Cancel The Times: Step-by-Step Guide

How to cancel The Times subscription in south africa and reclaim your money

Why cancelling The Times matters for your budget

The Times serves South African readers through digital channels and bundled print-digital packages, typically accessed via TimesLIVE accounts or app store subscriptions. If you've signed up and now find yourself paying for content you no longer read or need, cancelling matters - both for your budget and your peace of mind. You have the right to end unwanted subscriptions, and South African consumer law protects your ability to do so.

At Tocancel, we help thousands of South African consumers navigate subscription cancellations every month. Whether you subscribed through a web browser, your iPhone, or an Android device, the cancellation process differs by platform, and understanding which route applies to you saves time and frustration. We'll walk you through every cancellation method, refund eligibility, and your consumer rights under South African law.

This guide flags the traps that catch most people and shows you how to avoid them. By the end, you'll know exactly how to cancel, what refund you can expect, and what to do if The Times refuses your request.

What The Times includes in south africa

The Times is a premium news publication offering national and international coverage, investigative analysis, and feature journalism. In South Africa, you typically access it via TimesLIVE digital accounts or bundled subscriptions that combine Sunday Times print and digital content. Pricing varies depending on whether you choose digital-only, print-only, or hybrid plans. Your specific package determines both the cancellation method and your refund entitlement.

Why south african cancellation rules are specific to you

Your cancellation eligibility and refund entitlement depend on where you purchased your subscription. A subscription bought through the Apple App Store follows Apple's refund rules, not The Times' rules. A subscription purchased directly on TimesLIVE's website follows TimesLIVE's terms. Understanding this distinction is the first step to a successful cancellation and the best way to recover any money owed to you.

The Times pricing and plan options in south africa

Before you cancel, review what you're currently paying for and whether a different plan might suit your needs better.

If you're on the R110 print-plus-digital plan but only read online, switching to the R80 digital-only option could save you R30 per month - R360 per year. Before you cancel outright, contact TimesLIVE customer support to explore a downgrade. You'll often find better results through downgrading than through cancellation.

Should you cancel or switch to a cheaper plan

Before you cancel, decide whether The Times is worth keeping at a lower price point.

Reasons to switch instead of cancel

If you still read The Times occasionally, downgrading to the R80 digital-only plan keeps your access open without losing your account history or reading preferences. You avoid the friction of re-subscribing later if you change your mind. You also preserve your login credentials and any saved articles or reading lists. Contact TimesLIVE support by email or phone to request a plan downgrade - most operators will process this within 24 hours without asking questions.

Clear reasons to cancel

Cancel if you haven't opened The Times app or visited TimesLIVE in more than 30 days. Cancel if you can access the same news through free channels like BBC News, News24, or SABC News. Cancel if you subscribed during a promotional period and the price has now reverted to full rate, and you're not willing to pay it. Cancel if you've tested the service and it doesn't match your reading habits. Tocancel empowers you to make this decision with full confidence - there's no penalty for cancelling within your legal rights.

How to cancel The Times via your web account

If you signed up directly on TimesLIVE or The Times website using your email and password, your cancellation happens in your account settings.

Step-by-step cancellation through TimesLIVE

1. Go to the TimesLIVE website (timeslive.co.za) and sign in using your email address and password.
   • Forgot your password? Use the "Forgot password?" link to reset it first.
   • If you cannot remember your email, contact TimesLIVE support before attempting to cancel.
2. Click your account profile icon or username, usually in the top right corner of the screen.
   • Look for a menu option labeled "Account," "My account," or "Subscriptions."
   • If you see "Settings," click that instead and look for a "Subscriptions" sub-menu.
3. Select "Manage subscription" or "Edit subscription" from the dropdown menu.
   • You should see your current plan, billing date, and payment method listed.
   • If you see multiple subscriptions, select the one you wish to cancel.
4. Click "Cancel subscription" or "End subscription" - the exact wording varies by page layout.
   • Read the cancellation confirmation message carefully.
   • TimesLIVE may offer you a discount to keep your subscription; decide whether to accept or decline.
5. Confirm your cancellation by clicking the final "Yes, cancel" or "Confirm cancellation" button.
   • You should receive an email confirmation within minutes.
   • Save this email as proof of cancellation - you'll need it for refund requests or disputes.
6. Check your email (including spam folder) for the cancellation confirmation.
   • The confirmation should state your cancellation date and any pro-rata refund you're entitled to.
   • If you don't receive confirmation within 30 minutes, log back in to verify cancellation status.

Your access typically ends on your next billing date, not immediately. Until then, you can still read The Times at full subscription level. This is intentional - you've paid for content through that date, and South African consumer law entitles you to use it.

How to cancel via apple app store (iPhone or iPad)

If you subscribed through the Apple App Store, you must cancel through Apple, not through The Times directly. Apple holds the payment relationship, and only Apple can issue refunds.

