How to Cancel Apple Music Subscription – A Complete Guide for All Devices

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from the steps to cancel your subscription on different devices to what happens after you cancel. Apple Music is available on iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Windows PCs, Android phones, and even through web browsers. Each platform has a slightly different process, and we’ll cover all of them.

We’ll also answer common questions like:

• Can you cancel Apple Music during the free trial without being charged?
  
  
• Do you lose your music and playlists after canceling?
  
  
• How do you manage your subscription if you’re part of a Family Sharing plan or using Apple One?
  
  

Whether you subscribed via your Apple ID, through a carrier bundle, or via the Play Store on Android, this step-by-step guide is designed to make cancellation hassle-free.

At the end of the guide, we’ll also provide information on alternatives to Apple Music in case you’re planning to switch to another service like Spotify, Amazon Music, or YouTube Music. Plus, you’ll learn how to preserve your playlists when transitioning to a new platform.

If you're wondering exactly how to cancel Apple Music subscription without losing control over your billing or account, you’re in the right place. Let's begin with a few key things you should understand before canceling—because knowing what happens next will help you make an informed choice.

2. Things to Know Before Cancelling Apple Music Subscription

Before you go ahead and cancel your Apple Music plan, it's crucial to understand how Apple handles subscription cancellations and what you can expect after the process. Many users are surprised by what happens when they cancel, especially regarding access to their music, billing, and data. If you're learning how to cancel Apple Music subscription, these are the essential facts to know first.

1. You’ll Retain Access Until the End of Your Billing Cycle

Once you cancel your subscription, Apple doesn’t immediately terminate your access to Apple Music. You’ll continue to enjoy all the premium features—such as ad-free streaming, downloads for offline listening, and curated playlists—until your current billing period ends. However, if you're on a free trial and you cancel before the trial ends, you will lose access right away.

2. Downloaded Songs and Playlists Will Disappear

After your Apple Music subscription expires, any music you've added to your library or downloaded for offline use will no longer be accessible. This includes curated playlists, albums, and tracks from Apple Music’s streaming library. However, any songs you’ve purchased outright through the iTunes Store will remain yours to keep.

3. Apple Doesn’t Issue Refunds

Unfortunately, Apple generally does not offer refunds for subscriptions. If your billing cycle just renewed and you cancel immediately afterward, you won't get your money back. That’s why it's recommended to cancel a few days before your renewal date, especially if you’ve decided to switch services or stop using Apple Music altogether.

4. Family and Student Plans Follow the Same Rules

If you’re part of a Family Sharing plan or using a student discount, the cancellation process and consequences remain the same. For family plans, the organizer will need to cancel the subscription from their Apple ID account. All members will lose access at the end of the billing period unless another member starts a new plan.

5. Library Restoration If You Resubscribe

If you decide to come back to Apple Music later, there's a chance your library and playlists will be restored—especially if you return within a short period. Apple keeps your preferences saved for some time, but this is not guaranteed.

Understanding these points gives you full control when deciding how to cancel Apple Music subscription. Next, we’ll cover exactly how to do it on your iPhone or iPad—the most common way users access Apple Music.

3. How to Cancel Apple Music Subscription on iPhone or iPad

Canceling Apple Music on an iPhone or iPad is one of the most common methods since most users subscribe directly through their Apple ID on these devices. Whether you signed up during a free trial or are a long-time subscriber, Apple makes it relatively easy to manage or cancel your subscription through the Settings app. Here's how to cancel Apple Music subscription on iPhone or iPad in just a few steps.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open the Settings App
   Unlock your iPhone or iPad and tap on the Settings icon from the home screen.
   
   
2. Tap on Your Apple ID Name
   At the very top of the Settings menu, tap your name (Apple ID banner) to open account settings.
   
   
3. Go to Subscriptions
   Inside your Apple ID settings, select Subscriptions. This will bring up a list of all active and expired subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
   
   
4. Select Apple Music
   In the active subscriptions section, tap on Apple Music Membership to view the subscription details.
   
