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Home › Cancel
Cancel & unsubscribe

How to cancel and unsubscribe

Deleting an app does not cancel its subscription, and some companies make leaving much harder than joining. Start with the main cancel guide, then find the steps for your category below.

Billed through Apple, Google Play, Amazon, PayPal, Roku or your phone bill? Cancel it there. Step-by-step for each place →

Cancel steps by category

TV remote apps

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions, and cancel there. Deleting the app does not cancel it.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile picture, then Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel.
  3. Cancel at least a day before a free trial ends to avoid the first charge.
  4. Save the cancellation confirmation email or a screenshot in case a charge appears later.

QR code and document scanner apps

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions, and cancel there. Deleting the app does not cancel it.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile picture, then Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel.
  3. Before cancelling, save any scans you need to your phone, email or cloud storage.
  4. Cancel before a trial ends; most trials renew automatically into a paid plan.

Flashlight, calculator and utility apps

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions, and cancel there. Deleting the app does not cancel it.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile picture, then Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel.
  3. After cancelling, remove any permissions you granted, such as location or contacts, in your phone's settings.
  4. Check your bank or card statement next month to confirm no new charges appear.

Photo and video editing apps

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions, and cancel there. Deleting the app does not cancel it.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile picture, then Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel.
  3. If you subscribed on the company's website, cancel in your account settings there; the app store cannot cancel it.
  4. Save or export your projects before the subscription ends, in case paid features lock afterward.

VPN apps

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions, and cancel there. Deleting the app does not cancel it.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile picture, then Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel.
  3. If you bought the plan on the VPN company's website, turn off auto-renew in your account there.
  4. Ask about the refund policy right away; some refund windows are short.
  5. After cancelling, remove the VPN profile from your phone's settings if one was installed.

Phone cleaner and antivirus apps

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions, and cancel there. Deleting the app does not cancel it.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile picture, then Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel.
  3. If you bought protection on a company's website, cancel and turn off auto-renew in your account there.
  4. On Android, check Settings for any device admin access you granted the app and turn it off before uninstalling.

Fitness and diet apps

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions, and cancel there. Deleting the app does not cancel it.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile picture, then Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel.
  3. If you signed up on the company's website, cancel in your online account there; deleting the app does nothing.
  4. Set a calendar reminder a few days before any trial ends so you can decide in time.

Dating apps

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions, and cancel there. Deleting the app does not cancel it.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile picture, then Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel.
  3. If you paid on the company's website, cancel in your account settings there. Deleting your profile may not cancel billing.
  4. Cancel first, then delete your profile, and keep the cancellation confirmation.

Streaming services

  1. Cancel where you signed up: the service's website, the App Store, Google Play, your TV device, or a bundle partner.
  2. Check your card statement to see which company is billing you for each service.
  3. For iPhone sign-ups, go to Settings, your name, Subscriptions. For Google Play, use Payments & subscriptions.
  4. You can often keep watching until the end of the paid period after cancelling.

Software subscriptions

  1. Sign in to your account on the software maker's website and turn off recurring billing or auto-renew.
  2. If you subscribed through the App Store or Google Play, cancel in their subscription settings instead.
  3. Save or export your files in a common format before your subscription ends.
  4. Keep the confirmation email and check your next statement.

Cloud storage

  1. On iPhone, go to Settings, your name, iCloud, then manage your storage plan to downgrade or cancel.
  2. For Google storage, manage or cancel your plan from your Google One account or Google Play subscriptions.
  3. Before downgrading, make sure your stored files fit the smaller limit, or download them first.
  4. If you go over the free limit, backups and new uploads may stop, so plan ahead.

Kids' games and in-app purchases

  1. For subscriptions inside a game, cancel in the App Store or Google Play subscription settings; deleting the game does not cancel it.
  2. Review your purchase history in your Apple account or Google Play to spot unexpected charges.
  3. For purchases a child made by mistake, request a refund through Apple's or Google's report-a-problem pages.
  4. Turn on Ask to Buy or purchase approvals right away to prevent repeat charges.

Meal kits and subscription boxes

  1. Sign in on the company's website and look under Account, Plan or Subscription settings for cancel or pause.
  2. Cancel before the weekly cutoff, or the next box may already be locked in and charged.
  3. Save a screenshot or email confirming the cancellation and the date.
  4. Check your next card statement; if charged after cancelling, contact the company, then your card issuer.

