How To Cancel Apple Subscriptions Without an iPhone—A Guide

Ashley Ferraro, Consumer Operations
Mar 4, 2024
 • 
10
 Min Read
Manage Your Subscription Payments With Virtual Cards

Boasting over 1 billion paying subscribers as of 2023, Apple is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the tech industry. The company's subscription-based services, including Apple Music, iCloud storage, and Apple TV, have had millions of users hooked to their devices. 

These subscriptions are tied to your Apple ID, meaning you can access them through any Apple device linked to your account. However, what happens when you want to cancel your Apple subscriptions but don't have access to your iPhone?

If you're wondering how to cancel Apple subscriptions without an iPhone, read this guide. It will outline the steps required for discontinuing your Apple subscriptions using a Windows PC. You'll also learn how to quit your Apple subscriptions on other devices, what issues you might face during cancellation, and how you can resolve them.

The information in this guide was sourced in January 2024. Please visit the official Apple website or contact a customer support representative for the most recent information.

A close-up photo of a woman holding an iPhone in her hand and a Macbook placed on a wooden table
Source: Firmbee

How To Cancel Apple Subscriptions via Windows PC

If you don't have an iPhone, you can cancel your Apple subscriptions on a Windows PC by taking the steps below:

  1. Open iTunes on your PC.
  2. Select Account from the menu bar at the top of the iTunes window.
  3. Go to View My Account and log in with your Apple ID if prompted.
  4. Click View Account.
  5. Scroll to the Settings section.
  6. Click Manage next to Subscriptions.
  7. Select Edit next to the Apple subscription you want to cancel.
  8. Click Cancel Subscription and follow the prompts to confirm cancellation.

Note that if you don't see the Cancel Subscription option, it means that your subscription has already been canceled and will not be renewed at the next billing date. You will still have access to the service until the end of your current billing cycle.

How To Cancel Apple Storage Without an iPhone

To cancel your iCloud storage on a Mac or Windows PC, follow the instructions outlined in the following table:


On Mac On Windows PC
  1. Select Apple Menu, then choose System Settings or System Preferences in macOS Monterey or earlier.

  2. Click Apple ID.

  3. Select iCloud.

  4. Click Manage.

  5. Select Change Storage Plan.

  6. Click Downgrade Options.

  7. Provide your Apple ID password if prompted.

  8. Click Manage.

  9. Choose the free 5 GB plan or select None.

  10. Click Done.

  1. Open iCloud for Windows.

  2. Click Storage.

  3. Select Change Storage Plan.

  4. Click Downgrade Options.

  5. Enter your Apple ID password.

  6. Click Manage.

  7. Choose a free plan or select None.

  8. Click Done.

You can also cancel your Apple subscriptions on other devices, such as an iPad or Mac, as shown in the table below:

If you can't find the Done button, you may have signed in with the wrong Apple ID. If you are certain that the Apple ID is correct, and you still don't see the Done button, try canceling on a different device. If that doesn’t help either, you can contact Apple Customer Support for assistance.

You should also keep the following in mind before canceling your iCloud storage:

  • You will still be able to access your paid iCloud storage until the end of your current billing cycle. After that, your account will be downgraded to the free 5 GB plan.
  • If your iCloud storage exceeds the free 5 GB plan, iCloud won't sync your files, and you won't be able to save new data. You can either upgrade your plan or delete some of your files to free up more storage.
  • If you have an annual plan and cancel within 14 days of your purchase, you may be eligible for a refund. If Apple approves your refund request, you should receive your money to the original payment method within 14 days of contacting them.
A photo of a person typing on a laptop placed on a white workspace
Source: Unsplash+

How To Cancel Apple Subscriptions on Other Devices

You can also cancel your Apple subscriptions on other devices, such as an iPad or Mac, as shown in the table below:


Via iPad Via Mac
  1. Open the Settings app on your device.

  2. Tap your name.

  3. Select Subscriptions.

  4. Tap the subscription you want to cancel.

  5. Tap Cancel Subscription and follow the prompts to confirm your choice.

  1. Open the App Store app.

  2. Click your name.

  3. Go to Account Settings.

  4. Scroll to Subscriptions and select Manage.

  5. Click Edit next to the subscription you want to cancel.

  6. Click Cancel Subscription and follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your decision.

Why It's Sometimes Tricky To Cancel Subscriptions—And What To Do

Most cancellation processes are simple, requiring only a few clicks. However, some companies have specific requirements that can make the cancellation process challenging

For instance, some companies may require you to contact their customer support team to stop your subscription, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. Other companies may have an overly complicated online cancellation funnel that hides the cancel button deep within their website, all in the hope that you'll give up on canceling and continue paying for the subscription.

