Apple offers a variety of services, including Apple Arcade and News+, which are sometimes provided as free trials when purchasing a new iPhone. These trials often last for several months, but once they conclude, many users forget about the automatic renewals, resulting in charges to their credit cards.
To prevent this and avoid unnecessary expenses, it’s important to cancel your Apple Arcade subscription if you no longer wish to use it. Numerous users on platforms like Reddit and Quora have reported being charged after attempting to cancel their subscriptions.
This often results from not adhering to the outlined conditions or following incorrect or incomplete cancellation procedures.
Apple Arcade is a subscription-based gaming service from Apple, offering access to a curated library of games across devices such as iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.
According to surveys, many Apple users are unaware of being charged for such services, and some don’t even relate to gaming. This can occur when setting up a new Apple device, where users input card details that are later used for subscription renewals like Apple Arcade.
This guide is designed to assist those being charged unknowingly. While legal, these charges can be unexpected. The methods outlined below ensure your Apple Arcade subscription is canceled correctly and efficiently.
Additionally, alternative gaming options to Apple Arcade are provided for those seeking cheaper or free options.
Can I Cancel Apple Arcade Subscription Anytime?
Yes, you can cancel your Apple Arcade subscription anytime. However, be aware of the terms and policies as outlined by Apple:
Free Trial Subscribers: New subscribers offered three months of Apple Arcade free with the purchase of a new iPhone, iPad, or Mac can cancel anytime, but at least a day before the renewal date. Canceling during the free trial means immediate loss of access for you and your family members, and the trial cannot be reactivated.
Billing Cycle: You won’t be charged for the next billing period after canceling, but ensure you complete the cancellation before the cycle starts to avoid unwanted charges.
Multiple Subscriptions: If subscribed to other Apple services, ensure you don’t confuse them with your Arcade subscription. Carefully check details before canceling.
How to Cancel Apple Arcade Subscription?
Canceling your Apple Arcade subscription, whether due to budgetary reasons, changing interests, or exploring other gaming services, is straightforward. You can cancel your subscription through your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or iTunes on a Windows computer. Here’s how:
How to Cancel Apple Arcade Subscription on iPhone or iPad?
- Open the Settings App:
- Tap the Settings app on your device’s home screen.
- Tap the Settings app on your device’s home screen.
- Tap on Your Name:
- At the top of the Settings menu, tap your name or Apple ID to access subscription management.
- At the top of the Settings menu, tap your name or Apple ID to access subscription management.
- Select Subscriptions:
- Scroll down to find and tap on Subscriptions to view active subscriptions.
- Scroll down to find and tap on Subscriptions to view active subscriptions.
- Find Apple Arcade:
- Locate Apple Arcade in the list and tap it to access subscription details.
- Locate Apple Arcade in the list and tap it to access subscription details.
- Cancel Subscription:
- Tap Cancel Subscription, confirm your decision, and follow any additional instructions. A confirmation will appear indicating successful cancellation.
How to Cancel Apple Arcade Subscription on Mac?
- Open the App Store:
Launch the App Store from your dock or via Spotlight search. - Click on Your Name:
At the bottom left, click your name to access account settings. - Select View Information:
Scroll to the Manage section and click Manage next to Subscriptions. - Find Apple Arcade:
Click Edit next to Apple Arcade and follow on-screen prompts to cancel. - Cancel Subscription:
Click Cancel Subscription and confirm through any prompts.
How to Cancel Apple Arcade Subscription via iTunes on Windows?
- Open iTunes:
Launch iTunes on your Windows PC and ensure it’s updated. - Sign In:
Use the same Apple ID associated with your Apple Arcade subscription. - Go to Account:
Click Account in the menu bar, then View My Account. - Manage Subscriptions:
Scroll to Settings and click Manage next to Subscriptions. - Find Apple Arcade:
Click Edit next to Apple Arcade. - Cancel Subscription:
Click Cancel Subscription, follow prompts, and confirm cancellation.
How to Cancel Your Apple Arcade Subscription from the News App?
- Open the News App:
Use Spotlight search if necessary to find the app. - Access the Following Tab:
Tap the Following tab at the bottom right. - Manage Subscriptions:
Scroll down to Manage Subscriptions at the bottom. - Cancel Your Subscription:
Locate Apple Arcade, tap Cancel Free Trial or Cancel Subscription, and confirm.
How to Cancel Your Apple Arcade Subscription from the App Store?
- Open the App Store App:
Tap the App Store icon. - Access Your Account:
Tap your avatar in the upper right corner. - Manage Subscriptions:
Tap Manage Subscriptions to view active and expired subscriptions. - Select Your Apple Arcade Subscription:
Locate and tap on Apple Arcade. - Cancel Your Subscription:
Choose the cancellation option and confirm.
How to Cancel Your Apple Arcade Subscription through the My Verizon App?
- Open the My Verizon App:
Tap the app icon on your smartphone. - Tap the Account Tab:
Access account management features. - Enter Your Credentials:
Authenticate for security purposes. - Access Services & Perks:
Find the Services & Perks section. - Manage Apple Arcade Subscription:
Tap Manage next to Apple Arcade. - Remove the Subscription:
Tap Remove and confirm. - Confirm the Changes:
Review and confirm changes. - Acknowledge Confirmation:
Tap Got it after successful cancellation.
Alternatives to Apple Arcade
For those seeking diverse gaming libraries, here are some alternatives:
- Xbox Game Pass:
Offers a vast library of games for Xbox and PC, including new releases. - PlayStation Plus:
Provides online multiplayer, monthly free games, and more with various benefits. - Nintendo Switch Online:
Access classic NES and SNES games and online multiplayer for Switch users.
Conclusion
Before subscribing to gaming services, assess your preferences and needs. These services often come with a cost, so ensure they align with your interests. Regularly review your Apple settings to monitor active subscriptions and avoid unexpected charges. If you discover unwanted subscriptions, consider requesting a refund for accidental purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Stop Apple Game Payments?
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, then turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap Store, Web, Siri & Game Center Content.
How to Stop Apple Services Autopay?
- Open the App Store.
- Click your name or Sign In.
- Click Account Settings.
- Click Manage Payments, then Edit, and Remove Payment Method.
Will I Lose My Progress if I Cancel Apple Arcade?
If you cancel Apple Arcade, you can resubscribe and still access your gameplay data.