Where to find and cancel subscriptions in Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap your name at the top of the screen. Then tap Subscriptions. You will see a list of every app subscription tied to your Apple ID — both active subscriptions and ones you have already cancelled. Tap the subscription you want to stop, then tap Cancel Subscription. Confirm the cancellation when prompted.

The cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle. If you paid for a monthly subscription on the 15th, you keep access until the 15th of next month, then the subscription stops. You will not be charged again after that date. Apple does not refund the portion of the month you have already paid for.

If you cannot find a subscription in Settings, it may be managed through the app itself rather than through Apple. Open the app, look for Account, Settings, or Subscription in the menu, and follow the cancellation steps there. Some apps — particularly streaming services and news apps — handle cancellations inside the app instead of through Apple's system.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions to see all active and cancelled subscriptions in one place.
  • Cancelling a subscription stops future charges but does not refund money you have already paid for the current billing period.
  • Some apps manage their own subscriptions and require you to cancel inside the app rather than through Settings.
  • You can resubscribe to a cancelled app at any time by opening the app and selecting the subscription option again.
  • Check your subscriptions at least once a year to catch apps you no longer use.

How to spot subscriptions you forgot about

The Subscriptions list in Settings shows the price and billing date for each subscription. Scroll through and look for apps you have not opened in months. Many people discover they are still paying for apps they stopped using weeks or years ago.

If you want a clearer picture of what you are spending, open the App Store app, tap your profile picture in the top right, then tap Subscriptions. This view shows the same list but organized by price, which makes it easier to spot the expensive ones. You can also cancel from here by tapping the subscription and selecting Cancel Subscription.

What happens after you cancel

After you cancel, you lose access to the app's features on the date your subscription ends — not when ready. If you cancel a fitness app on the 10th but your billing date is the 20th, you can still use the app until the 20th. After that date, the app will usually show a message asking you to resubscribe.

Cancelling does not delete the app from your phone. The app stays installed, but you cannot use the features that required the subscription. You can delete the app manually if you want to remove it entirely, or leave it installed and resubscribe later if you change your mind.

Resubscribing to an app you cancelled

Open the app and look for a Subscribe button or option. Tap it and choose the subscription plan you want. You will be charged when ready for the new subscription, and your access restarts right away. The billing date resets to the day you resubscribe.

If you cancelled a subscription and want to come back to it later, you do not lose any data or settings. Your account information stays saved in the app, so you pick up where you left off.

Subscriptions that renew automatically

Most app subscriptions renew automatically on your billing date unless you cancel. This is why subscriptions can pile up without you noticing — the charge happens every month or year without a reminder. Some apps send a notification a few days before renewal, but not all.

If you see a charge on your credit card or bank statement from an app you do not recognize, go to Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions and search for it. You can cancel it there even if you do not have the app installed anymore.

Cancelling through the App Store instead of Settings

You can also manage subscriptions directly in the App Store app. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner, then tap Subscriptions. This shows the same list as Settings but in a different layout. Tap any subscription and select Cancel Subscription to stop it.

Both methods — Settings and the App Store — control the same subscriptions. Cancelling through either one stops the subscription. Use whichever method feels easier to you.

Subscriptions tied to family sharing

If you use Family Sharing on your iPhone, subscriptions can be set up to share with family members or to be individual. A subscription you pay for can be shared with others in your family group, or kept private to just your account.

When you cancel a shared subscription, it stops for everyone in the family group who was using it. If a family member set up the subscription, only they can cancel it — you will see it in your list but the cancel button will not be available. Ask the person who started the subscription to cancel it from their account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?

Apple does not refund the portion of your subscription you have already paid for. If you cancel on the 10th of a month but your billing date is the 30th, you keep access until the 30th but do not get money back. Some app developers offer refunds for cancellations within a few days of purchase — check the app's support page or contact them directly.

What if I cannot find a subscription in Settings?

The subscription may be managed by the app itself rather than through Apple. Open the app and look for Account, Settings, Subscription, or Billing in the menu. Some apps, particularly news and streaming services, handle cancellations inside the app. If you still cannot find it, try searching the App Store for the app name and looking at its subscription options there.

Will I lose my data if I cancel a subscription?

Cancelling a subscription does not delete your account or data in the app. Your profile, saved content, and settings stay in place. If you resubscribe later, you can access everything again. The app may not let you use premium features while the subscription is inactive, but your information is not erased.

How do I stop automatic renewal for a subscription?

Cancelling the subscription stops automatic renewal. Go to Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions, tap the app, and select Cancel Subscription. After your current billing period ends, the subscription will not renew. You will not be charged again unless you manually resubscribe.

Can I pause a subscription instead of cancelling it?

Apple does not offer a pause feature for most subscriptions. You either keep paying or cancel. Some individual apps may offer a pause option inside the app itself, so check there first. Otherwise, your only option is to cancel and resubscribe when you want to use it again.