Substack, established in 2017, hosts thousands of newsletters, but paying $5 to $50 monthly for each one drains your wallet fast. You could save over $200 a year by trimming the fat. Available on iOS, Android, and Desktop, managing these individual subscriptions is often confusing. With the current "subscription fatigue" trending on TikTok, many are opting out. Visit Substack. Pissed Consumer reports 46 complaints in the last 3 years, with users flagging "incorrect billing amounts" and "technical support" ghosts. TrustPilot reviews also highlight frustration with recurring charges after unsubscribing. If you are done with the inbox clutter, here is the fix.
How to Cancel Substack on iPhone (iOS)
If you subscribed to a newsletter through the Substack app on your iPhone, Apple handles the billing. You have to cancel through Apple, not the app itself.
How to Cancel Substack on Android
Android users who signed up via the app must cancel through the Google Play Store. Deleting the app does not stop the charges.
How to Cancel Substack on Desktop or Laptop
Most people subscribe directly on the web. This is the most reliable way to ensure the cancellation actually sticks.
What is Substack Cancellation Policy
Substack operates differently than Netflix. You are subscribing to individual writers, not the whole platform. Their policy states you can cancel anytime, but you will retain access only until the end of your current billing cycle. Refunds are rare. Since the money goes directly to the writer, Substack support usually cannot issue refunds themselves. You have to ask the writer directly, which is awkward and rarely works. Pissed Consumer reviews mention this "middleman" issue constantly. If you cancel, do it at least 24 hours before renewal to be safe.
Before You Cancel Substack: What You Should Know
No. You keep access to the paid posts until your billing period ends.
Can I pause instead?
Some writers allow you to pause billing for a month or two. This option usually pops up right before you confirm cancellation.
What about my data?
Your account remains active as a free subscriber. You will still get free emails unless you unsubscribe from the mailing list entirely.
Having Trouble Cancelling Your Substack Subscription?
Still seeing charges? It happens. Here is what to check:
- Check the Platform: You might be trying to cancel on the web when you paid via Apple ID. Check your bank statement. If it says "Apple" or "Google," use your phone settings.
- Multiple Newsletters: Cancelling one newsletter does not cancel others. You have to cancel each paid subscription individually.
- Login Issues: If you use "Sign in with Apple" but try to log in with email, you might be in the wrong account. Weirdly, this happens a lot.
- Contact Support: If the button is missing, submit a request through their Help Center, though response times are slow.
Subscription Plans and Pricing (2025)
| Plan Type |
Price Range |
Details |
| Free |
$0 |
Access to public posts only. No archives. |
| Monthly |
$5 - $50+ |
Full access to one specific newsletter. Price set by writer. |
| Annual |
$50 - $500+ |
Usually offers a 10-20% discount over monthly billing. |
| Founding Member |
Higher Custom Amount |
Extra support for the writer, sometimes includes merch or calls. |
How Pine AI Can Help You Cancel Your Substack Subscription
