Reclaim Your Budget: A Simple Guide to Canceling Subscriptions on iPhone and Android

It’s a common story: you sign up for a free trial, love it for a week, and then forget all about it. Months later, you notice a small, recurring charge on your bank statement. From streaming services to fitness apps and productivity tools, these small subscriptions can add up to a significant expense over time.

Fortunately, both Apple and Google make it relatively easy to find and cancel these subscriptions directly from your phone.¹ This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step for both iPhone and Android devices.

On Apple devices, most of your app-based subscriptions are conveniently managed in one central location through your Apple ID.²

Steps using the Settings App (Easiest Method):

1. Open the Settings App: Find the grey gear icon on your home screen and tap it.³

    

2. Tap Your Name: At the very top of the Settings screen, you'll see your name and profile picture.⁴ Tap on this banner to access your Apple ID, iCloud, and media settings.

    

3. Select "Subscriptions": On the next screen, you'll see a list of options.⁵ Tap on "Subscriptions".

    

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4. View Your Subscriptions: Your device will now show you a list of all your Active and Expired subscriptions tied to your Apple ID. This might take a moment to load.

5. Choose the Subscription to Cancel: Tap on the specific subscription you wish to end.

6. Cancel the Subscription: You'll see the details of the subscription, including the renewal date and cost. At the bottom, tap the red "Cancel Subscription" button.

7. Confirm Your Choice: A pop-up will ask you to confirm. It will also tell you that you can continue to use the service until the current billing period ends. Tap "Confirm".

That's it! The subscription is now set to cancel and will not charge you again. It will move to the "Expired" section after the final date passes.

On Android, subscriptions purchased through the Google Play Store are managed within the Play Store app itself.⁶

Steps using the Google Play Store App:

1. Open the Google Play Store: Find and tap the Play Store icon on your home screen or in your app drawer.

2. Tap Your Profile Icon: In the top-right corner of the screen, tap on your profile picture or initial.

3. Select "Payments & subscriptions": A menu will pop up. Tap on the "Payments & subscriptions" option.

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4. Choose "Subscriptions": On the next screen, tap on "Subscriptions".

5. View Your Subscriptions: You will now see a list of all your active subscriptions managed by Google Play.

6. Choose the Subscription to Cancel: Find the subscription you want to stop and tap on it.

7. Cancel the Subscription: On the "Manage subscription" screen, look for the "Cancel subscription" button at the bottom and tap it.⁷

    

8. Provide a Reason (Optional): Google may ask why you are canceling. You can select a reason or choose to decline to answer. Tap "Continue".

9. Confirm Your Choice: A final pop-up will appear to make sure you want to cancel.⁸ Tap "Cancel subscription" one last time.

    

The subscription is now canceled. Just like with an iPhone, you can typically use the service until the end of the paid period.

Sometimes, a subscription you want to cancel won't appear in your Apple or Google subscription list. This almost always means you signed up for it directly on the company's website, not through the app store.

Examples include Netflix, Spotify, or a subscription to a major newspaper.

If you can't find your subscription, here’s what to do:

1. Check the App Itself: Open the app you want to cancel. Look for a settings menu (often a gear icon) or an "Account" or "Profile" section. You can usually manage your subscription from there.

2. Visit the Service's Website: Go to the company's official website (e.g., Netflix.com, Spotify.com). Log in to your account and look for a "Billing," "Account," or "Subscription" section. The option to cancel will be there.

3. Search Your Email: Search your email inbox for receipts from the company. These emails often contain a link to "manage your subscription."

By regularly reviewing your subscriptions, you can take control of your spending and ensure you're only paying for the services you truly use and value.⁹ A quick five-minute check every few months can save you hundreds of dollars a year.