Trying to cancel New York Times? Avoid the runaround.
Can you cancel your New York Times subscription? Check eligibility and conditions
you can cancel New York Times subscriptions at any time, but how you cancel depends on what you bought and where you bought it.
- What this covers: NYT digital news subscriptions, print delivery, and standalone products like NYT Cooking or NYT Games.
- No lock-in contract (standard plans): Most NYT subscriptions can be cancelled whenever you choose. Cancelling stops future renewals, and you typically keep access until the end of your paid period.
- Auto-renewal is on by default: NYT subscriptions usually renew automatically (monthly or annually). Introductory deals commonly roll into a higher standard price, so you’ll want to cancel before the promo ends if you don’t want the full-rate renewal.
- Refund expectations (important): NYT charges are generally non-refundable once paid (especially for digital), meaning you usually won’t receive a partial refund if you cancel mid-cycle.
- Cancellation method may vary by location: Some regions have easier online cancellation options due to local laws. Australian subscribers may be directed to chat or phone rather than a one-click cancel flow, but you’re still entitled to cancel.
- Third-party subscriptions must be cancelled with the third party: If you subscribed via Apple (iTunes/App Store), Google Play, a bundle, or another reseller, you must cancel through that same channel. NYT generally can’t cancel app-store billing for you.
- Gift subscriptions: Gift subscriptions typically run their course and don’t renew unless the recipient adds payment details.
How to cancel a New York Times subscription, service or order
NYT cancellation is often handled through your account settings, then completed via chat or phone (especially for international subscribers).
Cancel a New York Times digital subscription (news)
- Log in to your NYT account
Go to your account page (often under your name/initials in the top-right). - Open “Subscriptions” or “Manage Subscriptions”
Find the subscription you want to cancel (e.g., “New York Times Digital”). - Start cancellation
You may see a cancel option, but many users are directed to Customer Care via chat or phone. - Cancel via chat or phone (most common path)
When connected, say clearly: “Please cancel my subscription so it does not renew.”
You may be asked why and offered a discount. If you still want to cancel, decline and repeat your request. - Get confirmation
Ask for an email confirmation. If you used live chat, save the transcript or screenshot the confirmation message.
Cancel NYT Cooking or NYT Games (if subscribed separately)
These are often managed within your NYT account under their product subscription section. If you don’t see a self-serve cancel option, use the same customer care route.
Cancel a print subscription
Print cancellations also go through account management and Customer Care. You may be able to request delivery to stop at the end of your paid period (or in some cases earlier), but refund outcomes vary.
If you subscribed via Apple App Store or Google Play
Cancel in your Apple/Google subscription settings. If you contact NYT support, they will typically direct you back to Apple/Google.
How long does a New York Times cancellation take?
- Monthly subscriptions:
Cancel before your next billing date to avoid the next charge. You can often cancel even the day before renewal, but it’s safer to allow 24–48 hours buffer - especially if you must go through chat/phone.
- Annual subscriptions:
Cancel any time to stop auto-renewal for the next year. If you cancel mid-year, you typically keep access until the end of the paid annual term.
- Intro offers and promo pricing:
Promos usually convert automatically to standard pricing. Your key deadline is the promo end date shown in your account or confirmation email. Cancel before it ends if you don’t want the higher rate.
- If cancelling via email:
Email processing may take a day or two. Don’t leave it until the last minute if you’re using email rather than chat/phone.
- After you cancel:
Access usually continues until the end of your current paid period. The main thing is confirming you won’t be billed again.
New York Times cancellation fees and final charges – what to expect
- No cancellation fee: NYT doesn’t charge a special “cancellation fee.”
- No pro-rata refunds for unused time (common for digital): If you cancel mid-cycle, you usually won’t get money back for unused days. You’ll generally keep access until the period ends.
- Avoid accidental renewal charges: The biggest cost risk is missing the renewal date, especially when a promo price switches to standard pricing.
- Third-party billing rules apply: App store subscriptions follow Apple/Google billing and cancellation rules.
- Call costs (from Australia): If you call a US number from Australia, your provider may charge international calling fees. Chat is often cheaper and faster.
New York Times cases submitted through Ajust
Consumer experiences with New York Times cancellations
Cancellation can feel “harder than signup”: Many subscribers report being directed into chat/phone and needing to confirm multiple times.
Persistence usually works: Most subscribers who stick with the process (and ask for confirmation) do get cancellation completed.
Time varies: Experiences range from a quick 5-minute chat to a longer back-and-forth depending on queue times and how scripted the rep is.
New York Times Cancellation FAQs
Tried to cancel but New York Times made it difficult?
We’ll help you submit a formal cancellation they can’t ignore.