It’s surprisingly easy to get caught out by unexpected subscription payments, but it’s just as simple to avoid them.

How to Cancel Digital Subscriptions on Your Apple and Google Accounts

It’s surprisingly easy to get caught out by unexpected subscription payments, but it’s just as simple to avoid them.

In today’s digital age, managing subscriptions for streaming services, fitness apps, cloud storage, software, and more can quickly become overwhelming. With the sheer number of platforms offering monthly or annual memberships, it’s no surprise that many people lose track of what they’ve signed up for. Whether it’s that enticing free trial you forgot to cancel or a fitness app you no longer use, keeping an eye on your subscriptions is vital for staying in control of your finances.

Both Apple and Google make it incredibly simple to subscribe to apps and services via their stores. However, they also provide straightforward ways to review and cancel these subscriptions to prevent unnecessary charges. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check and cancel your digital subscriptions on Apple and Google devices — ensuring you’re only paying for the services you truly need.

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Why Managing Subscriptions Is Important

The subscription model has become the norm across digital services, but this convenience comes at a cost. Monthly and annual fees can add up quickly, especially when free trials automatically convert into paid plans. Additionally, services such as Apple and Google make it so easy to subscribe with a single tap that it’s common to lose track of payments.

Performing a regular subscription audit can help you:

• Avoid unexpected charges.
• Save money by cancelling unused services.
• Stay organised by keeping your subscriptions relevant to your needs.

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Subscriptions via Apple’s App Store

When you subscribe to an app or service through the Apple App Store, the payment is charged through your Apple ID-linked payment method. Apple provides an easy way to view and cancel active subscriptions directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Managing Subscriptions on iPhone or iPad

1. Open the App Store on your device.
2. Tap your profile picture at the top right.
3. Select Subscriptions from the menu.
4. You’ll see a list of all active and recently cancelled subscriptions.
5. Tap Sort to organise the list by name, renewal date, or price.
6. Choose any subscription to view more details, such as the renewal frequency and price.
7. If you want to cancel, simply tap Cancel Subscription.

For certain subscriptions, like Apple One, you may also have the option to change your plan rather than cancel it outright.

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Subscriptions on Mac

1. Open the Mac App Store and click your profile picture at the bottom left.
2. Choose Account Settings.
3. Click Manage next to Subscriptions.
4. Select any subscription to view details and cancellation options.

You’ll have the same options as you would on iOS: you can cancel active subscriptions or resubscribe to cancelled ones that are still visible within the last year.

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Renewal Receipts and Payment Alerts

On the subscriptions page, there is a Renewal Receipts toggle. If you enable this feature, you’ll receive an email notification every time a subscription renews or a payment is taken. This is an excellent way to stay on top of your active subscriptions and catch any unwanted renewals.

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Subscriptions via Google Play Store

If you’re using an Android device, your subscriptions for apps and services are managed through the Google Play Store. Like Apple, Google allows you to check your active subscriptions, cancel plans, and renew expired ones directly through your account.

Managing Subscriptions on Android

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Tap your profile picture at the top right.
3. Select Payments & Subscriptions > Subscriptions.
4. You’ll see a list of all active and cancelled subscriptions.
5. Tap any subscription to view details such as the billing amount, the next payment date, and the payment method used.
6. To cancel a subscription, select it and tap Cancel Subscription.
7. If you want to restart a subscription, choose Resubscribe.
8. To remove an expired subscription from the list, tap Remove.

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Managing Google Subscriptions on a Desktop Browser

You can also manage your Google subscriptions from any desktop browser:

1. Open the Google Play Store website and sign in.
2. Click your profile picture at the top right.
3. Select Payments & Subscriptions > Subscriptions.
4. Click Manage next to any subscription to view its details or cancel it.
5. Choose Resubscribe to renew a previously cancelled subscription.

Like the mobile interface, you can see how much you’re paying, when the next payment is due, and what payment method is being used.

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Subscriptions Outside of Apple and Google Accounts

It’s important to note that some subscriptions may not appear in your Apple or Google account if you signed up directly on a service’s website or through another platform. To ensure you have a complete overview of your subscriptions, follow these steps:

1. Check Bank Statements

Your bank account and credit card statements provide valuable clues about your subscriptions. Look for recurring charges that happen monthly or annually and investigate anything unfamiliar. Some charges may be labelled under a different name, so make sure you search thoroughly.

2. Search Your Email Inbox

Many subscription services send receipts and renewal reminders via email. Run a search in your inbox using keywords like “subscription,” “receipt,” “payment,” or the names of services you remember signing up for. Don’t forget to check all your email addresses if you have multiple accounts for different purposes.

3. Subscription Management Apps

There are also third-party apps, such as Truebill, Trim, and Rocket Money, that help track and manage your subscriptions in one place. These apps can send you alerts when subscriptions renew and even cancel services on your behalf (although some features may require payment).

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Tips to Avoid Unwanted Subscriptions

• Cancel free trials before they end: Set a reminder to cancel free trials a few days before the trial period expires to avoid unexpected charges.
• Opt for annual subscriptions only if you’re committed: While annual subscriptions may save money in the long run, they’re harder to cancel if you change your mind.
• Keep track of multiple accounts: Many people have multiple Apple IDs or Google accounts. Ensure you’re reviewing the correct account to see all your subscriptions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cancel a subscription without losing access immediately?
When you cancel a subscription, you’ll typically retain access until the end of the current billing cycle. For example, if your billing period ends on the 30th, you can cancel on the 15th and still use the service until the 30th.

Can I get a refund after cancelling a subscription?
Refund policies vary. Apple and Google may offer refunds under certain conditions, but these are usually handled case-by-case.

Will deleting an app cancel its subscription?
No, deleting the app doesn’t automatically cancel your subscription. You’ll need to cancel it through your account settings.

Can I cancel Apple One and keep some services?
Yes, when you cancel Apple One, you can choose to keep certain individual services, such as iCloud or Apple Music, rather than losing access to all services at once.

What happens if I don’t resubscribe to an expired subscription?
If you don’t resubscribe, the service will stop working after the subscription’s expiration date, but you can usually resubscribe at any time.

Are there cheaper alternatives to subscribing via Apple or Google?
Yes, some services offer discounted rates if you sign up directly on their website rather than through the app stores, as this avoids the platform’s commission fees.

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Conclusion

Taking control of your digital subscriptions can lead to significant savings and less financial stress. Both Apple and Google make it easy to manage subscriptions directly from your devices, allowing you to stay informed about your billing and cancel services you no longer need. By following this guide and conducting regular subscription audits, you’ll avoid unnecessary charges and ensure you’re only paying for services that add value to your life.

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Suggested Links

Internal Links:

• Guide to Apple One Plans and Pricing
• How to Use Google Play Points Effectively

External Links:

• Apple Support – Subscriptions
• Google Play Help – Manage Subscriptions