What you get with a Des Moines Register subscription
A Des Moines Register subscription gives you access to news, sports, and opinion coverage of Iowa and the Des Moines area. The Register is Iowa's largest newspaper and covers state government, local politics, business, and community events. Depending on which subscription plan you choose, you can read articles on their website, receive the print edition delivered to your home, or both.
The Register offers several subscription tiers. A digital-only subscription lets you read unlimited articles online and access their mobile app. A print subscription delivers the newspaper to your door on the days it publishes. A combined print-and-digital subscription includes both. Pricing and what each plan includes varies by region and changes periodically, so you will need to check their website or call their customer service line to see current rates for your address.
Key Takeaways
- The Des Moines Register offers digital-only, print-only, and combined subscriptions, with pricing that depends on your location and the plan you choose.
- You can start a subscription directly through the Register's website or by calling their customer service number, which appears on their homepage.
- Digital subscriptions usually begin when ready, while print subscriptions typically start within a few business days of your order.
- You can pause, change, or cancel your subscription through your online account dashboard or by contacting customer service.
- The Register occasionally offers promotional rates for new subscribers, especially during holidays or special events.
How to start a digital or print subscription online
Visit the Des Moines Register website and look for a "Subscribe" button, usually located at the top of the page or in the footer. Click it and you will see the available plans for your area. Select the plan that fits what you want — digital only, print only, or both — and the billing frequency you prefer (weekly, monthly, or annual).
Enter your email address, create a password, and provide your payment information. If you are ordering a print subscription, you will also enter your delivery address. Review your order summary to confirm the plan, price, and start date, then complete the purchase. You will receive a confirmation email with your account details and login information.
Digital access usually begins right away, so you can start reading within minutes. Print delivery typically starts within three to five business days, depending on your location and the day you order.
Pausing or changing your subscription
Log into your account on the Des Moines Register website using the email and password you created. Look for an account settings or subscription management section — this is usually labeled "My Account" or "Manage Subscription." From there you can view your current plan, billing date, and payment method.
To pause your subscription temporarily, select the pause option and choose how long you want it paused. This is useful if you are traveling or want a break without losing your account. To change your plan — for example, from digital-only to print-and-digital — select the change plan option and follow the prompts. Changes usually take effect on your next billing date.
If you cannot find these options in your account dashboard, or if you need help making changes, call the customer service number listed on the Register's website. They can walk you through the process over the phone.
Canceling your subscription
You can cancel through your online account dashboard by selecting the cancel option in your subscription management section. You will be asked to confirm the cancellation and may see a retention offer — a discounted rate to keep your subscription. You can accept the offer or proceed with the cancellation.
Your cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period. You will not be charged again, but you will retain access to your account through the end of that period. If you cancel mid-cycle and want an when ready refund of unused time, contact customer service to discuss your options.
If you cannot locate the cancel option online, or if you want to cancel over the phone, call the customer service number on the Register's website. Have your account email address ready when you call.
Troubleshooting login and access problems
If you forget your password, go to the login page and select "Forgot Password." Enter the email address associated with your account, and the Register will send you a link to reset it. Check your spam folder if you do not see the email within a few minutes.
If you are not seeing articles you expect to see, or if you are being asked to pay for content you think your subscription should cover, log out completely and log back in. Sometimes your browser cache can cause access issues. If the problem persists, clear your browser cookies and try again, or try logging in on a different browser or device.
If you are having trouble accessing the mobile app, make sure you are using the same email address and password you use on the website. Uninstall and reinstall the app if you continue to have problems. For persistent technical issues, contact the Register's customer service team — they can check your account status and help you regain access.
Understanding billing and payment methods
Your subscription will be billed on a recurring schedule based on the plan you chose — weekly, monthly, or annually. The billing date is shown in your account dashboard. The Register accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and in some cases digital payment methods. You can update your payment method anytime in your account settings.
If a payment fails, the Register will usually attempt to charge your card again within a few days. If the second attempt fails, your subscription may be paused until you update your payment information. You will receive an email notification if a payment fails, so check your inbox and spam folder for alerts.
If you are charged twice in one billing cycle or charged after you canceled, contact customer service with your account email and the dates of the charges. They can review your account history and process a refund if an error occurred.
Promotional offers and discounts
The Des Moines Register runs promotional subscription rates at various times throughout the year, particularly around holidays, election season, and special events. These offers are usually advertised on their website homepage or in emails. Promotional rates typically explore only to new subscribers or to people who have not had an active subscription in the past 30 to 90 days — the exact terms vary by offer.
When you start a subscription, the promotional rate applies for the introductory period stated in the offer. After that period ends, your subscription renews at the regular price unless you cancel. Some promotions lock in a discounted rate for longer, so read the terms carefully before you purchase.
If you see a promotional offer but are not sure whether you may have access to, start the subscription process online and the website will tell you which offers are available for your address and subscription history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read the Des Moines Register without a subscription?
The Register allows you to read a limited number of free articles per month before you hit a paywall. Once you reach that limit, you will need a subscription to continue reading. The exact number of free articles varies and may change over time.
What is the difference between digital and print subscriptions?
A digital subscription gives you unlimited access to articles on the website and the mobile app. A print subscription delivers the physical newspaper to your home on publication days. A combined subscription includes both. Digital is usually cheaper and starts when ready; print takes a few days to begin and costs more but gives you the full newspaper in hand.
Can I gift a subscription to someone else?
The Des Moines Register may offer gift subscriptions, though this varies by region and time of year. Check their website for gift subscription options, or contact customer service to ask whether gift subscriptions are currently available in your area.
What happens if I move out of the Des Moines Register's delivery area?
If you have a print subscription and move outside their delivery zone, you can switch to digital-only to keep reading. Log into your account and change your plan, or call customer service to make the switch. Your billing will adjust based on the new plan.
How do I contact customer service?
The Des Moines Register's customer service phone number and email address are listed on their website, usually in the footer or under a "Contact Us" page. You can also reach them through the help section of your account dashboard. Response times vary, but they typically reply to emails within one business day.