How to cancel Xbox Game Pass
You can cancel Xbox Game Pass through your Microsoft account settings on any device with internet access. The process takes about two minutes and stops your subscription at the end of your current billing cycle — you keep access until that date, then it ends automatically. You do not need to contact Microsoft support unless something goes wrong during cancellation.
The fastest route is through the Xbox app on a computer or the web version of your Microsoft account. On a phone or console, the steps are slightly different but equally straightforward. Once you cancel, Microsoft sends a confirmation email to the address tied to your account.
Key Takeaways
- Cancellation through your Microsoft account settings stops the subscription at the end of your current billing period, not immediately.
- You can cancel on a computer, phone, or Xbox console, though the web method is fastest.
- After cancellation, your Game Pass access ends on your next billing date, and you lose access to the Game Pass library.
- If you cancel by mistake or change your mind before your billing date, you can reactivate the subscription from the same settings page.
- Cancelling Game Pass does not affect your Xbox Live Gold subscription or any games you own outright.
Cancel through the Xbox app on Windows or Mac
Open the Xbox app and sign in with your Microsoft account. Select your profile icon in the top right corner, then choose Settings. Navigate to Account, then Subscriptions. You will see Xbox Game Pass listed with your current billing date.
Click or tap on Game Pass, then select Manage. Choose Cancel subscription and follow the prompts to confirm. Microsoft will ask why you are cancelling — this is optional feedback and does not affect the cancellation. After you confirm, the subscription ends on your next billing date.
Cancel through your Microsoft account online
Go to account.microsoft.com in any web browser and sign in. Select Subscriptions from the left menu. Find Xbox Game Pass in the list and click Manage. Select Cancel subscription and confirm your choice.
This method works on any device — phone, tablet, or computer — and is often the fastest if you do not have the Xbox app installed. The confirmation page shows your final access date, which is always the end of your current billing cycle.
Cancel on your Xbox console
Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Go to Profile & system, then Settings. Select Account, then Subscriptions. Highlight Xbox Game Pass and press A.
Choose Manage subscription, then Cancel subscription. Confirm your choice on the next screen. The console will show your cancellation date — this is when your access ends, not when the cancellation takes effect.
What happens after you cancel
Your Game Pass access continues until the end of your current billing cycle. On that date, you lose access to all games in the Game Pass library — any games you were playing become unplayable unless you own them outright. Your save files remain on your console and in the cloud, so if you reactivate Game Pass later, your progress is still there.
You will not be charged again after your final billing date. If you have Game Pass Ultimate (which includes Xbox Live Gold), cancelling Game Pass does not cancel Gold — those are separate subscriptions and must be cancelled individually if you want both to end.
Reactivate Game Pass if you change your mind
If you cancel by mistake or decide you want Game Pass back before your access ends, you can reactivate it from the same settings page where you cancelled. Go to your subscriptions, find Game Pass, and select Reactivate or Resume subscription. Your billing cycle restarts immediately.
If you cancelled and your access has already ended, you can start a new subscription the same way. Microsoft sometimes offers discounted first months to returning subscribers, though this is not may provide and varies by region and account history.
Cancelling Game Pass Ultimate or Game Pass for PC
The cancellation process is identical for Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass for PC — both use the same Microsoft account settings. The only difference is what you lose access to: Game Pass Ultimate includes console games, cloud gaming, and Xbox Live Gold, while Game Pass for PC covers only PC titles.
If you have Game Pass Ultimate and want to keep Xbox Live Gold, cancel Game Pass but leave Gold active. If you want to cancel both, you must cancel each subscription separately — cancelling one does not cancel the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get a refund if I cancel in the middle of my billing cycle?
No. Cancellation stops future charges but does not refund the current billing period. Your access continues until the end of that period. If you were charged for a month you did not use, contact Microsoft support to discuss a refund on a case-by-case basis.
Can I pause my subscription instead of cancelling?
Game Pass does not have an official pause feature. Your options are to cancel (which ends it at the next billing date) or keep paying. Some users cancel and reactivate later, though Microsoft may not offer the same discount twice.
What happens to my games if I cancel Game Pass?
Games in the Game Pass library become unplayable once your subscription ends. Games you purchased outright remain playable. Your save files stay on your console and in the cloud, so if you reactivate Game Pass, you can pick up where you left off.
Does cancelling Game Pass cancel my Xbox Live Gold?
No. Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold are separate subscriptions. Cancelling one does not affect the other. If you have Game Pass Ultimate, which bundles both, cancelling it cancels both services — you must cancel the entire Ultimate subscription, not just the Game Pass portion.
How do I know if my cancellation went through?
Microsoft sends a confirmation email to your account email address. You can also check your subscriptions page — Game Pass should show a cancellation date or say "Subscription ends on [date]". If you do not see confirmation within a few minutes, try cancelling again or contact Microsoft support.