What a National Geographic subscription includes
A National Geographic subscription gives you access to the magazine, the National Geographic website, and digital content through their apps. The exact package depends on which subscription type you choose — there are separate options for the print magazine alone, digital-only access, or both together.
Print subscribers receive the monthly magazine by mail. Digital subscribers get access to the National Geographic website and the National Geographic+ app, which includes back issues, videos, documentaries, and photo galleries. Some subscriptions bundle both formats, though the cost is higher than either alone.
National Geographic also offers a standalone streaming service called National Geographic+ (sometimes called National Geographic+) that focuses on documentaries and series, separate from the magazine subscription. This is a different product with its own cost and sign-up process.
Key Takeaways
- National Geographic offers print-only, digital-only, and combined subscriptions at different price points.
- Digital access includes the website, the National Geographic+ app, and back issues going back several years.
- National Geographic+ streaming (documentaries and series) is a separate subscription from the magazine.
- Subscription costs and renewal terms vary depending on promotional offers and the plan you choose.
- You can manage your subscription, pause it, or cancel through your National Geographic account online.
Print subscription: what arrives and when
Print subscribers receive the monthly National Geographic magazine delivered to their address. Issues typically arrive in the middle of the month, though timing can vary by region and postal service. Each issue includes feature articles, photography, maps, and science reporting on topics like nature, archaeology, culture, and exploration.
Print subscriptions usually run for one year at a time. When your subscription is about to expire, National Geographic sends renewal notices by mail and email. You can renew online through your account, by phone, or by mail — the method depends on how you originally subscribed.
If you move, you can update your mailing address through your National Geographic account online. Changes usually take effect within one to two billing cycles. If an issue fails to arrive, you can request a replacement through customer service.
Digital access: website, app, and archives
Digital subscribers and combined subscribers can read articles on the National Geographic website without a paywall. The National Geographic+ app (available on iOS and Android) gives you access to the full magazine as it appears in print, plus video content, photo galleries, and documentaries.
Digital subscriptions include access to back issues, typically going back several years. The exact range of available archives depends on your subscription type. You can search articles by topic, author, or date, and save stories to read later or share with others.
To use the app, you download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then sign in with the email and password you used to set up your subscription. If you have trouble signing in, National Geographic's support site has troubleshooting steps, or you can contact their customer service team by email or phone.
National Geographic+ streaming: documentaries and series
National Geographic+ is a separate streaming service focused on documentaries, series, and films. It is not included with a magazine subscription — you must purchase it separately. The service includes content like nature documentaries, historical series, science programming, and adventure shows.
National Geographic+ is available through the National Geographic website, the National Geographic+ app, and sometimes through other platforms like Disney+ (depending on your region and which bundle you choose). Pricing and availability vary by country and by whether you subscribe directly or through another service.
If you subscribe to National Geographic+ through Disney+, you may have access to National Geographic content as part of a bundle. Check your Disney+ account to see what is included in your plan.
Cost, billing, and renewal
Subscription costs vary based on the type of subscription (print, digital, or combined) and current promotional offers. National Geographic frequently runs discounts for new subscribers, especially during sales events. The renewal price after your first term may differ from the introductory price.
Billing happens automatically on the date your subscription renews each year. You can view your billing history and upcoming renewal date in your National Geographic account. If you want to change your subscription type — for example, from print-only to combined — you can do that through your account settings, though the change may not take effect until your next renewal date.
Payment methods accepted include credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes PayPal or other digital payment options, depending on how you set up your account. If your payment method fails, National Geographic typically sends a notice asking you to update it before your subscription is paused or cancelled.
How to manage, pause, or cancel your subscription
You can manage your subscription through your National Geographic account on their website. Log in with your email and password, then go to your account settings or subscription page. From there you can view your subscription status, update your billing information, change your mailing address, or pause your subscription.
To pause a subscription, you typically have the option to suspend it for a set period (often one to three months) rather than cancelling outright. This keeps your account active and prevents you from losing your subscription history. When the pause period ends, billing resumes automatically unless you cancel instead.
To cancel, go to your account settings and select the cancel option. National Geographic may ask why you are cancelling and may offer a discount to keep you as a subscriber. Once cancelled, you lose access to digital content immediately, though print issues already paid for will still be delivered. You can resubscribe at any time.
Troubleshooting common subscription issues
If you are not receiving your print magazine, check that your mailing address is correct in your account. If it is correct and an issue is still missing, contact National Geographic customer service with your subscription number and the issue date. They can investigate delivery delays or send a replacement.
If you cannot sign into the National Geographic+ app or website, try resetting your password through the login page. Make sure you are using the email address associated with your subscription. If you still cannot access your account, National Geographic's support site has step-by-step troubleshooting, or you can reach customer service by email or phone.
If you were charged twice or see an unexpected charge, log into your account and check your billing history. If the charge appears to be an error, contact customer service with your transaction details. They can review the charge and process a refund if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give a National Geographic subscription as a gift?
Yes. National Geographic offers gift subscriptions through their website. You choose the subscription type (print, digital, or combined), the length (usually one year), and provide the recipient's mailing address or email. The recipient receives a gift notification, and the subscription begins on the date you specify.
What happens to my digital access if my subscription expires?
Once your subscription expires, you lose access to the National Geographic website and app. If you had a combined subscription, your print issues stop arriving and your digital access ends on the same date. You can renew your subscription at any time to restore access.
Is National Geographic+ included with a magazine subscription?
No. National Geographic+ (the streaming service) is a separate product from the magazine subscription. You must purchase it separately, either directly from National Geographic or through a bundle like Disney+. A magazine subscription does not include access to National Geographic+ streaming.
Can I change from print to digital or vice versa?
Yes. You can change your subscription type through your account settings. The change usually takes effect at your next renewal date, not immediately. If you want the change to happen sooner, contact customer service to discuss your options.
How do I update my mailing address for print delivery?
Log into your National Geographic account and go to your profile or account settings. Update your mailing address there. The change typically takes effect within one to two billing cycles. If you are moving soon, update your address as early as possible to avoid missed issues.