How to Cancel Microsoft 365 or Xbox Subscription

This guide walks you through canceling a Microsoft 365 subscription or an Xbox Game Pass membership, covering both web and PC methods. You’ll need to be signed in to the Microsoft account that owns the subscription, and you’ll need to know whether you’re on a recurring billing plan or a prepaid code.

What You’ll Need

• Your Microsoft account email and password
• Access to the email inbox associated with the account (for verification codes)
• A web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari) or the Windows Settings app
• If you bought through a third-party retailer (like Amazon or a gift card), you may need to cancel through them instead

Step-by-Step

Cancel Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) via the Web

1. Go to account.microsoft.com/services and sign in with the Microsoft account that holds the subscription.
2. Find the Microsoft 365 subscription in the list. It will show the name (e.g., Microsoft 365 Family, Personal) and the next billing date.
3. Click Manage next to the subscription.
4. On the subscription page, click Cancel (or Turn off recurring billing).
5. If you see a link that says “Cancel subscription,” click it. If you see “Turn off recurring billing,” that also stops future charges.
6. Follow the prompts. Microsoft may show you a “Keep benefits” offer or ask why you’re leaving. Choose a reason and click Continue.
7. Confirm the cancellation by clicking Cancel subscription or Turn off recurring billing again.
8. You’ll receive a confirmation email. Keep it for your records.

Cancel Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Live Gold via the Web

1. Go to account.microsoft.com/services and sign in.
2. Locate your Xbox subscription (Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Core, or Xbox Live Gold).
3. Click Manage next to the subscription.
4. Click Cancel or Turn off recurring billing.
5. If you have a prepaid code that hasn’t been redeemed yet, you cannot cancel it—you’ll need to wait for it to expire or contact support.
6. Follow the same confirmation steps as above.

Cancel via Windows Settings (Microsoft 365 only)

1. Open the Start menu and click Settings (gear icon).
2. Go to Accounts > Your info or Email & accounts.
3. Look for a link that says Manage my Microsoft account – this opens the web page in your browser.
4. From there, follow the web steps above.

Common Mistakes

• Signing in with the wrong account. If you have multiple Microsoft accounts, you might be signed in to one without the subscription. Check the email address in the top-right corner.
• Clicking “Uninstall” instead of “Cancel.” Uninstalling the Office apps does not stop the subscription. You must cancel via the services page.
• Assuming a prepaid subscription auto-renews. If you used a prepaid code (e.g., 12-month Xbox Game Pass), it won’t auto-renew unless you added a payment method. You don’t need to cancel it—it just ends.
• Ignoring the “turn off recurring billing” wording. Microsoft often uses this phrase instead of “cancel.” It has the same effect.
• Deleting your Microsoft account. That is a separate, drastic step that removes all your data. Don’t do that just to cancel a subscription.

Tips

• Cancel at least 24 hours before the next billing date to avoid being charged for another month.
• After canceling, you still have access to Microsoft 365 apps until the end of the current billing period. You won’t be able to use them after that unless you renew.
• If you’re canceling because of a price increase, check if there’s a cheaper plan (e.g., Microsoft 365 Personal instead of Family) before you cancel entirely.
• Keep the confirmation email. It contains a link to re-enable recurring billing if you change your mind.
• If you have a Microsoft 365 Family subscription, only the owner can cancel. Members can’t cancel it.

Troubleshooting

I don’t see the “Cancel” button

• Make sure you’re signed in to the correct account. Try opening an incognito/private window and signing in again.
• If the subscription was purchased through a third-party (like Apple App Store, Google Play, or a mobile carrier), you must cancel through that provider, not Microsoft.
• If the subscription is already in a “grace period” (past due), you may need to pay the balance first before you can cancel.

The page says “You have no subscriptions”

• Double-check the email address. It’s common to have multiple Microsoft accounts (e.g., an old Hotmail and a new Outlook).
• If you’re sure you have a subscription, try signing in at account.microsoft.com and click “Subscriptions” in the left menu.

I can’t sign in

• Use the “Forgot password” link to reset your password. You’ll need access to the recovery email or phone number.
• If you’ve lost access to the recovery email, try the account recovery form at account.live.com/acsr.

I was charged after canceling

• Check the date you canceled. If you canceled after the billing date, the charge may be for the current period. You can request a refund within 30 days of the charge.
• Go to account.microsoft.com/billing and look for “Request a refund.”

I want to cancel a free trial

• Free trials (e.g., 1-month Game Pass) automatically convert to paid subscriptions unless you cancel before the trial ends. Follow the same steps above to cancel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get a refund if I cancel mid-cycle?

Microsoft generally doesn’t provide pro-rated refunds for Microsoft 365 or Xbox subscriptions. You’ll keep access until the end of the paid period, but you won’t get money back for unused days.

What happens to my files and emails if I cancel Microsoft 365?

You’ll lose access to Office apps and the extra OneDrive storage (1 TB) after the period ends. Your files remain in OneDrive but you’ll be over the free 5 GB limit, so you’ll need to download them or free up space.

Can I cancel Microsoft 365 on my phone?

Yes, you can use a mobile browser to go to account.microsoft.com/services. The steps are the same as on a computer. If you purchased through the Apple App Store or Google Play, you must cancel through that store’s subscription settings.

Is “turn off recurring billing” the same as canceling?

Yes, for Microsoft 365 and Xbox subscriptions, turning off recurring billing stops future charges. You’ll keep access until the current period ends, and you can re-enable it later.

Can I get a refund for an Xbox Game Pass purchase?

Microsoft’s refund policy allows refunds for digital purchases within 14 days of purchase, but only if you haven’t used the subscription. If you’ve already played games, you’re not eligible. You can request a refund at account.microsoft.com/billing.

What if I bought a subscription as a gift?

Gift subscriptions (redeemed via a code) can’t be canceled. They’ll run for the full period and won’t auto-renew unless the recipient adds a payment method.

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