For many satisfied customers, Microsoft’s premium gaming subscription service Xbox Game Pass is the ultimate gaming deal. However, sometimes we all need to take a step back and reevaluate our automatic renewals.
If you’ve burned through your game library on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, or just want to save a few bucks every month, here’s how to cancel your Xbox Game Pass subscription.
How to cancel Xbox and PC Game Pass
Whether you’ve picked up an Xbox Game Pass trial or plan to cancel your paid subscription, it’s easy to opt out. Microsoft has shaken up the process over the years, eliminating the ability to cancel directly through the Xbox console interface, understandably frustrating many fans. Still, all you need is a web-connected device to start the cancellation process.
It should be noted that canceling your Xbox Game Pass subscription cancels all subscription benefits. Former Xbox Game Pass members lose access to the Xbox Game Pass game list, including all titles currently installed on your devices. If you don’t buy games permanently through the Microsoft Store or as a physical copy on disc, renew your subscription to play them again on your Xbox Series X|S or PC.
Canceling your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription also means you’ll lose access to additional benefits like Xbox Live Gold, the online membership required for cross-console multiplayer. You’ll also lose access to Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox Game Pass benefits, and EA Play add-on subscriptions. Fortunately, Xbox Live Gold is still available to purchase separately for console gamers who are still interested in playing Xbox games online.
These are the steps to cancel Xbox Game Pass from the website. Although it’s often easier to cancel Xbox Game Pass via PC, mobile, or through the built-in Microsoft Edge browser available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles.
Click Manage
Go to account.microsoft.com/services.
Sign in to your Microsoft account.
Go to the Xbox Game Pass subsection of the page.
Select Cancel Subscription
Click Manage.
Select Cancel Subscription.
Select Turn off recurring billing
Select Turn off recurring billing.
Select Confirm Cancellation.
Upon cancellation, your subscription will continue until the end of the current paid period. If you decide to repurchase your Xbox Game Pass subscription, search for “Xbox Game Pass” in the Microsoft Store and follow the steps on the screen. With Xbox One’s automatic cloud save, your in-game save data will also be easily recoverable if you choose to pick up where you left off with Xbox Game Pass.
Should you cancel Xbox Game Pass in 2023?
Xbox Game Pass March 11
Microsoft has aggressively positioned Xbox Game Pass as a cornerstone of the Xbox brand. With an impressive rotating library of titles, including Xbox Game Studios’ biggest day-one releases, Xbox Game Pass is sure to be a compelling proposition for gamers who play primarily on Xbox. However, it is understandably not a service for everyone.
Investments in Xbox Game Pass continue to grow following the acquisition of ZeniMax Media, from in-house staples like Halo and Forza to Bethesda classics like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Third-party heavyweights are also joining the best Xbox Game Pass games, with Monster Hunter Rise, Persona 5 and dozens more now set for day one availability, bolstering the service’s extensive backlog. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate only multiplies that value, with connections to EA Play, Spotify, Disney+ and more.
But for those who move between a handful of regular games, you might not get the long-term value out of Xbox Game Pass compared to others. If you only regularly play titles like Call of Duty, Fortnite or FIFA, a standalone Xbox Live Gold subscription is a much cheaper alternative to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. And if you’re playing on PC, you’ll enjoy online experiences like Sea of Thieves without an Xbox Live Gold membership.
How to save on Xbox Game Pass
Thinking of canceling your Xbox Game Pass subscription because of the monthly costs? Xbox Game Pass for console and PC Game Pass start at a flat monthly fee of $9.99, while Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $14.99 with each billing cycle. However, if you decide to stay, some stores offer the option to save on your subscription. Many third-party stores offer frequent discounts on redeemable codes for those who pre-purchase monthly and annual subscriptions.
The best Xbox Game Pass deals often offer small savings over regular rates, perfect for those looking for opportunities to lower their monthly costs. The biggest savings are usually on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft’s all-inclusive subscription, especially ideal for those looking for the best value from the Game Pass sale.
FAQ
Can I cancel my Xbox and PC Game Pass subscriptions at any time?
A: Yes, you can cancel your Xbox and PC Game Pass subscription at any time. There are no specific restrictions or limitations on when you can cancel. It’s a flexible process that allows you to manage your subscription based on your gaming needs.
Will I receive a refund if I cancel my Xbox and PC Game Pass subscriptions before the end of my billing cycle?
A: Xbox typically does not provide refunds for canceled subscriptions. However, you will retain access to Xbox and PC Game Pass until the end of the current billing cycle. You will not be billed for any additional billing cycles after cancellation.
