Cancel Times: The Complete Guide

How to cancel your Times subscription and reclaim control of your finances

Why you might want to cancel your Times subscription

The Times has delivered trusted journalism since 1785, and today it operates as a multi-platform service combining print editions with digital access through its website and mobile apps. You receive unlimited articles, exclusive features, podcasts, and multimedia content depending on which package you've chosen.

Your subscription to The Times might cost anywhere from £26 to £80 monthly, which represents a significant ongoing commitment. If you've decided this expense no longer aligns with your needs or budget, you have the right to cancel. Many subscribers find themselves paying for multiple plans without realising it, particularly if they've upgraded or switched packages over time. Before you take action, check exactly which subscriptions you're paying for each month.

Whether you've found alternative news sources, reduced your media consumption, or simply want to trim monthly costs, cancelling should be straightforward and hassle-free. Tocancel exists to help you navigate this process with confidence and clarity. This guide walks you through every step, from understanding your subscription options to securing any refund you're entitled to. Your financial control matters, and you deserve transparency about how to reclaim it.

Common reasons subscribers decide to cancel

You might cancel because you don't have time to read the newspaper, prefer free news sources, or want to test other publications first. Cost is another major factor: at £26 to £80 monthly depending on your package, The Times represents a significant household expense for many people. Some subscribers simply forget they're being charged and cancel once they review their bank statements. Whatever your reason, you have the right to end your subscription on your terms.

What you lose when your subscription ends

Once your cancellation takes effect, you lose access to the digital platform, mobile app, and home delivery (if applicable). You cannot download or archive articles after your subscription ends. Any remaining credit or promotional balance on your account typically expires immediately, so timing your cancellation carefully matters.

Your Times subscription options and pricing breakdown

The Times offers distinct subscription packages, each with different pricing and features. Understanding which package you hold ensures you cancel the correct subscription and avoid accidentally retaining an unwanted payment plan.

Digital subscription tier

The digital subscription grants unlimited access to The Times website (thetimes.co.uk) and the mobile app across multiple devices. You receive all online articles, newsletters, podcasts, and digital-exclusive content. This package typically costs £26 per month after any introductory offer expires, though promotional rates may be significantly lower initially.

Print and combined packages

Print-only subscriptions deliver physical newspapers to your home on chosen days, ranging from weekday delivery to full seven-day coverage. Combined print and digital packages provide the premium experience: home delivery plus full online access. These packages cost between £30 and £80 monthly depending on delivery frequency and your location.

Your consumer rights when cancelling your subscription

In the United Kingdom, you are protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. These laws give you explicit rights when cancelling a digital subscription service.

Your legal position under UK consumer law

You have the right to cancel your Times subscription within 14 days of purchase without penalty, provided you have not substantially used the service. This is known as the cooling-off period. After this period, you can still cancel at any time by giving notice, but The Times may charge you for the service you've already received up to your cancellation date.

If The Times fails to provide the service you've paid for, or if you were misled about what your subscription includes, you can request a refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This means if The Times removes content you paid to access, or if access is repeatedly interrupted, you have a claim for remediation.

The relevant enforcement body for consumer rights in the UK is the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), supported by your local Trading Standards office. If The Times refuses to honour your cancellation or withhold a refund you're entitled to, you can escalate your complaint to these bodies, which have the power to investigate and enforce compliance.

Protection against automatic renewal

If you entered into a subscription with a trial period or introductory rate, The Times must obtain your explicit consent before charging you at the full price. This consent must be clear and separate from the initial purchase. If you were not given this clear notice before your first full charge, you have grounds to claim a refund for unwanted charges.

Know your rights: you are entitled to cancel without penalty during the 14-day cooling-off period, and after that, by giving notice at any time.

How to cancel your Times subscription

Cancelling your Times subscription involves accessing your account and submitting your cancellation request through the correct channel. The speed of processing depends on whether you submit your request online or by post.

