Open Settings and find your subscriptions

To cancel an app subscription on iPhone, start in the Settings app on your home screen. Tap your name at the top of Settings, then select "Subscriptions." This screen shows every subscription tied to your Apple ID — both active and expired ones.

If you do not see a Subscriptions option, your device may be running an older version of iOS. On older iPhones, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iTunes & App Store, then tap your Apple ID at the top and select "View Apple ID." You will then see a Subscriptions section. The Subscriptions menu has been in the standard location since iOS 13.1, so updating your device is the fastest way to find it if it is missing.

Key Takeaways

  • Subscriptions are managed through Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions on any iPhone running iOS 13.1 or later.
  • Canceling a subscription stops future charges but does not refund money already paid for the current billing period.
  • You can downgrade to a lower tier instead of canceling entirely, which keeps your service active at a reduced cost.
  • Cancellation takes effect on your next billing date, and you keep access to the app until that date arrives.
  • You can request a refund within 14 days of a charge by reporting the transaction as a problem in your purchase history.

Select the subscription you want to cancel

On the Subscriptions screen, you will see a list of all active subscriptions. Tap the one you want to cancel. The screen will show you the subscription name, the price you pay, and when your next billing date is.

Read the renewal date carefully. If you cancel today, you will keep access to the app until that date. After that date passes, the app will no longer work unless you resubscribe. Some apps show a countdown to your renewal date, which helps you plan whether to cancel before the next charge hits.

Tap "Cancel Subscription" and confirm

On the subscription details screen, tap "Cancel Subscription" at the bottom. A menu will appear asking you to confirm. Select "Confirm" or "Stop Subscription" depending on your iOS version.

Some subscriptions show a reason screen asking why you are canceling. You can select a reason or skip this step. Your choice here does not affect whether the cancellation goes through — it only sends feedback to the app developer. Apple does not use your reason to block the cancellation or to try to keep you subscribed.

Verify the cancellation worked

After you confirm, the subscription details screen will change. Instead of showing a renewal date, it will say "Expires on [date]" or "This subscription has been canceled." This confirms the cancellation is complete.

You will not receive a refund for the current billing period. If you were charged yesterday and cancel today, you have paid for the full month. The cancellation only stops charges from happening on your next renewal date. The app will continue to work until that expiration date, so you get the full value of what you already paid.

Downgrade instead of canceling if you want to keep the service

Some subscriptions offer multiple tiers or pricing levels. Instead of canceling entirely, you can downgrade to a cheaper option. On the subscription details screen, look for "Change Subscription Level" or a similar button.

Downgrading takes effect on your next billing date, just like cancellation does. You will pay the lower price going forward, but you keep the service active without any gap in access. This option works well if you use the app but want to reduce what you spend on it each month.

What happens after you cancel

Once your current billing period ends, the app will stop working. You will see a message asking you to resubscribe when you try to open it. Some apps let you use a free version with limited features after your subscription ends, while others lock you out completely.

If you change your mind before your renewal date, you can resubscribe at any time. Go back to Settings > Subscriptions, find the app, and tap "Resubscribe." You will be charged immediately for a new billing period. Resubscribing does not restore any data you lost after the subscription ended — check the app's policy before you let your subscription lapse if you want to keep your information.

Cancel through the App Store if Settings does not work

If you cannot reach your subscriptions through Settings, you can cancel from the App Store app instead. Open the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top right corner, select "Subscriptions," find the app you want to cancel, and tap "Cancel Subscription."

This route produces the same result as canceling through Settings. Use it if you are having trouble navigating the Settings menu or if your device is acting up. Both methods connect to the same Apple ID account, so canceling through either one stops your charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund for a subscription I just canceled?

Refunds depend on how recently you were charged. If you canceled within 14 days of being charged, you can request a refund through the App Store. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iTunes & App Store, tap your Apple ID, select "Purchase History," find the charge, and tap "Report a Problem." Apple reviews refund requests but does not may provide approval.

What if I cannot find the Subscriptions option in Settings?

Your iPhone may be running iOS 12 or earlier. Update to the latest iOS version by going to Settings > General > Software Update. If you still cannot find Subscriptions after updating, try going to Settings > [Your Name] > iTunes & App Store, tap your Apple ID, and look for a Subscriptions section there.

Will I lose my data if I cancel a subscription?

Most apps delete your data when your subscription ends, but some save it in case you resubscribe. Check the app's settings or help section to see what happens to your information. If the app uses cloud storage, you may be able to download your data before canceling.

Can I cancel a subscription from the App Store instead of Settings?

Yes. Open the App Store app, tap your profile icon in the top right, select "Subscriptions," find the app, and tap "Cancel Subscription." This route works the same way as canceling through Settings and produces the same result.

What if the app keeps charging me after I canceled?

Check your Subscriptions screen to confirm the cancellation went through — look for "Expires on" instead of a renewal date. If it shows as canceled but you were still charged, report the transaction as a problem in your purchase history within 14 days. Contact Apple Support if the charges continue after you report them.