Cancel Newsweek: The Right Way

How to cancel Newsweek in malaysia and stop unwanted charges

What is Newsweek and why you might want to cancel

Newsweek is an international news and current affairs publication founded in 1933 that delivers digital and print content to readers worldwide, including Malaysia. If you subscribed to access premium articles, ad-free reading, or Newsweek Voices podcasts, you are paying between RM4.50 and RM15 per month depending on your plan. The service operates on automatic renewal, which means your payment card gets charged every month unless you actively stop the subscription yourself-and that automatic renewal catches thousands of readers off guard every year.

Many Malaysian subscribers sign up for a discounted introductory offer, forget about it, and then discover recurring charges months later. Others find the content no longer matches their reading habits or prefer local Malaysian news sources. Whatever your reason, cancelling Newsweek is your right as a consumer, and you deserve a clear, straightforward path to do it. Tocancel is here to walk you through that process step by step.

The automatic renewal trap

Newsweek's terms of service state that the subscription renews automatically at the end of each billing cycle unless you cancel before the next charge date. The company does not send renewal reminders-it is your responsibility to manage the cancellation yourself. This means if your next billing date is in 3 days and you have not cancelled yet, you will be charged again in 3 days for the following month. This is why timing matters enormously when you decide to stop paying.

Your subscription will continue until the end of your current billing period if you cancel before that date, so you will still have access to Newsweek until your paid time runs out. However, if you cancel after the next charge has already gone through, you will need to pursue a refund separately-which is more difficult than preventing the charge in the first place. Therefore, acting quickly is your strongest position.

Where Newsweek support is based and what that means for you

Newsweek support operates from its New York headquarters. The main support email is [email protected] and the phone number is +1 (646) 867-7100, which operates on US Eastern Time business hours. This means if you contact them outside those hours or on a weekend, your response will be delayed. Malaysia does not have a dedicated local support line or Bahasa Melayu customer service team for this subscription.

If you subscribed through Apple App Store or Google Play, those platforms handle your cancellation and billing, not Newsweek directly. This is a crucial distinction because the steps differ depending on where you signed up. Keep records of your subscription confirmation email, billing receipts, and screenshots of your account status-these become your evidence if a dispute arises with either Newsweek or your payment provider.

Your consumer rights when cancelling Newsweek

Consumer protection laws that apply to you in malaysia

Malaysia's Consumer Protection Act 1999 protects you when you enter into a subscription contract with Newsweek. Under this law, you have the right to cancel a distance contract (which includes online subscriptions) within 10 calendar days of signing up, provided you act within that window and follow the correct cancellation procedure. This cooling-off period applies even if you used a free trial-your right to cancel within 10 days does not depend on whether you were charged immediately.

If Newsweek fails to honour your cancellation or continues charging after you have cancelled in writing, you can lodge a complaint with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs. The law also requires companies to provide clear, transparent terms about their automatic renewal policy at the point of sale. If Newsweek's cancellation process is deliberately hidden or made difficult, that may constitute an unfair contract term under the Act.

Your legal position is strong: you are not stuck with Newsweek, and the company cannot force you to keep paying if you have submitted a valid cancellation request. Tocancel empowers consumers like you to understand this position and act on it confidently.

What Newsweek must provide when you cancel

By law, Newsweek must send you a written confirmation of your cancellation request within a reasonable timeframe-ideally within 2 to 3 business days. This confirmation should include the date your subscription ends and confirmation that no further charges will be made to your card. If you cancelled within 10 days of signup and you have been charged, you are entitled to a refund of the full amount you paid.

If you cancelled after the 10-day cooling-off period but before your next billing date, you are entitled to keep access to the service until the end of your current billing cycle, but no refund of future charges is due. Print subscriptions are treated differently-you may be eligible for a prorated refund on the unused portion of your print subscription if you cancel mid-cycle, but digital subscriptions typically do not offer this. Request written confirmation every time you cancel; this protects you if the company later claims you never asked to cancel.

How to cancel Newsweek on different platforms

Cancelling Newsweek through the website (newsweek.com account)

If you subscribed directly through Newsweek's website using your email address and a payment card, you cancel your subscription through your online account settings. This method gives you the most direct control because you are cancelling with Newsweek itself, not through an app store or third party. Follow these steps to cancel on the website.

