Not liking Xbox Game Pass? Here's how to cancel your subscription

Microsoft has seen continued success with its game subscription service Xbox Game Pass, delivering a rotating library of games for a flat monthly fee. What started as an Xbox One console membership now extends to the Xbox Series X and Series S, coupled with separate PC and mobile offerings. The ever-growing list of benefits makes it one of the most valuable subscriptions in gaming, but that doesn't mean Xbox Game Pass is for everyone. Here's how to cancel your Xbox Game Pass subscription.

How to cancel an Xbox Game Pass subscription

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. Still, all you need is a device connected to the web.

It's worth stressing that canceling 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 or PC.

Canceling 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 Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming through Android devices, exclusive discounts, and unredeemed perks. However, Xbox Live Gold is still available for purchase separately after canceling Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

These are the steps to cancel Xbox Game Pass from the web. While often easier to cancel Xbox Game Pass through a PC or mobile, it's also possible through the integrated Microsoft Edge browser available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles.

1. Navigate to account.microsoft.com/services.
2. Sign into your Microsoft account.

3. Navigate to the Xbox Game Pass subsection of the page.

   

4. Click Manage.

5. Choose Cancel subscription.

   

6. Choose Turn off recurring billing.
7. Select Confirm cancellation.

Upon cancelation, 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 recovered when re-joining the program.

Should you cancel Xbox Game Pass in 2021?

Microsoft increasingly positions Xbox Game Pass as the future of Xbox, but its current offerings aren't for everyone. The ever-rotating library is the service's fundamental hook, making it easier than ever to play a broad assortment of games without a huge upfront expense.

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, with Outriders now poised for day-one availability, bolstering an extensive backlog on the service. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate only multiplies that value, with tie-ins to EA Play, Spotify, Disney+, and more.

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 or Fortnite regularly, a standalone Xbox Live Gold subscription is a much cheaper alternative to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

While Microsoft recently outlined plans to increase Xbox Live Gold pricing, a move perceived as a tactic to push Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, those proposed changes have since been reversed. You can find Xbox Live Gold 12-month memberships for $60 or less, which provides a significant saving over the annual $180 cost for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

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 comes in at a fixed $10 monthly fee, while Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $15 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.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3 Month)

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