How to cancel Apple Music subscription: My ultimate guide
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I’ve enjoyed Apple Music for its huge library and some of its playlists, but I get it — sometimes, it just isn’t the right match anymore. Maybe the subscription fee is starting to feel too steep, or you could just be curious to experiment with something fresh and different.
If you’re ready to see how to cancel your Apple Music subscription without losing all the tunes you’ve handpicked, I’m here to walk you through the process. I’ll also cover how to manage subscriptions on iPhone and share a few apps I’ve found that can streamline your music experience in several ways.
How to unsubscribe from Apple Music on different devices
Before proceeding, be sure you’re signed in with the same Apple Account you used to subscribe. Also, if you’re wondering how to find subscriptions on iPhone or how to end subscriptions on iPhone, I’ll show you exactly where to look in the steps below.
How to cancel Apple Music on iPhone and iPad
The simplest way to end a subscription on iPhone or iPad is via the Settings app. Here’s how:
- Open Settings > Apple Account.
- Tap Subscriptions. If you’re wondering how to see subscriptions on iPhone, this is the place.
- Tap Apple Music in the list of your subscriptions > Cancel Subscription.
- Confirm to finalize the cancellation.
That’s it! This is basically how to cancel all subscriptions on iPhone.You won’t be billed for Apple Music again after your current billing cycle ends.
How to cancel Apple Music on Mac
It can be done through the App Store or Apple Music app itself. The steps are almost identical if you prefer using the Music or System Settings route, but let’s go with Settings for simplicity.
To cancel Apple Music on Mac:
- Click the Apple menu > Settings.
- Click Apple Account > Media & Purchases.
- Click Manage next to Subscriptions.
- Click Apple Music > Cancel Subscription.
How to cancel Apple Music subscription on Apple TV
The process is straightforward for Apple Music as well. However, you need a 4th generation Apple TV or Apple TV 4K to apply these steps.
To cancel Apple Music on Apple TV:
- Open Settings on your Apple TV.
- Choose Users and Accounts, then choose your username.
- Click Subscriptions and select Apple Music.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to cancel it.
Apple Music subscription — The pros and cons
Apple Music launched in 2015 as Apple’s answer to other streaming giants. Today, it offers a huge catalog (over 100 million songs), curated radio stations (such as Apple Music 1), and exclusive releases you won’t find elsewhere.
But is it perfect for everyone? Let’s break down a few pros and cons.
Bright spots:
- Extensive song library: You get unlimited access to millions of tracks and music videos.
- High-quality audio: Apple Music provides options for Lossless audio and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, which enhances the listening experience.
- Personalized curation: The For You section suggests playlists and albums based on your listening habits.
Dark sides:
- Cost: A standard individual plan can be expensive, especially if you’re not using it frequently enough to justify the monthly fee.
- Inconsistent library: While Apple Music has an extensive library, sometimes I find that specific songs, albums, or genres are missing or not available in my region.
- User interface preferences: Some people find Apple Music’s interface less intuitive than alternatives like Spotify.
What happens after canceling Apple Music?
I get that you’re going to feel a certain way about canceling and, all of a sudden, losing all your tunes if you’re someone who’s spent years on Apple Music. I was the same at first.
There are a few ways around this that I’ll get into shortly, but first, let’s just explore what actually happens during this time.
Read also:
Do you lose your playlists and library?
When you cancel Apple Music, Apple typically removes your access to any music you’ve added from the Apple Music catalog. This includes:
- Downloaded songs: You can no longer listen to Apple Music tracks offline.
- Playlists: Playlists created with Apple Music songs will disappear or lose all Apple Music–sourced content.
- Favorites and library: Anything added exclusively through Apple Music will no longer be playable.
However, your iCloud Music Library will usually stay intact for a short grace period if you decide to resubscribe — but don’t count on long-term availability.
If, for some reason, your favorite songs disappeared, check out how to restore the Apple Music library and never lose it again.
When does the subscription actually end?
