how to cancel apple care

You signed up for AppleCare+ to give your device that extra layer of protection and peace of mind. But sometimes, circumstances change. Maybe you sold your device, it was lost or stolen, or you simply feel the coverage is no longer necessary. Whatever the reason, you might be wondering about your options.

Knowing how to cancel apple care is a straightforward process, but it’s important to understand the rules that apply. The steps you take and the refund you’re eligible for depend heavily on your specific situation, particularly whether you paid for the plan upfront or are paying monthly.

Your Guide on How to Cancel Apple Care

There are two primary paths to cancel your AppleCare plan, and the right one for you depends on your payment method. The easiest way to start is by visiting Apple’s Support website and initiating a request for a refund. You’ll likely need your device’s serial number handy. In many cases, you can also call Apple Support directly to handle the cancellation over the phone.

Canceling a Monthly Subscription Plan

If you pay for AppleCare+ on a month-to-month basis, the process is very simple. You can cancel your subscription at any time. To do this, you can go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad, tap on your name, select Subscriptions, and find your AppleCare plan to cancel it. Alternatively, you can manage it through the Apple Support app or your Apple ID account page online. When you cancel a monthly plan, your coverage will continue until the end of that current billing cycle, and then it will stop. You will not receive a refund for past payments.

Requesting a Refund for an Upfront Plan

The refund process is different if you paid for your AppleCare plan in a single, upfront payment. In this scenario, you can cancel at any time and are eligible for a prorated refund. The refund amount will be based on the remaining value of your plan, minus any claims you’ve made against it. If you’ve used the plan for a repair, the refund will be calculated based on the unexpired term or a deduction for the service received, whichever is greater. This refund is typically processed back to your original payment method.

What to Know Before You Cancel

Before you proceed, it’s wise to consider a couple of key points. First, if you are canceling because you sold your device, you might need to provide proof of transfer, like a bill of sale. Second, once you cancel, your coverage ends either immediately or at the end of your billing period, and you will no longer have access to the benefits, including accidental damage protection and priority technical support. Make sure you’re ready to go without that safety net.

Ultimately, canceling AppleCare is a simple, user-driven process. By choosing the correct method for your payment type and understanding the refund policy, you can efficiently manage your coverage and ensure a smooth transition.