The Economist, founded way back in 1843, offers deep dives into global news, politics, and business. Maybe you subscribed to get the inside scoop on the AI boom or to sound smart during election debates, but now the weekly reads are just piling up. With plans ranging from about $20 to $30 a month, you can save up to $249 a year by canceling. This guide covers how to cancel on your desktop, iOS, or Android device so you can stop the charges.
How to Cancel The Economist on iPhone or iPad (iOS)
If you subscribed through the App Store, you have to cancel through Apple, not The Economist's website. It's a common point of confusion.
1 Open the Settings App
Find and tap the gray gear icon on your home screen to open your device's 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 media 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.
4 Find and Cancel The Economist
Scroll through the list to find The Economist. Tap on it, and then select the Cancel Subscription button. You'll need to confirm your choice. Honestly, I had to tap it twice before it registered.
How to Cancel The Economist on Android
Cancelling through Google Play can feel a bit buried in the settings, but it's the only way if you didn't subscribe directly on their website.
1 Open the Google Play Store
Launch the Google Play Store app on your Android device. It's the primary place for managing app-based subscriptions.
2 Access Your Profile
Tap on your profile icon, which is usually in the top-right corner of the screen.
3 Go to Payments & Subscriptions
From the menu that appears, select Payments & subscriptions. Then, on the next screen, tap Subscriptions.
4 Locate The Economist Subscription
You'll see a list of all your active subscriptions. Find The Economist and tap on it.
5 Cancel the Subscription
At the bottom of the screen, you'll see an option to Cancel subscription. Tap it and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm. Google will ask for a reason, but you can skip it if you want.
How to Cancel The Economist on Desktop or Laptop
This is usually the most direct method if you subscribed through their website. Weirdly, some users report the 'Cancel' button is easier to find on a desktop than on the mobile site.
1 Visit The Economist Website and Log In
Open your web browser and go to economist.com. Click the 'Log in' button at the top right and enter your account credentials.
2 Navigate to Your Account
Once logged in, click on your name or the account icon in the top-right corner and select My Account from the dropdown menu.
3 Find Your Subscription Details
In the account dashboard, look for a section called 'Manage Subscription' or 'Subscription Details'. This is where your plan information is stored.
4 Proceed to Cancel
Click the link or button that says Cancel Subscription. They might present you with a special offer to try and keep you. You can just ignore it and proceed with the cancellation.
5 Confirm Your Cancellation
Follow the final prompts to confirm that you want to end your subscription. Make sure you receive a confirmation email afterward. If you don't, something might have gone wrong.
Cancel The Economist by Phone
If you're struggling with the online process, you can call their customer service team to cancel. It's not the fastest way, but it works.
- US/Canada Phone Number: +1 800 456 6086
- Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm EST.
Have your account number or the email address associated with your subscription ready before you call. It will save you some time.
Having Trouble Cancelling Your The Economist Subscription?
Sometimes things don't go as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to solve them:
- Can't Find the Cancel Button? You likely subscribed through a third party. If you signed up on an iPhone, you must cancel through your Apple ID Subscriptions. If on Android, you must cancel via the Google Play Store.
- Website Glitches: The Economist's website can be a bit finicky. Try logging in from a different browser or using an incognito window to see if that helps.
- Still Stuck? If all else fails, your best bet is to call their customer service line. They can process the cancellation for you manually. It's a pain, but it's a reliable last resort.
Subscription Plans and Pricing (2025)
Plan Name | Monthly Price (USD) | Annual Price (USD) | Details |
---|---|---|---|
Digital | $21.99 | $229 | Full access to economist.com, the app, audio versions, and newsletters. |
Print + Digital | $27.99 | $289 | Everything in the Digital plan, plus the weekly print edition delivered to your home. |
How Pine AI Can Help You Cancel Your The Economist Subscription
Tired of navigating confusing menus and waiting on hold? Let Pine AI handle it. We can cancel your The Economist subscription for you, quickly and securely. Just connect your account, and we'll take care of the rest, saving you time and preventing unwanted charges.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Economist

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.