How to Cancel Microsoft 365: Personal, Family, and Business Plans

Updated 2026-05-03 · 3 min read

Turn off Microsoft 365 auto-renewal before it charges you again. Steps for Personal, Family, and Apple or Google billing, plus what happens to Word, Excel, and OneDrive.

Quick answer

Go to account.microsoft.com/services, find your Microsoft 365 subscription, and click Cancel. This turns off auto-renewal. You keep access until your billing period ends. Annual plans bought within the last 30 days may qualify for a prorated refund.

Overview

One thing to know before you cancel: Microsoft labels the action "Cancel subscription" but what it actually does is turn off auto-renew. Your access does not stop the moment you click it. You get to keep using every app through the end of the period you already paid for. That distinction matters, because it affects whether you qualify for a refund.

TL;DR

  • Cancel at account.microsoft.com/services
  • Access continues through your current paid period
  • Annual plan renewed within the last 30 days: partial refund may be available
  • After access ends, desktop Office apps switch to read-only mode
  • OneDrive files over 5 GB get a 30-day window before they are archived

How to cancel Microsoft 365

Cancel on the Microsoft account page

Best for: Anyone billed directly by Microsoft

Estimated time: ~3 min

  1. Go to account.microsoft.com/services and sign in. You'll see a list of your active subscriptions.
  2. Find Microsoft 365 and click Manage. A panel opens with your plan, renewal date, and billing info.
  3. Click Cancel subscription. A screen explains that auto-renewal will be turned off.
  4. Confirm the cancellation. The page updates to show "Subscription canceled" with your access end date.
  5. Check your inbox for the confirmation email from Microsoft. It should arrive within a few minutes with your last day of access.

Tip: If you just renewed in the last 30 days, go to account.microsoft.com/billing/orders before canceling. Look for a Return or Refund option next to the most recent charge. That window closes after 30 days.

Cancel through Apple

Best for: Anyone who subscribed inside the App Store

Estimated time: ~1 min

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap your name at the top, then Subscriptions.
  3. Find Microsoft 365 in the list and tap it. If it's not listed, Apple isn't billing you. Use the web method instead.
  4. Tap Cancel Subscription and confirm.

Cancel through Google Play

Best for: Anyone who subscribed through the Play Store

Estimated time: ~1 min

  1. Open the Google Play Store and tap your profile picture.
  2. Tap Payments and subscriptions, then Subscriptions.
  3. Find Microsoft 365 and tap it. If it's not listed, Google isn't billing you. Use the web method instead.
  4. Tap Cancel subscription and follow the prompts.

Contact Microsoft support

Best for: Billing disputes, refund requests, or accounts you can't access

Estimated time: ~15 min

  1. Go to support.microsoft.com/contactus.
  2. Search for "cancel subscription" and choose the Chat option.
  3. Tell the agent you need to cancel and ask for the access end date in writing.
  4. Save the chat transcript or screenshot it as your confirmation.

Frequently asked questions

Do I lose access to Word and Excel the day I cancel?

No. Access continues through the end of your current billing period. After that, the desktop apps switch to reduced functionality mode (read-only). Free web editing at office.com still works.

What happens to files saved in OneDrive when I cancel?

Files stay in your OneDrive under the free 5 GB tier. If you're over 5 GB, Microsoft gives you a 30-day window to download or delete the excess before the overage is archived and inaccessible.

Can I cancel a Microsoft 365 Family plan without cutting off other members right away?

Yes. All members keep access through the end of the paid period. After that, each person needs to set up their own subscription to continue.

Is there a refund if I cancel an annual plan?

Yes, within 30 days of purchase or renewal. Go to account.microsoft.com/billing/orders and look for a refund option next to the charge. After 30 days, no refund is available.

What does "Managed by organization" mean on the services page?

Your employer or school controls the subscription. You can't cancel it yourself. Contact your IT department or system admin.

What is the difference between canceling and turning off auto-renew?

On Microsoft's platform, they're the same thing. Clicking "Cancel subscription" just stops the next renewal. You keep access until the period expires.

Can I pause Microsoft 365 instead of canceling?

Microsoft doesn't offer a pause feature for consumer plans. Your only options are to keep paying or cancel and re-subscribe when you need it again.

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