Where to find and cancel subscriptions in Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap your name at the top of the screen. Then tap Subscriptions. You will see a list of all active subscriptions tied to your Apple ID — apps, services, and memberships you pay for on a recurring basis. Tap the subscription you want to stop, then tap Cancel Subscription. The app will ask you to confirm; tap again to finish.

Your subscription ends on the date it was set to renew. You keep access to the service until that date arrives. If you cancel a monthly subscription on the 15th and it renews on the 20th, you have access through the 20th, then it stops. Apple does not refund the portion of the month you do not use.

Some subscriptions offer a free trial period before charging you. If you cancel during the trial, you lose access when ready — the trial ends right away. Check the cancellation screen to see whether you are in a trial or a paid period.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions to see all recurring charges on your Apple ID in one place.
  • Tap the subscription you want to stop, then tap Cancel Subscription and confirm — the service stops on your next renewal date.
  • Canceling during a free trial ends the trial when ready, while canceling a paid subscription lets you keep access until the renewal date.
  • You can also manage subscriptions through the App Store by tapping your profile picture, then Subscriptions, if Settings is not working.
  • Apple does not refund unused portions of a billing period after you cancel.

Canceling through the App Store instead

If you cannot find Subscriptions in Settings, or if the button is not responding, you can cancel the same way through the App Store. Open the App Store app, tap your profile picture in the top right corner, then tap Subscriptions. The list looks identical to the one in Settings. Tap the subscription, then tap Cancel Subscription.

Both routes — Settings and App Store — reach the same account. Canceling in one place cancels it everywhere. Use whichever method loads faster on your phone.

What happens to your data after you cancel

When a subscription ends, the app usually stays on your phone, but you lose the features that required payment. A streaming service stops playing content. A cloud storage app stops syncing new files. A fitness app stops tracking workouts. The app itself does not delete unless you manually remove it.

Some apps let you read your data before the subscription ends — photos, documents, or account information. Check the app's settings or help section to see if that option exists. Once the subscription is gone, you may not be able to recover data you did not read.

Restarting a subscription you canceled

If you change your mind, you can restart the subscription from the same Subscriptions menu. Go back to Settings or the App Store, find the subscription in your list, and tap Resubscribe. You will be charged again on your next billing date. If the subscription had a free trial and you used it before, you will not get another trial — you will be charged when ready.

Some subscriptions offer a discount to return customers, but you have to restart through the app itself, not through Settings. Open the app and look for a "Restore" or "Resubscribe" button in the account or settings section.

Subscriptions that do not appear in Settings

Not every recurring charge on your Apple ID shows up in the Subscriptions menu. Some apps charge you through their own payment system instead of Apple's, and those appear on your credit card or bank statement but not in Settings. To cancel them, you usually have to go into the app itself, find the account or settings section, and look for a "Cancel" or "Manage Subscription" button.

If you subscribed through a website — not the App Store — that subscription is also not in Settings. You will need to log into the website, go to your account page, and cancel there. Check your email for a receipt or confirmation from the company; it usually includes a link to manage your subscription.

Checking your subscription history and receipts

To see subscriptions you have canceled in the past, go to Settings, tap your name, then tap Media & Purchases. Tap Purchase History. Scroll to find subscriptions and tap See All. You can see what you paid, when you paid it, and whether each charge was refunded. This history stays on your account even after you cancel.

If you see a charge you did not authorize, or if a subscription kept charging after you canceled it, you can request a refund. Tap the charge in your purchase history, then tap Report a Problem. Apple will review your claim and may refund the amount.

Preventing unwanted subscriptions

Many apps ask for permission to start a subscription when you first open them. Read the prompt carefully — it will say whether you are starting a paid subscription or a free trial, and when you will be charged. If you do not want it, tap the button that declines or cancels, not the one that confirms.

Some apps hide the decline button or make it smaller than the confirm button. Look for text that says "Not now," "Cancel," or "Skip" — it is usually at the bottom of the screen. If you accidentally start a subscription, cancel it when ready in Settings; you have a short window to request a refund if you act within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund after I cancel a subscription?

Apple does not automatically refund unused time. However, if you canceled within a few days of being charged, you can request a refund through your purchase history. Tap the charge, select "Report a Problem," and explain why you want the refund. Apple reviews each request separately and may approve it.

Will the app delete from my phone when I cancel the subscription?

No. The app stays on your phone, but you lose access to paid features. You can delete the app manually if you want to remove it completely. Deleting the app does not cancel the subscription — you still have to cancel in Settings or the App Store.

What if I cancel a subscription and then want to restart it?

Go back to Settings or the App Store, find the subscription, and tap Resubscribe. You will be charged on your next billing date. If the subscription had a free trial before, you will not get another one — you will be charged right away.

Why is a subscription still charging me after I canceled it?

Check your purchase history to confirm the cancellation went through. If you see charges after the cancellation date, the subscription may not have canceled properly. Try canceling again in Settings, or contact the app's support team. If the charge appears on your statement, you can request a refund through your purchase history.

Can I cancel a subscription from a website I subscribed through?

Yes, but you have to cancel on that website, not in Settings. Log into your account on the company's website, find the subscription or billing section, and look for a cancel button. Check your email receipt for a link to manage your subscription — most companies include one.