Explained: How To Cancel Pre-Order On Xbox [All Methods]

Enthusiast gamers excitedly pre-order games to obtain early access and special features when Xbox releases new games. However, some situations require them to cancel a game pre-order. It gets confusing as most of the users are unaware of the process of canceling a pre-order and getting a refund.

Key Takeaways

• Pre-ordering is a decision of an enthusiastic gamer who is excited about a game that will be released soon to grab exclusive features.
• Cancellation of pre-orders can be made through the Microsoft store, Xbox store, or Xbox website.
• Pre-order cancellation results if a game is postponed or canceled by the publisher, you find another game more appealing, or some financial circumstances require money.

How To Cancel Pre-Order On Xbox

It is very simple to cancel your order via the Microsoft Store, Xbox Store, and directly through the console. Following are the ways to cancel a pre-order on Xbox successfully.

Through Microsoft Store

If you change your mind, you can cancel a pre-order up to 10 days before the game releases. But, if you are charged, you must ask for a refund.

Here’s how:

1. Login at the Microsoft store with the same ID/pass you used to pre-order a game.
2. Go to the profile or account settings.
3. Jump to the Order History section. All of your purchases, including pre-orders, are listed here.
4. Find the item you wish to cancel from pre-order and click the pre-order information.
5. Look for the exchange or refund in the pre-order details. Click on the preferred option.
6. Comply with the instructions to complete the cancellation process.
7. Microsoft can ask for additional details or reasons for the cancellation, depending on the situation.
8. Click on the Cancel Item check box present next to the item, and then click on the Cancel Item option again to confirm.

After completing the cancellation process, you will get a confirmation email, information regarding the refund, and any additional procedures if required.

Also Read: How To Clean Xbox & Controller

Using Xbox Console

Another way of canceling pre-orders is through the console.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn on your Xbox and log in to your Xbox Live.
2. On the dashboard, look for the My Games & Apps option.

   

3. Open the Games tab and look for the pre-ordered game.

   

4. Highlight the pre-ordered game that you want to cancel and hit the 3 horizontal lines to open the menu.
5. Click on the Manage game and add-ons from the menu that appears.
6. Now, look for the Pre-order tab and click on it.
7. A cancellation option for pre-order games will now appear. Click it.
8. A confirmation window will appear against your selection; click Yes if you are sure you want to cancel your pre-order.
9. After Xbox processes your cancellation, you will be notified that your pre-order was successfully canceled.

Via Xbox Store

The Xbox store pre-order cancellation process is simple.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Use the browser on your device to visit the Xbox store.
2. Go to Account Settings.
3. Click on the Manage Pre-orders option.
4. You will now see a listing of all of your pre-orders. Look for the game you want to cancel the order for.
5. There will be a cancel button in front of the pre-order item
6. Your pre-order from Xbox will be immediately canceled as you do this.

Physical Pre-order

It differs depending on the retailer you bought it from. But, a general guideline to cancel a pre-order is as follows:

1. Visit the retailer or contact the retailer’s customer service department. Ask them to cancel the pre-order.
2. When the retailer confirms the cancellation, they will send you a confirmation and refund details. Keep all the necessary records and receipts safe for future reference.

Microsoft’s Pre-order Cancelation Policy

It’s important to become familiar with the pre-order policy on Xbox if you are willing to cancel a pre-order.

The balance will be deducted right away if you have credit in your account. If you paid with a credit card or chose to pay some amount from a credit card and the remaining from the account balance, payment will be deducted 10 days before the game’s release.

If you decide to cancel before being charged, there will be no difficulty in getting a refund.

Also Check: How To Clear Cache On Xbox?

Refund Eligibility

For digital pre-orders, Microsoft normally has a strict no-refunds policy. However, in some specific circumstances, such as there’s a delay in game release or the publisher canceling the game. The same refund policies apply to Xbox Game Pass pre-orders of Microsoft.

Physical pre-orders depend on the retailer, as they all operate differently. Microsoft doesn’t impose its refund policies on retailers and provides them with guidelines. So, whenever you make a physical purchase, always look for the retailer’s policies of cancellation and refund for future reference.

Why Do You Need To Cancel A Pre-Ordered Game? 

Out of excitement, gamers pre-order games to get the newest releases as soon as they are released on Xbox. However, you might need to cancel it during a situation. 

• Loss Of Interest: If you pre-ordered a game when it was launched but have lost interest in it or changed your mind.
• Financial Constraints: Unexpected financial circumstances that require necessitating your spending. Or something important required the budget you previously planned to purchase a game!
• Release Postponed Or Canceled: Sometimes, game release dates postponed, or games are being canceled. In certain circumstances, you have the choice to cancel the pre-order.
• Better Alternatives: You could have pre-ordered a game but find another one that appeals to you more or is better suited to your tastes after some time. 

Related Articles

• How To Update Xbox?
• How To Turn Off Xbox Controller On PC?