Gym memberships

  1. Read your contract for the cancellation method and notice period before you start.
  2. Cancel in the exact way the contract allows, and ask for written confirmation.
  3. If mailing a notice, use a trackable method and keep a copy of the letter.
  4. Watch your bank or card statements for charges after the cancellation date and dispute any you did not owe.

Food delivery fees

  1. Cancel delivery memberships in the app's account or membership settings, or on the company's website.
  2. If you subscribed through the App Store or Google Play, cancel in your phone's subscription settings. Deleting the app does not cancel it.
  3. Cancel trials at least a day before they end to avoid the first charge.
  4. Check for a confirmation email and watch your next statement.

Event ticket fees

  1. Most tickets are final sale; read the seller's refund policy before buying.
  2. If an event is canceled, check the seller's account page or email for refund steps and deadlines.
  3. If you were charged for an add-on you did not choose, contact the seller in writing right away.
  4. If a seller will not refund a canceled event as its policy says, contact your card issuer about a dispute.

Hotel, airline and rental car fees

  1. Cancel hotels inside the free-cancellation window and save the confirmation number.
  2. If an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you do not accept the change, you may be due a cash refund instead of a credit.
  3. Return rental cars on time with the agreed fuel level and take photos at drop-off.
  4. If a refund you are owed does not arrive, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Internet, cable and phone bills

  1. Call or chat with the provider and ask for the cancellation or 'disconnect' department; write down the date and the agent's name.
  2. Return rented equipment as instructed and keep the receipt or tracking number.
  3. Ask for written confirmation of the cancel date and your final bill amount.
  4. Check your last bill for charges after the cancel date and dispute any errors.

Credit score and credit report services

  1. Sign in to the service and look for membership, billing or subscription settings.
  2. If online cancel is not offered, contact the company in writing and keep a record.
  3. Cancel before any free trial ends to avoid the first charge.
  4. Your credit freezes stay in place even if you cancel a paid monitoring service.

Printer ink and printer subscriptions

  1. Sign in to the ink plan account on the printer maker's website and find subscription or plan settings.
  2. Before cancelling, buy regular cartridges if subscription cartridges will stop working.
  3. Note when the cancellation takes effect; some plans run to the end of the billing cycle.
  4. Follow any instructions to return used cartridges, and keep the confirmation email.

News and magazine subscriptions

  1. Sign in and look under account, subscription or billing settings for cancel options.
  2. If you subscribed through the App Store or Google Play, cancel there; deleting the app does not cancel it.
  3. If you must call or chat, write down the date, time and confirmation number.
  4. Cancel before the renewal date and check for a confirmation email.

Online courses and memberships

  1. Sign in and look under account, billing or membership settings for cancel options.
  2. If you joined through the App Store or Google Play, cancel in your phone's subscription settings; deleting the app does not cancel.
  3. Request refunds in writing within the stated refund window.
  4. Save confirmations and dispute unauthorized renewals with your card issuer.

People search and background check sites

  1. Sign in to your account and look for membership or billing settings to cancel.
  2. If no online option exists, contact the site in writing and keep records.
  3. Cancel right after downloading a one-time report if a membership was included.
  4. To remove your listing, use each site's opt-out page; repeat periodically, as listings can return.

Extended warranties and protection plans

  1. Check the plan's terms for cancellation; many offer a full refund within a set period and prorated refunds later.
  2. Contact the plan provider, not just the store, and ask for written confirmation.
  3. For monthly plans, cancel when you sell or replace the product.
  4. For car warranty plans financed with a loan, ask the lender to apply refunds properly.

Weather apps

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, tap Subscriptions, pick the app and tap Cancel Subscription.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, choose Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel there.
  3. Deleting or uninstalling the app does not cancel the subscription. You must cancel in the store settings.
  4. If the charge is not from Apple or Google, check your card statement to see who billed you and contact that company.

Wallpaper and ringtone apps

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, tap Subscriptions, pick the app and tap Cancel Subscription.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, choose Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel there.
  3. Deleting or uninstalling the app does not cancel the subscription. You must cancel in the store settings.
  4. Wallpapers you already set usually stay on your phone after you cancel, so you lose little by stopping.

