How to cancel Apple TV+ because you probably have too many streaming services

Say goodbye to 'Ted Lasso' and save some money.
A person holding an iPad with Apple TV+ on the screen.
Cancelling your Apple TV+ subscription is easy to do from the app. Depositphotos

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The average American subscribes to four streaming services. Maybe you’re starting to feel overwhelmed by all of those options. What about that free trial Apple TV subscription you signed up for to binge-watch Hijack but forgot to cancel before the fee hit? You’re not alone—many people fall into the same trap and end up paying for services they no longer use or need. If you’re looking to cut down on streaming fees and want to kick one to the curb, canceling Apple TV+ is simple (thankfully).

What’s the difference between Apple TV and Apple TV+?

Apple offers two different services for streaming content. Apple TV is a media player device that lets you stream content from various sources onto your large-screen TV. You don’t need a subscription for it. Apple TV+, meanwhile, is a subscription-based streaming service that provides Apple-produced original content, professional sports, and a back catalog of films and TV shows. The streaming service is available via an app on your phone, iPad, computer, and smart TV. So if you’re wondering, “How do I cancel Apple TV?” make sure not to confuse the subscription service with the device itself. 

How to cancel Apple TV+

Apple TV media player on a wood table.
Canceling an Apple TV+ subscription via the Apple TV media player is a simple process. Unsplash / Nicolas J. Leclercq

You can easily cancel Apple TV+ with just a few clicks. If you want to get rid of your Apple TV player and remote as well, donate them, resell them, or take them to a collection point for e-waste recycling.

There are four different ways to get rid of Apple’s streaming service—choose the one that works best for you:

Cancel Apple TV+ from your Apple TV media player

1. Open Settings on the Apple TV.

2. Go to Users and Accounts > [account name] Subscriptions, and select a subscription.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to change or cancel your subscription.

How to cancel Apple TV+ from an internet browser

1. Open a web browser. Go to tv.apple.com and click the blue Sign In button.

The Apple TV+ app in a web browser.
If you’re not signed in, you’ll need to do that first. Screenshot: Apple

2. Enter your Apple ID and password.

The Apple TV+ sign-in screen in a browser.
You know your Apple ID, right? Screenshot: Apple

3. Navigate to the Settings in the upper right corner of the screen.

The Apple TV+ app in a browser, showing where the account settings are located in the upper right corner.
Your subscription options are inside the app’s settings. Screenshot: Apple

4. In the Subscriptions section, click Manage.

The Apple TV+ app in a browser, showing where to manage your subscription.
You can manage your subscription by changing it or canceling Apple TV+ entirely. Screenshot: Apple

5. Find the Apple TV+ subscription and select Cancel Subscription.

The Apple TV+ app in a browser, showing how to cancel your Apple TV+ subscription.
This action will start the cancelation process. Screenshot: Apple

6. Click Cancel Subscription on the next menu to confirm.

The Apple TV+ app in a browser, showing the confirmation that you want to cancel Apple TV+.
Yes, you do really want to cancel. Confirming will set it in stone. Screenshot: Apple

How to cancel Apple TV+ on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch 

1. Open the Settings app on your device, then tap on your Apple ID at the top of the screen. 

The iPhone settings app, showing where to find your Apple ID.
If you’re already logged in on your device, that’s one less thing you’ll have to do. Screenshot: Apple

2. Select Media & Purchases, then View Account.

The iOS settings app showing Media & Purchases.
In Media & Purchases, you can see a list of all your active subscriptions. Screenshot: Apple

3. Find the Subscriptions field and tap on it. 

The iOS settings app, with Subscriptions highlighted.
This option will show you a list of all current subscriptions linked to your Apple ID. Screenshot: Apple

4. Select Apple TV+ to access the streaming service’s subscription information.

The iOS Settings app, showing the Apple TV+ subscription.
You’re almost there… Screenshot: Apple

5. Tap the red Cancel Subscription button.

The iOS settings app, showing where to cancel Apple TV+.
Red is a warning, but you want to cancel Apple TV+, right? Screenshot: Apple

6. Confirm the cancelation.

The iOS Settings app showing where to confirm cancelation of Apple TV+.
You’re free! Until you decide to subscribe again. Screenshot: Apple

How to cancel your Apple TV+ subscription in the app

1. Open the Apple TV+ app and click on your profile in the upper right corner.

The Apple TV+ app on an iPhone, showing where your profile is.
This is how the app looks on an iPhone, but the profile location should be similar no matter your device. Screenshot: Apple

2. Tap on your Apple ID.

The Apple TV+ app on an iPhone, showing where your Apple ID is located.
No surprise: You’ll need your Apple ID. Screenshot: Apple

3. Take a peek above at the steps for canceling your Apple TV+ subscription from an iOS or iPadOS device and proceed from Step 3 to finish the job.

FAQs

Q. Can I cancel Apple TV+ before the free trial ends?

Yes, you can cancel your Apple TV+ subscription before the free trial ends. By doing so, you will not be charged for any subscription fees once the trial period is over. However, you’ll no longer have access to the content your Apple TV+ subscription offers.

Q. Do I need to cancel Apple TV+ if I get an Apple One?

No, you do not need to cancel your Apple TV+ subscription if you get an Apple One subscription. Apple One includes Apple TV+ as one of its services, so your Apple TV+ subscription will be automatically included in your Apple One bundle.

Q. Can I cancel Apple TV+ at any time?

Yes, you can cancel your Apple TV subscription at any time. There are no specific restrictions or limitations on when you can cancel.

Q. Why can’t I cancel a subscription on my iPhone?

You may not be unable to cancel a subscription on your iPhone if you are not signed in with the Apple ID used to purchase the subscription. Make sure you are using the correct Apple ID, and try again. If you continue to experience difficulties, contact Apple Support for assistance.

Q. How can I find all my Apple subscriptions?

To find all your Apple subscriptions:
1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone and tap on your name at the top.
2. Select Subscriptions, and you will see a list of all the subscriptions associated with your Apple ID.
3. If you have multiple Apple IDs, check under each one to find all your subscriptions.

Q. Will I lose my purchased movies if I cancel Apple TV+?

You will not lose your purchased movies if you cancel Apple TV+. Your purchased movies are tied to your Apple ID and can be accessed through the Purchased section of the iTunes or Apple TV app. Even if you cancel your subscription, you will still have access to the movies you have purchased.

Q. If I change my mind about cancelling Apple TV+, can I reactivate it?

If you change your mind about cancelling Apple TV+, you can reactivate it. Sign back into your Apple ID and resubscribe to Apple TV+. Your previous settings and preferences will be saved.