Cancel through your New York Times account settings

The fastest way to cancel is to log into your New York Times account, go to your account settings, and select the option to manage your subscription. From there, you can choose to cancel immediately or at the end of your current billing period. The system will ask why you're leaving — you can skip this or answer it, but your answer doesn't affect whether the cancellation goes through.

If you subscribed through the New York Times website directly (not through an app or third-party service), this method works the same day. You'll receive a confirmation email within a few minutes. Your access ends either right away or on your next billing date, depending on which option you chose.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your New York Times account, find subscription settings, and select cancel — this takes about two minutes and works the same day.
  • If you subscribed through Apple, Google, or Amazon, you must cancel through that platform's app or account, not through the Times website.
  • The Times will ask if you want to cancel immediately or at the end of your billing cycle; choosing the end date lets you keep access until then.
  • If you subscribed by phone or have trouble accessing your account, call the Times customer service line at 1-800-698-4637 and have your account email ready.
  • After cancellation, you may see promotional offers to return — these are optional, and canceling again uses the same process.

Cancel a subscription bought through an app or third-party service

If you subscribed through Apple's App Store, Google Play, or Amazon, you cannot cancel through the New York Times website. You must cancel through the platform where you bought it. Each platform handles this differently, and the Times has no control over the cancellation once you've used a third-party payment method.

For Apple: Open the App Store app on your iPhone or iPad, tap your profile icon, select "Subscriptions," find the New York Times, and tap "Cancel Subscription." For Google Play: Open the Play Store app, tap your profile icon, select "Payments and subscriptions," then "Subscriptions," find the Times, and tap "Cancel subscription." For Amazon: Go to your Amazon account, select "Your Memberships and Subscriptions," find the Times subscription, and select "Cancel subscription."

After you cancel through the third-party platform, the Times will receive notice within a day or two. You'll keep access until your current billing period ends. If you don't see the cancellation reflected in your Times account after a few days, contact the Times customer service line to confirm it went through.

What happens to your account after cancellation

Once your subscription ends, you lose access to articles beyond the free monthly limit (usually three to five articles, depending on your account type). Your saved articles and reading history stay in your account, but you won't be able to read paywalled content. You can still log in and see your profile.

The Times will send promotional emails offering discounts to return. These offers are real — the Times regularly discounts subscriptions for returning customers — but you're under no obligation to take them. If you do want to resubscribe later, you can do so through the same method you originally used.

Cancel by phone if you can't access your account

If you've forgotten your password, can't log in, or prefer to cancel over the phone, call the New York Times customer service line at 1-800-698-4637. Have your account email address ready. A representative can cancel your subscription immediately and answer questions about refunds or billing.

Phone cancellations take the same amount of time as online cancellations — usually one to two business days to process. You'll receive a confirmation email after the call. This method is also useful if you subscribed through a method you no longer remember or if you're unsure which platform your subscription is tied to.

Understand refunds and billing cycles

The New York Times does not refund unused portions of your subscription. If you cancel mid-month, you lose access to the remainder of that month's subscription with no refund. However, if you choose to cancel at the end of your billing cycle instead of immediately, you keep full access until that date arrives.

If you were charged twice in one month or believe you were billed in error, contact customer service at 1-800-698-4637 with your billing statement. They can review the charge and issue a refund if warranted. Keep your confirmation email from cancellation in case you need to reference it during a dispute.

Reactivate your subscription later

If you cancel and then change your mind, you can resubscribe at any time using the same method. Log back into your account or download the app and select "Subscribe." The Times often shows returning customers a discounted rate — sometimes 50% off for the first month or a similar offer — but this is not may provide.

If you don't see a discount offer when you try to resubscribe, you can contact customer service to ask if one is available for your account. Promotional rates vary and are not always shown automatically on the sign-up page.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The New York Times does not refund the unused portion of your subscription. If you want to keep access through the end of your billing period, choose the "cancel at end of cycle" option instead of canceling immediately.

What if I subscribed through a gift or promotional code?

Gift subscriptions and promotional codes work the same way as regular subscriptions. Log into your account, go to subscription settings, and cancel. If the gift period hasn't ended yet, canceling ends your access immediately, and the remaining time is not refunded or transferred.

Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling?

The New York Times does not offer a pause option. You can only cancel or keep your subscription active. If you want to stop paying temporarily, cancel now and resubscribe later when you're ready to resume.

How long does it take for my cancellation to go through?

Online cancellations are immediate — you'll see a confirmation on screen and receive an email within minutes. Phone cancellations take one to two business days to process. If you subscribed through Apple, Google, or Amazon, allow an extra day or two for the platform to notify the Times.

What if the website won't let me cancel?

Try logging out and logging back in, or use a different browser. If the problem persists, call customer service at 1-800-698-4637. They can cancel over the phone and troubleshoot why the website isn't working for your account.