Find and cancel subscriptions in Settings

Open Settings on your iPhone, then tap your name at the top of the screen. Select Subscriptions — you will see every active subscription tied to your Apple ID. Tap the subscription you want to cancel, then tap Cancel Subscription. Confirm the cancellation when prompted.

Your access ends on the date shown on the confirmation screen. You will not be charged again, but you keep access until that date passes. If you change your mind before the cancellation takes effect, you can resubscribe from the same screen without losing any data.

This method works for subscriptions to apps, streaming services, magazines, and other content purchased through the App Store. It does not work for subscriptions managed outside the App Store — for example, if you signed up for a service directly on its website using a web browser.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions to see all active charges tied to your Apple ID.
  • Tap the subscription you want to stop, then tap Cancel Subscription — you keep access until your current billing period ends.
  • Cancellation takes effect on your next billing date, so you will not be charged again after you confirm.
  • Subscriptions signed up for outside the App Store must be cancelled directly with the company, not through Settings.
  • You can resubscribe anytime from the same screen if you change your mind before your access expires.

Check your billing history to find forgotten subscriptions

If you do not remember what you subscribed to, your billing history shows every charge. In Settings, tap your name, then Media & Purchases, then Purchase History. Scroll through the list and look for recurring charges — they will show the same amount on the same day each month or year.

Tap any charge to see what it is for. If you do not recognize it, search the app name online or check your email for confirmation messages from Apple. Once you identify what you are paying for, go back to Subscriptions and cancel it using the steps above.

Stop subscriptions before your trial ends

Many apps offer free trials that automatically convert to paid subscriptions. If you do not want to be charged, cancel before the trial period ends. The cancellation date will be shown clearly when you tap the subscription in Settings.

You keep full access to the app or service through the end of your trial, even after you cancel. This means you can test the full version for free and only pay if you decide to keep it. Set a phone reminder a few days before your trial ends if you think you might forget.

Resubscribe if you cancelled by mistake

If you cancelled a subscription and want it back, go to Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions. Scroll down to Expired Subscriptions and find the one you want. Tap it and select Resubscribe. You will be charged starting on the date you resubscribe.

Your data and settings usually stay in place after cancellation, so resubscribing often restores your account to where you left it. However, some apps delete your data after a set period — check the app's policy if you are away for more than a few months.

Handle subscriptions you signed up for outside the App Store

If you created an account directly on a company's website or app — without going through the App Store — you cannot cancel through Settings. Instead, log into the service's website or app and look for Account Settings, Billing, or Subscriptions. The cancellation option is usually there.

If you cannot find it, look for a Help or Contact Us section and ask the company how to cancel. Keep your confirmation email from when you signed up, as it often contains a cancellation link or instructions. If the company charged your Apple ID but you signed up outside the App Store, contact Apple Support and ask them to help you dispute the charge.

Understand what happens after you cancel

When you cancel a subscription, you stop being charged on your next billing date. You keep access to the service until that date arrives — if your next charge was scheduled for March 15, you can use the app until March 14 at 11:59 p.m. After that, the app will usually ask you to resubscribe or show a limited version.

Some apps let you read your data before access ends. If the subscription includes content you created — photos, documents, or messages — read it before your access expires if you want to keep it. After cancellation, the company may delete your account and data after 30 to 90 days, depending on their policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Apple does not refund charges for the current billing period. You stop being charged on your next billing date, but you keep access until then. If you were charged by mistake or the company did not deliver what they promised, contact Apple Support to request a refund — they sometimes grant them for specific situations.

Can I pause a subscription instead of cancelling it?

Some subscriptions offer a pause option instead of cancellation. When you tap the subscription in Settings, look for a Pause button. If it is there, you can pause for a set period — usually 1 to 3 months — and your subscription will resume automatically. Not all apps offer this feature.

Why does an app still charge me after I cancelled?

Check that you cancelled through Settings, not just deleted the app. Deleting an app does not cancel the subscription. If you cancelled in Settings but were still charged, the charge may have gone through before your cancellation took effect. Contact Apple Support with your receipt and ask them to investigate.

What if I cannot find a subscription in Settings?

It may be tied to a different Apple ID. If you use multiple Apple IDs on your iPhone, sign out and sign in with each one to check all subscriptions. If you signed up through a website instead of the App Store, you will need to cancel directly with the company.

Can I cancel a family subscription?

Yes, but only the person who started the family subscription can cancel it. If you are a family member, ask the organizer to go to Settings, tap their name, then Subscriptions, and cancel from there. The subscription ends for everyone in the family on the next billing date.