Translator apps

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, tap Subscriptions, pick the app and tap Cancel Subscription.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, choose Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel there.
  3. Deleting or uninstalling the app does not cancel the subscription. You must cancel in the store settings.
  4. If you started a trial for a trip, cancel as soon as you get home, before the trial turns into a paid plan.

AI chat and AI photo apps

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, tap Subscriptions, pick the app and tap Cancel Subscription.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, choose Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel there.
  3. Deleting or uninstalling the app does not cancel the subscription. You must cancel in the store settings.
  4. If you subscribed on the maker's website instead, sign in there and cancel in account or billing settings.
  5. Check both app stores and your card statement if you tried more than one AI app.

Astrology and horoscope apps

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, tap Subscriptions, pick the app and tap Cancel Subscription.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, choose Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel there.
  3. Deleting or uninstalling the app does not cancel the subscription. You must cancel in the store settings.
  4. Remove any saved card inside the app if you bought advisor minutes, so new charges cannot start by accident.

Sleep and meditation apps

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, tap Subscriptions, pick the app and tap Cancel Subscription.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, choose Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel there.
  3. Deleting or uninstalling the app does not cancel the subscription. You must cancel in the store settings.
  4. If you signed up on the company's website, cancel there in your account settings. App store settings will not show it.
  5. After cancelling, check the expiration date shown so you know when access ends.

Language learning apps

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, tap Subscriptions, pick the app and tap Cancel Subscription.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, choose Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel there.
  3. Deleting or uninstalling the app does not cancel the subscription. You must cancel in the store settings.
  4. If you paid on the app's website, cancel in your account settings there, since the app store will not show it.

Mobile game coins, gems and passes

  1. Season passes and VIP memberships are subscriptions. Cancel them in App Store or Google Play subscription settings.
  2. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, tap Subscriptions, pick the app and tap Cancel Subscription.
  3. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, choose Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel there.
  4. One-time coin or gem purchases cannot be cancelled, but you can request a refund for accidental buys through Apple or Google.
  5. Deleting the game does not cancel a pass or membership, so cancel it in store settings first.

Password managers

  1. Before cancelling, export your passwords and import them into your new password manager so you do not lose access.
  2. If you subscribed in the app, cancel in App Store or Google Play subscription settings. Deleting the app does not cancel it.
  3. If you subscribed on the company's website, sign in there and turn off auto-renewal in billing settings.
  4. After moving, securely delete any exported password file, since it is not protected.

Keyboard and font apps

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, tap Subscriptions, pick the app and tap Cancel Subscription.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, choose Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel there.
  3. Deleting or uninstalling the app does not cancel the subscription. You must cancel in the store settings.
  4. Also remove the keyboard in your phone's keyboard settings and turn off any Full Access you granted it.

Call and text blocker apps

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, tap Subscriptions, pick the app and tap Cancel Subscription.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, choose Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel there.
  3. Deleting or uninstalling the app does not cancel the subscription. You must cancel in the store settings.
  4. If the blocker is billed by your phone company, cancel through your carrier account or a store visit, since it appears on your phone bill.
  5. After cancelling, turn on your phone's built-in screening so you are still protected.

Phone insurance and device protection

  1. If the plan is on your phone bill, cancel through your carrier's online account, by chat, or in a store.
  2. If you bought it from the phone maker or a store, cancel through that company's account page or support.
  3. If it was bought through an app subscription, cancel in App Store or Google Play subscription settings.
  4. Ask whether you get a refund for unused time and get a written confirmation of the cancellation.
  5. Check your next bill to make sure the charge is gone.

Music and audiobook subscriptions

  1. If you subscribed through an app, cancel in the App Store or Google Play subscription settings. Deleting the app does not cancel the plan.
  2. If you signed up on the service's website, sign in there and look for account or membership settings.
  3. Use any remaining audiobook credits before you cancel, since they may be lost.
  4. If the plan came through your phone carrier, cancel it through your carrier account.
  5. Keep the cancellation confirmation email and check your next statement.

Home security monitoring

  1. Read your contract for the cancellation method; some require a written notice or a set notice period.
  2. Send your cancellation in writing and keep a copy or delivery confirmation.
  3. Ask whether a move lets you transfer or end the contract without a penalty.
  4. If paid through an app, also cancel in the App Store or Google Play subscription settings.
  5. Watch your bank or card statements for charges after the end date.

