Cancel Empire: Step-by-Step Guide

How to cancel your Empire magazine subscription in canada and protect your rights

Understanding your Empire magazine subscription

Empire is a print and digital film and culture magazine that delivers entertainment news, exclusive interviews, and in-depth reviews to readers across Canada. You can access Empire through three separate platforms: the iOS app (Apple App Store), the Android app (Google Play), or direct web subscriptions. Each platform operates independently, which means your cancellation pathway depends entirely on where you subscribed.

Whether you've purchased a single issue or committed to a recurring monthly or annual plan, identifying your access method is your first step toward a clean cancellation. At Tocancel, we understand that magazine subscriptions often renew quietly in the background, and we're here to guide you through every cancellation scenario with precision and confidence.

Why subscribers cancel Empire

You might cancel Empire for many legitimate reasons: budget adjustments, shifting entertainment preferences, overlapping magazine subscriptions, or a desire to reduce digital subscriptions. Whatever your motivation, you have the legal right to exit your subscription cleanly and on your own timeline. Your cancellation decision deserves respect, not friction.

The three platforms where you might subscribe

Empire operates across three distinct ecosystems, and this matters for cancellation. If you subscribe via the iOS app, your account lives in Apple's billing system. If you subscribe via Android, your account belongs to Google Play's ecosystem. If you subscribed directly through the web, your account is managed by Empire's own payment processor. Many subscribers mistakenly believe that deleting the app or logging out stops their charges, but it does not. You must actively cancel within the platform where you subscribed.

Your consumer rights when cancelling Empire in canada

Canadian consumer protection law gives you clear, enforceable rights when you cancel a subscription.

What canadian law guarantees you

Under the Competition Act (federal) and provincial consumer protection legislation such as Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, British Columbia's Consumer Protection Act, and equivalent statutes in every province, you have the explicit right to cancel a recurring subscription without penalty. Companies cannot impose hidden cancellation fees, lock-in periods, or artificial barriers that prevent you from exiting. Your legal position is strong: once you request cancellation, no further charges should appear on your payment method after the current billing cycle ends.

Additionally, under the Unsolicited Goods and Services Act (federal), if a company makes cancellation deliberately difficult through "dark patterns" (confusing button placement, hidden links, or unnecessary steps), consumer protection authorities can take enforcement action. This means that if Empire buries its cancellation option or requires you to phone a number rather than cancel online, you have grounds to file a complaint.

How to escalate if Empire refuses to cancel

If Empire charges you after you've submitted a cancellation request, or if the company refuses to honour your cancellation, file a complaint with your provincial consumer protection office. In Ontario, contact the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. In British Columbia, contact the Consumer Protection Branch. In Alberta, contact Service Alberta. Every province has an equivalent body. When you escalate, provide all documentation: screenshots of your cancellation request, confirmation emails (if any), unauthorized charges, and copies of communications with Empire. Tocancel recommends keeping records of every step so you have evidence if you need to pursue a refund or dispute a charge.

Empire subscription pricing and plan details

Empire offers flexible subscription options across its three platforms, each with distinct pricing and renewal cycles.

All Empire subscriptions auto-renew at the end of each billing cycle unless you cancel beforehand. Annual plans are typically the most economical option, but they also lock your payment in for 12 months. Cancel before your renewal date to avoid the next charge.

How to cancel Empire on iOS (Apple app store)

Cancelling your Empire subscription through the iOS app requires you to access Apple's subscription management system, not the app itself.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad
   • Do not open the Empire app
   • Look for the grey gear icon on your home screen
2. Tap your name or Apple ID at the top of the Settings menu
   • If you don't see your name, tap "Sign in" and use your Apple credentials
3. Select "Subscriptions"
   • This shows all active subscriptions tied to your Apple ID
4. Find and tap "Empire" in the list
   • If you don't see Empire, you may not have an active subscription on this platform
5. Tap "Cancel Subscription" or "Edit Subscription"
   • Apple displays your next renewal date and the amount you'll be charged
   • Select the reason for cancellation if prompted (optional, but helps Apple understand customer pain points)
6. Confirm your cancellation by tapping the final confirmation button
   • Apple will send a confirmation email immediately
   • Your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing cycle
   • No further charges will appear after that date

Keep the confirmation email from Apple as proof of cancellation. If you are charged again after the end of your current cycle, reply to that email with your cancellation receipt, and Apple will investigate the charge and issue a refund if warranted.

