What a Chicago Tribune subscription includes
A Chicago Tribune subscription gives you access to news, sports, and entertainment coverage of Chicago and Illinois. The newspaper offers both print and digital subscriptions, and you can combine them. What you receive depends on which plan you choose — print only, digital only, or both together.
The digital subscription includes access to all articles on chicagotribune.com, the mobile app for iOS and Android, and the e-edition (a digital replica of the print newspaper). Print subscribers receive the physical newspaper delivered to your address on the days it publishes. Some digital plans also include access to the Tribune's archives and special sections.
Pricing and what is included in each plan changes periodically. You can see current options and prices by visiting chicagotribune.com/subscribe or calling the Tribune's subscription line. Promotional rates are often available for new subscribers, especially for digital plans.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago Tribune subscriptions come in three forms: print only, digital only, or a combination of both.
- Digital subscriptions include access to chicagotribune.com, the mobile app, and the e-edition on all devices.
- Print delivery frequency and pricing vary by location within the Chicago area.
- You can manage your subscription, pause delivery, or change your plan through your online account at chicagotribune.com.
- The Tribune offers different promotional rates for new subscribers, so prices vary based on when you sign up.
How to start a digital subscription
To start a digital subscription, go to chicagotribune.com/subscribe and select the digital plan. You will enter your email address and create a password. Then you provide a payment method — the Tribune accepts major credit cards and debit cards.
After you complete payment, you can log in when ready and read articles. You will receive a confirmation email with your account details and instructions for downloading the mobile app if you want to read on your phone or tablet. If you have trouble logging in after signing up, the Tribune's support team can reset your password or help you access your account.
How to start a print subscription
Print subscriptions are ordered through chicagotribune.com/subscribe or by phone at the number listed on that page. You will need to provide your delivery address, and the Tribune will confirm whether print delivery is available in your area. Not all Chicago neighborhoods receive the same delivery schedule — some areas get the paper seven days a week, while others receive it on specific days only.
When you order, you choose how many days per week you want delivery and how long you want the subscription to last. You then provide a payment method. Print delivery typically begins within a few business days of your order, though this can vary by location.
Combining print and digital subscriptions
If you want both print and digital access, you can add a digital subscription to an existing print subscription, or order a combined plan from the start. The combined plan is often less expensive than paying for print and digital separately. You manage both parts of your subscription through one account on chicagotribune.com.
When you log in to your account, you can see which services are active, when your next billing date is, and what you are paying for each part. If you have a print subscription and want to add digital later, you can do that without canceling your print delivery.
Managing your subscription and making changes
Log in to your account at chicagotribune.com to pause delivery, skip days, change your plan, or update your payment method. You can pause print delivery for vacation or other reasons without canceling — the Tribune will resume delivery on the date you choose. You can also skip individual days if you do not want the paper delivered on certain dates.
To change your subscription plan (for example, from digital only to print plus digital), go to your account settings and select the option to modify your plan. Changes usually take effect within one or two billing cycles. If you want to cancel, you can do that through your account as well, though the Tribune may offer you a discounted rate to stay.
Billing, payment, and renewal
The Tribune bills you on a regular schedule — weekly, monthly, or annually depending on the plan you chose. Your billing date and amount appear in your account. You can update your payment method at any time through your account settings if your card expires or you want to use a different card.
Subscriptions renew automatically on your billing date unless you cancel. If a payment fails, the Tribune will attempt to charge your card again, and you will receive an email notification. If payment continues to fail, your access may be suspended until the issue is resolved. Contact the Tribune's billing support if you have questions about a charge or need to update your payment information.
Troubleshooting access and technical issues
If you cannot log in to your account, go to chicagotribune.com and select "Forgot Password" to reset it. If you do not receive a password reset email, check your spam folder or try using a different email address if you have multiple accounts.
If you have a digital subscription but articles show a paywall message, make sure you are logged in — the Tribune limits how many free articles you can read without logging in. If you are logged in and still see a paywall, try clearing your browser's cookies and cache, then log in again. If the problem continues, contact the Tribune's customer support through their website or by phone.
For mobile app issues, make sure you have downloaded the latest version from the App Store or Google Play. If the app crashes or will not load articles, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. You can also read the e-edition and all articles through the website on any device without the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read the Chicago Tribune without a subscription?
The Tribune allows readers to view a limited number of free articles per month without logging in. Once you reach that limit, you will see a paywall. A digital subscription removes the article limit and gives you full access to all content on chicagotribune.com and the mobile app.
What is the difference between the e-edition and the website?
The e-edition is a digital replica of the print newspaper — it looks like the physical paper and shows articles in the same layout and order. The website is organized by topic and updated throughout the day with breaking news. Both are included with a digital subscription, and you can read either one depending on what you prefer.
Can I share my login with family members?
Tribune subscriptions are for individual use. Sharing your login with people outside your household may violate the terms of service. If multiple people in your home want access, contact the Tribune to ask about household plans or multiple-user options, which may be available depending on your subscription type.
What happens if I move out of the Chicago area?
A digital subscription works anywhere — you can read chicagotribune.com and use the mobile app from any location. If you have a print subscription and move outside the delivery area, you will need to cancel print delivery. You can keep a digital subscription or switch to digital only without losing access to Tribune content.
How do I contact customer support?
Visit chicagotribune.com and look for the "Contact Us" or "Help" link, usually at the bottom of the page. You can also call the subscription phone number listed on the subscribe page. Support hours and contact methods vary, so check the website for current options.