You can cancel AppleCare through your device settings, Apple's website, or by calling Apple Support — the method depends on whether you bought it with your device or added it later

AppleCare is Apple's extended warranty and support plan. It covers hardware repairs, accidental damage (with a fee), and technical support beyond your device's standard one-year warranty. If you no longer want the coverage, you can cancel it and receive a refund for the unused portion, though the refund amount depends on how much time remains on your plan.

The cancellation process differs slightly depending on your device type and how you purchased AppleCare. Most people can cancel through Settings on their device or through their Apple account online. Some situations — like AppleCare purchased through a carrier or retailer — require contacting Apple Support directly.

Key Takeaways

  • You can cancel AppleCare on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and AirPods through your device settings or Apple account, and you will receive a refund for unused coverage.
  • On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings, tap your name, select Subscriptions, find AppleCare, and choose Cancel Subscription.
  • On Mac, open System Settings, click your name, select Subscriptions, find AppleCare, and click the remove button.
  • If you purchased AppleCare through a carrier, retailer, or as part of a bundle, you must contact Apple Support or the original seller to cancel.
  • Cancellation takes effect immediately, but you lose coverage right away — any repairs needed after cancellation will not be covered.

Canceling AppleCare on iPhone and iPad

On iPhone or iPad, AppleCare appears as a subscription in your Apple account. Open the Settings app, tap your name at the top, then select Subscriptions. Scroll through the list until you find AppleCare (it may be labeled with your device name, like "AppleCare+ for iPhone 15"). Tap it, then tap Cancel Subscription. You will see a confirmation screen showing your refund amount and the date your coverage ends. Confirm the cancellation.

The refund is calculated based on the remaining time on your plan. If you have six months left on a one-year plan, you will receive roughly half of what you paid. Apple processes refunds to your original payment method within three to five business days. Your coverage stops immediately after you confirm cancellation, so any damage or issues that occur after that point will not be covered.

Canceling AppleCare on Mac

On a Mac, the process is similar but uses System Settings instead of Settings. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select System Settings, then click your name in the sidebar. Click Subscriptions, find AppleCare in the list, and click the remove button (usually an X or minus sign). Confirm the cancellation on the screen that appears.

Like iPhone and iPad, you will see your refund amount before you confirm. The refund goes back to your original payment method within three to five business days. Your AppleCare coverage ends immediately, so schedule any needed repairs before you cancel if you want them covered under the plan.

Canceling AppleCare on Apple Watch and AirPods

AppleCare for Apple Watch and AirPods is managed through your iPhone. Open Settings on your iPhone, tap your name, select Subscriptions, and find the AppleCare plan for your device. Tap it and select Cancel Subscription. The same refund process applies — you will see the refund amount, and it will be processed within three to five business days.

If you have multiple Apple devices with AppleCare, each plan appears as a separate subscription. Make sure you are canceling the correct one, since canceling the wrong plan will leave you without coverage on a device you intended to keep protected.

When You Cannot Cancel Through Settings

Some AppleCare purchases cannot be canceled through your device settings. If you bought AppleCare through a carrier like Verizon or AT&T, through a retailer like Best Buy, or as part of a bundle with a credit card offer, you will need to contact Apple Support or the original seller. Carrier-bundled AppleCare is sometimes managed through the carrier's app or website instead of Apple's system.

To find out where your AppleCare was purchased, check your original receipt or email confirmation. If you are unsure, call Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE and have your device serial number ready. They can look up your account and tell you exactly where the plan was sold and how to cancel it. If it was sold through a third party, Apple Support can often initiate the cancellation on your behalf or provide you with the correct contact information.

What Happens After You Cancel

Once you cancel AppleCare, your coverage stops immediately. You will no longer be able to use AppleCare benefits, including discounted repairs, accidental damage coverage, or priority support. If your device breaks the day after you cancel, you will pay the full out-of-warranty repair cost, which is typically higher than the AppleCare repair fee.

Your refund appears in your Apple account within a few days and is processed to your original payment method within three to five business days. If you cancel within 30 days of purchasing AppleCare, you may receive a larger refund — Apple's return policy is more generous in that window. After 30 days, the refund is based on the remaining time on your plan.

Reactivating AppleCare After Cancellation

If you cancel AppleCare and later change your mind, you can usually purchase it again within 60 days of your device's original purchase date. After that window closes, you can still buy AppleCare, but only if your device has not been damaged and passes an inspection. Apple will require you to describe the device's condition and may ask you to visit an Apple Store or send photos for review.

Prices for AppleCare vary by device and plan type. Check Apple's website or visit an Apple Store to see current pricing for your specific device. If you are thinking about canceling, consider whether you might want coverage again — it is easier and cheaper to keep an existing plan than to buy a new one after cancellation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my refund after I cancel AppleCare?

The refund appears in your Apple account within a few days, and the money is processed to your original payment method within three to five business days. If you used a credit card, the refund may take longer depending on your bank. Contact your bank if you do not see the refund within a week.

Can I cancel AppleCare if my device is broken?

Yes, you can cancel AppleCare at any time, regardless of your device's condition. However, once you cancel, AppleCare will not cover any repairs. If your device is already broken, consider using AppleCare to cover the repair before you cancel, since the repair cost without AppleCare is usually much higher.

What if I cancel AppleCare but still have a pending repair?

If you have already scheduled a repair through AppleCare, canceling will not affect that repair — it will still be covered at the AppleCare rate. However, any new repairs requested after cancellation will not be covered. Contact Apple Support immediately if you are unsure whether your repair is already in the system.

Do I lose my AppleCare coverage immediately when I cancel?

Yes, coverage stops right away. You will not have AppleCare protection after you confirm the cancellation, even if your refund has not been processed yet. If you need repairs, schedule them before you cancel.

Can I cancel AppleCare if I bought it through my phone carrier?

You will need to contact your carrier or Apple Support to cancel carrier-bundled AppleCare, since it is not managed through your device settings. Call your carrier's customer service or Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE with your device information, and they can help you cancel and process your refund.