What a New York Times subscription includes and how to set one up
A New York Times subscription gives you access to articles, opinion pieces, recipes, games, and video content on the Times website and mobile apps. The Times offers several subscription tiers: a basic digital subscription (web and app access), a bundle that adds the print newspaper, and a games-only subscription. You can start a subscription by visiting nytimes.com, selecting the plan you want, entering your email address, creating a password, and providing payment information. The Times accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.
Once you complete your purchase, you'll receive a confirmation email with your account details. You can when ready start reading on the website or read the Times app on your phone or tablet and sign in with the same email and password. Most plans include a free trial period — typically seven days for digital subscriptions — so you won't be charged until that period ends.
Key Takeaways
- The Times offers digital-only, print-plus-digital, and games-only subscriptions, each at different price points.
- You create an account with an email address and password during checkout, and payment is processed when ready.
- Free trial periods vary by plan, but most digital subscriptions include seven days before your first charge.
- You can read on the website, phone app, or tablet app using the same login credentials across all devices.
- Your account settings let you manage your payment method, pause your subscription, or cancel anytime.
Understanding the different subscription plans
The Times publishes its current pricing on nytimes.com/subscribe, but the cost and what's included can vary depending on whether you're a new subscriber, an existing customer, or a student. A digital-only subscription typically costs more per month than a print subscription alone, but the bundle (print plus digital) is often priced between the two. The games-only subscription covers the daily crossword, Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and other puzzles, and is the least expensive option.
Each plan comes with a different article limit. The digital plan usually includes unlimited articles. Print subscribers get digital access included. Games-only subscribers can play unlimited games but have limited access to news articles. If you're not sure which plan fits your reading habits, you can start with a trial and switch plans later without losing your account.
How to sign in on different devices
Once you have an active subscription, you can read the Times on your computer, phone, or tablet. On the website, go to nytimes.com and click "Sign In" in the top right corner. Enter the email address and password you created during checkout. On mobile devices, read the free New York Times app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, open it, and tap "Sign In." Use the same email and password.
You can be signed in on multiple devices at the same time. If you forget your password, click "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in page, and the Times will send you a reset link to your email. Make sure you're using the email address associated with your subscription account — if you signed up with one email but try to sign in with a different one, the system won't recognize your subscription.
Managing your payment method and billing
Your billing information is stored in your account settings. To update your payment method, go to nytimes.com, sign in, and click your profile icon in the top right corner. Select "Account" or "Manage Account," then look for "Billing" or "Payment Method." You can add a new credit card, debit card, or update an existing one. The Times will charge your payment method on the same day each month (or week, depending on your plan).
You'll receive an email receipt after each charge. If a payment fails — for example, if your card is expired or has insufficient funds — the Times will attempt to charge you again a few days later. If the second attempt fails, your subscription may be paused until you update your payment information. You can check your billing history and upcoming charge date in the same account settings area.
Pausing or canceling your subscription
If you want to stop your subscription temporarily, you can pause it instead of canceling. Go to your account settings, find the "Manage Subscription" or "Billing" section, and look for the pause option. A paused subscription stops charging you but preserves your account, so you can resume without losing your saved articles or preferences. The pause period is typically 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the Times' current policy.
To cancel entirely, go to the same account settings area and select "Cancel Subscription." The Times will ask you why you're leaving and may offer you a discount to stay. Once you confirm the cancellation, your access ends at the end of your current billing period — you won't lose access mid-month. If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you can do so anytime, though you may not receive the same introductory rate.
Troubleshooting common account problems
If you can't sign in, first check that you're using the correct email address. The Times account system is case-sensitive for passwords, so make sure Caps Lock is off. If you still can't sign in, use the "Forgot your password?" link to reset it. Check your email's spam folder for the reset link, as it sometimes gets filtered there.
If you see a message saying you've reached your article limit, you've likely hit the free-article cap on a non-subscriber account. Sign in with your subscription email to access unlimited articles. If you're signed in but still see the limit message, try signing out and signing back in, or clear your browser's cookies and cache. If you're on a mobile device, try closing and reopening the app.
If you're charged twice in one month or see a duplicate charge, contact the Times customer service team through your account settings. Most duplicate charges are reversed within one to three business days. If you notice unauthorized charges, contact your bank or credit card company when ready to report fraud.
How to share your subscription with family members
The New York Times allows you to add household members to your account through a feature called Household Sharing. This lets up to six people in your home access your subscription from their own devices without sharing a password. To set this up, go to your account settings, find "Household Sharing" or "Family Sharing," and follow the prompts to invite household members by email. They'll receive an invitation and can accept it to link their own account to your subscription.
Each household member can customize their own reading preferences, save articles, and manage their own profile, but they all share the same subscription. If someone moves out of your household, you can remove them from the sharing group. Note that the Times defines "household" as people living at the same address, and the company reserves the right to verify this if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read the Times without a subscription?
Yes, but with limits. The Times allows you to read a certain number of free articles per month (usually around five to ten, depending on how you access the site). Once you hit that limit, you'll need to either subscribe or wait until the next month. Signing in with a free account doesn't increase this limit.
What happens to my account if I don't use it for a long time?
Your account remains active as long as your subscription is paid. If you pause or cancel, your account information is saved, and you can resume or resubscribe anytime. The Times doesn't delete inactive accounts. However, if your payment method expires and a charge fails, your subscription may be paused automatically.
Can I change my subscription plan after I've signed up?
Yes. Go to your account settings, find "Manage Subscription," and select the option to change your plan. You can upgrade to a higher tier or downgrade to a lower one. Changes typically take effect at the start of your next billing cycle, and the Times will adjust your charge accordingly.
Is there a student discount for the Times?
The Times periodically offers discounted rates for students, but availability and pricing vary. Check nytimes.com/student or contact the Times customer service team to see if you're may be able to access. You'll typically need to verify your student status through a third-party verification service.
What should I do if I'm charged after I canceled?
Contact the Times customer service team when ready through your account settings or by phone. If you canceled before your billing date and were still charged, the company will usually refund the charge. Keep your cancellation confirmation email as proof of when you canceled.