What a Boston Globe subscription gives you

A Boston Globe subscription gives you access to news, sports, and opinion coverage from the Boston area and beyond. The Globe offers a few different subscription tiers: digital-only (online and mobile app), print-only (the physical newspaper), and a combination of both print and digital. Which one you choose depends on how you prefer to read — on your phone and computer, in print, or both.

The digital subscription includes access to the Globe's website and mobile app, where you can read articles, watch videos, and browse sections like Metro, Sports, Business, and Opinion. The print subscription delivers the newspaper to your home on the days it publishes. A combined plan gives you both at a bundled price, which is usually cheaper than buying them separately.

Key Takeaways

  • The Boston Globe offers three subscription types: digital-only, print-only, and a combination of both print and digital access.
  • You can start a subscription directly through the Globe's website or by calling their customer service phone number.
  • Introductory rates are typically lower than the regular subscription price, and the rate increases after the promotional period ends.
  • You can pause, change, or cancel your subscription through your account settings online or by contacting customer service.
  • The Globe's digital app works on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, and you can read articles on any web browser.

How to start a digital-only subscription

Go to bostonglobe.com and look for the "Subscribe" button, usually at the top right of the page. Click it and you will see the subscription options available. Select the digital plan and choose your payment frequency — most subscriptions are billed monthly, but some offer annual or weekly options.

Enter your email address and create a password for your account. Then provide your payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal). After your payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation email with your account details. You can then log in to the Globe's website and app right away.

If you already have a Boston Globe account from a previous subscription or registration, log in with that email and password instead of creating a new one. This keeps all your reading history and preferences in one place.

How to start a print subscription

To order print delivery, visit bostonglobe.com/subscribe or call the Globe's customer service line. When you call, a representative will ask which days you want the newspaper delivered — you can choose weekdays only, weekends only, or all seven days. They will also confirm your delivery address and set up your payment method.

Print subscriptions are typically billed weekly or monthly. Delivery usually starts within a few business days of your order. If you do not receive your paper on a particular day, you can report it through the website or by phone, and the Globe will either redeliver it or credit your account.

How to start a print and digital combination subscription

A combination subscription bundles print delivery with digital access at a lower total price than buying each separately. You can order this through the website or by phone using the same process as a print-only subscription. When you set up your account, you will be given login credentials for the digital side, which you can use when ready on the website and app.

Your print delivery and digital access are linked to the same account, so you manage both in one place. If you need to pause print delivery for a vacation but keep reading digitally, you can do that through your account settings.

Understanding introductory rates and price increases

The Boston Globe usually offers a lower introductory rate for the first few weeks or months of a new subscription. This rate is clearly shown before you complete your purchase. After the introductory period ends, your subscription automatically renews at the regular price, which is higher.

You will receive a notice before your rate increases, typically by email. At that point, you can choose to keep the subscription at the new price, pause it, or cancel. Some subscribers find it helpful to set a calendar reminder a few days before the increase takes effect, so they have time to decide whether to continue.

How to manage your subscription online

Log in to your Boston Globe account on the website. Look for "Account" or "Manage Subscription" in the menu — the exact location varies, but it is usually in the top right corner or in a dropdown menu. From there, you can view your current plan, billing date, and payment method.

In your account settings, you can pause your subscription for a set number of weeks (useful for vacation or temporary breaks), change your payment method, update your delivery address, or cancel entirely. If you pause print delivery, your digital access usually continues. Changes to your account take effect on your next billing date.

If you cannot find what you need in your account settings, you can contact customer service by phone or through the website's chat feature. They can make changes for you and answer questions about your specific subscription.

What to do if you have trouble logging in

If you forget your password, go to bostonglobe.com and click "Log In." Then click "Forgot Password?" and enter the email address associated with your account. The Globe will send you a link to reset your password. Check your email (including spam or promotions folders) for the reset link, which usually expires after a few hours.

If you do not receive a reset email, make sure you are using the correct email address. If you are still stuck, contact customer service — they can verify your account and help you regain access. Keep your account email and phone number up to date so the Globe can reach you if there are any issues with your subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read the Boston Globe on my phone or tablet?

Yes. read the Boston Globe app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone and iPad) or Google Play (for Android). Log in with your subscription email and password, and you can read articles, browse sections, and save stories to read later. The app works offline too — you can read articles to read without an internet connection.

What happens if I cancel my subscription?

Your access ends on your next billing date. You will not be charged again, but you also will not receive a refund for the current billing period. If you cancel mid-month, you keep access until that month's billing cycle ends. You can restart a subscription at any time by going through the sign-up process again.

Can I give someone else access to my subscription?

The subscription is tied to your account and login credentials. You can share your password with a family member or friend, but the Globe's terms of service are designed for individual use. If you want multiple people in your household to have separate accounts, each person would need their own subscription.

Do I have to use a credit card to pay?

No. The Boston Globe accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. When you set up your subscription, you will see all available payment methods. You can change your payment method anytime through your account settings.

What if my delivery is late or I do not receive my paper?

Report it through your account on the website or call customer service. The Globe tracks delivery issues and will either redeliver the paper or credit your account. Repeated delivery problems can sometimes be resolved by adjusting your delivery time or address with customer service.