How to Cancel AppleCare+ in 2026 (Get a Refund + Keep Your Device Protected)
Updated 2026-03-03 · 6 min read
✅ AppleCare+ Is Easy to Cancel
Unlike most insurance products, Apple makes AppleCare+ straightforward to cancel. Monthly plans cancel instantly. Prepaid plans get a prorated refund. No phone calls required — you can do it from your iPhone settings.
Cancel AppleCare+ from iPhone/iPad/Mac
Open Settings on your device
Tap your name at the top (Apple ID)
Tap Subscriptions
Find AppleCare+ in the list
Tap Cancel Subscription
Confirm cancellation
Monthly plan: coverage ends at end of current billing period
Cancel AppleCare+ Online
Go to mysupport.apple.com
Sign in with your Apple ID
Find the device with AppleCare+
Click Cancel Plan
Alternatively: support.apple.com/en-us/111767 has direct cancellation links
Cancel AppleCare+ by Phone
Call 1-800-275-2273 (1-800-APL-CARE)
Say "cancel AppleCare"
Provide your device serial number (Settings → General → About)
Agent processes the cancellation
Refund Policy
Monthly plan: No refund — coverage simply ends at the end of the current billing period
Prepaid (within 30 days, no claims): Full refund
Prepaid (within 60 days, no claims): Prorated refund
Prepaid (after 60 days, no claims): Prorated refund minus the lesser of $25 or 10% of the plan price
Prepaid (claims made): Prorated refund minus $25/10% AND the cost of any repairs/replacements received
💡 Math Check: Is AppleCare+ Worth It?
AppleCare+ for iPhone: $9.99/month or $199 for 2 years. Screen repair with AppleCare+: $29. Screen repair without: $279-$379. Break-even: you need at least 1 screen repair every 18 months for AppleCare+ to save money. If you rarely drop your phone or use a good case, the math doesn't work.
AppleCare+ Pricing (2026)
iPhone: $9.99/month or $199/2 years (with Theft & Loss: $13.49/mo or $269/2yr)
iPad: $3.49-$7.99/month depending on model
Mac: $64.99-$179.99/year depending on model
Apple Watch: $2.49-$4.99/month
AirPods: $3.49/month or $29/2 years
What You Lose When You Cancel
Accidental damage coverage: Screen and body repairs at reduced cost ($29-$99 deductible)
Battery replacement: Free if capacity drops below 80% (normally $99+)
Theft and loss coverage (if you have that tier): $149 deductible per incident
Priority support: Chat and phone support jump the queue
You keep: Standard 1-year limited warranty (hardware defects only, no accidental damage)
Cheaper Alternatives to AppleCare+
Credit card phone protection: Chase Freedom, Citi Custom Cash, Wells Fargo Active Cash include free phone insurance ($600-$800 coverage, $25-$50 deductible) when you pay your cell bill with the card. $0/month.
Homeowners/renters insurance rider: Add device coverage to your existing policy — often $20-$40/year for all electronics
Good case + screen protector: A $30 Otterbox prevents 95% of damage. Prevention beats insurance.
Self-insure: Put the $10/month into a savings account. After 2 years you have $240 — enough for most repairs.
uBreakiFix / local repair shops: Screen repairs for $100-$180 without AppleCare — still cheaper than paying premiums for 2+ years
🔴 Can't Re-Enroll After Canceling
Once you cancel AppleCare+, you generally cannot re-enroll for the same device. Apple only allows enrollment within 60 days of purchase. If your device is older or accident-prone, think carefully before canceling.
When to Keep AppleCare+
You have a history of cracking screens or dropping devices
You have the Theft & Loss tier and live in a high-theft area
Your device is a MacBook Pro ($2,000+) where repairs are extremely expensive
You don't have credit card phone protection as a backup
Bottom line: For most people, AppleCare+ is an expensive insurance product that pays off only if you damage your device. A good case, a credit card with phone protection, and self-insuring the difference will save you $200+ over the life of the device. But if you break phones regularly, the math flips in AppleCare's favor.
💡 How much are you spending on device insurance and other subscriptions?
Upload your bank statement to JustCancel and see every recurring charge — AppleCare, Asurion, extended warranties, and services you forgot about.