What you get with a Time subscription
A Time magazine subscription delivers the print edition to your home on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule, depending on which plan you choose. You also receive access to Time.com, where you can read articles online and browse the archive. Some subscription tiers include the Time+ digital membership, which unlocks additional content and removes ads from the website.
The magazine itself arrives in your mailbox, not through email. Print subscriptions typically start within two to four weeks of purchase, though this varies by your location and the time of year you order. Digital access usually begins immediately after you complete your purchase.
Time also sells single issues at newsstands and through their website if you want to try the magazine before committing to a subscription.
Key Takeaways
- Time subscriptions come in print-only, digital-only, or combined plans, with prices varying based on the length of your commitment.
- Print delivery typically takes two to four weeks to begin, while digital access starts right away.
- You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time, though refund policies depend on how you purchased it.
- Time.com access is included with most subscriptions, and some plans add Time+ for ad-free reading and exclusive articles.
- Student and military discounts are sometimes available directly through Time's website.
Subscription plans and pricing
Time offers several subscription options. Print-only subscriptions run weekly or bi-weekly depending on the plan. Digital-only subscriptions give you access to Time.com and the Time+ membership. Combination plans bundle both print and digital together.
Prices vary based on how long you commit. A one-year subscription costs more per issue than a multi-year commitment. Time frequently runs promotional offers, especially around holidays, so the price you see today may not be the price someone else sees next week. The best way to know the current rate is to visit Time.com directly or call their subscription line.
Some employers and organizations offer Time subscriptions as a benefit, so check whether your workplace or school provides one before purchasing on your own.
How to start or change your subscription
You can order a Time subscription through Time.com, by phone, or through third-party subscription services like Amazon Prime Reading or Apple News+. Each route has different terms, so read what you are agreeing to before you complete the purchase.
When you order, you will need to provide your mailing address for print delivery and an email address for your account login. If you order a print subscription, Time will send you a confirmation email with your account number and expected delivery date. Save this email — you will need the account number if you contact customer service later.
To change your subscription (pause it, upgrade to a different plan, or add digital access), log into your Time account online or call their customer service line. Changes usually take effect within one billing cycle.
What happens if you move or your address changes
Update your mailing address in your Time account as soon as you know it is changing. You can do this online or by calling customer service. If you do not update it, your magazine will go to your old address, and the post office will not forward magazines.
If your magazine went to the wrong address and you did not receive it, contact Time with your account number and the issue date. They can sometimes remail it or credit your account, depending on how long ago it was sent. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of getting a replacement.
Cancellation and refunds
You can cancel your Time subscription at any time. How you cancel depends on where you bought it. If you subscribed through Time.com, log into your account and cancel online, or call their customer service number. If you subscribed through a third-party service like Amazon or Apple, you cancel through that service instead.
Refund policies vary. Subscriptions purchased directly from Time are usually refundable on a pro-rata basis — meaning you get back the cost of the issues you have not yet received. Subscriptions purchased through third-party services follow that service's refund policy, which may be different. Read the terms before you buy so you know what to expect.
If you cancel mid-subscription, you will continue to receive issues through the end of your paid period. You will not receive a refund for those remaining issues unless the subscription was purchased very recently.
Troubleshooting common problems
If your magazine stops arriving, first check that your address is correct in your account. Then wait one week — mail delivery can be delayed. If it still has not arrived after a week, contact Time with your account number and the issue date you are missing. They will investigate and either resend it or credit your account.
If you are having trouble logging into Time.com, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. If you subscribed through a third-party service, your Time.com login may be different from your subscription account login — check your confirmation email to see which credentials to use.
If you were charged twice or see an unexpected charge on your card, contact Time customer service right away with your account number and the charge date. They can review your billing history and correct errors.
Student and military discounts
Time sometimes offers discounted rates for students and active military members. These discounts are not always advertised on the main subscription page, so check Time.com directly or call their subscription line to ask what rates are currently available. You will usually need to provide proof of status — a student ID or military ID — when you order.
Discounts and may be able to access requirements change, so what was available last year may not be available now. Calling ahead takes two minutes and can save you money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give a Time subscription as a gift?
Yes. Time sells gift subscriptions through their website. You choose the length and plan, provide the recipient's address, and Time sends a gift notification. The subscription usually begins within two to four weeks. You can also purchase a gift subscription for someone who already subscribes — it will extend their current subscription.
What if I want to read Time but do not want it delivered to my home?
You can read Time online through a digital-only subscription, which costs less than print. You can also read individual articles on Time.com without a subscription, though you may hit a monthly article limit. Single print issues are available at most newsstands and through Time's website.
Does my subscription include access to Time's archives or past articles?
Digital subscriptions and Time+ memberships include access to Time.com's archive of articles. Print-only subscriptions do not include online archive access, though you can purchase Time+ separately to add it. Check your subscription confirmation to see what is included in your plan.
Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling it?
Yes. Most subscriptions can be paused for a set period — usually up to three months — without canceling. Log into your account or call customer service to request a pause. When the pause ends, your subscription resumes automatically.
How do I know if my subscription is active?
Log into your Time account online and check your subscription status. You will see your plan type, renewal date, and billing information. If you cannot log in, use the password reset link or call customer service with your account number.