Where to cancel depends on which device you used to start the subscription
Most app subscriptions renew automatically, and cancelling them requires you to go back to the place where you set them up. If you subscribed through Apple's App Store, you cancel in your Apple account settings on an iPhone or iPad, or through your Apple ID online. If you subscribed through Google Play, you cancel in Google Play on an Android phone or through your Google account on the web. If you subscribed directly through an app's website — by entering your credit card there — you cancel on that website, usually in an account or settings page.
The method matters because the payment processor (Apple, Google, or the company itself) controls the subscription. Cancelling in the wrong place won't work. For example, if you subscribed to a fitness app through the App Store, cancelling it in the app itself or on the company's website won't stop the charge — you have to cancel through Apple.
Key Takeaways
- Subscriptions started through the App Store must be cancelled in Apple account settings, not in the app or on the company's website.
- Subscriptions started through Google Play must be cancelled in Google Play settings, not in the app or on the company's website.
- Subscriptions started directly on a company's website must be cancelled on that website, usually in an account or billing settings page.
- You can cancel at any time; you will keep access until the current billing period ends, then the subscription stops.
- Cancelling a subscription is different from deleting the app — deleting the app does not stop the charges.
How to cancel an App Store subscription on iPhone or iPad
Open the Settings app and tap your name at the top. Tap Subscriptions. You will see a list of all active subscriptions tied to your Apple ID. Tap the subscription you want to cancel. Tap Cancel Subscription or Edit Subscription, then choose the option to cancel. Apple will ask you to confirm; tap again to complete the cancellation.
You will receive a confirmation email from Apple. Your access to the app continues until the end of the current billing period — if you were charged on the 15th and cancel on the 20th, you keep access until the 15th of next month. After that date, the subscription stops and you will not be charged again.
If you do not see Subscriptions in your account settings, your device may be running an older version of iOS. Update to the latest version through Settings > General > Software Update, then try again.
How to cancel a Google Play subscription on Android
Open the Google Play app and tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Tap Payments and subscriptions, then Subscriptions. You will see a list of all active subscriptions. Tap the subscription you want to cancel. Tap Cancel subscription. Google will show you the date your access ends; tap to confirm the cancellation.
You will receive a confirmation email from Google. Like Apple, Google lets you keep using the app through the end of your current billing cycle. After that date, the subscription ends and no further charges occur.
If you subscribed through a carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another phone company) instead of Google Play directly, you will need to cancel through that carrier's app or website. Check your billing statement to see which company is charging you.
How to cancel a subscription started on a company's website
Log into the company's website or app using your account credentials. Look for a settings, account, or billing page — the location varies by company. Common places are a gear icon, a profile menu, or a link at the bottom of the page labeled "Account" or "Settings". Once you find the billing section, look for "Subscriptions", "Recurring charges", or "Manage subscription".
Click or tap the subscription you want to cancel. The page will usually show your next billing date and offer a button or link to cancel. Click it and confirm. Some companies ask you why you are cancelling; you can skip this or answer it — either way, the cancellation will go through.
Check your email for a confirmation. If the company does not send one, log back into your account a few minutes later to verify the subscription is gone. If it is still listed, try cancelling again or contact the company's customer service.
What happens after you cancel
Cancelling a subscription stops future charges but does not refund money you already paid. You keep access to the app or service through the end of your current billing period. For example, if you pay monthly and cancel on the 10th, you have access until the end of that month, then it stops.
If you cancel by mistake, you can usually resubscribe when ready through the same method. Your new subscription will start right away and you will be charged on a new schedule. Some companies offer a grace period to resubscribe at the same price, but this is not may provide.
Deleting the app from your phone does not cancel the subscription. The charge will continue until you cancel through the payment processor or the company's website. Always cancel the subscription first, then delete the app if you want to remove it.
If you cannot find the subscription to cancel
Check your email for receipts from Apple, Google, or the company. The receipt will tell you which payment method was used and may include a link to manage the subscription. Search your email for "subscription", "receipt", or the app name.
If you see charges on your credit card or bank statement but cannot find the subscription in your account settings, the subscription may be tied to a different Apple ID or Google account than the one you are currently using. Check if you have another email address registered with Apple or Google and log into that account's settings to look for the subscription.
If you still cannot locate it, contact the company's customer service directly. Provide them with the charge date and amount from your bank statement. They can look up the subscription by your payment method and cancel it for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get a refund if I cancel mid-billing cycle?
No. Most subscriptions do not offer refunds for the current billing period. You keep access until the end of that period, then the subscription stops. Some companies offer refunds within a certain number of days of purchase — check the company's refund policy or contact their customer service to ask.
How do I cancel a subscription if I forgot the password?
Use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. For Apple, go to iforgot.apple.com. For Google, go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery. Once you reset your password, log in and cancel the subscription through your account settings.
Can I pause a subscription instead of cancelling it?
Some companies offer a pause or hold feature that temporarily stops charges without cancelling. Look for this option on the subscription management page. If it is not available, you will need to cancel and resubscribe later if you want to use the service again.
What if the company keeps charging me after I cancelled?
Contact the company's customer service with your cancellation confirmation email and the charge dates. Ask them to stop the charges and refund the unauthorized amounts. If they do not respond, contact your bank or credit card company and dispute the charges as unauthorized.
Do I need to cancel before deleting the app?
Yes. Deleting the app does not stop the subscription or the charges. Always cancel through your account settings or the company's website first, then delete the app if you want to remove it from your device.