What a Houston Chronicle subscription includes

A Houston Chronicle subscription gives you access to news, sports, and local coverage through the newspaper's website and mobile app. The Chronicle offers several subscription tiers — a basic digital plan, a print-plus-digital plan, and a print-only plan — each with different access levels and pricing. Print subscribers receive the physical newspaper delivered to your home on days it publishes, while digital subscribers read stories online without a print edition.

Digital access includes the full website, the mobile app for iOS and Android, and the e-edition (a digital replica of the print newspaper). Print subscribers also get digital access included with their subscription. The Chronicle's paywall means some articles are free to read each month, but a subscription removes that limit and lets you read as many stories as you want.

Key Takeaways

  • The Houston Chronicle offers digital-only, print-only, and print-plus-digital subscription plans at different price points.
  • Digital subscriptions include access to the website, mobile app, and e-edition without receiving a physical newspaper.
  • Print subscriptions include digital access, so you get both the physical paper and online reading.
  • You can pause, change, or cancel your subscription through your account settings or by contacting customer service.
  • The Chronicle's website shows you how many free articles you have left each month before the paywall appears.

How to set up a digital subscription

To start a digital subscription, go to houstonchronicle.com and look for the subscription prompt or link, usually near the top of the page. You will create an account with your email address and password, then choose your subscription plan. The site will ask for a payment method — a credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment option — and a billing address.

After you complete the purchase, you can log in immediately and start reading. The Chronicle typically sends a confirmation email with your account details and instructions for downloading the mobile app. If you have trouble logging in or accessing content after subscribing, the customer service team can reset your password or troubleshoot access issues.

Print subscription delivery and timing

Print subscriptions are delivered to your home address on the days the Chronicle publishes — typically seven days a week, though some areas may have different schedules. Delivery usually happens in the early morning, but the exact time varies by neighborhood and carrier. You can check your delivery schedule and report missed papers through your account or by calling customer service.

If you move or need to change your delivery address, update it in your account settings or contact the subscription department. Changes typically take effect within one to two business days. If a paper fails to arrive, you can report it through your account, and the Chronicle will either redeliver it or credit your account.

Pricing, billing, and payment methods

The Houston Chronicle's subscription prices vary depending on which plan you choose and any promotional offers available at the time you sign up. Introductory rates for new subscribers are often lower than the standard renewal price. The Chronicle charges your payment method on a regular schedule — weekly, monthly, or annually depending on your plan — and sends a receipt by email each time.

You can update your payment method, billing address, or billing frequency through your account settings at any time. If a payment fails, the Chronicle will typically attempt to charge your card again and send you a notice. If you have questions about a charge or need to dispute a transaction, customer service can review your billing history and make corrections if needed.

Pausing, changing, or canceling your subscription

You can pause your subscription temporarily through your account settings if you are traveling or need a break without losing your subscription. A pause typically lasts 30 days, after which your subscription resumes automatically. If you want to change your plan — for example, switching from digital-only to print-plus-digital — you can do that in your account without canceling and restarting.

To cancel, log into your account and select the cancellation option, or contact customer service directly. The Chronicle will ask why you are canceling, but you are not required to provide a reason. Your access ends on the date your current billing period expires, and you will not be charged again after that date. If you cancel mid-cycle, you do not receive a refund for unused time.

Accessing your subscription on multiple devices

Your Houston Chronicle subscription works on any device where you log in with your account credentials. You can read on the website using a web browser, download the mobile app on your phone or tablet, and access the e-edition on any device. You can be logged in on multiple devices at the same time — there is no limit to how many phones, tablets, or computers you can use.

If you forget your password or have trouble logging in on a particular device, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. The app may require you to log in again after a software update or if you have not used it for a long time. If you continue to have access problems after resetting your password, contact customer service with the device type and the error message you see.

Troubleshooting common subscription issues

If you see the paywall message even though you have a subscription, you are likely not logged in. Log out and log back in, or clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. If you are logged in but still cannot read articles, your subscription may have expired or your payment may have failed — check your account settings to see your subscription status and renewal date.

If the mobile app is not showing your subscription, try logging out of the app, closing it completely, and logging back in. Make sure you are using the official Houston Chronicle app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, not a third-party app. If you have a print subscription but cannot access digital content, contact customer service to confirm that digital access has been added to your account — sometimes it takes a few hours to activate after you purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read Houston Chronicle articles without a subscription?

Yes. The Chronicle allows you to read a limited number of free articles each month before the paywall appears. Once you reach that limit, you will need a subscription to continue reading. The number of free articles varies and is displayed on the website.

Does a print subscription include digital access?

Yes. All print subscriptions include full digital access to the website, mobile app, and e-edition at no extra cost. You do not need to purchase a separate digital subscription if you already have print delivery.

What happens if I do not receive my newspaper?

Report the missed delivery through your account or by calling customer service. The Chronicle will attempt to redeliver the paper or credit your account for the missed issue. Repeated delivery problems should be reported so the carrier can be contacted.

Can I change my subscription plan without canceling?

Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade your plan through your account settings. Changes take effect on your next billing date. If you upgrade mid-cycle, you may be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of your current billing period.

What should I do if my payment was declined?

Check that your card information is current and that your card has not expired. Update your payment method in your account settings. The Chronicle will attempt to charge your card again, usually within a few days. If the problem continues, contact customer service to discuss payment options.