Car connected services and feature subscriptions

  1. Sign in to the carmaker's app or website and look for subscriptions or connected services.
  2. If you paid through an app store, cancel in the App Store or Google Play subscription settings.
  3. Ask the dealer or carmaker in writing to cancel, and keep the confirmation.
  4. When selling or trading the car, end your plan and remove your account from the car.

Pet insurance

  1. Check your policy for how to cancel and whether a written notice is required.
  2. Ask whether you get a refund for any unused part of a prepaid premium.
  3. Cancel any separate wellness add-on too, since it may bill separately.
  4. Keep confirmation and check your bank statement for later charges.

Roadside assistance memberships

  1. If it's part of your car insurance, ask your insurer to remove it from the policy.
  2. For a standalone membership, check its website or contract for the cancellation steps.
  3. If it was added at a dealer, review your paperwork and ask about a prorated refund.
  4. If paid through an app, cancel in the App Store or Google Play subscription settings.

Retail and warehouse memberships

  1. Sign in to your store account and look for membership settings to turn off auto-renewal.
  2. If you joined through an app store, cancel in the App Store or Google Play subscription settings.
  3. Ask whether a refund is available for an unused membership period.
  4. Save the confirmation and check your card statement after the renewal date.

Satellite radio

  1. Check the provider's website for online cancellation; some allow it, others use chat or a call.
  2. Say clearly that you want to cancel, and decline offers if you don't want them.
  3. Get a confirmation number or email and keep it.
  4. When you sell or trade in a car, cancel or transfer the radio plan the same week.

Website, domain and hosting renewals

  1. Sign in to your account and turn off auto-renew for each domain or plan you don't want.
  2. Before cancelling hosting, download a backup of your website files and email.
  3. To move a domain, ask your current provider for the transfer steps and code.
  4. Ignore renewal letters from companies you don't do business with; check your own account instead.

Tax preparation software

  1. If you bought an annual software plan, sign in and turn off automatic renewal.
  2. If you paid through an app store, cancel in the App Store or Google Play subscription settings.
  3. Download and save a copy of your filed return before closing any account.
  4. If charged for an add-on you didn't want, contact the company and ask for a refund.

Genealogy and DNA test services

  1. Sign in to your account and turn off auto-renewal in membership or billing settings.
  2. If you subscribed in an app, cancel in the App Store or Google Play subscription settings.
  3. Download your family tree or research notes before your plan ends.
  4. Review DNA settings and ask how to delete your data if you no longer want it stored.

Identity theft protection services

  1. Sign in to the service's website and look for membership or billing settings.
  2. If you subscribed in an app, cancel in the App Store or Google Play subscription settings.
  3. Cancelling a paid service doesn't lift credit freezes you placed yourself at the bureaus.
  4. Keep your cancellation confirmation and check your next card statement.

Home warranties

  1. Read the contract's cancellation section; some require written notice.
  2. Ask whether you'll get a prorated refund and if a cancellation fee applies.
  3. If a plan came with a home purchase, turn off auto-renewal before it renews.
  4. Send your request in writing and keep proof it was received.

Bank account and overdraft fees

  1. To stop debit card overdraft fees, ask your bank to revoke your overdraft opt-in, by app, online or in a branch.
  2. Before closing an account, move automatic payments and direct deposits to your new account first.
  3. Leave enough money to cover any pending checks or charges, then ask the bank to close the account in writing.
  4. Get written confirmation that the account is closed with a zero balance, so no later fees appear.

Apartment and rental fees

  1. Read your lease for the notice period and how notice must be given, often in writing.
  2. Send your move-out notice in writing and keep a copy with the date.
  3. Ask in writing to remove optional add-ons like parking or storage you no longer use.
  4. Take dated photos at move-out and give a forwarding address for your deposit refund.

Utility and energy supply plans

  1. Check your contract for the end date and any early termination fee before cancelling.
  2. Contact the supplier to cancel, or ask your utility how to return to its standard service.
  3. Watch your next bill to confirm the supplier's name and rate have changed.
  4. If you were switched without agreeing, contact your utility and your state utility commission.

Moving companies

  1. Ask the mover, before booking, how to cancel and whether any deposit is refundable.
  2. Cancel in writing, such as by email, and keep a dated copy.
  3. If you paid by credit card and are refused a promised refund, ask your card issuer about a dispute.
  4. For interstate movers, you can file a complaint at protectyourmove.gov.

