What a New York Times subscription gives you
A New York Times subscription lets you read articles on nytimes.com and the NYT mobile app without hitting the monthly article limit that free readers face. The Times uses a metered paywall — you can read a few articles free each month, but once you reach that limit, you need a subscription to continue.
The subscription includes access to all news sections: politics, business, sports, arts, science, and opinion. You also get access to the Times' games (crossword, Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and others) and the daily briefing emails. Some subscription tiers include the print edition delivered to your home, though that costs more.
The Times offers several subscription levels. The basic digital plan covers web and app access only. The bundle plan adds the Sunday print edition. The all-access plan includes the full print edition seven days a week plus digital access. Prices vary by region and change periodically, so the Times will show you current pricing when you start the signup process.
Key Takeaways
- You can sign up for a New York Times subscription directly on nytimes.com or through the NYT app by tapping your profile menu.
- The Times offers a discounted introductory rate for the first few weeks or months, after which your subscription renews at the regular price.
- You can pause your subscription for up to four weeks without canceling it entirely, which is useful if you need a temporary break.
- Your subscription works across devices — you can read on your phone, tablet, and computer with the same account.
- You can cancel anytime through your account settings; the Times does not require you to call or email.
How to start a subscription on the website
Go to nytimes.com and look for the "Subscribe" button, usually in the top right corner of the page. Click it and you will see the available plans with their current prices. Select the plan you want — digital only, bundle with Sunday print, or all-access with daily print.
The Times will ask you to create an account if you do not have one already. You will need an email address and a password. Then you will enter your payment information: a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. The Times will charge your payment method on the date your subscription renews each month or year, depending on which billing cycle you chose.
After you complete payment, you will see a confirmation page and receive a confirmation email. Your subscription is active when ready, and you can start reading right away. Bookmark your account settings page so you can manage your subscription later.
How to start a subscription on the mobile app
Open the New York Times app on your phone or tablet. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then tap your profile picture or name at the top. You will see a "Subscribe" option. Tap it to see the available plans.
Select your plan and the Times will walk you through creating an account and entering payment information. On iPhone, the app may route your payment through Apple's App Store billing system instead of directly to the Times. On Android, you can choose to pay through Google Play or directly through the Times. Both methods work; the difference is which company processes your payment.
Subscriptions purchased through the app work the same way as subscriptions purchased on the website — you use the same account and can read on any device. The app will remember your login, so you will not have to enter your password every time you open it.
Understanding the introductory rate and renewal price
When you first sign up, the Times usually offers a discounted introductory rate for the first few weeks or months. This might be $1 per week for the first four weeks, or a similar limited-time offer. The exact offer changes, and the Times will show you the introductory price and the regular renewal price before you pay.
After the introductory period ends, your subscription will renew at the regular price. The Times will send you an email a few days before the renewal date so you know what you will be charged. If you do not want to continue at the regular price, you can cancel before the renewal date and you will not be charged.
The introductory rate applies only to new subscribers. If you previously had a Times subscription and canceled it, you may not be offered the introductory rate again, though the Times sometimes makes exceptions. There is no harm in trying to sign up and seeing what offer appears.
How to manage your subscription in your account
Log into your New York Times account on nytimes.com or in the app. On the website, click your profile picture in the top right corner and select "Account" from the menu. On the app, tap the menu icon and then your profile picture. Look for a "Subscription" or "Manage Subscription" option.
From your subscription page, you can see your current plan, your renewal date, and your payment method. You can update your payment information if your card expires or you want to use a different card. You can also change your plan — for example, upgrade from digital-only to all-access, or downgrade to a lower tier. Plan changes take effect on your next renewal date.
If you want to temporarily stop your subscription without canceling it, look for a "Pause Subscription" option. The Times allows you to pause for up to four weeks. During the pause, you will not be charged, but your account will remain active and you can resume whenever you are ready. This is useful if you know you will want to come back but need a break.
How to cancel your subscription
You can cancel your New York Times subscription anytime through your account settings. You do not need to call customer service or send an email. Log into your account, go to your subscription page, and look for a "Cancel Subscription" or "Cancel Plan" button. The Times will ask you to confirm the cancellation and may offer you a discount to stay, but you can proceed with the cancellation if you choose.
When you cancel, your subscription will remain active until the end of your current billing period. If you paid for a month, you can read until the end of that month. If you paid for a year, you can read until the end of that year. You will not be charged again after the current period ends.
If you cancel and later want to subscribe again, you can sign up through the same process. You may or may not be offered an introductory rate depending on how long ago you canceled and the Times' current offers.
Troubleshooting common subscription issues
If you are seeing the paywall message even though you have a subscription, make sure you are logged into your account. On the website, check that your profile picture appears in the top right corner. On the app, check that you are logged in by tapping the menu icon and looking at the top of the menu. If you are not logged in, tap "Sign In" and enter your email and password.
If you are logged in but still seeing the paywall, try signing out and signing back in. On the website, click your profile picture and select "Sign Out." On the app, tap the menu icon, scroll down, and tap "Sign Out." Then sign back in with your email and password. This refreshes your subscription status on that device.
If you are trying to read on a new device and the paywall appears, you need to sign in with the same email address you used when you subscribed. The Times ties your subscription to your account, not to a specific device. Once you sign in on the new device, you will have full access.
If you were charged but do not see an active subscription, or if you have other billing questions, you can contact the Times' customer service through your account page. Look for a "Help" or "Contact Us" link in your subscription settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my New York Times subscription with family members?
The Times allows you to share your account with people in your household. You can give them your login information and they can sign in on their own devices. However, the Times' terms of service state that accounts are for personal use only, so sharing with people outside your household may violate the terms. The Times does not currently offer a family plan like some other news outlets do.
What happens to my subscription if I do not use it for a while?
Your subscription will continue to renew and you will be charged on your renewal date, even if you do not read any articles. If you know you will not be using it for a while, pause your subscription instead of letting it renew. You can pause for up to four weeks without being charged, and you can resume anytime.
Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?
The Times does not offer refunds for partial months or years. If you cancel, you keep access until the end of your current billing period, but you will not receive money back for the unused time. This is why pausing your subscription is a better option if you think you might want to come back soon.
Does a New York Times subscription include the crossword puzzle?
Yes, all subscription tiers include access to the Times' games, including the daily crossword, Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and others. Free readers can play one game per day, but subscribers can play unlimited games. You can also access past puzzles and solutions.
Can I change my subscription plan without canceling?
Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade your plan anytime through your account settings. Changes take effect on your next renewal date. If you upgrade to a more expensive plan, you may be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of your current billing period. If you downgrade, the credit typically applies to your next renewal.