As a tech reporter, I download an unusually high number of smartphone apps. It's almost always because I'm trying them out so you don't have to pay for what you don't want or need. Occasionally, I used to forget to cancel "free trials" for apps and got stuck paying for an annual subscription I was never going to use. Oh, I could always email Apple or Google support and ask for my money back but it was a hassle.
To be honest, it was my fault this happened. The terms and conditions of those free trials are spelled out pretty well and require that cancellation be requested within 24 hours of the end of the subscription. I often forgot to cancel and didn't remember until I saw my bank or credit card statement.
It's a nifty way companies make money by offering customers free 3-day or 7-day trials. They know many people will forget and may never even notice they were charged $30 or $80 for an annual subscription until it is too late.
Here's a little secret these companies don't want you to know: you can cancel right away and keep using the app through the trial.
Here's how to protect your Apple and Google account from forgetfulness costing you a bundle:
On an iPhone
- As soon as you download and agree to the free trial head back over to Settings
- Tap on your account or photo/emoji at the top of the page
- Tap on subscriptions
- Find the app you just installed, it should be at the top of the list
- Tap 'Cancel Subscription'
You'll be asked if you really want to cancel so tap yes. You'll see there that you can continue using the app until the trial ends.
Let me add here that not every app allows you to continue using it through the trial. Apple Music and other products will end the subscription when you tap cancel so if you choose to continue using it for the entire trial, wait until the day before it ends. Ask Siri to remind you on the day before.
You can always re-start your subscription if you decide it's worth the money.
On Android phones
- I found it easiest to open the Google Play Store app
- Tap on your profile photo (account settings)
- Tap 'subscriptions'
- Find the one you just installed and tap cancel.
- You'll be able to use the app and free trial until it ends
This isn't really a trick but just a way that Apple and Google make it possible to spare their customers the headache of paying for something they don't want, and something they'll probably ask for a refund for anyway.
The Federal Trade Commission recognized this is a problem for trials for apps and other subscriptions online and issued a consumer warning.
Free isn't always free and can wind up costing a bundle. Monitor your credit card and bank statements to search for unwanted subscriptions. If you find one, contact the seller immediately and demand a refund. If you get the run-around, contact the FBI and FTC.
Many times you won't be successful in getting a refund so be aware, try to remember, and don't be too eager to take advantage of "free trials" you see in the app stores, on social media, and anywhere else online.
FAQs
Here's a little secret these companies don't want you to know: you can cancel right away and keep using the app through the trial. You'll be asked if you really want to cancel so tap yes. You'll see there that you can continue using the app until the trial ends.
Why am I getting charged for a free trial? ›
Usually, you have to give your credit card number for a “free trial.” That way, the company can charge you if you don't cancel before the trial period ends. Dishonest businesses make it tough to cancel, and will keep charging you — even if you don't want the product or subscription anymore.
What app cancels subscriptions for free? ›
Subscription Stopper is the go-to tool for effectively managing, tracking, and canceling subscriptions, putting you in charge of your finances.
How do I stop apps from charging me monthly? ›
On your Android device, go to subscriptions in Google Play. Select the subscription you want to cancel. Tap Cancel subscription.
Are free trials really free? ›
So, yes, it is free. However, most free trials require you to cancel before the free trial is up or the credit card you put on file will be charged for the use of the product or service.
How to dispute a free trial charge? ›
To learn more about Free Trial Offers visit FTC.Gov/freetrials. If you've been charged for a free trial offer, report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. We're the Federal Trade Commission – helping consumers spot, stop and avoid scams.
How do I get out of a subscription trap? ›
So if you are in the unfortunate position of being exploited, obstructed or caught in a subscription trap, you can get your own back. Speak to your bank and get their help asking the company to provide evidence that you gave permission to be debited – if they can't, you may be able to obtain a full refund.
Will deleting an app cancel a subscription? ›
Uninstalling an app will also mean that your subscription for that app has been cancelled. Therefore, you will not be billed for the usage of the app in future months.
What app cancels all subscriptions? ›
Let Chargeback simplify the chaos and help you reclaim control of your subscriptions with your financial concierge. Key Features: - One-Click Subscription Cancellation: No more lengthy phone calls or complicated web pages. With Chargeback, we can cancel subscriptions in seconds for you.
Can you cancel a subscription during a free trial? ›
One way to avoid going past a subscription's free trial period is to cancel right after signing up. You won't have to worry about remembering to do it whenever the trial ends. However, it's important to note: Do this only if the company will continue providing the service through the end of the trial period.
Even if you have not revoked your authorization with the company, you can stop an automatic payment from being charged to your account by giving your bank a “stop payment order.” This instructs your bank to stop allowing the company to take payments from your account.
How do I remove an app from charging? ›
Tap on any app you no longer want to pay for, scroll to the bottom and hit Cancel Subscription. (On newer Android devices, go to Settings -> Google -> Manage Google Accounts -> Payments and Subscriptions -> Manage Subscriptions.)
How do I stop an app from charging me after my free trial on iPhone? ›
Unsubscribe From an App on iPhone or iPad
Tap the active subscription you want to cancel, then tap Cancel Subscription (or Cancel Free Trial). Tap Confirm and you're done. A service for which you already have a paid subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing cycle.
Why free trials don't work? ›
Free is not a good deal for anyone
The startup expects paid work to follow, the buyer expects more for free. If you put a value on what you're offering in the form of a price, there's a higher chance that somebody will value it themselves when they pay for it.
How do I remove a free trial? ›
Canceling a Free Trial Through the Google Play Store
- Open the Google Play store app on a mobile Android phone or tablet.
- Tap your Google profile photo in the top right corner of the screen, next to "Search for apps & games"
- In the menu that appears, tap the 'Payments & Subscriptions' option.
- Next, tap 'Subscriptions'
Free plans are a “free forever” pricing tier that lets your customers access some features of your product indefinitely. Free trials may give customers access to more features than a free plan. However, free trials are time- or resource-limited.
Why am I being charged for something I didn't buy? ›
Unauthorized charges on your bank statement are among the clearest warning signs of debit card fraud — and even identity theft. With enough of your personally identifiable information (PII), criminals can gain access to your debit account, open new accounts in your name, and drain your savings account.
Do free trials show up on credit card history? ›
If you want to cancel the subscription, make sure you do it quite a few days before the date that your credit card is to be charged. Check your next monthly statement to ensure no additional charge appears. Free trials do not appear on a bank statement.
Does trial period mean free? ›
During a free trial period, customers try a product/service for a limited time, for free, so they can understand the product's value and how it meets their needs, before actually buying.
