbox Subscription
Scroll down the page until you see your subscriptions. Find the Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass subscription you want to get rid of. It should be clearly labeled.
4 Click 'Manage'
Next to your subscription details, click the 'Manage' link. This is where all the magic happens. Sometimes this page can be slow to load, so give it a second.
5 Select 'Cancel Subscription'
On the next screen, you should see an option that says 'Cancel subscription' or 'Turn off recurring billing'. Microsoft changes the wording sometimes, but they do the same thing. Click it.
6 Confirm the Cancellation
Microsoft will probably try to keep you by offering a deal or showing you what you'll lose. Just scroll to the bottom and confirm the cancellation. You're almost free.
How to Cancel Xbox Subscription on Xbox Console
If you'd rather handle it directly from your couch, you can cancel right from your Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One. It takes a few more clicks through the menus, but it gets the job done.
1 Open the Guide
Press the glowing Xbox button on your controller to bring up the main guide menu.
2 Go to Settings
Navigate all the way to the right to your gamerpic icon. This is the 'Profile & system' tab. Select 'Settings' from the menu that appears.
3 Find Your Subscriptions
In the Settings menu, go to the 'Account' section and then select 'Subscriptions'. This is where they hide the important stuff.
4 Select the Subscription
You'll see a list of your active subscriptions. Choose the Xbox subscription you want to cancel.
5 Turn Off Recurring Billing
Here's where it can get a little confusing. You'll want to select the option to 'Turn off recurring billing'. This effectively cancels the auto-renewal. It feels like they make the wording intentionally vague.
6 Follow Prompts to Confirm
The console will ask you to confirm your choice. Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize it. Once done, your subscription will not renew on the next billing date.
Cancel Xbox Subscription with Live Chat
You can reach Xbox support through their official website. Go to support.xbox.com, sign in, and click the 'Contact Us' button. From there, you can describe your issue and you'll likely be directed to a live chat with a support agent. Be prepared for a potential wait. One user on Reddit mentioned, 'The chat bot made me answer 5 questions before it would connect me to a real person. So annoying.'
Cancel Xbox Subscription with Phone
While direct phone numbers are hard to find, you can request a call back through the support.xbox.com website. Follow the 'Contact Us' prompts, and if your issue qualifies, you may see an option to have an agent call you. This can sometimes be faster than waiting in a chat queue, but it's not always available.
Before you cancel, know this: your game saves are safe. You won't lose your progress. However, you will lose access to the entire Game Pass library of games you downloaded. You'll have to buy them to keep playing. Microsoft generally does not offer refunds for prepaid subscription time. If you cancel, you can use the service until the last day you paid for. There's no option to 'pause' your subscription, you just have to cancel and sign up again later.
Xbox 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. |
| Game Pass for Console | $10.99 | Access to a large library of games on your Xbox console. Does not include online multiplayer. |
| PC Game Pass | $9.99 | Access to a large library of games on your Windows PC, including EA Play. |
| Game Pass Ultimate | $16.99 | The all-in-one package. Includes the full PC and Console game libraries, online multiplayer (Core), EA Play, and cloud gaming. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Xbox
Can I unsubscribe from Xbox anytime?
Can I get a refund from Xbox if I forgot to cancel?
How do I know my Xbox subscription is cancelled?
How long does it take for Xbox to cancel?
What else should I know before I cancel my Xbox subscription?
How do I raise a complaint to Xbox?
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.
