What a Los Angeles Times subscription includes
A Los Angeles Times subscription gives you access to news, investigations, and opinion pieces from one of the largest newspapers in the United States. The Times operates several subscription tiers, each with different access levels to their digital content, print editions, or both.
The most common option is a digital subscription, which lets you read articles on the Times website and through their mobile app without hitting a paywall after a certain number of free articles per month. A print subscription delivers the physical newspaper to your home on the days it publishes. You can also combine both — a print plus digital bundle — though this costs more than either alone.
Subscription pricing changes regularly and varies depending on whether you are a new subscriber, whether you live in the Los Angeles area, and what promotional offers are running at the time you sign up. The Times frequently runs discounted introductory rates for the first few months, then moves to a standard monthly or annual price.
Key Takeaways
- Digital subscriptions let you read unlimited articles on latimes.com and the Los Angeles Times app, while print subscriptions deliver the newspaper to your home on publication days.
- New subscribers often receive promotional pricing for the first few months before the price increases to the standard rate.
- You can manage your subscription, pause delivery, or cancel through your account settings on the Los Angeles Times website.
- The Times offers different subscription options for readers in Southern California and those outside the region, with varying prices and delivery options.
How to start a digital subscription
Go to latimes.com and look for a "Subscribe" button, usually located in the top right corner of the page or within a paywall message when you hit your free article limit. Click it and you will be taken to the subscription page showing current pricing and plan options.
Select the digital plan that fits your needs — typically a monthly or annual option — and click to proceed. You will be asked to create an account with your email address and a password, or to sign in if you already have a Los Angeles Times account. Enter your payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal) and billing address, then confirm your purchase.
Once your payment processes, you will have when ready access to the full site. You can also read the Los Angeles Times app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in with the same email and password to read on your phone or tablet.
How to add a print subscription or switch to a bundle
If you already have a digital subscription and want to add print delivery, log into your account on latimes.com. Go to your account settings or subscription management page — this is usually under "My Account" or "Subscription" in the menu — and look for an option to upgrade or modify your plan.
Select the print plus digital bundle option and enter your delivery address. The Times will show you which days print editions are available in your area and confirm the new price. Your billing will update to reflect the bundle cost, usually charged monthly or annually depending on what you chose.
If you do not have a subscription yet and want to start with a bundle, you can select that option during the initial sign-up process on the subscription page. Bundles typically cost more than digital alone but less than buying print and digital separately.
Managing your subscription and making changes
Once you have an active subscription, you can pause, resume, or cancel it through your account settings. Log into latimes.com, go to your account menu, and select "Subscription" or "Manage Subscription." You will see your current plan, billing date, and renewal price.
To pause delivery temporarily — useful if you are traveling or want a break — select the pause option and choose how long you want to pause. The Times will hold your subscription and you can resume it whenever you are ready without losing your account or settings.
To cancel, select the cancel option and follow the prompts. The Times may offer you a discounted rate to stay, but you are not required to accept. Your access will end on your next billing date, and you will not be charged again.
Understanding promotional rates and price increases
The Los Angeles Times regularly offers new subscribers a discounted rate for the first few months — sometimes as low as $1 per month or a few dollars per week. This introductory price is clearly labeled during sign-up and will show you exactly when it expires and what your regular price will be.
After the promotional period ends, your subscription will renew at the standard rate, which is higher. The Times will send you an email before the price change takes effect, so you will know in advance. If you do not want to pay the higher rate, you can cancel before the renewal date and avoid the charge.
Existing subscribers sometimes receive renewal offers at discounted rates as well, especially if you have cancelled before or let your subscription lapse. These offers appear in emails or when you log into your account.
Troubleshooting access and account issues
If you have an active subscription but cannot read articles, first check that you are signed in. Look for a "Sign In" button at the top of latimes.com and enter your email and password. If you forgot your password, click "Forgot Password" and follow the email instructions to reset it.
If you are signed in but still see a paywall message, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then reload the page. If you are using the app, try signing out and signing back in. If the problem persists, contact the Los Angeles Times customer service through the "Contact Us" link on their website or through the app's help menu.
If you were charged but do not see an active subscription in your account, check your email for a confirmation receipt — it will have your subscription details and start date. If you do not see a confirmation, contact customer service with your payment information and they can look up your account.
Comparing the Los Angeles Times to other news subscriptions
The Los Angeles Times focuses on news, investigations, and opinion relevant to Southern California and beyond. If you want national news coverage, you might also consider subscriptions to outlets like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, or Washington Post, which have different editorial focuses and pricing.
Many readers subscribe to more than one news source depending on what topics matter to them. The Times is particularly strong on local Los Angeles stories, California politics, and entertainment news. You can start with a digital subscription to test whether the coverage matches what you are looking for before committing to a longer-term plan or adding print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read the Los Angeles Times for free?
The Times allows you to read a limited number of free articles per month before hitting a paywall. Once you reach that limit, you need a subscription to continue reading. The exact number of free articles varies and may change over time.
What payment methods does the Los Angeles Times accept?
The Times accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and PayPal. You can update your payment method in your account settings at any time.
Can I share my Los Angeles Times login with family members?
Your subscription is for your personal use. Sharing login credentials with people outside your household may violate the terms of service. The Times offers family or household plans in some cases — check your account settings or contact customer service to see what options are available in your region.
How do I contact Los Angeles Times customer service?
You can reach customer service through the "Contact Us" page on latimes.com, usually found in the footer of the website. The Times offers email support and may have a phone number for subscription issues. Response times vary depending on the method you choose.
What happens if I cancel my subscription?
Your access ends on your next billing date. You will not be charged again after cancellation. If you want to resubscribe later, you can do so at any time, though you may not receive the same promotional rate you had before.