After you click Cancel Subscription, Apple Music won’t charge you again. However, the subscription doesn’t end immediately — it remains active until your current billing cycle ends. If you cancel during a free trial, you might lose access immediately. But under a regular paid subscription:
- You’ll maintain full Apple Music access until the renewal date.
- Post-renewal date, you’ll no longer be able to stream Apple Music or download new tracks.
Common reasons for canceling Apple Music
Sometimes, I also feel overwhelmed by too many subscriptions. Ultimately, there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for music streaming; it’s about choosing the service that fits my listening habits.
So, there are several reasons why you want to cancel your Apple Music subscription:
- Cost concerns: Maybe the monthly fees stack up, and you’re not getting enough value out of the service.
- Preference for other services: Spotify, YouTube Music, or Tidal might have features or catalogs that feel like a better fit.
- Limited exclusive content: Sometimes, Apple Music’s exclusives aren’t a big draw, so continuing the subscription doesn’t seem worthwhile.
Best alternatives to Apple Music
Canceling Apple Music doesn’t mean you must say goodbye to your tunes forever. Plenty of other music streaming platforms are available — each has its strengths. Below, I’ll cover some of the top alternatives, including Spotify, YouTube Music, and Tidal.
Spotify vs. Apple Music — which one is better?
Spotify is probably Apple Music’s biggest competitor. But how do they compare on some of the key points you’re interested in:
Let’s compare! | Spotify | Apple Music |
Music library | Vast song catalog with more podcasts and indie music than Apple Music. | Extensive song catalog with some exclusive albums. |
Pricing | Offers individual, family, and student plans from $5.99/month + 1-month free trial for Premium plans. | Offers individual, family, and student plans from $5.99/month + 1-month free trial. |
User interface | Some users prefer Spotify's interface for discovering new music, thanks to radio and AI shuffle. | Less intuitive interface but integrates well across Apple devices. |
Social features | Spotify’s collaborative playlists and friend activity feed feel more social. | Apple Music's social features aren't as popular as Spotify's. |
Exploring other streaming services like YouTube Music and Tidal
If neither Apple Music nor Spotify hits all the notes you need, you can also explore YouTube Music, which offers a free version supported by ads with limited background play on mobile. Best for discovering cover versions or niche tracks not found on other services.
Alternatively, try Tidal. It’s known for high-fidelity audio and exclusive content from artists like Beyoncé. Good pick if you’re an audiophile investing in high-end headphones or speakers.
Don’t lose all your music when you cancel Apple Music subscription
Whether you find how to cancel an Apple Music subscription straightforwardly or you’re just looking for ways on how to stop a subscription on an iPhone or Mac, the process is easier than you might think. Once you decide it’s time to move on, you can follow our step-by-step guides to ensure you won’t be billed again. Remember:
- You might lose access to your music library and playlists once your current billing cycle ends.
- Using FreeYourMusic can help preserve your playlists by transferring them to other platforms.
- Trying out Boom 3D is a great way to enhance your audio experience on your Mac, no matter where you’re streaming from.
Both FreeYourMusic and Boom 3D are available through Setapp with a free trial. Setapp offers a curated suite of powerful, productivity-boosting apps for Mac and iOS, which gives you access to premium software at a single subscription price!
FAQ
How do I stop automatic payments on Apple Music?
To stop automatic payments on Apple Music, you must cancel your subscription:
- On an iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > Apple Account > Subscriptions and tap Apple Music to cancel.
- On a Mac, Click the Apple menu > Settings > Apple Account > Media & Purchases > Click Manage next to Subscriptions > Apple Music > Cancel Subscription.
Why can't I remove my payment method on Apple Music?
Apple sometimes requires a valid payment method on file if you have active subscriptions or unpaid balances. If you still have Apple Music or any other services subscribed under your Apple Account, you won’t be able to remove your payment method. First, cancel all active subscriptions and settle any outstanding charges. After that, you should be able to remove or change your payment method.
Can you cancel Apple Music without paying?
Yes, if you are on a free Apple Music trial, you can cancel at will without paying if you do so before the end of the trial. If you cancel just after the trial is turned into a paid subscription, you will be charged for that month but will incur no future following cancellation successfully being made.
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