So, the time has come to cancel Highlights for Children. Founded way back in 1946, Highlights has been a staple in waiting rooms and homes for generations, offering magazines and book clubs for kids. But maybe your child has outgrown it, or the magazines are just piling up. Remember Goofus and Gallant? Goofus would probably forget to cancel and get charged for another year, while Gallant would find this guide and get it done in five minutes. Be a Gallant. With subscriptions ranging from $5.99 to $44.95, you can save up to $540 a year by canceling. This guide covers how to cancel on their desktop website or over the phone.
How to Cancel Highlights for Children on iPhone (iOS)
If you subscribed to a Highlights digital app like 'Highlights Every Day' through the Apple App Store, you must cancel it through your iPhone settings. Highlights cannot cancel these subscriptions for you.
1 Open the Settings App
Find and tap the gray gear icon on your iPhone's home screen to open Settings.
2 Tap Your Apple ID
Your name and profile picture are at the very top of the Settings menu. Tap on it to access your Apple ID, iCloud, and other settings.
3 Select 'Subscriptions'
On the Apple ID screen, tap on the Subscriptions option. This will show you all the active and expired subscriptions linked to your Apple account. Apple really buries this option, doesn't it?
4 Find and Select Highlights
Scroll through the list to find your Highlights for Children or Highlights Every Day subscription. Tap on it to open the management screen.
5 Cancel the Subscription
Tap the red Cancel Subscription button at the bottom of the screen. You'll be asked to confirm your choice. Once confirmed, your subscription will not renew after the current billing period ends.
How to Cancel Highlights for Children on Android
For subscriptions made through the Google Play Store, you'll need to manage the cancellation directly from your Google account settings. The process is straightforward once you know where to look.
1 Open the Google Play Store
Launch the Google Play Store app on your Android device. It's the icon that looks like a colorful sideways triangle.
2 Access Your Profile
Tap on your profile icon or initial in the top-right corner of the screen.
3 Go to 'Payments & subscriptions'
In the menu that appears, select Payments & subscriptions. It's a bit of a weird place to put it, but that's where Google keeps things.
4 Select 'Subscriptions'
Tap on Subscriptions to see a list of all your active subscriptions managed through Google Play.
5 Find and Cancel Highlights
Locate the Highlights subscription in the list and tap on it. Then, tap Cancel subscription and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm. Why can't you just cancel inside the app itself? So annoying.
How to Cancel Highlights for Children on Desktop or Laptop
This is the most common way to cancel, especially for the classic print magazine subscriptions. You'll need your account login details to get started.
1 Visit the Highlights Website
Open your web browser and go to the official Highlights website. This method is for subscriptions you started directly on their site, not through an app store.
2 Log In to Your Account
Click the Log In or My Account link, usually found at the top right of the homepage. Enter the email address and password associated with your Highlights subscription.
3 Navigate to Your Subscriptions
Once logged in, look for a section named My Account, Manage Subscriptions, or Subscription Settings. The 'My Account' link is sometimes hidden in the website footer, so check there if you can't find it.
4 Select the Subscription to Cancel
You should see a list of your active magazine or club subscriptions. Find the one you want to end and look for an option like Cancel or Manage.
5 Confirm Your Cancellation
Follow the final prompts to confirm that you want to cancel. They might offer you a discount to stay. Be sure to complete all the steps until you see a confirmation message on the screen. I had to click it twice before it actually registered.
Cancel Highlights for Children by Phone
If you prefer to talk to a person or can't get the online portal to work, calling is a solid option. It's old-school, but it works.
- Phone Number: 1-800-255-9517
- Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (ET).
Make sure you have your account number or the mailing address for the subscription handy. The representative will likely try to offer you a discount to keep your subscription, so be prepared to politely decline if you're set on cancelling.
Before You Cancel: What You Should Know
Highlights has a pretty generous 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you're unhappy for any reason, they encourage you to call them. This means you might be able to get a refund for the unused portion of your subscription, but you'll have to ask for it directly over the phone. Cancelling online usually just stops future renewals.
- Refunds: Not guaranteed for online cancellations, but possible if you call and explain your situation.
- Access: You will continue to receive physical magazines for the remainder of your paid term. Access to digital apps will likely end at the close of the current billing period.
- Pausing: This isn't an advertised feature. You would need to call customer service and ask if they can place a temporary hold on your subscription.
Having Trouble Cancelling Your Highlights for Children Subscription?
It can be frustrating when you can't find the cancel button. Here are a few things to try before you lose your cool:
- Check Third-Party Billing: Did you subscribe through Amazon, a school fundraiser, or another third party? If so, you must cancel through that original service, not the Highlights website.
- Use a Desktop Computer: Some subscription management portals are just plain broken on mobile browsers. Try logging in from a laptop or desktop computer.
- Clear Your Browser Cache: Sometimes old data can cause website glitches. Clear your browser's cache and cookies or try using an incognito/private window to log in.
- Just Call Them: If all else fails, calling their customer service at 1-800-255-9517 is the most direct way to get it done. It might take a few minutes, but it's a reliable fallback.
Subscription Plans and Pricing (2025)
| Plan Name | Target Age | Price (per year) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello Magazine | 0-2 years | ~$48.00 | Board book style, simple stories, and colorful images for infants and toddlers. |
| High Five Magazine | 2-6 years | ~$48.00 | Stories, poems, and puzzles designed for preschoolers and early readers. |
| Highlights Magazine | 6-12 years | ~$48.00 | The classic magazine with stories, Hidden Pictures puzzles, and science articles. |
| Club Subscriptions | Varies | ~$60.00 - $120.00 | Includes various clubs like Mathmania, Puzzle Buzz, and Top Secret Adventures. |
How Pine AI Can Help You Cancel Your Highlights for Children Subscription
Tired of navigating confusing websites or waiting on hold? Pine AI can cancel your Highlights subscription for you. No phone calls, no searching for hidden buttons. We handle the entire process securely and efficiently. Let us save you the time and hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Highlights for Children
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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.
