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How to Cancel Substack (2026 guide)

Cancelling Substack subscriptions can be tricky since each newsletter operates independently. The process depends on whether you subscribed directly through Substack or via app stores. This guide covers all cancellation methods including individual newsletter management.

NewsMediaConsumer

Cancellation Summary

Cancel Online
Yes
Main Cancel methods
Website
Mobile App
App Store
Time to Cancel
2-5 mins
Per newsletter subscription
Where to Cancel
Account Settings
Individual newsletter pages

Substack operates on a per-newsletter subscription model, meaning you subscribe to individual writers rather than Substack itself. Each paid newsletter is a separate subscription that must be cancelled individually. This can make managing multiple subscriptions complex.

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Cancel Substack: Step-by-Step Instructions

These steps work for most Substack newsletter subscriptions. Remember that each newsletter is a separate subscription that needs individual cancellation.

01

Log in to your Substack account

Go to substack.com and sign in using your email address and password. Make sure you're using the same account you used to subscribe to newsletters.

02

Access your account settings

Click on your profile picture in the top right corner, then select Settings from the dropdown menu to access your account management page.

03

Go to subscriptions section

In your settings, click on Subscriptions in the left sidebar. This will show you all the newsletters you're currently subscribed to, both free and paid.

04

Cancel individual newsletters

Find the newsletter you want to cancel and click Unsubscribe or Cancel subscription. For paid subscriptions, confirm your cancellation when prompted.

05

Verify cancellation confirmation

You should receive an email confirmation from both Substack and the individual newsletter confirming your cancellation. Access continues until your billing period ends.

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Substack-specific things to know

Substack's newsletter-based model creates some unique situations. These tips help you manage your subscriptions effectively.

Each newsletter is separate
You need to cancel each paid newsletter individually. Cancelling one doesn't affect others you're subscribed to.
Free newsletters stay active
Cancelling paid subscriptions doesn't unsubscribe you from free newsletters from the same writers. Manage these separately.
Access continues until period ends
You'll keep receiving paid newsletters until your current billing period expires, even after cancelling.
Writers can offer discounts
Some writers send retention offers when you cancel. Check your email before the cancellation becomes final.

Before you cancel, keep this in mind

These points can help you avoid issues with your Substack newsletter cancellations.

1. Check your billing source

If you subscribed through Apple or Google, you'll need to cancel through those platforms instead of Substack directly. Check your app store subscriptions first.

2. Note your billing dates

Each newsletter has its own billing cycle. Cancel before your next renewal date to avoid being charged for another month or year.

3. Download any content you want

Once cancelled, you may lose access to paid newsletter archives. Save or download any content you want to keep before cancelling.

Other options to consider

If you're cancelling because of cost or content overload, these alternatives might work better than cancelling completely.

Switch to free newsletters

Many writers offer both paid and free content. You can cancel paid subscriptions but stay subscribed to their free newsletters.

Most Substack writers offer:

  • Free newsletters with basic content

  • Paid subscriptions with premium content, archives, and community access

Switch Your Billing Cycle

Switch from monthly to annual billing

Most newsletters offer 10-20% discounts for annual subscriptions

Check for Bundles

Some writers offer bundle deals when you subscribe to multiple newsletters from the same publisher or network.

  • Multi-newsletter packages from the same writer

  • Publisher network bundles (like All Access passes)

Negotiate a Deal

Some newsletter writers offer student discounts, financial hardship rates, or promotional pricing. Reach out directly before cancelling.

Alternative ways to cancel Substack

Depending on how you subscribed to newsletters, you may need to cancel through one of these platforms instead of directly through Substack.

Apple App Store

iPhone users who subscribed through the Substack app need to cancel through their Apple subscriptions settings.

"Settings > Click [Your Name] > Subscriptions" Read In-depth Guide on Cancelling iPhone Subscriptions:

iPhone Cancel Guide

Google Play Store

If you subscribed to newsletters through the Android Substack app, cancel through your Google Play subscriptions.

Use the Direct link Below or Open Google Play Store > Profile icon > Payments & subscriptions > Subscriptions

Play Store Cancel Link

Email

You can also contact Substack support via email if you're having trouble cancelling subscriptions.

support@substack.com

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Common Substack Cancellation Questions

Quick answers to frequently asked questions about cancelling Substack newsletters.

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Simon Chadwick
Reviewed by
Simon Chadwick
Updated on Jan 21, 2026