   
5. Tap “Cancel Subscription”
   Scroll down and tap Cancel Subscription or Cancel Free Trial, depending on your current status. If you don’t see this option, your subscription may have already been canceled or is billed through a different provider (such as a carrier or bundle).
   
   
6. Confirm the Cancellation
   Follow the on-screen confirmation to finalize your cancellation. Once done, you’ll still have access to Apple Music until the end of the billing cycle.
   
   

Things to Keep in Mind:

• If you’re canceling during a free trial, you’ll lose access to Apple Music immediately after confirming cancellation.
  
  
• If you’re part of a Family Sharing plan, only the organizer can cancel the Apple Music subscription if it's shared across accounts.
  
  
• Apple will not send you a cancellation email, but you can confirm it by checking the subscription status, which will show the expiration date.
  
  

Knowing how to cancel Apple Music subscription on your iPhone or iPad puts you in full control of your monthly payments. If you're unsure whether you're being charged or you don’t see Apple Music under your subscriptions, double-check that you're signed into the correct Apple ID.

Next, we’ll look at how to cancel Apple Music on your Mac, whether you’re using macOS Ventura, Monterey, or an older version.

4. How to Cancel Apple Music on a Mac

If you’re using a Mac and want to cancel your Apple Music subscription, you have two main ways to do it: via the App Store or directly through System Settings (depending on your macOS version). Both methods are simple and allow you to manage or cancel subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.

Option 1: Cancel via the App Store

1. Open the App Store on Your Mac
   Launch the App Store from the Dock or Applications folder.
   
   
2. Click on Your Name or Sign In
   At the bottom left of the App Store window, click your name. If you're not signed in, you’ll be prompted to log in with your Apple ID.
   
   
3. Go to Account Settings
   Click Account Settings near the top right. You may be asked to enter your Apple ID password.
   
   
4. Scroll to Subscriptions
   Find the Manage section under Subscriptions and click Manage.
   
   
5. Locate Apple Music
   Look for Apple Music Membership in your list of active subscriptions.
   
   
6. Click “Edit” and Then “Cancel Subscription”
   Select Edit, and then click Cancel Subscription to confirm. You’ll continue to have access until your billing cycle ends.
   
   

Option 2: Cancel via System Settings (macOS Ventura and later)

1. Open System Settings
   Click the Apple menu > System Settings.
   
   
2. Click Your Name > Subscriptions
   Navigate to your Apple ID, then click on Subscriptions.
   
   
3. Select Apple Music and Cancel
   Find Apple Music in the list, click on it, and select Cancel Subscription.
   
   

Additional Tips:

• If you subscribed via a different Apple ID than what you're currently logged into on the Mac, the subscription won’t appear.
  
  
• Make sure your Mac is updated to the latest macOS version for the smoothest experience.
  
  
• Apple Music won’t send a reminder before renewal, so it’s good to cancel at least 24 hours before your next billing date.
  
  

Now that you know how to cancel Apple Music subscription on both iPhone and Mac, you’re well-equipped to manage your account. Up next, we’ll guide you through canceling on a Windows PC.

5. How to Cancel Apple Music on Windows PC

If you use a Windows computer and access Apple Music through iTunes for Windows, you can still manage or cancel your subscription without needing a Mac or iPhone. Many long-time Apple users prefer iTunes on Windows for managing music libraries, syncing devices, or handling subscriptions. Here's a detailed guide on how to cancel Apple Music subscription on Windows PC using iTunes.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open iTunes on Your Windows PC
   Launch the latest version of iTunes. If you don’t already have it installed, you can download it from Apple’s official website.
   
   
2. Sign In to Your Apple ID
   Click on Account in the top menu bar, then select Sign In. Use the same Apple ID that is linked to your Apple Music subscription.
   
   
3. Access Account Information
   After signing in, go to Account > View My Account. You’ll be asked to enter your Apple ID password again for security reasons.
   
   
4. Scroll to “Settings” and Click “Manage” Next to Subscriptions
   On the Account Information page, scroll down until you see the Settings section. Under “Subscriptions,” click Manage.
   
