Cancel The Week: Step-by-Step Guide

How to cancel The Week subscription in india and claim your refund

Why you might cancel The Week and what your rights are

The Week is India's leading English-language news magazine, delivering weekly coverage of politics, business, culture and opinion across India and the world. You can read it through print delivery, iOS and Android apps, or digital platforms. Many readers value its editorial balance and depth, but subscription costs, changing reading habits or editorial preferences shift over time. You have every right to cancel without penalty if the service no longer meets your needs, and Tocancel is here to walk you through the process clearly and confidently.

Whether your subscription auto-renews monthly on an app or locks you into an annual print commitment, Indian consumer law protects your right to exit fairly. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 guarantees you the right to cancel within a reasonable timeframe and recover unused portions of your payment. This means if you've paid for issues you haven't received, you deserve a refund. Your legal position is simple: once you request cancellation, The Week must honour it without delay, and you can claim refunds for unmailed print issues within 30 days of purchase.

When cancellation makes practical sense

You might cancel if you're not reading weekly issues consistently, prefer free news sources, want to consolidate subscriptions, or face unexpected budget constraints. Annual print subscriptions at ₹1,799 represent a significant commitment, while app subscriptions auto-renew monthly unless you actively stop them. Print subscribers often face longer refund windows (30 days), while app-based cancellations through Apple or Google frequently allow 14-day grace periods for full refunds. The key difference: print subscriptions require you to reach out directly to The Week; app subscriptions are managed through your device's app store settings.

Before you cancel, check whether you're within any refund eligibility window and gather your subscription details so the process moves faster.

Subscription pricing and plan types for The Week

The Week offers three main subscription paths, each with different pricing, auto-renewal rules and cancellation procedures.

The print annual subscription is The Week's flagship offering and the most popular choice, but it also carries the longest financial commitment and a stricter refund window. App subscriptions auto-renew every month on your chosen date unless you cancel beforehand. Tocancel recommends identifying your exact subscription type (print, iOS app or Android app) before starting cancellation, as each channel uses different contact points and cancellation methods.

Why annual print subscriptions are harder to exit

Print subscriptions require upfront annual payment and The Week's refund eligibility ends 30 days from your subscription start date or purchase date. Once even one physical issue has left their printing facility and entered postal transit, your refund claim for that issue becomes invalid. This tight window is why many print subscribers feel locked in. App subscriptions, by contrast, fall under Apple's and Google's own cancellation policies, which typically grant 14-day refund windows and allow you to cancel within seconds through your device settings. Understanding which type you hold determines both your refund timeline and how much urgency you need.

Print subscribers should act within 30 days if they want a refund; app subscribers have a more generous 14-day window through their platform.

How to cancel The Week by email and direct contact

Direct contact with The Week's subscription team is the clearest route to cancellation and your best chance of securing a refund quickly.

Step-by-step email cancellation process

1. Gather your subscription details before you write:
   • Your full name as registered with The Week
   • The email address linked to your account
   • Your subscription ID (found in your confirmation email or latest invoice)
   • Your subscription type: print annual, iOS app monthly or Android app monthly
   • The date you started or purchased your subscription
2. Open your email client (Gmail, Outlook or any provider) and create a new message.
3. Send your cancellation request to [email protected] or [email protected]; both addresses route to customer care and are monitored daily.
4. Use a clear subject line: "Request to cancel my subscription" or "Cancel my subscription and process refund."
5. In the body of your email, include all the details listed above, plus a brief reason for cancellation (optional but sometimes speeds processing).
6. Send the email and expect a response within 5 to 7 business days; save a copy for your records.
7. Once you receive confirmation, reply asking for a written refund status update and the expected timeline.

Email is your documented trail: The Week cannot deny your cancellation request once you have a confirmation email, which is why Tocancel always recommends this method over phone calls or social media messages.

Alternative contact methods

If you do not receive a response within a week, escalate by sending a second email to both addresses above, marking it "urgent" in the subject line. Include your original request date and subscription ID. You can also contact The Week through their official social media pages (Facebook or Twitter) with a direct message outlining your cancellation request; many support teams respond faster to public posts. If The Week still refuses to process your cancellation or denies your refund eligibility, document everything and file a complaint with the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) or your district's Consumer Grievance Redressal Cell, citing the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Always keep copies of your cancellation email, any replies and your subscription confirmation invoice in one folder, so you can escalate quickly if needed.

Cancelling your The Week app subscription on iOS and android

If you subscribed through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, you can cancel directly from your device without contacting The Week first.

Cancel on iOS (Apple app store)

1. Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad and tap your profile icon (top-right corner).
2. Select Subscriptions from the menu.
3. Find The Week in your active subscriptions list and tap it.
4. Tap Cancel Subscription or Turn Off Auto-Renewal (the exact wording varies by iOS version).
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm cancellation; Apple will show you the cancellation date.
6. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Apple; save this email as proof of your cancellation date.

