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 all active subscriptions tied to your Apple ID — apps, services, and memberships you pay for through the App Store.

Tap the subscription you want to stop. On the next screen, tap Cancel Subscription. The app will ask you to confirm; tap again to finish. Your subscription ends on the date shown — you keep access until that date, then it stops.

If you do not see Subscriptions in your Settings, you may be using an older version of iOS. Update your phone first by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

Key Takeaways

  • All App Store subscriptions are managed in Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions, not in the individual apps themselves.
  • Cancelling a subscription through Settings stops future charges but does not refund money already paid in the current billing period.
  • Your access continues until the end of your current billing cycle; cancellation takes effect on the renewal date.
  • Some subscriptions offer a free trial period, and you must cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged.
  • If you cancel and then change your mind, you can resubscribe to the same service at any time.

What happens after you cancel

Once you tap Cancel Subscription and confirm, the app stops charging you on your next renewal date. You will not be charged again. However, you keep full access to the service or app until that renewal date arrives — nothing cuts off immediately.

Apple sends a confirmation email to the address linked to your Apple ID. Check your email to make sure the cancellation went through. If you do not receive an email within a few minutes, go back to Settings > Subscriptions and check that the subscription is no longer listed as active.

Cancelling subscriptions started with a free trial

If you started a free trial and want to stop before being charged, the process is the same: Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions, tap the app, tap Cancel Subscription. The key is timing — you must cancel before the trial period ends, or you will be charged for the first billing cycle.

Mark the trial end date on your calendar or set a phone reminder a few days before it expires. Many people forget and get charged without realizing the trial was about to convert to a paid subscription.

Cancelling subscriptions from the App Store app

You can also manage subscriptions directly in the App Store app. Open App Store, tap the profile icon in the top right corner, then tap Subscriptions. The list and cancellation process are identical to the Settings method — tap the subscription, then tap Cancel Subscription.

Both routes lead to the same place in your Apple ID account, so it does not matter which one you use. Some people find the App Store method easier to remember because they are already in the store when they think of it.

If you cannot find a subscription to cancel

Subscriptions only appear in Settings or the App Store if they are billed through your Apple ID. Some apps handle billing outside the App Store — they collect payment directly through their own website or payment system. Those subscriptions will not show up in your iPhone settings.

If you subscribed through an app's own website (not the App Store), you need to cancel through that website or app instead. Log into the service on your computer or through the app itself, find the account or billing section, and look for a cancel or manage subscription option there. Check your email receipts to see which company charged you and where.

Requesting a refund after cancellation

If you cancelled a subscription but were still charged, or if you want a refund for the current billing period, you can request one from Apple. Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, tap your name, then tap Purchase History. Find the subscription charge, tap it, and select Report a Problem. Explain why you want a refund.

Apple reviews refund requests on a case-by-case basis. They are more likely to approve a refund if you cancelled before the billing date or if you cancelled within a few days of being charged. Refunds typically process within five to ten business days if approved.

Stopping unwanted charges from a hacked or shared account

If you see subscriptions in your account that you did not start, or if someone else has access to your Apple ID, cancel those subscriptions immediately through Settings. Then change your Apple ID password and enable two-factor authentication to lock down your account.

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Change Password. For two-factor authentication, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Two-Factor Authentication and turn it on. If you believe your account was compromised, also review your purchase history for other unauthorized charges and contact Apple Support to report the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose access to the app immediately after cancelling?

No. You keep full access until your current billing period ends. The cancellation takes effect on your renewal date, not right away. You will not be charged again, but you can still use the service for the time you already paid for.

Can I get a refund if I cancel in the middle of a billing cycle?

Apple does not automatically refund unused time, but you can request one. Open the App Store, go to Purchase History, find the charge, tap Report a Problem, and explain why you want a refund. Apple reviews each request individually and may approve it if you cancelled shortly after being charged.

What if I resubscribe to the same app later?

You can resubscribe at any time by opening the app or finding it in the App Store and selecting the subscription plan again. Your old data may or may not be saved depending on the app — some services keep your account active for a period after cancellation, while others delete it.

Do I need to delete the app to stop being charged?

No. Deleting the app does not cancel your subscription. You will still be charged on your renewal date even if the app is no longer on your phone. You must cancel through Settings or the App Store to stop charges.

Why do I see a subscription I do not remember starting?

Some apps charge for subscriptions that are not obvious — they may be hidden in settings or bundled with a free trial. Check your email for receipts from Apple to see when the subscription started. If you did not authorize it, cancel it immediately and consider changing your Apple ID password.