Car dealer add-ons and fees

  1. Many service contracts and some add-ons can be cancelled later; read the contract for the cancellation section.
  2. Ask the dealer or contract company for cancellation in writing and keep a copy.
  3. If the add-on was financed, ask how any refund will be applied to your loan.
  4. If you hit a wall, contact your state attorney general's consumer protection office.

Buy now, pay later and rent-to-own

  1. Returning an item does not always stop pay-later payments right away; contact the plan provider and keep paying until the refund posts.
  2. Use the plan provider's official app or website to see balances and payoff options.
  3. For rent-to-own, read the agreement for how to return the item and end payments.
  4. Ask whether paying off early lowers your total cost, and get the payoff amount in writing.

Money transfer and check cashing fees

  1. For international transfers, you can generally cancel within 30 minutes after sending, unless the money was already picked up or deposited.
  2. Contact the transfer company right away using the details on your receipt.
  3. Report errors on an international transfer within 180 days of when funds were due to arrive.
  4. If the company won't help, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Parking fees and parking apps

  1. Cancel parking app memberships in your App Store or Google Play subscription settings; deleting the app does not cancel them.
  2. If you subscribed on the app's website, cancel in your account settings there.
  3. Remove saved cards from apps you no longer use.
  4. If you paid through a fake QR code, contact your bank or card issuer right away.

Timeshares and vacation clubs

  1. Read your contract right away for the cancellation period; many states set a short window to cancel after signing.
  2. Cancel exactly as the contract says, usually in writing, and send it in a way you can track.
  3. After that window, contact the developer directly to ask about any surrender or exit options.
  4. Be wary of anyone promising to get you out for an upfront fee.

Funeral services

  1. Before paying, review the itemized statement and remove anything you did not ask for.
  2. For prepaid funeral plans, read the contract for cancellation and refund terms, which are often set by state law.
  3. Ask where prepaid money is held and get that answer in writing.
  4. If you have a problem, contact your state funeral board or attorney general, and report it to the FTC.

Prepaid debit cards

  1. Spend down or withdraw your balance first, choosing the cheapest way to do it.
  2. Contact the card company through its official app or website and ask to close the card.
  3. Ask how to get any remaining balance back, and whether a fee applies.
  4. Stop any direct deposits to the card before closing it.

Rideshare and taxi fees

  1. Cancel ride-pass subscriptions in the app's account settings, or in App Store or Google Play subscriptions if billed there; deleting the app does not cancel.
  2. Cancel a ride quickly after booking to reduce the chance of a fee.
  3. Use the official app's help section to dispute cleaning or cancellation fees.
  4. For taxis, ask for a receipt and contact your local taxi regulator about overcharges.

Homeowners insurance

  1. Have a new policy in place and confirmed in writing before cancelling the old one, so there is no gap
  2. If your premium is paid through a mortgage escrow account, tell your lender about the new policy
  3. Ask the old insurer for written confirmation of the cancellation date
  4. Ask how any refund of unused premium is figured; rules vary by state
  5. If you have trouble, contact your state insurance department

Commercial property insurance

  1. Line up and confirm replacement coverage before cancelling, so the business is never uninsured
  2. Check your lease and loan papers; landlords and lenders often require proof of coverage
  3. Send the cancellation request in writing and keep a copy with the date
  4. Ask how any refund of unused premium will be calculated; it varies by policy and state

Renters insurance

  1. Start the new policy before ending the old one, especially if your lease requires coverage
  2. Cancel in writing with your insurer and ask for a confirmation with the end date
  3. If you bought coverage through your landlord or a leasing portal, cancel there too
  4. Ask how any refund of unused premium is figured; rules vary by state

Flood insurance

  1. If your mortgage lender requires flood coverage, check with them before cancelling
  2. Before switching insurers, confirm the new policy's start date so coverage does not lapse
  3. Request cancellation in writing and keep the confirmation
  4. Ask your agent how a cancellation affects any refund and future pricing

Auto insurance

  1. Never cancel until the new policy is active; a lapse can cause problems in many states
  2. If your car is financed or leased, send the lender proof of the new policy
  3. Cancel in writing or through your insurer's account and get a dated confirmation
  4. Ask how any refund of unused premium is figured; rules vary by state
  5. Turn off automatic payments for the old policy once cancellation is confirmed

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