   
5. Locate Apple Music Membership
   In the list of active subscriptions, find Apple Music Membership.
   
   
6. Click “Edit” and Then Cancel
   Next to Apple Music, click Edit, and then choose Cancel Subscription. Confirm the cancellation when prompted.
   
   

What Happens After You Cancel:

• Just like on other devices, you’ll retain access to Apple Music until the end of your billing cycle.
  
  
• All offline downloads, saved playlists, and recommendations will disappear once your subscription officially ends.
  
  
• You won’t receive a refund for unused days in your current billing cycle.
  
  

Troubleshooting Tips:

• If you don’t see Apple Music under subscriptions, make sure you’re logged in with the correct Apple ID.
  
  
• If your subscription was activated through a third-party carrier or bundle, you might need to cancel through that provider instead.
  
  

For users who don’t have access to an Apple device, canceling through iTunes on Windows is one of the most reliable ways. Knowing how to cancel Apple Music subscription on your PC gives you control over your account without needing an iPhone or Mac.

Up next, we’ll cover how to cancel using nothing more than a web browser.

6. How to Cancel Apple Music via Web Browser

If you don’t have access to an Apple device or iTunes, you can still manage your subscription through a web browser. Apple Music’s web portal allows users to stream music, access their libraries, and manage subscription settings. Here’s how to cancel Apple Music subscription via the browser—perfect for Chromebook users, PC users without iTunes, or anyone who prefers not to use the Apple ecosystem.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Go to Apple Music on the Web
   Visit music.apple.com in your browser.
   
   
2. Sign In with Your Apple ID
   Click the Sign In button in the upper right corner and enter the Apple ID credentials associated with your Apple Music subscription.
   
   
3. Access Account Settings
   Once signed in, click your profile icon in the upper-right corner and choose Settings from the dropdown menu.
   
   
4. Scroll to Subscriptions Section
   Scroll down to the section titled Subscriptions and click on Manage.
   
   
5. Find Apple Music and Cancel
   You’ll be redirected to Apple’s subscription management portal. Locate Apple Music Membership, click Edit, and then hit Cancel Subscription.
   
   
6. Confirm Cancellation
   Apple may ask you to confirm one more time. Once done, your cancellation will be processed, and the subscription will end at the close of the current billing cycle.
   
   

Advantages of Canceling via Web:

• No app downloads needed.
  
  
• Ideal for people using non-Apple devices (like Windows or Android).
  
  
• Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
  
  

Key Notes:

• Your playlists, recommendations, and downloaded songs will be lost after the current cycle.
  
  
• If you’re using Apple One, this method can still work, but you’ll need to manage the full bundle instead of just Apple Music.
  
  
• No cancellation email is sent—double-check that your status has changed to “Expires on [date]” under subscriptions.
  
  

This browser-based option makes it incredibly easy to understand how to cancel Apple Music subscription without being tied to a specific device. In the next section, we’ll explore how Android users can cancel Apple Music if they subscribed using the app on their phone.

7. How to Cancel Apple Music on Android Devices

Although Apple Music is an Apple service, the app is also available on Android devices and works surprisingly well. Many Android users subscribe directly through the Apple Music app using their Google Play account or Apple ID. If you’re one of them, you might be wondering how to cancel Apple Music subscription on Android. The process is simple but slightly different depending on how you signed up.

Let’s walk through both scenarios—subscribing via the Apple Music app using your Apple ID, and subscribing through Google Play.

Option 1: If You Subscribed Using Apple ID in the Apple Music App

1. Open the Apple Music App
   Launch the app on your Android device and ensure you're signed in with your Apple ID.
   
   
2. Tap the Three Dots (⋮) or Profile Icon
   You'll usually find this in the top right corner.
   
   
3. Go to “Account” > “Manage Subscription”
   Under your account settings, tap Manage Subscription to access your Apple subscriptions.
   
   
4. Select Apple Music
   Tap Apple Music Membership.
   
   
5. Tap “Cancel Subscription”
   Confirm the cancellation. Your access will continue until the current billing cycle ends.
   
