Cancelling a Substack subscription on an iPhone is a little confusing because it's not done through your Apple ID subscriptions. You have to use your web browser. Here’s how to get it done.
How to Cancel Substack on iPhone (iOS)
1 Open Your Web Browser
Substack subscriptions are managed through their website, not the App Store. Open Safari or your preferred browser on your iPhone.
2 Log Into Your Substack Account
Navigate to substack.com and log in. Make sure you're using the same email address you used to subscribe. This is a common trip-up.
3 Access Your Settings
Tap your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen. A dropdown menu will appear. Select Settings from this menu.
4 Find Your Subscriptions
In the Settings menu, you'll see a list of your active subscriptions. Each one will be listed with the publication's name.
5 Manage and Cancel
Find the publication you want to cancel. Tap the three dots (...) next to it and select Cancel subscription. Follow the final prompts to confirm. It should stop future payments immediately.
How to Cancel Substack on Android
For Android users, the process is nearly identical to iOS. You'll need to use a web browser since the cancellation isn't managed through your Google Play account.
1 Launch Your Browser
Just like with iOS, you can't cancel through the Google Play Store. Open Chrome or another web browser on your Android device.
2 Go to Substack and Sign In
Head over to substack.com and sign into your account. If you have multiple emails, double-check you're using the one tied to the paid subscription.
3 Navigate to Account Settings
Tap your profile picture at the top right. In the menu that pops up, tap on Settings.
4 Locate the Subscription to Cancel
Your list of paid subscriptions will be displayed. Scroll to find the one you no longer want.
5 Initiate the Cancellation
Tap the three-dot menu icon next to the subscription name. A small menu will appear. Choose Cancel subscription and confirm your choice on the next screen.
How to Cancel Substack on Desktop or Laptop
Using a desktop or laptop is the most reliable method for cancelling a Substack subscription. The interface is clearer and less prone to mobile browser glitches.
1 Visit the Substack Website
Open your browser and go to substack.com. This is by far the easiest way to manage your subscriptions.
2 Log In to Your Account
Click Sign in and enter your credentials. Be absolutely sure it's the correct account if you use multiple emails.
3 Go to Your Settings
Click your profile icon in the top-right corner to open the dropdown menu, then select Settings.
4 View Your Subscriptions
On the Settings page, look at the left-hand navigation panel and click on Subscriptions. This will show all your active paid newsletters.
5 Cancel the Subscription
Find the publication you wish to cancel. Click the three dots (...) to the right of it, and then click Cancel subscription. A confirmation pop-up will appear. Confirm it, and you're done. Honestly, I had to click it twice for it to register, so make sure you get a confirmation message.
Before You Cancel: What You Should Know
Before you hit cancel, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- Refunds Are Not Guaranteed: Substack's policy leaves refunds up to the individual publication owner. If you cancel mid-cycle, you typically won't get a prorated refund. You just get to keep access until the billing period ends.
- Access After Cancellation: You will retain access to all paid content until the end of your current billing period. So, if you cancel on the 5th and your subscription renews on the 30th, you have until the 30th.
- Pausing Isn't an Option: Substack does not offer a feature for readers to pause a subscription. You can only cancel it and then resubscribe later if you choose.
Having Trouble Cancelling Your Substack Subscription?
It happens. If the cancel button seems to be hiding or not working, try these steps:
- Check Your Email: Are you logged in with the correct email address? Many people subscribe with one email and then try to cancel while logged into another.
- It's the Writer, Not Substack: Remember, you are subscribed to an individual writer's publication, not Substack itself. All billing issues are handled by the writer, so contacting them directly is often the fastest solution.
- Try a Different Device: If you're on mobile, try cancelling from a desktop computer. The desktop interface is generally more stable.
- Clear Your Browser Cache: Sometimes old data can cause issues. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, or try using an incognito/private window to log in and cancel.
Subscription Plans and Pricing (2025)
Substack pricing is set by individual creators, not by Substack. This means costs can vary widely from one newsletter to another. However, most writers use a similar tiered structure.
| Plan Tier | Typical Monthly Price (USD) | Typical Annual Price (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | $0 | Access to public posts only. Anyone can subscribe. |
| Paid Subscriber | $5 - $15 | $50 - $150 | Access to all posts, including the full archive and subscriber-only content. Ability to comment. |
| Founding Member | $100 - $500+ | $100 - $500+ | Includes all paid subscriber benefits, plus often a personal thank you or other special perks defined by the writer. This is a way to show extra support. |
How Pine AI Can Help You Cancel Your Substack Subscription
Tired of navigating confusing settings menus? Let Pine AI handle it. We can securely log in and cancel your Substack subscription for you in just a few clicks. Save time, avoid renewal charges, and let us manage the hassle. It's fast, easy, and completely free.
Frequently Asked Questions about Substack
Can I unsubscribe from Substack anytime?
Can I get a refund from Substack if I forgot to cancel?
How do I know my Substack subscription is cancelled?
How long does it take for Substack to cancel?
What else should I know before I cancel my Substack subscription?
How do I raise a complaint to Substack?
How does Pine AI work with Substack to cancel my subscription?
Chloe Anne-Bennett
Streaming & Entertainment Editor
Chloe Anne-Bennett is the Streaming & Entertainment Editor at Pine AI. Chloe is a leading voice on the business of streaming, entertainment and the evolving landscape of digital media. Before contributing to Pine AI, Chloe was an entertainment correspondent for a major news outlet, where she reported on everything from box office trends to the impact of streaming services on traditional media. At Pine AI, Chloe leverages her deep industry knowledge to provide our readers with insightful analysis of the latest trends, helping them make sense of their subscriptions and where to hit the sweet spots in how to handle customer service reps.
