The New York Times customer service phone number is 1-800-698-4637

That number reaches the Times' subscription department during business hours. You can use it to start a new subscription, change your plan, pause or cancel, update payment information, report delivery problems, or ask about your account. Wait times vary depending on call volume, but the line is staffed seven days a week.

If you are calling from outside the United States, the Times also publishes a separate international number on its contact page. The main 1-800 number may not work from all countries, so check nytimes.com/help/contact-us first if you are abroad.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-698-4637 to reach New York Times subscription support during business hours, seven days a week.
  • You can handle most subscription changes online through your account settings without calling, which is often faster than phone support.
  • The Times also offers support through email, live chat, and its help center, depending on what you need to do.
  • Have your account email address or subscription confirmation number ready when you call to speed up the process.

What you can do by phone versus online

Many subscription tasks are faster online than by phone. You can pause your subscription, change your payment method, update your email address, or modify your plan through your account settings at nytimes.com without waiting on hold. The online process usually takes a few minutes and does not require speaking to anyone.

Phone support is most useful when you have a specific problem — a charge you do not recognize, a delivery issue that has not resolved, or a question about what plan fits your needs. If you are canceling and want to discuss options before you go, a phone conversation can help. But if you simply need to make a change to an existing subscription, the website is usually your faster route.

What to have ready before you call

Gather your account information before dialing. Have the email address associated with your New York Times account, or your subscription confirmation number, ready to give to the representative. If your issue involves a charge or payment problem, have your billing statement or credit card statement in front of you so you can reference specific dates and amounts.

If you are calling about a delivery problem, note the date the issue started and whether it is affecting print delivery, digital access, or both. The more specific you are, the faster the representative can help you.

Alternative ways to reach the Times

The Times offers other contact methods if you prefer not to call. You can use live chat through your account page, which connects you to a representative without a phone call. Email support is also available through the help center, though responses typically take longer than phone or chat.

The New York Times help center at nytimes.com/help contains answers to common questions about billing, access, delivery, and account settings. Many issues — like resetting a password, checking your subscription status, or understanding what is included in your plan — can be resolved there without contacting support at all.

What to expect when you call

When you reach the subscription line, you will hear an automated menu. Listen for the option that matches your issue — new subscriptions, account changes, billing questions, or delivery problems. Selecting the right option routes you to the correct department faster.

Wait times depend on the day and time you call. Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be busier than evenings or weekends. If you reach a long hold time, you can ask the automated system to call you back instead of waiting on the line.

Canceling your subscription by phone

You can cancel online through your account settings, but some people prefer to cancel by phone to discuss options or ask questions before they go. When you call to cancel, the representative may offer you a discounted rate to stay, or may ask why you are leaving. You are not obligated to accept any offer or explain your reason.

If you cancel by phone, confirm that the cancellation is effective immediately or on a specific date, depending on what you requested. Ask for a confirmation number for your records. You should receive a confirmation email within a few hours.

If you have trouble reaching the number

If the 1-800-698-4637 number does not connect or you get a busy signal repeatedly, try calling during off-peak hours — early morning or late evening. You can also try the live chat or email options through the help center, which may have shorter wait times than phone support.

If you are having trouble accessing your account online, that is a separate issue from subscription billing. Go to nytimes.com/help/contact-us and look for the "Account Access" section, which may route you to a different support team than the subscription line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my subscription plan without calling?

Yes. Log into your account at nytimes.com, go to "Manage My Account," and select "Subscription." You can upgrade, downgrade, or switch between plans there. Changes take effect immediately or on your next billing date, depending on the plan.

What if I am charged twice in one month?

Call 1-800-698-4637 and have your billing statement ready. The representative can review your account history and issue a refund if a duplicate charge occurred. Keep your confirmation number for your records.

How long does it take to cancel a subscription?

Cancellation is immediate if you do it online or by phone. You lose access to your subscription at the end of your current billing period unless you request immediate cancellation. The representative will confirm the effective date when you call.

Is there a number for digital-only subscriptions versus print?

No — the same number handles all subscription types. When you call, the automated menu will ask what type of subscription you have, or you can tell the representative. They will route you to the right department.

What if I want to pause instead of cancel?

You can pause your subscription online for up to four weeks without canceling. Go to your account settings and select "Pause Subscription." This is faster than calling and you can resume whenever you are ready.