How to cancel a free trial before you’re charged
Most free trials turn into paid subscriptions automatically. Here is how to cancel in time — and how to never forget one again.
1. Find out who is billing you
- If you started the trial inside an iPhone or iPad app, Apple is billing you — cancel under Settings → your name → Subscriptions.
- If you started it inside an Android app, Google Play is billing you — cancel under Play Store → profile → Payments & subscriptions → Subscriptions.
- If you signed up on a website, cancel in your account settings on that website.
2. Cancel early, not on the last day
- Trials often renew up to 24 hours before the end date shown.
- With Apple and Google Play you can usually cancel right after starting the trial and still keep it until it ends — check the date shown after cancelling.
- Some websites end the trial immediately when you cancel, so read the confirmation screen.
3. Keep proof
- Screenshot the cancellation confirmation or keep the confirmation email.
- Check your card statement after the trial end date to be sure no charge went through.
What happens after you cancel
If you were charged after cancelling, contact the company (or Apple / Google Play for in-app trials) and ask for a refund with your confirmation.
Tips
- Add every trial to a tracker with its end date the moment you start it — SubGuard reminds you before it converts to a paid plan.
Get reminded before every trial ends
SubGuard keeps every subscription and free trial in one place and reminds you before you’re charged. Free, no bank connection needed.