1. Go to newsweek.com and log in with your email address and password.
   • If you cannot remember your password, use the "Forgot password" link to reset it.
   • Make sure you are logging into the same account email address where you received your subscription confirmation.
2. Navigate to your account settings or subscription page, usually found under a menu labelled "My Account," "Subscriptions," or "Profile."
   • Look for a section that shows your active subscriptions or billing information.
   • Some accounts show this under "Membership" or "Digital Access."
3. Find your active Newsweek subscription and click on it to view the details.
   • You should see your plan name, current billing date, and your next renewal date.
   • Write down or screenshot your next billing date before proceeding.
4. Look for a button or link labelled "Cancel Subscription," "Manage Subscription," or "End Access."
   • Click this button and the system will ask you to confirm your cancellation.
   • Do not leave this page until you see a confirmation message.
5. Complete any final confirmation step or survey that appears.
   • Newsweek may ask why you are cancelling; you can skip this or answer it.
   • Some surveys try to offer you a discount to keep your subscription-only continue if you want to.
6. Screenshot or note the cancellation confirmation number or message that appears on your screen.
   • Your email should receive a cancellation confirmation within 2 business days.
   • Keep this email as proof of your cancellation request.

Tocancel recommends taking a screenshot of the final confirmation page showing your subscription is cancelled, even though an email confirmation is coming. This visual proof helps if you need to dispute a future charge with your bank or with Newsweek support.

Cancelling Newsweek through apple app store

If you subscribed to Newsweek through an iPhone, iPad, or Mac using your Apple ID, Apple-not Newsweek-controls your subscription and billing. Cancelling through App Store is simpler than contacting Newsweek directly because you manage it immediately in your Apple account settings. Follow these steps to cancel on iPhone or iPad.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Do not open the Newsweek app itself; you must go to device Settings.
2. Tap on your name at the top of the Settings menu.
   • This is your Apple ID account section.
3. Select "Subscriptions" from the menu.
   • You will see a list of all active subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
4. Find "Newsweek" in the list and tap on it.
   • The screen will show your plan, renewal date, and price.
5. Tap "Cancel Subscription" at the bottom of the screen.
   • Apple will ask you to confirm the cancellation.
   • Confirm by tapping "Confirm" when prompted.
6. Take a screenshot of the cancellation screen showing "Subscription Cancelled" or "Your subscription to Newsweek will end on [date]."
   • You will also receive a confirmation email from Apple.
   • Your Newsweek access continues until the end date shown on screen.

Apple processes cancellations immediately when you confirm them. Your subscription will end on the date shown, and you will not be charged after that date. No further action with Newsweek is required because Apple manages the entire billing relationship.

Cancelling Newsweek through google play

If you subscribed to Newsweek through the Google Play Store on an Android phone or tablet, Google handles your subscription management. The cancellation process mirrors Apple App Store but takes place in your Google Play account instead. Use these steps to cancel on Google Play.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
   • Make sure you are using the main Google Play Store app, not the Newsweek app.
2. Tap your profile icon (usually in the top right corner).
   • This opens a menu with account options.
3. Select "Manage subscriptions" from the menu.
   • You will see all subscriptions linked to your Google Play account.
4. Tap "Newsweek" from the list of active subscriptions.
   • The subscription details page will show your plan, renewal date, and next charge date.
5. Tap "Cancel subscription" and follow any prompts to confirm.
   • Google may show a message asking why you are cancelling; this is optional.
6. Screenshot the confirmation message stating your subscription is cancelled and showing your final access date.
   • A confirmation email will arrive from Google Play.
   • Your Newsweek access continues until the date shown in the confirmation.

Google processes cancellations in real time, just like Apple. Once you confirm the cancellation, no further charges will be applied to your Google Play account. Keep your email confirmation and screenshot as proof that you cancelled through Google Play.

Cancelling Newsweek by email if you cannot access your account

If you have lost access to your account, forgotten your login details, or the cancellation button does not appear in your settings, you can cancel by sending a written cancellation request to [email protected]. This method is slower but creates a formal record of your cancellation request, which is valuable if disputes arise later.

