Have you ever set up a Minecraft Realms server to play with friends, only to find life getting busy and that monthly fee sneaking up on you? Now you’re wondering, how to cancel Realm subscription, don’t worry. This guide walks you through it step by step, keeping things straightforward.
Minecraft Realms offers a handy way to host private servers, but sometimes you just need to pause or stop. Knowing how to cancel realm subscription can save you money and stress.
Let’s explore why you might do this and how to handle it smoothly.
Understanding Minecraft Realms Subscriptions
Minecraft Realms is Mojang’s official hosting service for multiplayer worlds. It comes in two main flavors: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Each has its own pricing and features.
For Java, you pay about $7.99 monthly for up to 10 players. Bedrock’s Realms Plus includes extra content packs for similar costs. Subscriptions auto-renew, so if you forget, charges keep coming.
Why does this matter for cancellation? The process differs based on your edition and device. Get this wrong, and you might still get billed.
Reasons You Might Want to Cancel Realm Subscription
Life changes. Maybe your friends moved on to other games, or you’re taking a break from Minecraft. I once canceled mine after a big project ended; we had built an epic castle, but it was time to move on.
Cost is another factor. If budgeting tightens, that recurring fee adds up. Or perhaps you want to switch to free alternatives. Whatever the reason, canceling shouldn’t feel like a chore.
Ask yourself: Do I still use the server weekly? If not, it might be time.
Important Steps Before You Cancel
Don’t rush in. First, download your world. In Realms, you can export the map to keep your builds safe. Log into the game, go to your realm settings, and hit download.
Notify your friends too. Give them a heads up so they can grab screenshots or say goodbye. Last, check your billing cycle. Canceling mid-month often lets you play until the end.
This prep makes the transition easy. Now, let’s dive into the main event.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cancel Realm Subscription
Canceling varies by platform. I’ll break it down clearly. Follow the one that matches your setup.
For Java Edition on PC
Java users manage through Microsoft accounts since Mojang’s migration.
- Open your web browser and go to account.microsoft.com.
- Sign in with the Microsoft account tied to your Minecraft.
- Click on “Services & subscriptions” from the menu.
- Find your Realms entry and select “Manage.”
- Choose “Cancel subscription” and confirm.
It’s quick. Your realm stays active until the period ends.
For Bedrock Edition on PC or Windows
Bedrock cancellation happens in-game or via the Microsoft Store.
- Launch Minecraft Bedrock.
- Go to “Settings” from the main menu.
- Select “Subscriptions” on the left.
- Pick your realm and hit “Cancel.”
- Follow the prompts to stop recurring billing.
If bought through the store, check there too for confirmation.
Here’s a visual of the subscriptions screen to help.
On Mobile Devices (iOS or Android)
Mobile players use app stores for billing.
For iOS:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap your name, then “Subscriptions.”
- Find Minecraft Realms and select it.
- Tap “Cancel Subscription.”
For Android:
- Open Google Play Store.
- Tap your profile icon.
- Go to “Payments & subscriptions” > “Subscriptions.”
- Select Realms and cancel.
Easy peasy. The app redirects you if needed.
On Consoles Like Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch
Consoles tie to their ecosystems.
For Xbox:
- Sign into your Microsoft account on the console.
- Go to Settings > Account > Subscriptions.
- Find Realms and cancel.
For PlayStation:
- Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Account.
- Select Payment and Subscriptions > Game and App Services.
- Choose Minecraft and turn off auto-renew.
For Switch:
- Open Nintendo eShop.
- Select your profile.
- Go to Subscriptions and cancel Realms.
Each takes minutes. If stuck, restart the console.
What Happens After You Cancel Realm Subscription
Your server doesn’t vanish right away. It runs until the subscription expires, giving time to wrap up.
You can download worlds anytime. After expiry, the realm closes, but you can restart later by resubscribing.
No refunds for partial months usually, but check Mojang’s policy if recent. Worlds stay backed up for a bit.
Troubleshooting Common Cancellation Issues
Sometimes things go wrong. If you can’t find the subscription, double-check accounts. Maybe it’s under a family member’s.
Billing errors? Update payment info first. If charges continue, contact Microsoft support.
For in-game glitches, update Minecraft. One time, an old version hid the cancel button for me.
Head to official help sites for more.
Alternatives to Minecraft Realms
Canceling doesn’t mean quitting multiplayer. Try free options like self-hosting with port forwarding. It’s techy but cost-free.
Third-party hosts like Aternos offer free servers with ads. Or paid ones like Apex Hosting for more features.
Compare in this table:
| Option | Cost | Players | Ease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Realms | $7.99/mo | Up to 10 | Easy |
| Aternos | Free | Unlimited | Moderate |
| Apex | $4.99/mo | Unlimited | Advanced |
Each has pros. Self-hosting saved me money when friends were few.
Explore communities on Reddit for tips.
FAQs About How to Cancel Realm Subscription
Q: Can I Get a Refund After Canceling Realm Subscription?
Usually, no for active periods. But if just subscribed, contact support within days. Check Microsoft’s refund page for details.
Q: How Long Does My Realm Stay Open After Cancellation?
Until the end of your paid cycle, often 30 days. Use that time wisely.
Q: What If I Cancel by Mistake?
Resubscribe anytime. Your world data remains accessible for reactivation.
Conclusion
Learning how to cancel realm subscription empowers you to manage your gaming budget better. Whether pausing or switching, you’ve got the tools now.
Disclaimer: This guide draws from general knowledge and user experiences. Always verify with official sources like Minecraft Help Center or Microsoft Support for the latest info. Processes may change.