How to cancel Empire on android (Google play)

Cancelling an Empire subscription through Google Play requires you to manage your subscription through Google's account system.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet
   • Look for the multicoloured triangle icon (Google Play icon)
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner
   • This is usually a circular icon with your initials or profile photo
3. Select "Payments and subscriptions" from the menu
   • Then tap "Subscriptions"
4. Find "Empire" in your active subscriptions list
   • If Empire does not appear, your subscription may not be on this platform
5. Tap "Empire" and then select "Cancel subscription"
   • Google Play will display your current billing date and next renewal amount
   • You may be offered options to keep your subscription or switch to a lower-cost plan
6. Confirm the cancellation
   • Google Play will send a confirmation email to your account
   • Your access continues until the end of your current billing period
   • After that date, you will no longer be charged

Save the Google Play cancellation confirmation. If you notice a charge after your final billing date, contact Google Play directly through the app and provide this confirmation as evidence of your timely cancellation request.

How to cancel Empire via web direct subscription

If you subscribed directly through Empire's website rather than through an app store, you must cancel through your account page.

1. Visit the Empire magazine website
   • Navigate to the login page or account portal
2. Log in using your email address and password
   • If you do not remember your password, use the "Forgot password" option to reset it
3. Locate your account or billing settings
   • Look for a menu item called "Account", "My subscriptions", "Billing", or "Manage subscription"
4. Find your active Empire subscription
   • The page should display your subscription type, renewal date, and amount charged
5. Select the option to "Cancel subscription" or "Manage subscription"
   • The system may ask you to confirm your decision or offer a discount to retain you
   • You do not need to accept a discount offer; proceed with cancellation if that is your choice
6. Confirm your cancellation
   • Empire will send a confirmation email to your registered email address
   • Keep this email as proof of cancellation

If Empire's website does not allow you to cancel online, look for a "Contact us" option. Send a cancellation request via email, making it clear that you are requesting cancellation of your recurring subscription. Include your account email address and subscription start date. Request a written confirmation of cancellation. At Tocancel, we recommend sending this email via registered mail to the address provided at the end of this guide if email cancellation is refused or ignored.

Refunds, cancellation timelines, and what happens after

Understanding what occurs after you cancel helps you avoid confusion and unnecessary worry.

When your access ends and what you are charged

After you submit a cancellation request, your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing cycle. If your next renewal date is December 15 and you cancel on December 1, you remain a subscriber until December 15. You will not be charged again after December 15. If you cancel on December 20 (after your renewal), you've already paid for the next cycle, and your subscription ends on January 15 (or your next renewal date). This is standard practice and is legally compliant under Canadian consumer protection law.

Refund eligibility and how to request one

Whether you receive a refund for the subscription period you've already paid depends on the platform and the circumstances. Apple typically grants refunds within 14 days of an accidental charge or unwanted subscription. Google Play offers refunds within 48 hours of purchase or renewal. If you request a refund outside these windows, explain your reason clearly: duplicate charges, unauthorized subscription, or a defective service. At Tocancel, we encourage you to request a refund if you believe you were charged incorrectly or if the service failed to meet reasonable expectations. Your provincial consumer protection office can intervene if a company refuses an unreasonable refund request.

If you subscribed directly through Empire's website, contact the company's support team via the method specified on their site or through the registered mail address provided below. Request a refund of your most recent charge or subscription period. If the company refuses, file a complaint with your provincial consumer protection authority and provide your cancellation confirmation as evidence.

Avoiding re-subscription after cancellation

After you cancel, do not re-download or reinstall the app immediately. Some users accidentally re-subscribe when they reinstall the app because the subscription option appears prominently on login. If you wish to reinstall the app to access content you've already paid for during your subscription period, log in but do not purchase or select any subscription option.

Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them

Cancellation anxiety is real, and many subscribers make costly errors in the process.

Deleting the app instead of cancelling

The most common mistake is deleting the Empire app from your phone, then assuming the subscription is cancelled. It is not. Deleting an app removes it from your home screen but does not cancel any recurring payment authorization. Your subscription continues to renew, and charges continue to appear on your payment method. You must actively cancel the subscription through your account settings before or after you delete the app, but deletion alone does nothing.

Assuming a trial period cancels automatically

If you started with a free trial, your subscription does not automatically cancel when the trial ends. The trial converts to a paid subscription unless you explicitly cancel before the trial period expires. Check your trial end date immediately and cancel at least 24 hours before that date to avoid being charged for the first billing cycle.

Not keeping cancellation proof

Always save confirmation emails or screenshots of your cancellation screen. If Empire charges you after you've cancelled, you need evidence that you submitted a timely cancellation request. Without proof, disputes with your bank or credit card company become much harder to win. Tocancel recommends taking a screenshot of the final confirmation screen and saving all cancellation-related emails in a dedicated folder.

