What a LA Times subscription includes
A LA Times subscription gives you access to articles, investigations, and columns published by the Los Angeles Times. The newspaper offers several subscription tiers, each with different access levels and price points. The most basic option is digital-only access to the website and mobile app. Higher tiers add print delivery to your home, or both print and digital together.
Digital subscriptions let you read on any device — computer, phone, or tablet — through the LA Times website and their mobile app. Print subscriptions deliver the physical newspaper to your address on the days it publishes. Bundled subscriptions (print plus digital) give you both at once, usually at a lower combined price than buying them separately.
All subscriptions include access to the same news content, but print subscribers get the newspaper in hand, which some readers prefer for reading experience or archiving. Digital access is immediate — you can start reading within minutes of signing up. Print delivery typically begins within a few business days.
Key Takeaways
- LA Times offers digital-only, print-only, and bundled (print plus digital) subscriptions at different price points.
- Digital subscriptions start immediately after purchase and work on any web browser or mobile device.
- Print subscriptions take a few business days to begin delivery and are available in the Los Angeles area.
- You can pause, resume, or cancel your subscription through your account settings without calling customer service.
- The LA Times frequently offers introductory rates for new subscribers, especially for digital plans.
Pricing and subscription tiers
The LA Times publishes current pricing on their subscription page, but introductory rates for new digital subscribers typically start lower than the standard monthly price. Standard rates vary depending on whether you choose digital-only or print-plus-digital. Print-only subscriptions cost more than digital-only because of delivery costs.
Introductory offers often run for the first few months, then the price increases to the regular rate. The LA Times sends email reminders before your introductory period ends so you know what your renewal price will be. You can cancel before the renewal date if you do not want to continue at the full price.
Some subscriptions are billed monthly, others annually. Annual plans usually cost less per month than paying month-to-month, but require a larger upfront payment. You can change your billing frequency through your account settings.
How to start a digital subscription
Visit the LA Times subscription page and select the digital plan you want. You will need to create an account with an email address and password, or sign in with an existing Google or Apple account. Enter your payment method — credit card, debit card, or PayPal.
After payment processes, you can log in immediately and start reading. The LA Times sends a confirmation email with your account details and instructions for downloading the mobile app. You can read on the website by logging in, or download the app to your phone or tablet and log in there.
If you already have a free LA Times account (from reading articles without a subscription), you can upgrade that same account to a paid subscription. Your reading history and saved articles stay with your account.
How to start a print subscription
Print subscriptions are available in the Los Angeles area and some surrounding regions. Visit the LA Times subscription page and select a print or print-plus-digital plan. You will need to enter your delivery address so the newspaper knows where to send your copy.
The LA Times will confirm your address is in their delivery zone. If it is not, you will see a message that print delivery is not available there. In that case, digital-only is your option. Delivery typically begins within three to five business days after your subscription is confirmed.
Print subscriptions come with digital access included, so you get both even if you choose print-only. You do not need to pay extra for the digital version.
Managing your subscription and billing
Log into your LA Times account to see your subscription status, current plan, and next billing date. From your account settings, you can update your payment method, change your billing frequency, or pause your subscription temporarily.
Pausing stops your charges and delivery without canceling your account. You can resume at any time. Canceling ends your subscription permanently, though you can always start a new one later. Both actions take effect at the end of your current billing period, not immediately.
If you have a print subscription and want to skip delivery for a week or two (for example, while traveling), you can put your subscription on hold through your account. Delivery resumes on the date you choose.
Troubleshooting common subscription issues
If you cannot log in, use the "Forgot Password" link on the LA Times login page to reset your password. If you signed up with Google or Apple, make sure you are using the same method to log in. If you created a separate LA Times password, use that instead.
If you are not seeing articles you should have access to, try logging out and logging back in. Clear your browser cache or try a different browser. If the problem continues, contact LA Times customer service through the "Contact Us" link on their website.
If your print delivery is late or missing, check your account to confirm your address is correct and your subscription is active. Print delivery can be delayed by weather or holidays. If delivery is consistently late, contact customer service with your account number and the dates you missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read LA Times articles without a subscription?
The LA Times allows a limited number of free articles per month before a paywall appears. Once you hit that limit, you need a subscription to read more. Subscribing removes the article limit entirely.
What happens to my subscription if I move out of the print delivery area?
If you have a print-plus-digital subscription and move outside the delivery zone, your plan converts to digital-only at a lower price. You will receive an email notification before the change takes effect. If you have print-only, you will need to switch to digital-only or cancel.
Can I share my subscription with family members?
Your LA Times account is for your personal use. Sharing login credentials with others violates the terms of service. Some households purchase multiple subscriptions for different family members, or one person can log in on shared devices at home.
How do I get the introductory rate if I already have a subscription?
Introductory rates are typically for new subscribers only. If you have canceled your subscription and want to return, you may be may be able to access for a new-subscriber offer after a waiting period. Contact LA Times customer service to ask about your options.
Can I change my subscription plan after I sign up?
Yes. Log into your account and go to your subscription settings to upgrade from digital-only to print-plus-digital, or downgrade to digital-only. Changes take effect at your next billing date. If you upgrade mid-cycle, you may receive a prorated credit or charge depending on your plan.