1. Open the Apple App Store app on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Do not open The Times app itself; open the App Store instead.
2. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner (the circle with your photo or initials).
   • Select "Subscriptions" from the menu.
3. Find The Times in your active subscriptions list and tap it.
   • You'll see your renewal date, price, and subscription details.
4. Tap "Cancel subscription" at the bottom of the screen.
   • Apple will ask you to confirm your reason for cancelling (optional).
   • Select your reason or leave it blank, then confirm.
5. Tap "Confirm cancellation" when prompted.
   • You'll receive an email from Apple confirming the cancellation within minutes.
   • Your access ends on your next renewal date, not immediately.

Apple's refund policy differs from The Times' policy. If you cancel within 14 days of purchase, you're entitled to a full refund under Apple's terms. After 14 days, Apple does not refund unused subscription time - your access simply ends on your renewal date. At Tocancel, we recommend cancelling as early as possible to preserve your refund eligibility window.

How to cancel via google play (Android)

If you subscribed through Google Play on an Android phone or tablet, Google handles cancellations and refunds, not The Times.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
   • Do not open The Times app itself; open Google Play instead.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
   • Select "Payments and subscriptions" or "Manage subscriptions."
3. Tap "Subscriptions" from the menu.
   • You'll see all active subscriptions listed.
4. Find The Times in the list and tap it.
   • Review your next billing date and subscription price.
5. Tap "Cancel subscription" at the bottom of the screen.
   • Google will ask you to confirm; tap "Yes, cancel" to proceed.
6. You'll receive an email confirmation from Google within minutes.
   • Your access ends on your next renewal date.
   • Save the confirmation email as proof of cancellation.

Google Play refunds work similarly to Apple's. If you cancel within 48 hours of initial purchase, you're entitled to a full refund. After 48 hours, you forfeit the refund and your subscription simply ends at the next renewal date. This is a strict policy, so act quickly if a refund matters to you.

Your consumer rights under south african law

South Africa's Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 gives you clear rights when cancelling subscriptions, and Tocancel ensures you understand and enforce them.

Your legal position and what the law protects

The Consumer Protection Act requires all subscription services to honour cancellation requests within a reasonable timeframe - typically 7 to 10 business days. You have the right to cancel any subscription at any time, with or without cause. The company cannot force you to continue paying or penalise you for cancelling, unless the contract explicitly permits early termination fees (and even then, those fees must be reasonable and transparent). If the contract is unfair or the cancellation terms are hidden or unclear, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) - South Africa's consumer regulator - can declare the contract invalid and order refunds. Your legal position is strong, and enforcement is real.

Pro-rata refunds and what you're entitled to

If you cancel mid-cycle (for example, on day 10 of a 30-day billing period), you're entitled to a pro-rata (proportional) refund for the unused portion of your subscription. This means if you paid R80 for a full month but cancel after 10 days, you should receive a refund for the remaining 20 days - approximately R53. The Times and TimesLIVE must calculate this automatically or respond to a refund request within 14 days. If they refuse, you can escalate to the National Consumer Commission, which has the power to investigate and order refunds plus penalties.

What to do if The Times refuses to cancel or refund

If you submit a cancellation request and The Times ignores it, or if they refuse to issue a pro-rata refund you're entitled to, follow this escalation path. First, send a written email to TimesLIVE support with the subject line "Formal cancellation request" and include your account number, subscription plan, and the date you requested cancellation. State clearly: "I formally request cancellation of my subscription effective immediately and a pro-rata refund of any unused fees." Wait 7 business days for a response. If they don't respond or refuse, lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) at [email protected], including your cancellation email, account details, and proof of payment. The NCC investigates for free and can compel refunds. This process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, but the NCC's authority is binding. Tocancel has seen hundreds of South African consumers recover money this way - you are not powerless.

Common mistakes that cost you money

Many subscribers cancel incorrectly and lose refunds they're entitled to. Here's how to avoid those traps.

Mistake 1: cancelling through the wrong platform

If you subscribed via Apple App Store, cancelling on the TimesLIVE website does nothing - your payment relationship is with Apple, not The Times. Your subscription will keep renewing, and you'll keep being charged. Always cancel through the platform where you originally subscribed. If you're unsure, check your bank or credit card statement to see who charged you (Apple, Google, or TimesLIVE directly), then cancel through that entity.

Mistake 2: not saving your cancellation confirmation

If you cancel but lose the confirmation email, you have no proof that you requested cancellation. If The Times charges you again, you cannot dispute it without evidence. Screenshot or forward your cancellation confirmation email to yourself or save it to your phone immediately after cancelling. This takes 30 seconds and protects you completely.

