McAfee subscriptions can be cancelled through your account online, by phone, or by contacting their support team — the method depends on how you originally purchased it

If you bought McAfee directly from McAfee's website, you can cancel through your account dashboard or call their support line. If you purchased through a retailer, your mobile carrier, or a third-party seller, you'll need to contact that seller to cancel. McAfee does not offer refunds after the initial 30-day period in most cases, though some retailers have their own return policies.

The cancellation process itself is straightforward once you know where to go. You won't need to uninstall the software first — cancelling the subscription and removing the software are separate steps. After you cancel, the software will continue to run until your current subscription period ends, then it will stop updating and eventually stop functioning.

Key Takeaways

  • McAfee subscriptions purchased directly from McAfee can be cancelled online through your account or by calling 1-855-868-3546, though wait times vary.
  • If you bought McAfee through a retailer, carrier, or third-party seller, you must contact that seller to cancel the subscription.
  • McAfee does not refund subscription fees after 30 days from purchase, so cancelling does not recover money already paid.
  • Cancelling your subscription does not automatically uninstall the software — you can remove it separately through your computer's settings if you want it gone immediately.

Cancelling a McAfee subscription purchased directly from McAfee

Log into your McAfee account at account.mcafee.com using the email address and password you used when you set up the subscription. Once you're logged in, look for a section called "Subscriptions," "My Products," or "Account Settings" — the exact label varies depending on which version of the McAfee website you see.

Find the subscription you want to cancel and select the option to cancel, turn off auto-renewal, or manage the subscription. McAfee typically shows you the cancellation date and what happens next. Some subscriptions allow you to cancel immediately; others require you to wait until the current billing period ends. If the online option doesn't work or you can't find the subscription in your account, call McAfee support at 1-855-868-3546. Have your account email and subscription details ready. Wait times can be 15 minutes to over an hour depending on call volume.

Cancelling McAfee purchased through a retailer or carrier

If you bought McAfee through Best Buy, Costco, Amazon, Walmart, or another retailer, contact that retailer's customer service to cancel. The same applies if you purchased through a mobile carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile — they handle the cancellation on their end. Retailers and carriers have their own refund windows and policies, which may be more generous than McAfee's 30-day window.

When you contact the retailer or carrier, have your order number or account information ready. They will process the cancellation and may issue a refund depending on how long ago you purchased and their specific policy. After the retailer cancels, McAfee will stop billing you, but you may need to contact McAfee separately if you want to remove the software from your computer before the subscription period ends.

Cancelling McAfee purchased through a third-party reseller or bundle

Some McAfee subscriptions come bundled with other software, included with a computer purchase, or sold through reseller websites. In these cases, contact the company that sold it to you, not McAfee directly. If you're unsure where the subscription came from, check your credit card or bank statement for the charge — the merchant name there will tell you who to contact.

If the charge shows "McAfee" but you don't remember purchasing it directly, it may have been added to your account through a free trial that converted to a paid subscription. In that case, you can still cancel through your McAfee account online or by phone. If you see a charge from a company you don't recognize, contact your bank or credit card company to dispute it while you work on cancelling the subscription itself.

What happens after you cancel

After you cancel, McAfee will stop charging you at the end of your current billing cycle. Your subscription will remain active until that date, so you'll still have protection during that time. Once the billing period ends, the software will stop updating and will no longer protect your computer. You can continue to use the software, but it will become outdated and less effective.

If you want to remove McAfee from your computer before the subscription ends, you can uninstall it through your computer's control panel or settings. On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, find McAfee, and select Uninstall. On Mac, open Applications, find McAfee, and drag it to the Trash. Uninstalling does not cancel your subscription — you still need to cancel through your account or contact the seller to stop being charged.

Refunds and what to do if you're charged after cancelling

McAfee's standard policy is no refunds after 30 days from the date of purchase. If you're within that window, you may be able to request a refund through your account or by contacting support. Refunds typically take 5 to 10 business days to appear in your original payment method.

If you cancelled your subscription but continue to see charges on your credit card or bank statement, contact McAfee support immediately at 1-855-868-3546 or through your account. Provide them with the charge dates and amounts. If McAfee does not resolve it within a reasonable time, contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charges. Keep records of your cancellation confirmation and any communication with McAfee support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get a refund if I cancel McAfee?

McAfee does not refund subscription fees after 30 days from purchase. If you're within 30 days, you can request a refund through your account or by calling support. Refunds take 5 to 10 business days. If you purchased through a retailer or carrier, their refund policy may differ.

Do I have to uninstall McAfee when I cancel?

No. Cancelling the subscription and uninstalling the software are separate actions. After you cancel, the software stays on your computer but stops updating. You can uninstall it anytime through your computer's settings if you want it removed immediately.

What if I can't log into my McAfee account?

Go to account.mcafee.com and select "Forgot Password" to reset it. If you don't remember the email address you used, call McAfee support at 1-855-868-3546 with your subscription details. They can help you regain access or cancel over the phone.

Can I cancel McAfee if I bought it as a gift or don't have the original receipt?

Yes. If the subscription is registered to your email address, you can cancel through your account. If you don't have access to that email, call McAfee support with the email address the subscription is under and they can help you cancel or transfer it.

How long does it take for McAfee to stop charging after I cancel?

McAfee stops charging at the end of your current billing cycle, not immediately. Your subscription remains active until that date. If you cancel mid-cycle, you'll still be charged for the full month or year depending on your plan.