Cancelling too close to the renewal date

To be safe, cancel at least 3 to 5 business days before your renewal date. Processing delays can occur, and a late cancellation request might be processed after your next charge posts. If your renewal date is December 10, cancel by December 5 at the latest.

How to check if your cancellation worked

After you cancel, verify that your subscription no longer appears in your active subscriptions list.

For iOS: Return to Settings, tap your Apple ID, select Subscriptions, and check that Empire no longer appears. If it still shows but is marked "Expired" or "Cancelled", that is normal and means your cancellation is pending the end of the current billing cycle.

For Android: Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, select "Payments and subscriptions", then "Subscriptions". Empire should no longer appear in the active list. If it shows as "Cancelled", your cancellation is in progress.

For web: Log into your account and verify that your subscription no longer appears on your account page or billing dashboard. If the page shows a "Cancelled" status with an end date, that is correct.

Additionally, check your bank account or credit card statement after your final billing date has passed. Confirm that no additional Empire charge appears. If a charge does post after your expected end date, contact your bank or credit card company immediately and provide your cancellation confirmation as evidence. Request a chargeback or refund.

Comparison: which cancellation method suits you best

Each platform has advantages and disadvantages in terms of speed and documentation.

The iOS and Android methods are fastest and most straightforward. Use these first. If Empire's web cancellation is unavailable or the company refuses to cancel, escalate to registered mail or contact your provincial consumer protection office.

Sending a registered mail cancellation to Empire

If online cancellation fails or you want a legally documented cancellation on file, send a registered letter to Empire's mailing address.

What to include in your letter:

• Your full name and current address
• Your email address associated with the subscription
• Your subscription start date (if known)
• A clear statement: "I hereby cancel my Empire magazine subscription effective immediately."
• The date you are sending the letter
• A request for written confirmation of cancellation to be returned to you

Send the letter via Canada Post registered mail with return receipt requested to:

Empire Magazine Subscriptions
Cancellation Department
(Use the address provided on the Empire website or your subscription confirmation email)

Keep the Canada Post receipt and tracking number. When the letter is delivered and signed for, you have proof of timely cancellation. If Empire charges you after the registered letter is received, you can provide this documentation to your provincial consumer protection office or your bank as evidence that you requested cancellation in writing.

Your next steps and final checklist

Before you cancel, gather this information and follow these steps in order.

• Identify which platform holds your subscription: iOS, Android, or web direct
• Log into your account and note your next renewal date and the amount charged
• Follow the cancellation steps for your platform (iOS, Android, or web)
• Save all confirmation emails and take screenshots of the final confirmation screen
• Wait 24 hours, then log back in and confirm the subscription no longer appears as active
• Check your bank or credit card statement after the renewal date to confirm no charge posts
• If you are charged after cancellation, contact your bank, credit card company, or file a complaint with your provincial consumer protection office
• If Empire refuses to honour your cancellation, send a registered mail letter and escalate to your provincial authority

Tocancel is here to support you at every step. We have helped thousands of consumers navigate subscription cancellations with confidence, and we know that this process can feel daunting. Remember: you have legal rights, and companies must respect your decision to cancel. You control your subscriptions, not the other way around.

Summary: your consumer protection rights at a glance

Canadian law protects you when you cancel a recurring subscription.

These rights are backed by the Competition Act (federal), provincial Consumer Protection Acts, and the Unsolicited Goods and Services Act. They apply regardless of which platform you subscribed through. Tocancel empowers you to use these rights confidently.

Contact Empire directly before escalating

If your online cancellation fails or you experience issues, contact Empire's customer support team through the method listed on their website. Provide your account email address, subscription date, and cancellation request. Request a written confirmation of cancellation. Document this interaction with screenshots or email confirmations.

If Empire does not respond within 7 business days, or if the company refuses to cancel, you have grounds to file a complaint with your provincial consumer protection authority. Include all email correspondence, cancellation confirmations (even partial ones), and evidence of any unauthorized charges.

Final empowerment: you are in control

Cancelling Empire magazine is straightforward when you follow the correct platform-specific steps. You have clear legal rights under Canadian consumer protection law, and you should never feel pressured to keep a subscription you no longer want. If you encounter resistance, friction, or unauthorized charges, you have multiple escalation paths available. Tocancel has developed this guide to ensure you understand both your rights and your practical options so that you can cancel with full confidence. Your subscription is your choice, and your cancellation is your right. Act on it today.