For many satisfied customers, Microsoft's premiere game subscription service Xbox Game Pass is the best deal in gaming. However, sometimes we all need to take a step back and reevaluate our auto-renewals.
If you've burned through the library of games on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, or simply want to save a few bucks each month, here's how to cancel your Xbox Game Pass subscription.
How to cancel Xbox and PC Game Pass
Whether you picked up an Xbox Game Pass trial or plan to cancel a paid subscription, it's easy to back out. Microsoft has shaken up the process over the years, eliminating the ability to cancel directly through the Xbox console interface, which understandably frustrated many fans. Still, all you need is a device connected to the web to initiate the cancellation process.
It's worth stressing that cancelling an Xbox Game Pass subscription revokes all benefits from the subscription. Former Xbox Game Pass members lose access to the Xbox Game Pass games list, including all titles currently installed on your devices. Unless you're purchasing games permanently through the Microsoft Store or as a physical disc-based copy, renew your subscription to play them again on your Xbox Series X|S or PC.
Cancelling an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription also means you lose access to supplementary benefits like Xbox Live Gold, the online membership required for multiplayer across consoles. You also lose access to Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox Game Pass Perks, and the supplemental EA Play subscription. Thankfully, Xbox Live Gold is still available for purchase separately for console players still interested in playing Xbox console games online.
These are the steps to cancel Xbox Game Pass from the web. While often easier to cancel Xbox Game Pass through PC, mobile, or through the integrated Microsoft Edge browser available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles.
- Navigate to account.microsoft.com/services.
- Sign into your Microsoft account.
- Navigate to the Xbox Game Pass subsection of the page.
- Click Manage.
- Choose Cancel subscription.
- Choose Turn off recurring billing.
- Select Confirm cancellation.
Upon cancellation, your subscription will run until the current paid period concludes. If you choose to purchase an Xbox Game Pass subscription again, search for "Xbox Game Pass" on the Microsoft Store and complete the on-screen steps. With Xbox One automatic cloud saves, your game save data will also be easily recoverable if you decide to pick up where you left off in an Xbox Game Pass game.
Should you cancel Xbox Game Pass in 2024?
Microsoft has aggressively positioned Xbox Game Pass as a fundamental pillar of the Xbox brand. With an impressive rotating library of titles, including the biggest Xbox Game Studios releases on day one, Xbox Game Pass is certainly a compelling offering for gamers who primarily play on Xbox. However, it's understandably not a service for everyone.
Investment in Xbox Game Pass continues to scale, from in-house staples like Halo and Forza to Bethesda classics like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout following the ZeniMax Media acquisition. Third-party heavyweights have also been joining the best Xbox Game Pass games, so the library is pretty stacked.
But for those who cycle between just a handful of usual games, you may not receive the long-term value from Xbox Game Pass compared to others. If you're only playing titles like Call of Duty, Fortnite, or FIFA regularly, dropping down to Game Pass Core is a much cheaper alternative to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. And if you're playing on PC, you enjoy online experiences like Sea of Thieves without being subscribed at all.
How to save on Xbox Game Pass
Considering ending your Xbox Game Pass subscription due to the monthly cost? Xbox Game Pass for Console and PC Game Pass starts at a fixed $9.99 monthly fee, while Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $14.99 with each billing cycle. But if you choose to stay, some storefronts provide the opportunity to save on your subscription. Many third-party outlets offer frequent discounts on redeemable codes for those purchasing upfront monthly and yearly subscriptions.
The best Xbox Game Pass deals often provide small savings over the usual rates, ideal for those looking for opportunities to trim their monthly costs. The biggest savings usually apply to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft all-inclusive subscription, especially ideal for those looking for the best value from Game Pass sales.