Cancelling through the online platform

The fastest way to cancel is through your Times account online. Online submissions are typically processed within 24 hours. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Times account settings page at thetimes.co.uk/register or log into your existing account
   • Use the email address and password associated with your subscription
2. Navigate to your subscription management section
   • Look for "My subscription," "Account settings," or "Manage my plan"
3. Select the subscription you wish to cancel
   • If you hold multiple subscriptions, ensure you're cancelling the correct one
4. Click "Cancel subscription" or the equivalent option
   • The system may ask you why you're cancelling; you are not obligated to provide detailed feedback
5. Confirm your cancellation request
   • A confirmation message should appear on screen and be sent to your registered email address
6. Save or screenshot your confirmation for your records
   • This proof is essential if any disputes arise later

Cancelling by post

If you prefer to cancel by post, or if online cancellation is unavailable, postal submissions may take up to 10 days due to postal delays and processing time. You must send your written cancellation request to the Cardiff office. Your letter should include your full name, email address, subscription reference number, and the date you wish your cancellation to take effect. Tocancel recommends using a tracked postal service so you have proof of delivery.

Send your cancellation letter to:

The Times Circulation Department
News Group Newspapers Ltd
Llantrisant
Cardiff CF72 8NS
United Kingdom

Allow 10 working days for your postal cancellation to be processed after The Times receives your letter. If you do not receive confirmation within this timeframe, contact The Times customer service to verify receipt.

Cancelling through customer service

You can also cancel by contacting Times customer service directly via phone or email. This method may take 5-7 business days to complete, depending on the service team's workload. Have your subscription reference number ready when you contact them. Tocancel advises requesting written confirmation of your cancellation request via email, as this creates a record of your instruction.

Use your preferred cancellation method immediately, as delays increase the risk of being charged for an additional billing cycle.

Refunds and how to claim them

Your entitlement to a refund depends on when you cancel and whether The Times has already charged you for the period after your cancellation date.

Refunds within the 14-day cooling-off period

If you cancel within 14 days of your first payment and have not substantially accessed the service, you are entitled to a full refund. The Times must process this refund within 14 days of receiving your cancellation request. The refund will be returned to your original payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal account).

Refunds after the cooling-off period

Once you've moved beyond the 14-day cooling-off period, your refund entitlement changes. If you cancel mid-billing cycle, The Times may charge you only for the days you've had access up to your cancellation date. You may receive a pro-rata refund for unused days, depending on The Times' cancellation policy.

If The Times has already charged you for a full month or period after your cancellation takes effect, request a refund in writing. Include your subscription reference number, the charge date, and your cancellation date. Tocancel advises keeping copies of all communications for your records.

How long refunds take

Once The Times approves your refund, the money typically appears in your bank account within 5-10 working days. This timeline depends on your bank's processing speed. If your refund does not arrive within 14 days of approval, contact The Times and your bank to investigate the delay.

Claim your refund in writing within 30 days of cancellation to ensure you don't miss the deadline for escalation to Trading Standards or the CMA.

What happens after your cancellation takes effect

Cancelling can feel uncertain, so it's reassuring to know exactly what occurs once your request is processed. The transition is automatic and your access ends cleanly on your chosen date.

Your access timeline

On the day your cancellation takes effect, your digital access to thetimes.co.uk and the mobile app will be disabled. If you have a print subscription, your final delivery will occur on your last scheduled delivery date. You will no longer be charged after this point, and no further payments will be taken from your account.

Archived content and saved articles

You lose the ability to access articles after your subscription ends. Any articles you've saved or bookmarked within the Times app will become unavailable. If there are articles you need to keep, screenshot them or download them as PDFs before your cancellation takes effect.

Confirmation and records

The Times will send you a final confirmation email summarising your cancellation date and any remaining balance or refund due. Keep this email for at least two years as evidence of your cancellation, in case any disputes arise over charges made after this date.

Verify that no charges appear on your bank statement after your cancellation date; if they do, contact The Times immediately and dispute the charge with your bank if necessary.