   

Option 2: If You Subscribed Through Google Play Store

1. Open Google Play Store
   Open the Play Store app on your Android phone.
   
   
2. Tap on Your Profile Icon
   Located in the top right of the screen.
   
   
3. Go to Payments & Subscriptions > Subscriptions
   Here, you’ll find a list of all active subscriptions.
   
   
4. Select Apple Music
   Tap on Apple Music, then choose Cancel Subscription.
   
   
5. Confirm Cancellation
   Follow the prompts to finish the cancellation.
   
   

Troubleshooting Tips

• If you don’t see Apple Music in Google Play, it's likely that you subscribed via Apple ID, not the Play Store.
  
  
• Make sure to check which email account or Apple ID you used during sign-up.
  
  

Whether you subscribed through Google Play or directly via Apple, now you know how to cancel Apple Music subscription on Android without any confusion. Up next, we’ll look at what to do if you don’t see the subscription listed in your account at all.

8. How to Cancel Apple Music If You Don’t See the Subscription

Sometimes, users try to cancel Apple Music but can’t find the subscription listed under their Apple ID or Google account. This can be frustrating, especially if you're getting charged monthly and don’t know where the billing is coming from. If you’re struggling to figure out how to cancel Apple Music subscription because it doesn’t appear anywhere—don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Here are a few reasons why this can happen and what you can do about it:

1. You’re Using the Wrong Apple ID

One of the most common reasons is that you're signed into the wrong Apple ID. Many people have multiple Apple IDs—especially if they use different devices for work and personal use. Make sure you're checking subscriptions under the same Apple ID that was used to start the Apple Music membership.

How to Check:

• On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions
  
  
• On Mac: System Settings > Your Name > Subscriptions
  
  
• On iTunes (Windows): Account > View My Account > Subscriptions
  
  

2. You’re Part of a Family Sharing Plan

If your Apple Music is part of a Family Sharing or Apple One Family Plan, you won’t see the subscription under your individual account. Only the organizer of the family group can manage or cancel it.

Solution:
Ask the Family Sharing organizer to log in and check subscriptions under their Apple ID. Only they can cancel or make changes to shared services.

3. You Subscribed Through a Carrier or Bundle

Some mobile carriers or internet providers include Apple Music as part of a promotional plan. In such cases, Apple may not handle the billing directly. This means the subscription won’t show up under your Apple ID or Google Play account.

Solution:
Check your mobile carrier’s app or website for subscription details. You may need to contact their support team to cancel.

4. You Already Canceled (But Are Still Within Billing Period)

If you’ve already canceled, the subscription may not appear in the “active” section. Instead, it might show under “Expired Subscriptions.”

What to Do:
Double-check your billing history under Settings > Apple ID > Media & Purchases > View Account.

If none of these options help, visit Apple’s official support page or use their live chat to get personalized assistance. Knowing how to cancel Apple Music subscription isn’t always straightforward, but identifying where the billing originates is the key step.

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9. How to Cancel Apple One (If Apple Music is Bundled)

Many users don’t realize their Apple Music subscription may be part of a broader package called Apple One—Apple’s all-in-one subscription bundle that includes services like iCloud+, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and of course, Apple Music. If you signed up for Apple One, canceling just Apple Music isn't possible by itself—you’ll need to either cancel the entire bundle or switch to a different Apple One plan.

Here’s how to handle cancellation if your Apple Music is tied to Apple One, and how to manage changes without losing access to other services you might still want.

How to Cancel Apple One Subscription (Including Apple Music)

On iPhone or iPad:

1. Open Settings
   Go to Settings > Tap your Apple ID name at the top.
   
   
2. Tap “Subscriptions”
   This shows a list of all current Apple-linked subscriptions.
   
   
3. Select “Apple One”
   You’ll see details of your Apple One plan, including which services are bundled.
   
   
4. Tap “Cancel Apple One”
   Follow the prompts to cancel the entire Apple One subscription.
   
   

On Mac:

1. Go to System Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions
   
   
2. Find Apple One and click Manage
   
   
3. Click Cancel Subscription and confirm.
   
   

Can You Cancel Apple Music Only in Apple One?

