What you get with a Los Angeles Times subscription
A Los Angeles Times subscription gives you access to news, investigations, and local coverage across print, digital, and mobile platforms. The Times offers several subscription tiers: digital-only (web and app), print-only (home delivery or mail), and print-plus-digital bundles. Which option you choose depends on whether you want the physical newspaper, online access, or both.
Digital subscriptions include unlimited articles on latimes.com, the mobile app, and the Times' newsletters. Print subscriptions deliver the newspaper to your home on the days it publishes. Print-plus-digital bundles combine both. Pricing varies by subscription type and how long you commit — monthly plans cost more per month than annual plans.
The Times also offers a student rate for people with a valid .edu email address, and sometimes runs promotional rates for new subscribers. Existing subscribers can pause or resume their subscription without cancelling.
Key Takeaways
- Digital subscriptions cost less than print but print-plus-digital bundles give you both the website and the newspaper for a middle price.
- You can start, pause, or cancel your subscription through your online account at latimes.com/account without calling customer service.
- Student rates are available if you have a current .edu email address, and you can verify your status during signup.
- The Times frequently offers introductory rates for the first month or three months, so check for current promotions before paying full price.
- Print delivery is available in Los Angeles County and some surrounding areas; check your zip code on the subscription page to confirm service in your location.
How to start a digital subscription
Go to latimes.com and click the subscribe button, usually located at the top of the page. You will be asked to choose between digital-only, print-only, or print-plus-digital. Select digital-only if you want web and app access only.
Next, you choose your billing cycle — monthly or annual — and review the current rate. The Times often shows a promotional rate for the first billing period, then the regular rate after that. Read the terms carefully so you know what you will pay in month two. Enter your email address, create a password, and provide payment information (credit card, debit card, or PayPal).
After you complete payment, you can log in immediately and start reading. Your account settings at latimes.com/account let you manage your subscription, update payment methods, and pause or cancel anytime.
How to start a print subscription
Print delivery is available in Los Angeles County and parts of Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, and Kern counties. Before you start, check whether your zip code is in the delivery area by entering it on the subscription page at latimes.com/subscribe.
If your address qualifies, select print-only or print-plus-digital during signup. You will choose how many days per week you want delivery — seven days (daily), weekends only, or weekdays only. Pricing depends on the frequency and whether you add digital access. Provide your delivery address, billing address (if different), email, and payment method.
Print subscriptions typically begin within three to five business days. You can track your first delivery date in your account. If you do not receive a paper on a scheduled delivery day, contact customer service through your account or call the number on your billing statement.
Managing your subscription and making changes
Log in to latimes.com/account to see your current plan, billing date, and payment method. From there, you can pause your subscription for up to three months without losing your account or being charged. Pausing is useful if you are traveling or temporarily do not want to be billed.
To upgrade from digital-only to print-plus-digital, or to change your print delivery frequency, go to your account settings and select "Manage Subscription." The system will show you the new rate and the effective date of the change. Some changes take effect immediately; others begin on your next billing date.
If you need to update your payment method, delivery address, or email, those changes are also made in your account settings. You do not need to contact customer service for routine changes.
Cancelling your subscription
You can cancel your subscription anytime through your account at latimes.com/account without a penalty. Click "Manage Subscription" and select the cancel option. The system will ask you why you are cancelling and may offer you a discounted rate to stay — you can accept or decline.
After you cancel, your access ends on the last day of your current billing period. If you cancel mid-cycle, you will not receive a refund for unused days. If you change your mind, you can restart your subscription at any time, though you may not receive the same introductory rate you had before.
If you have trouble cancelling through your account, you can contact customer service, but the online method is faster and does not require you to speak with anyone.
Student subscriptions and promotional rates
The Los Angeles Times offers a reduced rate for students with a valid .edu email address. During signup, select the student option and enter your school email. You will be asked to verify your student status, usually by confirming your email or providing additional information. Student rates are typically much lower than standard rates and renew at the student price as long as your .edu email remains active.
The Times also runs promotions for new subscribers — common offers include the first month at a reduced rate, three months at a discounted price, or a percentage off the annual rate. These promotions change frequently and are usually shown on the subscription page. If you see a promotion, note the terms: some require you to stay subscribed for a minimum period, while others let you cancel anytime.
Troubleshooting common subscription problems
If you cannot log in to your account, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. If you do not receive the password reset email, check your spam folder or try again after a few minutes. If you still cannot access your account, contact customer service through the help section at latimes.com.
If your print subscription is not arriving, first check your account to confirm your delivery address is correct and your subscription is active (not paused). If the address is correct and the subscription is active, contact customer service and report the missing delivery. They can redeliver the paper or credit your account. Delivery issues are usually resolved within one business day.
If you are charged twice in one billing cycle or see an unexpected charge, log in to your account and review your billing history. Contact customer service with the charge date and amount, and they will investigate. Duplicate charges are usually reversed within a few business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read the Los Angeles Times without a subscription?
The Times allows a limited number of free articles per month before a paywall appears. Once you hit the limit, you need a subscription to read more. The exact number of free articles varies, but it is typically between five and ten per month.
What happens to my subscription if I move out of the delivery area?
If you move outside the print delivery zone, your print subscription will end on your next billing date. You can switch to digital-only to keep reading the Times online. Contact customer service if you want to make this change before your next billing date.
Can I gift a subscription to someone else?
The Times does not currently offer gift subscriptions through its website. However, you can purchase a subscription for someone else by using their email address during signup and paying with your payment method. They will receive a confirmation email and can set up their own password.
Do I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?
No. Subscriptions are billed in advance for the full billing period, and cancellations do not result in refunds for unused time. Your access ends on the last day of the period you have already paid for.
How do I update my payment method?
Log in to latimes.com/account, go to "Billing & Payment," and select "Update Payment Method." Enter your new card or payment information and save. The new method will be used for your next billing date.