Hey, Minecraft fans! So, you’ve been enjoying the blocky adventures of Minecraft Realms, but maybe it’s time to take a break. Whether you’re cutting costs, switching platforms, or just ready to explore solo, canceling your Realms subscription is super easy.
What Is Minecraft Realms, Anyway?
If you’re reading this, you probably know Minecraft Realms. But just in case, here’s a quick refresher. Minecraft Realms is a paid subscription service by Mojang that lets you create private servers.
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You and up to 10 friends can play together in a secure, always-online world. There are two versions: Realms for Java Edition and Realms Plus for Bedrock Edition. Realms Plus even throws in access to over 100 Marketplace items like skins and texture packs.
Sounds awesome, right? But if you’re not using it much or your gaming crew has moved on, canceling might be the way to go. Let’s get to the good stuff—how to cancel your subscription without a headache.
Why Cancel Your Realms Subscription?
People cancel for all sorts of reasons. Maybe you’re tightening your budget, or your friends aren’t playing anymore. Perhaps you’re switching to a different game or want to try hosting your own server.
Whatever the reason, knowing how to cancel properly ensures you don’t get charged again. Plus, you’ll want to save your worlds before they vanish forever (more on that later!).
Before You Cancel: A Quick Checklist
Before you hit that cancel button, let’s make sure you’re ready. Here’s a short checklist to avoid any surprises:
- Back Up Your Worlds: When you cancel, you have 18 months to download your world data. After that, it’s gone for good. Save your creations!
- Check Your Platform: The cancellation process depends on where you bought the subscription (Microsoft, Google Play, App Store, etc.).
- Confirm Your Account: Make sure you’re logged into the right account tied to your Realms subscription.
- Know the Billing Cycle: After canceling, you’ll still have access until the end of your paid period. No refunds for partial months, though.
Got that? Awesome. Now, let’s break down the cancellation steps for each platform.
How to Cancel Minecraft Realms on Different Platforms
The process varies depending on your device or where you subscribed. Below, we’ve outlined the steps for the most common platforms. Follow the one that matches your setup.
Canceling on PC or Mac (Microsoft Account)
If you subscribed through a Microsoft account or the Minecraft website, here’s what to do:
- Log In: Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your Realms subscription.
- Find Subscriptions: Click on “Services & Subscriptions” from the top menu.
- Locate Realms: Look for “Minecraft Realms” or “Realms Plus” in the list.
- Manage Subscription: Click “Manage” next to the subscription.
- Cancel: Select “Cancel” or “Turn off recurring billing.” Follow any prompts to confirm.
- Verify: Restart Minecraft and check the “Subscriptions” section in settings. The cancel option should now say “Subscribe” instead.
Tip: If you don’t see Realms listed, double-check you’re using the correct Microsoft account.
Canceling on iOS (App Store)
For iPhone or iPad users, you’ll cancel through the App Store:
- Open Settings: Tap the Settings app on your device.
- Access Your Account: Tap your name or Apple ID at the top.
- Go to Subscriptions: Select “Subscriptions” from the menu.
- Find Realms: Scroll to find “Minecraft Realms” or “Realms Plus.”
- Cancel: Tap “Cancel Subscription” and confirm.
- Check: Reopen Minecraft to ensure the subscription is canceled.
Note: You must use the same Apple ID used to purchase the subscription.
Canceling on Android (Google Play)
Android users, here’s your guide:
- Open Google Play: Launch the Google Play Store app.
- Go to Profile: Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Payments & Subscriptions: Select “Payments & Subscriptions,” then “Subscriptions.”
- Select Realms: Find “Minecraft Realms” in the list.
- Cancel: Tap “Cancel Subscription” and follow the prompts.
- Confirm: Check Minecraft’s settings to verify cancellation.
Pro Tip: If you subscribed via a different Google account, switch to that account in Google Play.
Canceling on Xbox
Xbox players, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings: From the Xbox home screen, go to “Settings.”
- Account: Select “Account” > “Subscriptions.”
- Find Realms: Locate “Minecraft: Bedrock Edition – Realms Plus.”
- Cancel: Choose “Cancel Subscription” and confirm.
- Verify: Restart Minecraft to check the subscription status.
Canceling on PlayStation
PlayStation users, it’s a bit trickier but still doable:
- Settings Menu: Go to “Settings” > “Users and Accounts” > “Account.”
- Payment & Subscriptions: Select “Payment & Subscriptions” > “Games and App Services.”
- Find Minecraft: Scroll to “Minecraft” or “Realms Plus.”
- Turn Off Auto-Renew: Select “Turn Off Auto-Renew” and confirm.
- Double-Check: Restart Minecraft to ensure the subscription is off.
Heads-Up: Some users report trouble finding the subscription on PS5. If you’re stuck, contact PlayStation Support.
Canceling on Nintendo Switch
For Switch players:
- Open eShop: Launch the Nintendo eShop from the home screen.
- Account Info: Go to your account information.
- Subscriptions: Select “Subscriptions” and find “Minecraft Realms.”
- Cancel: Choose “Cancel Subscription” and confirm.
- Verify: Check Minecraft’s settings to confirm.
What Happens After You Cancel?
Once you cancel, your Realms subscription doesn’t end right away. Here’s what to expect:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Access | You can use Realms until the end of your current billing cycle. |
| World Data | You have 18 months to download your worlds. After that, they’re deleted. |
| Realms Plus Content | You lose access to Marketplace items, but you can buy them separately. |
| Refunds | No refunds for partial months, but contact support for issues like errors. |
To download your worlds, go to the “Minecraft Realms” section in the game, select your Realm, and choose “Download Latest Backup” from the settings. Save it to your device to play offline or in single-player mode.
Tips to Avoid Common Cancellation Problems
Canceling is usually smooth, but here are some tips to dodge potential hiccups:
- Double-Check Your Account: Use the same account (Microsoft, Apple, Google, etc.) you used to subscribe.
- Contact Support if Stuck: If you can’t find the subscription, reach out to Mojang or your platform’s support team.
- Turn Off Auto-Renew Early: Cancel a few days before your renewal date to avoid accidental charges.
- Keep Records: Take screenshots of the cancellation confirmation for your records.
FAQs: How to Cancel Realm Subscription
Q1: Can I pause my Realms subscription instead of canceling?
A: Yes, for Java Edition, you can pause your subscription through your Minecraft account settings. Click “Yes, Pause” next to the recurring payment. Bedrock Edition doesn’t offer pausing, so you’d need to cancel and resubscribe later.
Q2: Will canceling delete my worlds immediately?
A: No, you have 18 months after cancellation to download your worlds. After that, they’re permanently deleted from Minecraft’s servers.
Q3: Can I get a refund after canceling?
A: Refunds are rare but possible within 15 days of purchase for issues like duplicate charges or unauthorized purchases. Contact Mojang or your platform’s support.
Q4: What if I can’t find my subscription?
A: You might be using the wrong account. Check other Microsoft, Apple, or Google accounts you own. If you’re still lost, contact Mojang Support at help.minecraft.net.
Wrapping It Up
Canceling your Minecraft Realms subscription is a breeze once you know the steps. Whether you’re on PC, mobile, or console, just follow the platform-specific instructions, back up your worlds, and double-check your account.
You’ll avoid unwanted charges and keep your Minecraft memories safe. If you ever want to jump back into Realms, you can always resubscribe and pick up where you left off.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and reflects the cancellation process as of April 2025. Steps may vary slightly due to platform updates or changes in Mojang’s policies. Always check official sources like help.minecraft.net for the latest instructions. The author is not affiliated with Mojang or Microsoft and is not responsible for any issues arising from following this guide.
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