Save Money
This 20-Second Check Can Save You Real Money
Let’s be honest. If you could save cash in less time than it takes to scroll TikTok, wouldn’t you? Especially if your phone is already in your hand 99% of the day. (Remember to sanitize your device once in a while.)
That’s why we’re breaking down how to check (and cancel) those sneaky subscriptions that might be draining your bank account without you even noticing.
The iPhone Subscription Trap: What You Need to Know
Free trials are great to check out until you forget to cancel them and end up paying for a service you don’t even use. A lot of us assume that deleting an app gets rid of the subscription too, but NOPE. That subscription is still very much alive and quietly charging your Apple ID every month.
Here’s how to check and cancel the ones you don’t want anymore, which literally takes 20 seconds.
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad
- Tap your name at the top
- Hit Subscriptions
- Browse the list and cancel anything you’re not using
You can also type in “Subscriptions” in your phone’s search bar to skip a few taps.
And that’s it. You’re done. Money saved (hopefully).
Pro tip: If you’re on a Mac, go to the App Store > Your Name > Account Settings > Subscriptions. On a Windows PC? Open iTunes, head to Account > My Account > Settings > Subscriptions > Manage.
And if you signed up for a trial that you KNOW you don’t want to renew, cancel at least 24 hours before it ends. Set a calendar reminder because we know you won’t remember. There’s no shame. I set a calendar reminder for everything and utilize Notes to checkmark things off my list.
Don’t Forget About Non-Apple Subscriptions
Most likely, Apple subs aren’t the only ones sneaking into your budget.
If your credit card is on autopay, then it’s VERY possible you’re still paying for things you haven’t used in months, like that fitness app or random streaming service.
To stay on top of it, just set up a simple Google sheet to track your subscriptions or use budgeting apps like Rocket Money, PocketGuard, or NerdWallet that do it for you automatically.
I once forgot about an ESPN+ trial and wasted $53. A coworker dropped $700+ on random Amazon Prime channels he didn’t even know he had. Please don’t be like us and just use a budgeting app to keep track.
Android Users, Here’s How to Check
No, we didn’t forget about Android users!
To check for your sneaky subscriptions, open Google Play> Your Profile > Payments & Subscriptions > Subscriptions to cancel anything you’re not using. Just make sure you’re logged into the right Google account!
The Money Move
Subscriptions can be sneaky and invisible as they slowly drain your bank account.
Just take a few seconds today to do a quick audit. It’s painless, free, and might just save you enough for your next coffee run, Target trip, or better yet, your savings account. You do have at least $1,000 in your emergency fund, right?
Bonus points if you send this to a friend who needs this reminder, too.