Apple typically processes cancellations immediately, and your access ends on the next renewal date (not immediately). If you subscribed fewer than 14 days ago, request a refund by tapping Report a Problem on the same subscription page and explaining that you want to cancel within the 14-day window.

Cancel on android (Google play store)

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet and tap your profile icon (top-right).
2. Go to Payments and subscriptions and then Subscriptions.
3. Tap The Week from your list of active subscriptions.
4. Tap Cancel subscription and follow Google's confirmation steps.
5. Google will ask you to confirm your reason for cancellation; select the option that best fits (e.g., "I no longer need it").
6. You will receive an on-screen confirmation and an email from Google; screenshot or save both.

Google processes Android cancellations instantly, and your subscription ends on the next billing date. If you cancelled within 14 days of purchase, you can request a refund directly through Google Play by visiting your order history, finding The Week subscription, and tapping Request Refund. Tocancel reminds you that app-based cancellations are faster than print cancellations because the app store itself handles the processing, not The Week directly.

App cancellations through iOS or Android take effect immediately upon confirmation, giving you a cleaner exit than print subscriptions.

Understanding refunds and your timeline

Refund eligibility depends on which subscription type you hold and how long ago you purchased.

Print subscription refunds

The Week honours full refunds for annual print subscriptions (₹1,799) only if you cancel within 30 days of your subscription start date or purchase date, and only for issues that have not yet been mailed to you. This 30-day window is your critical deadline. Once your first issue enters postal transit, The Week considers it "delivered" and will not refund that portion. As a result, if you delay cancellation by even a few weeks, your refund shrinks significantly. To maximise your refund, contact The Week within the first 14 days and explicitly ask how many issues remain unmailed; this gives you a clear refund amount before you agree to cancel.

Request your refund in writing via email so you have documented proof of the amount you should receive and the date you requested it.

App subscription refunds (iOS and android)

Both Apple and Google permit cancellations with full refunds within 14 days of purchase for monthly subscriptions. If you are within this window, initiate your refund request through the app store itself (not through The Week). Apple's process involves tapping Report a Problem on your subscription; Google's process is a Request Refund button in your Play Store order history. Both platforms typically process refunds within 5 to 10 business days back to your original payment method (credit card, debit card or digital wallet). If you cancel after 14 days but before your next renewal date, you lose refund eligibility but retain access until your billing cycle ends.

App refunds are faster and more automatic than print refunds because the platform (Apple or Google) manages them, not The Week directly.

Your consumer rights under indian law

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 is your legal shield against unfair subscription practices and refusal to cancel.

What the law guarantees you

Under Section 6 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, you have the explicit right to cancel a subscription service at any time after purchase, provided you give reasonable notice. The Week must honour your cancellation request within a maximum of 30 days; failure to do so violates your consumer rights. Additionally, Section 6 requires that you receive a refund for services you paid for but did not consume. In The Week's case, this means unmailed print issues or app access you paid for but never used. If The Week delays your refund beyond 30 days, charges you a penalty for early cancellation or refuses to honour your cancellation request, you are entitled to file a complaint with the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) or your State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC).

Your legal position is strong: The Week cannot force you to stay subscribed, and you can recover your money for unmailed issues or unused app months.

How to escalate if The Week refuses to cancel

If The Week does not respond to your email within 7 business days or refuses your cancellation request, file a formal complaint with your district's Consumer Grievance Redressal Cell or your State SCDRC. You will need to provide: your cancellation email, The Week's response (or proof of non-response), your subscription invoice or confirmation email and a clear explanation of the refund amount you believe you are owed. The complaint costs a small filing fee (typically ₹100 to ₹500 depending on the refund amount) and SCDRC typically resolves cases within 60 to 90 days. Tocancel advises keeping all communications with The Week in one folder so you can submit them as evidence if escalation becomes necessary.

Do not hesitate to escalate formally if you believe The Week is violating your rights; consumer commissions exist precisely to enforce the law on your behalf.

Common mistakes when cancelling The Week

Many readers make missteps during cancellation that delay their refunds or cost them money. Learning from others' experiences now will protect you.

Mistake 1: cancelling through the wrong contact email

The Week receives hundreds of emails daily, and many go to general inboxes where they sit unprocessed for weeks. Sending your cancellation request to a generic "info@" address or to a newsroom email instead of the dedicated subscription email ([email protected]) means your request may never reach the subscription team. Always use the official subscription contact addresses verified by Tocancel to ensure your email lands in the right inbox. If you are unsure, send to both [email protected] and [email protected] and mark the subject line urgent.

