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How to cancel Apple TV?


Apple TV is a popular streaming device that allows you to access various streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video and more on your TV. It provides a slick interface and seamless integration with other Apple devices. However, you may want to cancel your Apple TV subscription for various reasons like switching to another streaming device, cost-cutting etc. Luckily, canceling Apple TV is quick and straightforward. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process to cancel Apple TV and its subscription.

Reasons to Cancel Apple TV

Here are some common reasons why you may want to cancel Apple TV:

Switching to Another Streaming Device

You may prefer using another streaming device like Amazon Fire TV, Roku or Chromecast instead of Apple TV. Their platforms may suit your needs better in terms of content, features and cost. In that case, you can cancel Apple TV and switch to the other device completely.

Cost Saving

At $4.99 per month, the Apple TV+ subscription can add up over time. If you don’t use it enough, cancelling it can help you save some money every month. You can always resubscribe later if you want.

Rarely Using It

Do you hardly ever turn on your Apple TV device? Does it mostly sit on your TV stand collecting dust? If you have stopped using your Apple TV for streaming, it may be better to cancel it.

Hardware Issues

If your Apple TV device has started malfunctioning or developed hardware issues that are difficult/expensive to repair, cancellation can be a viable option. You can buy a replacement or switch to something else.

Privacy Concerns

Some users have expressed privacy concerns over Apple TV’s data collection practices. If this is a dealbreaker for you, canceling and discontinuing its use may give you peace of mind.

How to Cancel Apple TV

The process to cancel your Apple TV and subscription can be done in a few quick steps:

Via iPhone/iPad

If you had purchased your Apple TV subscription through your iPhone or iPad, here is how to cancel:

1. Open the Settings app on your iOS device.

2. Tap on your name at the top.

3. Go to Subscriptions.

4. Under Active section, find Apple TV+ subscription.

5. Tap on it and select Cancel Subscription on the next screen.

6. Confirm cancellation on the popup.

Your Apple TV subscription will be canceled immediately and you will no longer be billed for it going forward.

Via Mac

To cancel Apple TV through your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple menu icon on the top left.

2. Go to System Preferences > Apple ID.

3. Select Media & Purchases on the sidebar.

4. Under your subscriptions, locate and click on Manage for Apple TV+.

5. Hit Cancel Subscription on the next screen.

6. Confirm cancellation.

This will instantly cancel your Apple TV+ subscription from your Apple account.

Via Apple TV Device

You can directly cancel Apple TV from the device itself:

1. Open Settings on your Apple TV.

2. Go to Users and Accounts > Your Account.

3. Navigate to Subscriptions > Apple TV+ Channel.

4. Select Cancel Subscription.

5. Press Confirm Cancellation to complete the process.

Via Apple Support

To cancel your Apple TV subscription through customer support, you can:

1. Contact Apple Support via phone, chat or email.

2. Provide details like your name, Apple ID email and subscription details.

3. Request them to cancel your Apple TV+ subscription.

4. Apple Support will verify your identity and then cancel the subscription for you.

5. They will send a confirmation once it is cancelled.

What Happens When You Cancel Apple TV?

Here is what happens after you cancel Apple TV:

Lose Access to Content

Once cancellation is done, you will immediately lose access to all the content available through your Apple TV+ subscription. This includes Apple originals like Ted Lasso, See, The Morning Show etc.

No More Billing

Apple will stop billing you the monthly $4.99 fee for Apple TV+ after cancellation. So you will no longer see this recurring charge on your credit card statements.

Still Access iTunes Content

You will continue having access to all your previously purchased or rented iTunes movies/shows after cancellation. Apple TV+ subscription only affects access to their exclusive content.

Can Resubscribe Anytime

Canceling Apple TV subscription does not blacklist you from the service forever. You can always resubscribe at any time to start accessing the content again.

Apple TV App Gets Limited

On your Apple TV set top box, the Apple TV app will lose much of its functionality after cancellation. But you can still use it for iTunes content and viewing recommendations.

How to Reactivate Apple TV Subscription

Did you cancel Apple TV in a hurry and now regret it? Here is how to reactive your subscription:

On iPhone/iPad

1. Open Settings and go to your name.

2. Tap on Subscriptions and locate the canceled Apple TV+ subscription.

3. Hit Reactivate Subscription next to it.

4. Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

On Mac

1. Go to System Preferences > Apple ID > Media & Purchases.

2. Click on Manage under the canceled Apple TV+ subscription.

3. Tap on Reactivate to restart the subscription.

On Apple TV

1. Open Settings > Users and Accounts > Subscriptions.

2. Find the Apple TV+ cancelled subscription and select Resubscribe.

3. Confirm to reactive your subscription instantly.

Once resubscribed, you will have full access to Apple TV+ content again, with billing starting immediately at the monthly fee.

Other FAQs

Here are some common questions about canceling Apple TV subscription:

Will My Apple TV Device Stop Working If I Cancel?

No, canceling the Apple TV+ subscription will not render your Apple TV device useless. The hardware will continue working normally. Only the access to Apple’s exclusive content will be lost.

Can I Cancel Without Losing Access Immediately?

Unfortunately no. The cancellation takes effect instantly. However, you will continue to have access until the end of the current billing period.

Will I Lose My Watched Progress If I Resubscribe Later?

Your watch history and progress are synced to your Apple ID. So if you reactivate later, you can resume watching from where you left off.

Are There Any Cancellation Penalties?

Apple does not charge any early termination fees or penalties for canceling your Apple TV subscription at any time.

Can I Get a Refund If I Cancel Mid-Subscription?

You will not get a refund for any partial subscription period already billed to you. But you will no longer be charged once the cancellation takes effect.

Conclusion

Canceling Apple TV subscription can be done in a few quick steps either directly through your iPhone, Mac, Apple TV device or via Apple Support. Upon cancellation, you immediately lose access to Apple TV+ content but your billing stops. You can easily reactive the subscription anytime to regain access. We hope this guide gave you a clear overview of how to cancel your Apple TV subscription smoothly. Let us know if you have any other questions!