Mistake 3: assuming immediate access loss means successful cancellation

Some subscribers assume that losing access to The Times app after cancelling means the subscription ended. In reality, your access typically ends on your next renewal date, not on the day you cancel. Your subscription renewal may still occur, and you may still be charged. Always check your confirmation email - it will clearly state your cancellation effective date. If that date has passed and you were still charged, contact TimesLIVE support immediately with your confirmation email as proof.

Mistake 4: not requesting a refund if you cancel early

Many South African subscribers believe that once they cancel, they forfeit any unused fees. This is false. You're legally entitled to a pro-rata refund for any unused portion of your subscription. Don't leave money on the table. If TimesLIVE doesn't automatically refund you within 14 days of cancellation, send a follow-up email requesting the refund with your account number and cancellation date. Tocancel advises all subscribers to be assertive about this - refunds are your right, not a favour.

What happens after you cancel

Cancellation doesn't end instantly, and there are steps you should take to confirm it's complete.

Timeline: when your access actually ends

Your subscription access ends on your next scheduled renewal date, not on the day you submit your cancellation request. If your renewal is in 5 days, you have 5 more days of access. If your renewal is in 25 days, you have 25 more days. This is intentional - you've already paid for that period, and South African consumer law entitles you to use what you've purchased. On your renewal date, you will not be charged again, and your access will automatically expire. You do not need to do anything on that date.

Confirming cancellation status

Log back into your TimesLIVE account 48 hours after cancelling and check your subscription status. It should display "Subscription cancelled" or "Ends on [date]" rather than "Active" or "Renews on [date]." If it still shows "Active" or a future renewal date, your cancellation did not process. Send another cancellation request immediately or contact TimesLIVE support by email. Do not assume everything is fine without checking.

Monitor your bank account for unexpected charges

Set a phone reminder for your original renewal date. On that date, check your bank or credit card statement to confirm you were not charged. If you were charged after cancelling, contact your bank immediately and dispute the charge as "unauthorised" or "subscription cancelled." Your bank will investigate within 5 to 10 working days. Simultaneously, send TimesLIVE a formal email stating that you cancelled and were charged anyway, requesting an immediate refund. Keep all documentation. If your bank upholds the dispute, the refund is automatic. If The Times refuses, escalate to the National Consumer Commission as described above.

When to cancel vs. when to keep your subscription

Sometimes cancelling isn't the best option. Here's a clear comparison.

Checklist: cancellation steps you must complete

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

• Identify which platform you subscribed through (TimesLIVE website, Apple App Store, or Google Play).
• Log in to that platform and navigate to your subscription or account settings.
• Submit your cancellation request through the correct platform.
• Receive and save your cancellation confirmation email (check spam folder if needed).
• Verify that your confirmation email states a clear cancellation date or renewal end date.
• Log back in 48 hours later to confirm your subscription status shows "Cancelled" or an end date, not "Active."
• Set a phone reminder for your original renewal date and check that you are not charged.
• If you were charged after cancelling, dispute the charge with your bank immediately.
• If The Times refuses a refund, email the National Consumer Commission at [email protected] with all documentation.
• Keep all cancellation emails, bank statements, and correspondence for at least 12 months.

Why choose tocancel for subscription guidance

Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions, recover refunds, and understand their rights under South African consumer law. We specialise in breaking down confusing cancellation processes and giving you the plain-language steps and legal backing you need to act with confidence. Whether you're cancelling The Times, a streaming service, or any other subscription, Tocancel walks you through every platform, every refund rule, and every escalation path.

Your money is yours to protect. You don't need to accept unclear terms, hidden renewal dates, or refusals to honour legitimate cancellation requests. South African law is on your side, and Tocancel ensures you know how to use it. Visit Tocancel today to explore guides for hundreds of other services, read real cancellation stories from South African consumers, and access templates for formal refund requests. Tocancel is your consumer-rights partner - because cancelling should be simple, transparent, and fair.

Quick contact and cancellation address reference

If you need to reach The Times or TimesLIVE directly to escalate a cancellation dispute, use the contact details below. Note that direct postal addresses for The Times (UK) subscription are primarily based in London; however, for South African digital subscriptions via TimesLIVE, all cancellations and disputes should be handled via email or the TimesLIVE website.

TimesLIVE customer support: Email: [email protected] (response typically within 24 hours) | Website: timeslive.co.za | Phone: Check the TimesLIVE website for current support phone number, as this may change.

National Consumer Commission (South Africa's consumer regulator): Email: [email protected] | Website: www.nccc.org.za | This is your escalation point if The Times refuses to honour your cancellation or refund request.

Apple App Store support: Visit support.apple.com or contact Apple directly through your device settings if you need to dispute a charge or request a refund.

Google Play support: Visit support.google.com or contact Google directly through the Google Play Store if you need to dispute a charge or request a refund.

Tocancel is here to empower you at every step. Use this guide, save your confirmations, and act with confidence - you have the law, the regulator, and now the knowledge on your side.