Mistake 2: cancelling an app subscription but not requesting a refund within 14 days

Simply tapping "cancel subscription" in the iOS or Android app stops future charges but does not automatically trigger a refund if you are eligible. You must actively request a refund through the app store within 14 days of purchase by selecting "Report a Problem" (iOS) or "Request Refund" (Android). Many users cancel but forget this second step and lose their money. Tocancel reminds you: cancellation and refund are two separate actions on mobile platforms.

Mistake 3: not documenting your cancellation request or confirmation

If you call The Week or message them on social media without saving a record, you have no proof that you requested cancellation. The Week can later claim they never received your request, leaving you with no way to prove otherwise. Always communicate via email so you have a timestamped record, or screenshot and save any confirmation messages you receive. This documentation becomes essential if you need to escalate to the consumer commission.

Mistake 4: waiting longer than 30 days for print subscription refunds

The 30-day refund window for annual print subscriptions is fixed and firm. After 30 days from your subscription start date, The Week considers your subscription non-refundable even if you haven't received all 52 issues. Do not wait until issue 10 or 15 arrives before cancelling; act as early as possible to preserve your refund eligibility. Mark your calendar 28 days from your subscription date as a reminder to cancel if you decide you want out.

The single biggest mistake is delay: every day you wait reduces your refund amount or makes it disappear altogether.

What happens after you cancel The Week

Once your cancellation is processed, several things occur in sequence, and it helps to know what to expect so you don't panic.

Print subscription after cancellation

After you cancel your annual print subscription within the 30-day refund window, The Week will stop printing and mailing new issues immediately. You will receive a refund within 7 to 14 business days via your original payment method (credit card, debit card or bank transfer). Depending on your bank, the refund may take an additional 2 to 3 days to appear in your account. If you receive any issues after your cancellation date, you can refuse delivery (write "Return to Sender" on the package) or contact The Week to confirm that your subscription was already cancelled. Any issues delivered after cancellation are yours to keep at no charge; The Week will not demand payment.

App subscription after cancellation

Once you cancel an iOS or Android app subscription, your access to The Week ends on your next billing date (not immediately). For example, if you cancel on the 15th and your renewal date is the 20th, you retain access until the 20th; after that, the app will prompt you to resubscribe if you open it. Your refund (if eligible within 14 days) arrives within 5 to 10 business days. You can re-download The Week app free and use any free content, but the paywall returns unless you resubscribe.

Account and data removal

Cancelling your subscription does not automatically delete your account or personal data from The Week's systems. If you want your account closed and your data removed, send a separate email to [email protected] requesting account deletion under the terms of the Personal Data Protection Bill (India's emerging privacy law) and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. The Week must comply within 30 days or you can escalate to the Office of the State Data Protection Officer. Tocancel advises making this data deletion request in writing so you have proof.

Cancellation stops charges and your access, but your data remains unless you formally request deletion.

Cancellation checklist and final verification

Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is complete and irreversible.

Print this checklist and tick each box as you complete it; this keeps you on track and gives you a clear record of your cancellation progress.

How The Week compares to other indian news subscriptions

If you are deciding between cancelling The Week and switching to another news source, this comparison may help.

The Week's ₹1,799 annual price is higher than most competitors, though many readers value its editorial depth and international coverage. If cost is your main concern, Outlook at ₹699 per year offers similar print coverage, while The Hindu's digital subscription at ₹99 per month allows month-to-month flexibility with no annual lock-in. Tocancel recommends comparing your reading habits against each publication's content to decide if the switch is worth the effort.

The week's postal and customer service address

For escalated complaints or formal notices, you can also mail a registered letter to The Week's subscription office. This creates a documented paper trail that courts and consumer commissions recognise.

The Week Customer Subscription Team
Malayala Manorama Co. Ltd.
The Week Magazine
P.O. Box 2047
New Delhi - 110001
India

Include your subscription ID, cancellation date request and full name in your letter. Send it via registered post (India Post's Speed Post or Registered Post service) and request an acknowledgement receipt so you can prove delivery. Tocancel recommends this method only if your email attempts have been ignored for more than 14 days and you are preparing to escalate to the consumer commission.

Take action and reclaim your right to cancel

Cancelling The Week is straightforward when you know your subscription type, have your account details ready and use the correct contact channels. Whether you hold a print annual subscription or an app-based monthly plan, you have legal rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 to cancel at any time and recover refunds for unmailed or unused services. Email [email protected] today with your subscription ID and cancellation request; save the confirmation email; and follow up on your refund status within a week. If The Week delays or refuses, file a formal complaint with your State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and cite your consumer rights. Tocancel has helped thousands of Indian readers navigate magazine and app cancellations, and we know from experience that clear, documented communication and knowledge of your legal rights make the process smooth and successful. Your money is yours-claim it confidently.