CleanMyMac, created by MacPaw in 2008, is a popular tool for keeping your Mac running smoothly. It cleans junk files, protects against malware, and helps manage your apps. But maybe the renewal fee caught you by surprise, or you're just not using it enough to justify the cost. It happens. With subscriptions ranging from $39.95 to $89.95, canceling can save you up to $89.95 a year. This guide covers canceling on your desktop, which is the main way to do it. Honestly, with everyone talking about "digital minimalism" these days, it makes sense to question every subscription, even the ones meant to keep things tidy. Let's get this done.
How to Cancel CleanMyMac on Desktop or Laptop (Web)
This is the most common way to cancel, since most people buy CleanMyMac directly from the developer, MacPaw. You'll be managing your subscription through their online portal.
1 Go to the MacPaw Website
First, open your web browser and navigate to the MacPaw website. You'll need to sign in to the account you used when you purchased the subscription. It's easy to forget which email you used, so you might have to check your old receipts.
2 Access Your Account
Click on the account icon, which is usually in the top-right corner of the page. From the dropdown menu, select My Account and enter your login credentials. If you can't remember your password, use the 'Forgot Password?' link.
3 Find Your Subscription
Once you're logged in, you should see a dashboard. Look for a tab or link that says My Subscriptions or something similar. This is where all your active MacPaw product licenses are listed.
4 Select the CleanMyMac Subscription
Find your CleanMyMac X subscription in the list. Next to it, there should be an option like Manage Subscription or a settings gear icon. Click on that to see the details.
5 Cancel Auto-Renewal
Inside the subscription details, you'll find the option to Cancel Subscription or Turn Off Auto-Renewal. They mean the same thing. Click it. They might ask you why you're leaving, just pick a reason and move on.
6 Confirm Your Cancellation
A confirmation pop-up will likely appear, asking if you're sure. Confirm your choice. You should receive an email confirming the cancellation shortly after. Keep this email for your records, just in case.
How to Cancel CleanMyMac on iPhone or Android
CleanMyMac doesn't have a subscription management app on iOS or Android. You'll need to use your phone's web browser to log into your MacPaw account and cancel it there, following similar steps to the desktop method.
1 Open Your Mobile Browser
Grab your phone and open your preferred web browser, like Safari or Chrome. There isn't a mobile app for managing your subscription, so you have to do it the old-fashioned way through their website.
2 Navigate to the MacPaw Website
Type macpaw.com into the address bar and go to their site. Tap the menu or account icon to find the sign-in page. It can be a bit small on a phone screen, so you might need to zoom in.
3 Log In to Your Account
Enter the email and password associated with your CleanMyMac purchase. This is often the trickiest part if you've forgotten your details. Use the password reset function if you get stuck.
4 Manage Your Subscription
After logging in, find the My Subscriptions section in your account dashboard. Tap on your CleanMyMac plan to view its details.
5 Turn Off Automatic Renewal
Look for a button or link that says Cancel Subscription or Turn Off Auto-Renewal. Tap it and follow any on-screen prompts to confirm. Honestly, I had to tap it twice before it registered. Maybe it was just my connection.
Cancel by Contacting Support
If you can't get the online portal to work, or if you purchased through a reseller like Paddle, your best bet is to contact MacPaw support directly.
- Contact Form: Go to the MacPaw support page and fill out their contact form.
- Email: You can email them at [email protected].
Be sure to include the email address you used to purchase the subscription and your order number if you have it. Just state clearly that you want to cancel your subscription and stop all future payments. Expect a response within 24-48 hours.
Before You Cancel: What You Should Know
- Refund Policy: MacPaw offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're within 30 days of your initial purchase or a renewal, you can request a full refund. After 30 days, you're out of luck for the current term.
- What Happens After Cancelling: You can continue using the full version of CleanMyMac until your current billing period ends. After that, the app will revert to the free version, which has limited functionality.
- Pausing Your Subscription: MacPaw does not currently offer an option to pause your subscription. You can only cancel it and resubscribe later if you need it again.
Having Trouble Cancelling Your CleanMyMac Subscription?
It can be frustrating when cancellation doesn't go smoothly. Here are a few things to try:
- Check Your Purchase Method: Did you buy from the Mac App Store? If so, you must cancel through your Apple ID subscriptions, not the MacPaw website. This trips a lot of people up.
- Log In from a Desktop: Sometimes, the mobile version of a website can be buggy. Try logging into your MacPaw account from a desktop or laptop computer.
- Clear Your Browser Cache: Old data stored in your browser can sometimes cause issues. Clear your cache and cookies or try using an incognito/private browsing window to log in and cancel.
- Contact Support Directly: When all else fails, just contact their support team. Send an email to [email protected] and ask them to cancel it for you manually. It might take a day or two, but it gets the job done.
Subscription Plans and Pricing (2025)
| Plan | Price (per year) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| CleanMyMac X (1 Mac) | $39.95 | Full functionality for a single Mac. Includes all cleaning, optimization, and security features. |
| CleanMyMac X (2 Macs) | $59.95 | Same full feature set, but licensed for use on two separate Macs. Better value for multiple devices. |
| CleanMyMac X (5 Macs) | $89.95 | Best value for families or small businesses. Covers up to five Macs with one subscription. |
How Pine AI Can Help You Cancel Your CleanMyMac Subscription
Tired of navigating confusing menus and waiting for confirmation emails? Let Pine AI handle it. We can cancel your CleanMyMac subscription for you, quickly and securely. Just connect your account, and we'll take care of the rest, saving you time and preventing future charges. It's that simple.
Frequently Asked Questions about CleanMyMac
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Can I get a refund from CleanMyMac if I forgot to cancel?
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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.
