Find and cancel a subscription in Settings

Open Settings 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. Tap the subscription you want to cancel, then tap Cancel Subscription. Confirm the cancellation when prompted.

The subscription ends on your next billing date — you keep access until then, even after you cancel. If you cancel mid-cycle, you do not get a refund for the time you have already paid. Some apps offer a free trial period; cancelling before the trial ends stops the charge from starting.

If you cannot find the subscription in Settings, it may be tied to a different Apple ID. Check which email address you used when you first signed up for the app, then sign into Settings with that account.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions to see all active charges tied to your Apple ID.
  • Cancelling a subscription stops future charges but does not refund money already paid for the current billing period.
  • You keep using the app until your next billing date, even after you cancel.
  • If you cannot find a subscription in Settings, it may be under a different Apple ID you used to read the app.
  • Cancelling a free trial before it ends prevents the paid subscription from starting.

Cancel directly from the app instead

Some apps let you cancel from within the app itself, though this route is slower and less reliable than using Settings. Open the app, look for an Account, Settings, or Subscription menu — usually found in a profile icon or hamburger menu at the bottom or top of the screen. Tap Manage Subscription or Cancel Subscription if you find it.

Even if the app shows a cancel option, the change may not process when ready. After cancelling in the app, go back to Settings and verify that the subscription no longer appears in your Subscriptions list. If it still shows as active after a few minutes, cancel it through Settings instead.

What happens after you cancel

Your subscription ends on the date it was set to renew. Until that date arrives, you can still use the app and all its features. After the renewal date passes, the app will either stop working or show a paywall asking you to subscribe again.

If you change your mind within a short window — usually 30 days — you can resubscribe and sometimes restore your previous access level. Open the app and look for a Restore or Resubscribe button. You will be charged again starting from the day you resubscribe.

Cancelling a free trial without being charged

When you start a free trial, set a reminder on your phone for the day before the trial ends. Open Settings, go to Subscriptions, find the app, and tap Cancel Subscription. As long as you cancel before the trial period ends, you will not be charged.

Do not wait until after the charge appears — cancelling after you have been billed means you will need to request a refund separately. Apple sometimes grants refunds for accidental charges or cancelled trials if you ask within a few days of the charge.

Request a refund for a subscription you did not mean to buy

If you were charged for a subscription you did not authorize, or if you cancelled a free trial but were still charged, you can request a refund through your Apple ID. Go to Settings, tap your name, then tap Media & Purchases. Tap View Account, then scroll down and tap Purchase History. Find the charge you want to dispute, tap it, and select Report a Problem.

Describe what happened — for example, "I cancelled the free trial before it ended but was still charged" or "I did not authorize this subscription." Apple reviews the request and usually responds within a few days. If approved, the refund goes back to your original payment method.

Refunds are not automatic. Apple is more likely to approve a refund if you cancelled the subscription promptly and this is your first dispute. If you request refunds frequently, future requests may be denied.

Turn off auto-renewal to prevent accidental charges

Some subscriptions renew automatically unless you turn off auto-renewal. In Settings, go to Subscriptions, tap the app, and look for a toggle labeled Auto-Renew or Turn Off Auto-Renewal. If the toggle is on, tap it to turn it off. The subscription will still be active until the current billing period ends, but it will not charge you again after that date.

Turning off auto-renewal is different from cancelling. With auto-renewal off, you keep access through the end of your paid period, then the subscription stops. You can turn auto-renewal back on at any time if you want to continue paying.

Check your billing history if you see unexpected charges

If you notice a charge on your credit card or Apple ID that you do not recognize, check your purchase history to see which app it came from. Go to Settings, tap your name, then Media & Purchases. Tap View Account, then Purchase History. Scroll through recent charges and look for the amount that appeared on your bill.

Once you find the charge, tap it and select Report a Problem. Explain that you do not recognize the purchase or that you cancelled the subscription but were still charged. Include the date the charge appeared on your statement. Apple will investigate and may refund the amount if the charge was unauthorized or made in error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get my money back if I cancel mid-cycle?

No. Cancelling stops future charges, but you do not get a refund for the current billing period. You keep using the app until the next billing date. If you believe you were charged unfairly, you can request a refund through your Apple ID, but it is not automatic.

Can I cancel a subscription if I forgot which Apple ID I used?

Yes. Go to Settings and check which Apple ID is currently signed in. If the subscription is not listed there, sign out and sign in with the other email address you use for Apple services. Your subscriptions will appear under the correct account.

What if the app does not appear in my Subscriptions list?

The subscription may be under a different Apple ID, or it may have already been cancelled. Check Settings with each Apple ID you own. If you still cannot find it but see charges on your credit card, contact Apple Support directly with your billing statement.

Can I pause a subscription instead of cancelling it?

Most apps do not offer a pause feature. Your only options are to keep the subscription active or cancel it. Some services let you downgrade to a cheaper plan instead of cancelling entirely — check the app's account settings to see if that option exists.

How long does it take for a cancelled subscription to stop charging?

The cancellation takes effect on your next billing date. If your subscription renews on the 15th and you cancel on the 10th, you will not be charged again. You keep access until the 15th arrives.