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
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.
Will I still get charged if I cancel a free trial? ›
Your free trial offer has a time limit. Once the deadline to cancel passes, you may be on the hook for more products or services and more payments. Monitor your credit and debit card statements. That way you'll know right away if you're being charged for something you didn't order.
How do I unsubscribe from a free trial app? ›
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'
Some free trials are totally free for a limited time, while others are free for a subscription delay. With the latter, typically a credit card is required and billing begins automatically after the trial period ends.
How to get subscriptions for free? ›
Free subscriptions aren't possible but free trials are. There are free trials for most of the digital subscriptions such as Netflix, Hotstar, Cultfit, Pharmeasy etc. These free trials will help you test these subscriptions out and see if it's valuable for you to invest your money and time.
Why did I get charged $1 for a free trial? ›
This is a credit card pre-authorization charge, and it is standard practice. The $1.00 won't actually clear your account, and it will fall off after a few days.
How do you stop a subscription from charging your card? ›
Contact the company: Contact the merchant's billing or customer service department by phone and state that you no longer want your bank account to be automatically charged.
Can I dispute a charge from a free trial? ›
Okay, so what happens if a Free Trial enrolls you without your permission? Here's what to do: Contact the merchant directly for help to sort out the situation. If that doesn't work – call your credit card company to dispute the charge.
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.
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. Key Features: Subscription Finder: Uncover hidden subscriptions and manage them all in one centralized hub.
Identify all your subscriptions. Check your credit card statements for recurring payments. One easy way to do this is use a subscription tracking tool, such as Rocket Money or OneMain Trim, which finds and then helps you cancel subscriptions you no longer want. Second, opt out!
How do I opt out of an app subscription? ›
On your Android device, go to subscriptions in Google Play. Select the subscription you want to cancel. Tap Cancel subscription.
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 to dispute a subscription charge? ›
If the company fails to respond or refuses to provide a refund, you can try disputing the charge with your credit card issuer. You may be able to do so via: Phone support (the number is typically located at the back of your credit card or on your credit card statement)
How do free trial subscriptions work? ›
A free trial lets users experience the product first-hand, understand its functionalities and see if the product delivers the right value for them before buying it.
Is it illegal to keep making free trials? ›
If you run a free trial for your app but do not offer a user a way to end it and avoid subscription fees, you could run afoul of the laws. Again, you need to make the terms of your free trial conspicuous and allow users to end trials if they decide not to continue with the subscription of your product.
How do I cancel a free trial on my card? ›
How To Cancel a Subscription on a Debit Card
- Go to the company's website and sign into your account.
- Find billing, account, or subscription management settings and look for the cancellation option.
- Click the Cancel button and follow the provided steps to confirm the cancellation.
Free trials are considered a customer retention strategy. They're hoping that you'll decide to continue with their service after the free trial is over. When your card number is already attached to your account, there is no disruption of service, and the payment is seamless.