Even if you end your subscription successfully, you may still incur excessive charges either due to honest errors or technical issues.

One way to reduce the risk of unwelcome charges sneaking through is by using Privacy Virtual Cards to pay for subscriptions, whether it's for Shopify, Dropbox, or NordVPN. Virtual cards are linked to a real funding source but mask your financial information with temporary card numbers at checkout, helping you avoid potential card misuse and fraud

Virtual cards may also come with comprehensive features that allow you to control your online spending, especially if you use a dedicated virtual card provider like Privacy.

A close-up photo of a hand holding a cardholder with a Visa card in it
Source: Aleksandrs Karevs 

Privacy Virtual Cards—Manage Your Subscriptions Effectively

Privacy virtual cards add a protective layer around your online transactions, providing you with greater financial control. Once you link your debit card or bank account to Privacy, you can create numerous virtual cards to pay for various subscriptions such as Xbox Game Pass, LA Fitness, and Microsoft services.

You have two types of Privacy Virtual Cards at your disposal:

  • Single-Use—The Single-Use Card closes moments after you complete your first transaction. You can use it for one-time purchases on websites whose credibility you're not sure of.
  • Merchant-Locked—A Merchant-Locked Card is tied to a specific merchant and cannot be charged by any other vendor. It's perfect for websites you frequently shop from and subscriptions, including magazines like the Wall Street Journal or the New York Times and streaming platforms such as Philo, YouTube Premium, and Amazon Music.

You can also set spending limits and pause or close your Privacy Cards without affecting the connected funding source. Learn below how these features help you manage subscription payments:

  • Spending limits—When you set a spending limit on a Privacy Card, Privacy declines any transaction that exceeds the specified amount. This protects your account against unexpected overcharges, including double billing or price increases you weren't notified of.
  • Card pausing or closing—This feature comes in handy when you want to stop a subscription. While you still have to follow the company's cancellation process, Privacy will block all transaction attempts on the paused or closed card, protecting you from unwelcome charges.

Privacy—Convenience and Efficiency Within Your Reach

Privacy lets you enjoy more convenience and efficiency in your online purchases thanks to the following additional features:

  • Fast and seamless transactions—The Privacy Browser Extension autofills your virtual card details at checkout, so you don't have to reach for your wallet or memorize your payment card information each time you shop. The browser is available for Safari, Edge, Firefox, and Chrome, but iPhone and iPad users can also get it for Safari mobile.
  • Management of virtual cards on the go—You can download the Privacy mobile app, available for Android and iOS, to create new virtual cards, close or pause existing ones, and monitor your card activity in real time.
A photo of a woman typing in her payment card details on a laptop
Source: Artem Podrez

How To Signup for Privacy

To become a Privacy user is simple—you only need to take the steps below:

  1. Create an account
  2. Provide the information needed to verify your identity
  3. Connect a funding source—debit card or bank account
  4. Request and generate Privacy Virtual Cards

Privacy lets you choose from three plans depending on your needs—Personal, Pro, and Premium. Learn what each option offers and how much it costs below:

  1. Personal—Free for domestic transactions, this plan lets you create up to 12 virtual cards per month and gives you access to the Privacy Browser Extension and mobile app. You can also set spending limits and pause or close your virtual cards.
  2. Pro—For $10 per month, you can enjoy all the features available in Personal and create 36 virtual cards per month. You may also enjoy fee-free international transactions, priority support, the ability to mask transaction info on your bank statements, and a 1% cashback on eligible purchases (totaling up to $4,500 per month).
  3. Premium—The favored option for businesses and high-volume users, Premium costs $25 per month and grants you all the Pro features plus dedicated account management.

You can use Privacy Virtual Cards at most websites and merchants that accept U.S. Visa® and Mastercard® payments, including favorite subscriptions such as LinkedIn Premium, Adobe, and Tinder Gold.

Privacy — Seamless & Secure Online Card Payments
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