Citation Machine, launched by Chegg in 2001, is a lifesaver for students needing to create citations and check for plagiarism. But let's be real, that monthly fee adds up. Maybe you finished your last big paper, or you're just tired of seeing that monthly charge pop up while you're scrolling through TikToks about the 'girl math' of student loans. With plans from $0 to $9.95, this guide covers canceling on Desktop, iOS, and Android, potentially saving you up to $119 a year. Let's get that money back in your pocket.
How to Cancel Citation Machine Subscription on Desktop
This is the most common way to cancel, especially if you signed up directly on the Citation Machine or Chegg website. It's a bit of a maze, but you can do it.
1 Log In to Your Chegg Account
Go to the Chegg website and sign in to the account linked to your Citation Machine subscription. This has to be the exact account you used to pay.
2 Navigate to Your Account
Find your name or profile icon, usually in the top-right corner. Click on it and select My Account from the dropdown menu. Sometimes this is just labeled 'Orders'.
3 Find Your Subscriptions
In your account dashboard, look for a tab or link that says Orders or Subscriptions. This is where the magic happens. Honestly, I had to click around for a minute to find it the first time.
4 Select 'Cancel Subscription'
You should see your active Citation Machine Plus subscription listed. Next to it, there will be an option like Cancel subscription. Click it.
5 Confirm the Cancellation
Chegg will probably ask you why you're leaving and might offer you a discount to stay. Just push through the prompts until you get a final confirmation message. Don't close the tab until you see 'Your subscription has been cancelled'.
How to Cancel Citation Machine Subscription on iOS
If you subscribed through the App Store, you have to cancel it there. Deleting the app does nothing. Apple handles the billing, so you can't cancel on the Chegg website.
1 Open Settings
Find and open the gray Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2 Tap Your Name
Tap on your Apple ID profile, which is your name right at the top of the screen.
3 Select 'Subscriptions'
On the next screen, tap on the Subscriptions menu item.
4 Find the Citation Machine Subscription
Scroll through the list of your active and expired subscriptions to find Citation Machine or Chegg. Tap on it.
5 Tap 'Cancel Subscription'
Tap the red Cancel Subscription button at the bottom. You'll need to confirm your choice. That's it.
How to Cancel Citation Machine Subscription on Android
Just like with iPhones, if you signed up on an Android device, your subscription lives in the Google Play Store. You must cancel it here.
1 Open the Play Store
Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2 Tap Your Profile Icon
Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
3 Go to 'Payments & subscriptions'
From the menu, select Payments & subscriptions.
4 Tap 'Subscriptions'
Tap on Subscriptions to see all the services you're paying for through Google Play.
5 Find and Cancel the Subscription
Find Citation Machine in the list and tap on it. Then, tap Cancel subscription and follow the on-screen instructions to finalize it.
Cancel Citation Machine Subscription with Phone
You can try calling support at 1-855-477-0177. They are typically available 24/7. Be prepared for a wait and have your account information ready. A user on Reddit mentioned, 'I had to call twice. The first rep couldn't find my account even with the email address.' So, patience is key.
Cancel Citation Machine Subscription with Live Chat
Chegg has a live chat feature on its Help Center page. It's usually faster than calling. Go to the Chegg Help Center, search for a topic, and look for the 'Contact Us' or chat bubble icon to start a session. Weirdly, the chat option sometimes disappears and reappears, so you might need to refresh the page.
Heads up: Chegg doesn't do refunds if you cancel after a payment has gone through. Super frustrating, I know. Once you cancel, you can still use the premium features until your billing period ends. Also, make sure to download any important bibliographies or papers, because you might lose access after your subscription officially stops.
Citation Machine Plans and Pricing 2025
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic citation generation, supports multiple styles, includes ads. Good enough for a quick bibliography. |
| Citation Machine Plus | $9.95/month | Includes everything in the free version plus a plagiarism checker, advanced grammar suggestions, and an ad-free experience. You also get one-on-one writing help. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Citation Machine
Can I unsubscribe from Citation Machine anytime?
Can I get a refund from Citation Machine if I forgot to cancel?
How do I know my Citation Machine subscription is cancelled?
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What else should I know before I cancel my Citation Machine subscription?
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Emma Sullivan
EdTech and Media Writer
Emma Sullivan is the EdTech & Media Writer at Pine AI, focusing on the intersection of educational technology, digital media, and consumer trends. With over a decade of experience as a technology journalist and an educator, Emma brings a unique, hands-on perspective to their analysis. In her full time profession Emma teaches digital literacy programs and reports for leading technology publications, where they cover the launch of major educational platforms and the integration of new media in learning environments. Emma is committed to providing readers with practical, insightful, and reliable guidance whether it's about saving money or practical subscription hacks, she wants to empower consumers through knowleddge.
