Websites like the New York Times deliberately make it hard for users to delete their accounts so they can hang on to their personal info. This info is stored in a database and may be used for internal marketing purposes or sold to advertisers. [1] X Research source

Be explicit about what it is you want. Use the word “delete” and not something more ambiguous, like “remove” or “deactivate. ” It may take up to 48 hours for you to receive a response to your email.

You shouldn’t be asked to provide a reason for the cancellation. If the on-call representative attempts to talk you out of it, however, or begins going over alternative options, explain that you want the account shut down for good.

The customer service department accepts calls from 7am to 10pm E. T. Monday-Friday, and from 7am-3pm E. T. on the weekends. Those who live outside of the United States should take a look at the New York Times’ International Contact Information list to find out when and what number to call. [5] X Research source

Once you block third-party logins, your past account activity will vanish, along with other trackable details like your passwords and search history. If you’re serious about erasing the memory of your subscription altogether, clear your web browser’s cookies to destroy any remaining stored info.

This is just another trick the New York Times uses to keep its readers hooked. One-time purchases, such as gift subscriptions, are not eligible for cancellation or refunding.

You may be prompted to provide your email address rather than a user name, depending on the platform you’re using and the version of the software you have downloaded. Check the box to remember your login info to make logging in faster and easier in the future.

If you were once a subscriber and are now uncertain whether you’re still paying for it, you are—the New York Times has set up their digital subscriptions to renew automatically. [9] X Research source

You’ll have to tap the title of the publication an extra time if you’re attempting to cancel from your mobile device. This will also be a good opportunity to terminate any other unwanted subscriptions.

Technically speaking, you can’t cancel an New York Times subscription yourself. By choosing not to renew, what you’re actually doing is letting your subscription lapse. Your cancellation will take effect following the end of the current billing cycle. That means that if you opt out at the beginning of January, you’ll still be charged for the entire month. You will, however, keep your subscription privileges until February.

As with iTunes, choosing to cancel a New York Times subscription through the Google Play Store won’t actually terminate your account then and there. It will, however, stop auto-renewing, which means you’ll be free starting the next monthly payment cycle. If you delete the New York Times app without taking the proper steps to end your subscription, you’ll still be responsible for whatever charges you rack up. [13] X Research source

If you discover that you subscription has continued after you’ve tried to end it, ask if you might be eligible for a refund for the deducted amount.