If you’ve ever signed up for a free trial or subscribed to a service through the App Store—like Apple Music, Netflix, or a fitness app—you’ll want to know how to manage and cancel those subscriptions to avoid unwanted charges. Apple makes it easy to control all your active subscriptions directly from your iPhone.
In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to view, manage, and cancel subscriptions on your iPhone, along with tips for avoiding accidental renewals and handling billing issues.
Why It’s Important to Manage Your Subscriptions
Many iPhone users sign up for multiple app-based services that renew automatically. Some common examples include:
- Streaming services: Netflix, Disney+, YouTube Premium
- Cloud storage: iCloud+, Dropbox
- Fitness apps: Peloton, MyFitnessPal
- Productivity tools: Notion, Evernote, Adobe apps
- In-app purchases and trials: Meditation apps, games, newsletters
If left unchecked, these can continue charging your Apple ID without notice. Managing your subscriptions regularly can:
- Help you save money
- Avoid surprise charges
- Give you control over your app spending
How to View Active Subscriptions on iPhone
To check all your current subscriptions:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap your Apple ID name at the top.
- Tap Subscriptions.
Here, you’ll see a list of:
- Active subscriptions: currently billing you.
- Expired subscriptions: previously canceled or ended.
Each item will show:
- The subscription name
- Billing frequency (weekly, monthly, yearly)
- Renewal date
- Cost per billing cycle
How to Cancel a Subscription on iPhone
To stop a subscription from auto-renewing:
- Go to Settings > [your name] > Subscriptions.
- Tap the subscription you want to cancel.
- Tap Cancel Subscription.
- Confirm cancellation.
Note: If you’re still in a free trial, canceling will typically let you use the service until the trial period ends.
Once canceled:
- You’ll still have access until the end of the current billing period.
- The subscription will not renew.
Example: Canceling an Apple Music Subscription
- Open Settings and tap your name.
- Tap Subscriptions.
- Select Apple Music from the list.
- Tap Cancel Subscription and confirm.
Your Apple Music subscription will remain active until the current period ends.
How to Re-subscribe to a Service
Changed your mind? You can re-subscribe easily:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions.
- Scroll to the Expired section.
- Tap the service you want to renew.
- Choose a plan and confirm payment.
How to Manage Subscriptions from the App Store
Alternatively, you can manage subscriptions via the App Store:
- Open the App Store app.
- Tap your profile icon (top-right corner).
- Tap Subscriptions.
- Follow the same steps to cancel or modify subscriptions.
How to Change a Subscription Plan
You don’t always have to cancel—sometimes you just want a cheaper or different plan:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions.
- Tap the subscription you want to change.
- Choose another available plan (e.g., switch from yearly to monthly).
- Confirm your choice.
Changes take effect at the next billing cycle.
Subscriptions via Family Sharing
If you’re part of a Family Sharing group, you might see subscriptions shared by the family organizer (like Apple One). However, only the organizer can manage or cancel these subscriptions.
To view shared subscriptions:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions.
- Shared services like Apple Music or Apple TV+ will appear under Family Subscriptions.
What If You Don’t See Your Subscription?
Here are a few reasons why a subscription may not appear:
- You subscribed through a different Apple ID.
- The subscription was set up outside the App Store (e.g., via a website).
- It’s billed directly by the service (like Netflix or Spotify).
In these cases:
- Visit the app or website directly to manage the subscription.
- Check your email for the original receipt or confirmation.
Tips to Avoid Unwanted Charges
- Set reminders to review your subscriptions monthly.
- Use the App Store receipt emails to track charges.
- Enable purchase approvals for family members.
- Always cancel a trial at least 24 hours before renewal to avoid getting charged.
Troubleshooting Subscription Issues
Can’t cancel a subscription?
- Make sure you’re signed in with the correct Apple ID.
- Contact Apple Support for help with hidden or stuck subscriptions.
Still getting charged after canceling?
- Ensure the cancellation went through (check email confirmation).
- The charge could be for another Apple ID or a different plan tier.
Summary
Managing subscriptions on your iPhone is easy once you know where to look. Whether you want to cancel an unused app, switch to a cheaper plan, or just check what you’re being charged for, Apple provides all the tools in your device’s Settings.
Quick Steps to Cancel:
- Open Settings
- Tap your Apple ID > Subscriptions
- Choose the app > Tap Cancel Subscription
Stay on top of your app spending and avoid surprise charges by checking your subscriptions regularly.
Meta Description:
Learn how to manage and cancel app subscriptions on your iPhone. Step-by-step guide for reviewing, changing, or stopping iOS subscriptions via Settings or the App Store.
