Where to cancel depends on which device you bought the subscription on
App subscriptions live in your device's app store account, not in the app itself. This means you cancel through Apple, Google, Amazon, or Microsoft — not by opening the app and looking for a cancel button. The store you bought it from is the only place that can stop the charge.
If you bought the subscription on an iPhone or iPad, you cancel in Apple's App Store. If you bought it on an Android phone, you cancel in Google Play. If you bought it through Amazon's Appstore or a Windows app, those have their own cancellation paths. Trying to cancel inside the app itself will not stop your next bill.
The cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period. You keep access to the app until that date passes, then the subscription ends and you lose premium features (though you may still use a free version if one exists).
Key Takeaways
- Cancel app subscriptions through your device's app store account, not through the app itself — Apple App Store for iPhone, Google Play for Android, Amazon Appstore for Amazon devices.
- Cancellation stops future charges but does not refund money you already paid; your access continues until your current billing period ends.
- You can cancel anytime, even on the last day of your billing cycle, and the change takes effect when that cycle ends.
- If you cannot find the subscription in your app store account, check whether you bought it through the app's own website instead of the store.
How to cancel on iPhone or iPad
Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. 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. Tap the subscription you want to cancel.
On the subscription details screen, tap Cancel Subscription. Apple will ask you to confirm and may show you a discount offer to keep you subscribed. Tap Confirm Cancellation to finish. You will get a confirmation email from Apple, and your subscription ends on the date shown on that screen.
If you do not see the subscription in your list, it may have been purchased through the app's own website rather than the App Store. In that case, you need to contact the app company directly or log into their website to cancel.
How to cancel on Android
Open the Google Play app on your Android phone or tablet. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner, then tap Payments and subscriptions. Tap Subscriptions to see your active list.
Tap the subscription you want to cancel. On the subscription details page, tap Cancel subscription. Google will ask you to confirm your reason (this is optional) and show your cancellation date. Tap Cancel subscription again to finish. Your subscription ends on the date shown, and you will receive a confirmation email.
If you are using an older version of Android or a phone without Google Play, you may need to visit play.google.com in a web browser instead. Log in with the same Google account, navigate to your subscriptions, and cancel from there.
How to cancel on Amazon devices
If you bought the subscription through Amazon Appstore on a Kindle, Fire tablet, or Fire TV, open the Appstore app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines). Tap Subscriptions, then tap the subscription you want to cancel. Tap Cancel Subscription and confirm.
You can also manage Amazon subscriptions through your Amazon account online. Visit amazon.com, go to Your Account, then Subscriptions and Memberships. Find the app subscription in the list and click Cancel. The change takes effect at the end of your current billing period.
What happens after you cancel
Once you cancel, the app store sends you a confirmation email with your cancellation date. You keep full access to the subscription until that date arrives. On the day after your billing period ends, the app will either show you a free version (if one exists) or ask you to subscribe again to use it.
You will not be charged again after the cancellation date. If you were charged after canceling, contact the app store's support team with your confirmation email and the unexpected charge date. Apple, Google, and Amazon all offer refunds for accidental charges within a certain window, usually 48 hours to a few days depending on the store.
If you want to use the app again later, you can resubscribe anytime. Your old data usually stays in the app, but this is not may provide — some apps delete your information after a subscription ends.
If the subscription does not appear in your app store account
Some apps let you buy subscriptions directly through their own website instead of through an app store. If you cannot find the subscription in Apple, Google, or Amazon's list, it was likely purchased this way. Check your email for a receipt from the app company itself (not from Apple, Google, or Amazon) to confirm.
To cancel a direct subscription, visit the app company's website, log into your account, and look for a subscriptions or billing section. You may need to contact their support team if you cannot find a cancel option. Keep your receipt email handy — it usually contains a customer service link or email address.
Some apps also offer a free trial that converts to a paid subscription automatically. If you want to avoid the charge, cancel before the trial period ends. The cancellation date shown in your app store account tells you exactly when the trial ends and the paid subscription would begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund for the subscription I just paid for?
Most app stores offer refunds within a limited window — usually 48 hours for Google Play and up to 14 days for Apple, though this varies. Contact the app store's support team with your receipt and explain why you want the refund. Amazon and Microsoft have similar policies. Refunds for subscriptions purchased directly through an app's website depend on that company's own refund policy.
What if I cancel but still get charged next month?
Contact the app store where you bought it with your cancellation confirmation email and the unexpected charge. Provide the charge date and amount. The store's support team can investigate whether the cancellation went through and issue a refund if it did not. Keep records of all your confirmation emails.
Do I lose my data when I cancel?
Most apps keep your data even after your subscription ends, but this is not may provide. Some apps delete your information after a certain period. Check the app's privacy policy or contact the company before canceling if you want to keep your data. You can always resubscribe later and your information may still be there.
Can I pause a subscription instead of canceling it?
Some apps and app stores offer pause or hold features that temporarily stop charges without fully canceling. Check your subscription details in the app store to see if this option is available. If not, you will need to cancel and resubscribe later if you want to use the app again.
How do I cancel a free trial before it becomes paid?
Cancel the same way you would cancel a paid subscription — through your app store account. The cancellation takes effect at the end of the trial period, so you will not be charged. Mark your calendar with the trial end date to make sure you cancel in time if you do not want to pay.