Common mistakes when cancelling your subscription

Cancelling a subscription can feel frustrating if you've made mistakes, but these are easily corrected if you act quickly. Here are the pitfalls to avoid:

Cancelling the wrong subscription package

If you hold both a digital and print subscription, ensure you're cancelling the correct one. Some subscribers cancel the digital plan but leave the print plan active, or vice versa. Log in and verify which subscriptions you're paying for before you submit your cancellation request. If you accidentally cancelled the wrong subscription, contact The Times within 48 hours to request reinstatement.

Not keeping cancellation confirmation

Failing to save your cancellation confirmation is a costly mistake. If a charge appears after your cancellation date and you have no proof you cancelled, disputing it becomes significantly harder. Tocancel strongly recommends screenshotting your online cancellation confirmation and forwarding your email confirmation to yourself as a backup.

Missing the 14-day refund window

If you cancel after 14 days, your refund entitlement is limited to pro-rata charges for unused days. Cancel as soon as you decide the subscription no longer serves you, rather than delaying and losing your cooling-off period protection.

Assuming the cancellation is complete

Do not assume your cancellation is processed until you receive written confirmation. Check your email (including spam folders) for a confirmation message from The Times. If you submitted a postal cancellation, allow 10 working days before assuming The Times has received it. If you hear nothing within this timeframe, contact customer service to verify.

Not challenging unauthorised charges

If The Times continues charging you after your cancellation date, contact your bank immediately and dispute the charge. Your bank can reverse charges made without your permission. Do not simply accept unexpected charges; Tocancel advises you to question them and request evidence of your consent.

Avoid these mistakes by acting quickly, keeping records, and following up to confirm your cancellation was processed.

Step-by-step cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you've completed every step and protected your rights:

How tocancel can help you cancel with confidence

Navigating subscription cancellations across multiple services can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, reclaim refunds, and protect their financial rights.

Tocancel provides step-by-step guidance tailored to your service and situation. Whether you're cancelling The Times, digital memberships, software subscriptions, or fitness plans, Tocancel walks you through the process with clarity and legal authority. Our guides reference your consumer rights under UK law, so you know exactly where you stand and what leverage you have if a company refuses to cooperate.

When you use Tocancel, you gain access to verified cancellation addresses, the most current cancellation methods, and refund entitlements specific to each service. You also learn about common mistakes others have made, so you avoid the same pitfalls. Tocancel's mission is straightforward: help you reclaim control of your subscriptions and your money.

Summary and your next steps

Cancelling your Times subscription is your right, and it should be simple. You are protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which guarantees you a 14-day cooling-off period and the right to cancel at any time with notice. Whether you cancel online (processed within 24 hours), by post (within 10 days), or via customer service (within 5-7 days), ensure you keep proof of your cancellation request.

Your refund entitlement depends on when you cancel. Within 14 days of your first payment, you receive a full refund if you haven't substantially used the service. After this period, you may receive a pro-rata refund for unused days. If The Times continues to charge you after your cancellation date, dispute the charge with your bank and escalate to Trading Standards or the CMA if necessary.

Start your cancellation today by logging into your Times account or drafting your postal cancellation letter. Tocancel is here to support you through every step, ensuring your cancellation is processed correctly and your refund arrives on time. You've made the decision to cancel; now take action confidently, knowing your consumer rights are behind you.

Times cancellation address and contact details

If you're cancelling by post, send your written request to:

The Times Circulation Department
News Group Newspapers Ltd
Llantrisant
Cardiff CF72 8NS
United Kingdom

For online cancellation, log into your account at thetimes.co.uk and navigate to your subscription settings. If you need customer service support, contact The Times directly via their website for the most current phone number and email address.

Allow 10 working days for postal submissions to be processed. Online cancellations are typically confirmed within 24 hours. Keep all confirmation emails and reference numbers for your records, and verify that no charges appear on your bank statement after your cancellation date takes effect. Tocancel wishes you success in reclaiming your financial control.