1. Compose a clear email with the subject line "Subscription cancellation request" or "Request to cancel Newsweek subscription."
   • Keep the email plain and direct; do not include lengthy explanations.
2. In the email body, include the following information:
   • Your full name as it appears on the subscription.
   • The email address linked to your Newsweek account.
   • Your account or subscription number (if visible in any confirmation emails you have).
   • Your next billing date (if you know it).
   • A clear statement: "I request immediate cancellation of my Newsweek subscription effective today."
3. Send the email to [email protected] from the email address linked to your subscription account.
   • Sending from your subscription email address helps Newsweek verify your identity.
4. Save a copy of the sent email and Newsweek's response in a folder or take screenshots.
   • Newsweek should respond within 2 to 3 business days with a cancellation confirmation.
   • Keep both emails as proof of your cancellation request.
5. If you do not receive a response within 5 business days, send a follow-up email and note the date.
   • This creates an additional time-stamped record if you need to escalate the complaint.

Email cancellation is your fallback option when direct account access is not available. Email creates a documented trail, which is why Tocancel always advises keeping copies of all cancellation correspondence. If Newsweek later claims you never cancelled, you have written proof that you did.

Pricing and plan options for Newsweek

Understanding what you are currently paying helps you decide whether to cancel or switch plans. Newsweek offers several subscription tiers, and the pricing varies depending on where you subscribed and whether you are on a promotional offer.

If you signed up for a promotional offer at a lower price-such as RM1.50 per month for 3 months-your rate will increase to the full standard price after the promotion ends unless you cancel before that date. Many subscribers unknowingly let their subscriptions renew at the higher rate. Check your confirmation email to see whether you are on a promotional plan, and calculate when your promotional period ends. Cancelling before that date can save you money, or you can wait until after the promo ends to make a more informed decision.

What happens after you cancel Newsweek

Your access after cancellation is confirmed

Once you successfully cancel your Newsweek subscription, your access to premium content continues until the end of your current billing cycle. If your next billing date is 15 August and you cancel on 20 July, you will have access to Newsweek until 15 August at midnight, and then your account reverts to free (limited) access only. You will not be charged again after that date. Newsweek will not issue a refund for the remaining time you have paid for unless you cancelled within the 10-day cooling-off period or you are returning a print subscription mid-cycle.

You can still log in to your Newsweek account and read any articles or saved content you stored during your subscription period. Your account itself is not deleted-it remains on Newsweek's servers, so if you decide to resubscribe in future, your account history is still there.

Checking that you have not been charged after cancellation

Monitor your bank statement or credit card bill for the next 30 days after your cancellation confirmation. Your final charge should appear before your cancellation date, and then no further Newsweek charges should appear. If you see a charge after your cancellation date, you have a valid grounds for a refund dispute. Tocancel recommends setting a phone reminder for 5 days after your cancellation is confirmed, just to log in and verify no unexpected charges have appeared.

If an erroneous charge does appear, contact Newsweek support immediately with your cancellation confirmation email and the screenshot of the cancelled subscription. If Newsweek does not refund the charge within 7 days, contact your bank and request a chargeback, providing all your cancellation documentation as evidence. Your bank will investigate and typically reverse the charge if you demonstrate that you cancelled the subscription in good faith.

Refund and billing dispute resolution

When you are entitled to a refund

You are entitled to a refund in these specific situations: if you cancelled within 10 calendar days of your initial signup and were charged; if you cancelled before your next billing date but were charged after that date due to a system error; or if you cancelled a print subscription mid-cycle and your provider terms explicitly allow prorated refunds. You are not entitled to a refund for digital access if you cancel outside the 10-day cooling-off period, even if you only used the service once or never logged in again.

To request a refund, email [email protected] with the subject "Refund request for Newsweek subscription" and include your account email, subscription number, the charge date, the amount charged, and a clear explanation of why you believe you are entitled to a refund (for example, "I cancelled on 5 August, within 10 days of signup on 2 August, but was charged on 10 August"). Newsweek should respond within 7 to 10 business days. If they refuse or do not respond, escalate the complaint to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs or your bank.

How to dispute a charge with your bank

If Newsweek refuses to refund an erroneous or unwanted charge, you can dispute it directly with your bank. Contact your bank's customer service line and explain that you cancelled your Newsweek subscription but were charged anyway (or charged after the cancellation date). Provide your bank with copies of your cancellation confirmation email and any screenshot evidence. Your bank will open an investigation, typically resolving it within 10 to 15 business days, and will often reverse the charge while the investigation is pending.

Banks take subscription billing disputes seriously because they are common complaints. You have consumer protection rights on both sides-with Newsweek and with your bank. Use both if necessary.

Common mistakes when cancelling Newsweek

Cancelling a subscription should be straightforward, but small oversights often create problems. Here are the pitfalls that trip up readers, and how you can avoid them.

