Real Simple, launched in 2000, is all about making life easier with tips on home, food, and wellness. But sometimes, managing another subscription is anything but simple. Maybe you signed up for the organizing tips but now you're embracing the 'soft life' trend and decluttering your inbox and mailbox for good. With plans ranging from $10 to $30, you can save up to $30 a year by canceling. This guide covers how to do it online or over the phone.
How to Cancel Real Simple on Desktop or Laptop
This is the most direct way to cancel if you subscribed straight from the Real Simple website. It can be a little clunky, as some users have reported the site being slow.
1 Go to the Customer Service Website
First, navigate to the Real Simple customer service portal. It's not on their main homepage, you have to look for the specific magazine customer service page, which can be a bit of a pain.
2 Log In to Your Account
You'll need to sign in. You can usually do this with your account number (found on the magazine's mailing label) and your zip code, or with the email address and password you used when you subscribed.
3 Find Your Subscription Details
Once logged in, look for a dashboard or a section called 'My Subscriptions' or 'Manage Subscription'. This is where your active Real Simple plan should be listed.
4 Select 'Cancel Subscription'
There should be an option to cancel. Sometimes it's a clear button, other times it's a less obvious link that says 'Stop My Subscription' or something similar. They might try to offer you a discount to stay, so be prepared to click past that.
5 Confirm the Cancellation
Follow the final prompts to confirm that you want to end your subscription. Make sure you get to a final confirmation screen and take a screenshot for your records. You should also receive a confirmation email.
How to Cancel Real Simple on iPhone (iOS)
If you subscribed to Real Simple through the App Store or an in-app purchase, this is how you'll need to cancel. It's managed by Apple, not the magazine directly.
1 Open the Settings App
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, you'll see a list of options. Tap on Subscriptions to see all the services you're paying for through your Apple account.
4 Find the Real Simple Subscription
Scroll through the list of your active and expired subscriptions to find Real Simple. If it's not here, you didn't subscribe through Apple. Tap on it.
5 Tap 'Cancel Subscription'
At the bottom of the subscription details page, there will be a red Cancel Subscription button. Tap it and confirm your choice. The subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing period.
How to Cancel Real Simple on Android
Use this method only if you signed up for Real Simple through the Google Play Store. If you subscribed on their website, this won't work.
1 Open the Google Play Store
Find and tap the Google Play Store app icon on your Android device.
2 Access Your Profile
Tap on your profile icon or initial in the top-right corner of the screen.
3 Go to 'Payments & subscriptions'
A menu will pop up. Select Payments & subscriptions from the list.
4 Select 'Subscriptions'
On the next screen, tap on Subscriptions. This will show you all the recurring services billed through your Google account.
5 Find Real Simple and Cancel
Locate the Real Simple subscription in the list, tap on it, and then select Cancel subscription. Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the cancellation.
Cancel Real Simple by Phone or Email
If you'd rather talk to a person, you can cancel by phone. It's not always the fastest way, but it works.
- Phone Number: Call 1-800-888-1171.
- Hours: Customer service hours are typically standard business hours, Monday through Friday.
- What to Expect: Be ready with your account number or the full name and address associated with the subscription. Expect to be put on hold and possibly offered a discount to keep your subscription.
You can also try reaching out via their online customer service contact form, but a phone call is usually more immediate.
Before You Cancel: What You Should Know
A couple of things to keep in mind before you go:
- Refunds: Real Simple's policy, like many magazines, is often to provide a refund for the value of any unmailed issues. You typically won't get a refund for issues you've already received or for the current billing period if you cancel mid-cycle. You'll likely have to call to request this.
- Pausing Your Subscription: There generally isn't an option to 'pause' a magazine subscription. You either have it or you don't. Your only real option is to cancel and then resubscribe later.
- Account Access: Your online account access might be limited after you cancel, but this can vary.
Having Trouble Cancelling Your Real Simple Subscription?
It can be frustrating when the cancel button seems to be hiding. If you're stuck, here are a few things to try:
- Check Where You Subscribed: Did you sign up through Apple, Google Play, Amazon Newsstand, or directly on the Real Simple website? You MUST cancel through the same platform you used to subscribe. This is the number one reason people can't find their subscription.
- Try a Different Device: Sometimes the mobile version of a website is buggy. Try logging into your account on a desktop or laptop computer.
- Clear Your Browser Cache: Old data can sometimes cause login or display issues. Clear your cache and cookies or try using an incognito/private browser window.
- Just Call Them: If all else fails, pick up the phone and call customer service at 1-800-888-1171. It might take a while, but they can cancel it for you manually. Honestly, sometimes this is just the easiest way.
Subscription Plans and Pricing (2025)
| Plan Name | Price (per year) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Print + Digital | $24.99 | Get the monthly print magazine delivered to your home, plus full access to the digital edition on your tablet or phone. |
| Digital Only | $19.99 | Access the digital version of Real Simple on all your devices. No physical magazine. |
| Print Only | $21.99 | The classic subscription. Receive the print magazine each month. |
| All Access | $34.99 | Includes everything in Print + Digital, plus exclusive access to special issues, workshops, and an ad-free reading experience online. |
How Pine AI Can Help You Cancel Your Real Simple Subscription
Tired of navigating confusing customer service pages or waiting on hold? Let Pine AI handle it. We can cancel your Real Simple subscription for you, quickly and securely. Just connect your account, and we'll take care of the rest, saving you time and preventing any future charges. It's that simple.
Frequently Asked Questions about Real Simple
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Can I get a refund from Real Simple if I forgot to cancel?
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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.