No—Apple does not allow you to individually cancel Apple Music if it's part of your Apple One plan. If you only want to stop using Apple Music, you’ll either need to:

• Cancel Apple One completely
  
  
• Downgrade your Apple One plan to a version that doesn’t include Apple Music (not always available depending on region and tier)
  
  

What Happens After You Cancel?

When you cancel Apple One, you’ll continue to have access to all included services, including Apple Music, until the end of your billing cycle. After that, your Apple Music subscription will expire along with everything else in the bundle.

If your main goal is to stop paying for music streaming, and you don’t use Apple TV+ or iCloud+, it may be more cost-effective to cancel Apple One entirely. But if you still value other services, consider unbundling and subscribing individually.

Understanding how to cancel Apple Music subscription as part of Apple One helps you avoid losing access to more than you intend. Now, if you're switching music platforms, let’s look at some strong alternatives to Apple Music.

10. Alternatives to Apple Music

If you're ready to say goodbye to Apple Music, you're not alone. Many users explore other streaming platforms after canceling for various reasons—pricing, UI preferences, or better music discovery tools. Whether you're after more personalized recommendations, a different pricing model, or just a change of pace, here are some of the best alternatives to Apple Music worth considering after you’ve learned how to cancel Apple Music subscription.

1. Spotify

• Pros: Largest user base, exceptional playlist curation, cross-platform support, and a popular free tier (with ads).
  
  
• Cons: Lower audio quality compared to Apple Music unless you're on the Premium plan.
  
  
• Who it’s for: Users who love social features like playlist sharing and collaborative listening.
  
  

2. YouTube Music

• Pros: Includes access to YouTube Premium, vast music video library, strong recommendation algorithm.
  
  
• Cons: UI isn’t as polished as Apple Music; not ideal for high-fidelity audio.
  
  
• Who it’s for: Users who consume both music and video content regularly.
  
  

3. Amazon Music Unlimited

• Pros: Great for Amazon Prime members (discounted rates), strong Alexa integration.
  
  
• Cons: Smaller community and limited curated content compared to Spotify.
  
  
• Who it’s for: Users invested in the Amazon ecosystem.
  
  

4. Tidal

• Pros: High-resolution audio, artist-first royalty model, curated exclusive content.
  
  
• Cons: Pricier tiers; not as intuitive for casual listeners.
  
  
• Who it’s for: Audiophiles and music purists.
  
  

5. Deezer

• Pros: Offers lossless HiFi audio, Flow feature for personalized playlists.
  
  
• Cons: Smaller library and less brand recognition.
  
  
• Who it’s for: Users looking for something fresh and different from mainstream platforms.
  
  

Transitioning from Apple Music

When you cancel Apple Music, the toughest part is often losing your playlists and saved tracks. Thankfully, services like Soundiiz, TuneMyMusic, and SongShift allow you to migrate your music library from Apple Music to Spotify, YouTube Music, and more with just a few clicks.

Exploring these platforms can help you discover new ways to enjoy music. And now that you know how to cancel Apple Music subscription, you’re free to test what suits your lifestyle and listening habits best.

11. How to Reactivate Apple Music Subscription Later

Just because you’ve chosen to cancel doesn’t mean you can’t return. Many users cancel Apple Music temporarily—perhaps during a budget reset, while exploring other services, or simply during a music break. If you’re considering rejoining in the future, it’s helpful to understand how to reactivate Apple Music subscription and what happens to your library after cancellation.

What Happens to Your Music After Cancellation?

When you cancel your Apple Music subscription, your access to downloaded songs, curated playlists, and saved albums ends. However, Apple typically retains your music library and preferences for a short grace period—often 30 to 90 days. During this time, if you reactivate the subscription using the same Apple ID, your content will likely be restored.

If you wait too long to return, though, your library may be wiped, and you’ll need to start from scratch. That’s why it’s good to keep a backup or export playlists before canceling, especially if you think you might rejoin later.