Mistake 1: waiting until after the next charge has already gone through

Many people delay cancellation thinking they have time, only to be shocked by an unexpected charge a few days later. Once that charge has posted to your bank account, getting your money back is harder and slower than simply cancelling before the charge date. Check your next renewal date today and cancel at least 5 working days before it. If today is the 26th and your renewal is the 31st, cancel immediately. Tocancel always recommends marking your renewal date in your phone calendar and setting a reminder for 7 days before renewal so you have time to cancel without panic.

Mistake 2: cancelling in the app instead of the subscription platform

Uninstalling the Newsweek app or deleting it from your phone does not cancel your subscription. Many people mistakenly believe that removing the app stops the charges, but the subscription continues in the background and your card keeps getting charged. If you subscribed through the app, you must cancel through the subscription system (Apple, Google Play, or Newsweek.com), not by deleting the app itself. The app is just the interface; the subscription is managed separately.

Mistake 3: not keeping copies of your cancellation confirmation

If you cancel online and do not screenshot the confirmation page or save the confirmation email, you have no proof if Newsweek later claims you never cancelled. Companies sometimes dispute cancellations, claiming the system never received the request. Having screenshots and email confirmations protects you in these disputes. Save everything: the cancellation confirmation page, the confirmation email, the email address where you sent a cancellation request, and the date you cancelled. This documentation is free insurance.

Mistake 4: cancelling through the wrong account

If you have multiple email addresses or multiple Newsweek accounts, make sure you are cancelling the one actually being charged. Check your bank statement or credit card bill for the exact charge description and merchant name, then verify that the email address on that account matches your subscription email. Cancelling a different account by accident leaves your actual subscription active and your card still being charged.

How to stay unsubscribed and avoid accidental resubscription

Once you cancel, resist marketing emails that tempt you back with special offers. Newsweek often sends emails to cancelled subscribers offering discounts or trial periods to rejoin. These emails are designed to get you to re-enter your payment details quickly, and many people accidentally resubscribe this way. If you do not want to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from Newsweek's marketing list (usually with an "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of the email) or reply asking to be removed from their contact list.

Log in to your Newsweek account once a month for the first 3 months after cancellation and verify that your subscription status shows as "cancelled" or "inactive." This quick check takes 30 seconds and catches any system errors or unwanted re-activations immediately. If a charge appears after cancellation that you did not authorize, report it to your bank as unauthorized billing and provide all your cancellation documentation.

Contact information and next steps

How to contact Newsweek if you need help

If your cancellation request is not processed, your account is not responding, or you have billing questions, use these contact details to reach Newsweek support directly.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +1 (646) 867-7100 (US Eastern Time business hours only)

Website account settings: newsweek.com/account

Email is your best option for Malaysian users because it creates a written record and does not depend on calling US business hours. Write clearly, include your account email and the date you cancelled, and keep copies of all correspondence.

Escalating a complaint if Newsweek does not respond

If Newsweek ignores your cancellation request or refuses to process a refund you are entitled to, you can lodge a formal complaint with Malaysia's consumer protection authority. The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs handles subscription billing disputes under the Consumer Protection Act 1999. You can file a complaint online at their website or by visiting a local office. Provide copies of your cancellation request, all emails with Newsweek, your bank statement showing the disputed charges, and a clear description of what happened. This is a free service, and the ministry has authority to compel Newsweek to issue refunds if the company has violated consumer law.

Your local bank or credit card company also has a dispute resolution process. If Newsweek continues to charge you after you have cancelled in writing, you can formally dispute the charge with your bank, which will investigate and typically rule in your favour if you provide documentation of your cancellation request.

Why tocancel is here to support you

Cancelling Newsweek should not be difficult or stressful. You have clear consumer rights under Malaysian law, and the process is straightforward once you know the correct steps. Tocancel exists to make sure you understand those rights and can act on them confidently. Whether you are cancelling because you prefer local Malaysian news sources, want to reduce subscription costs, or simply no longer need premium access, your decision to cancel is valid and protected.

Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, dispute erroneous charges, and reclaim control of their billing. If you are unsure about any step in the cancellation process, refer back to the detailed instructions above for your specific platform. Take screenshots, keep emails, and remember: you are in control, not Newsweek. Act before your next renewal date, follow the steps for your subscription channel, and you will be free from Newsweek charges within days.

Ready to cancel? Start now by logging into your account, checking your next renewal date, and following the cancellation steps above. Tocancel is here to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to take action. Your subscription, your choice.