How to Resubscribe to Apple Music

On iPhone or iPad:

1. Open the Settings app
   
   
2. Tap your Apple ID name at the top
   
   
3. Select Subscriptions
   
   
4. Tap Apple Music under the Expired section
   
   
5. Choose your preferred plan and tap Subscribe
   
   

On Mac:

1. Go to System Settings > Your Name > Subscriptions
   
   
2. Find Apple Music under expired or inactive subscriptions
   
   
3. Click Reactivate or Resubscribe
   
   

On Android:

1. Open the Apple Music app
   
   
2. Sign in with your previous Apple ID
   
   
3. Tap Account > Manage Subscription
   
   
4. Select a plan and tap Subscribe
   
   

On Windows/iTunes:

1. Open iTunes
   
   
2. Sign in and go to Account > View My Account
   
   
3. Scroll to Subscriptions > Manage
   
   
4. Locate Apple Music and resubscribe
   
   

Will You Get Another Free Trial?

In most cases, no. Apple Music’s free trial is offered only once per Apple ID. If you’ve already used the trial, reactivating means billing resumes immediately. However, sometimes promotional offers (especially with new devices or bundles) may grant extra trial periods.

If you’ve figured out how to cancel Apple Music subscription and want to return later, reactivating is simple and often retains your previous setup—just don’t wait too long if your playlists matter.

12. FAQs – Cancelling Apple Music Subscription

To wrap up this guide, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about how to cancel Apple Music subscription, whether on iPhone, Android, Mac, or through other billing platforms.

1. Can I Cancel Apple Music During the Free Trial Without Being Charged?

Yes. If you cancel during the free trial period, you won’t be charged. However, access to Apple Music ends immediately upon cancellation.

2. Will I Be Refunded If I Cancel Mid-Billing Cycle?

No. Apple doesn’t offer partial refunds. You’ll retain access until the end of the billing period, even if you cancel right after being charged.

3. Does Uninstalling the App Cancel My Subscription?

No. Simply deleting the Apple Music app does not stop your subscription. You must follow the proper cancellation steps via Settings, iTunes, Google Play, or browser.

4. What Happens to My Music and Playlists After Cancelling?

Once your billing period ends, all Apple Music songs and playlists become inaccessible. However, music purchased from iTunes remains in your library. Your music library may be stored for a limited time in case you resubscribe.

5. Can I Cancel Apple Music if I’m on a Family Plan?

Yes—but only the Family Sharing organizer can cancel the plan. If you're a member of a shared subscription, you’ll lose access when the organizer cancels.

6. Can I Pause My Apple Music Subscription Instead of Cancelling?

Apple Music does not currently offer a "pause" option. The only way to stop billing is to cancel the subscription.

7. How Do I Know If My Cancellation Worked?

After canceling, your subscription status should change to “Expires on [date]” instead of “Renews on [date].” You can confirm this under Subscriptions on your device or iTunes account settings.

13. Manage Your Music, Your Way

Whether you're moving to another music platform, managing your budget, or simply taking a break from streaming, knowing how to cancel Apple Music subscription puts you in full control of your digital experience. The cancellation process varies slightly depending on whether you're using an iPhone, Android phone, Mac, Windows PC, or even just a web browser—but each method is straightforward once you know where to look.

It’s also important to remember:

• Cancelling does not mean immediate loss of access—you’ll still be able to enjoy Apple Music until your billing cycle ends.
  
  
• Your playlists and downloaded content will vanish after cancellation unless you’ve purchased the songs or backed them up.
  
  
• If you're subscribed via Apple One or through a mobile carrier, extra steps may be needed to manage or cancel correctly.
  
  

The good news? If you change your mind, reactivating is just as easy. Apple usually holds onto your preferences and playlists for a short period after cancellation, allowing for a smooth return.

Still unsure if Apple Music is right for you? There are plenty of solid alternatives like Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal. You can even migrate your playlists using third-party tools to make the switch seamless.

At the end of the day, your music subscription should work for you—your taste, your budget, your lifestyle. Now that you know how to cancel Apple Music subscription across every platform, you’re equipped to make the best decision for your listening habits.

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