Manage The Times

How to cancel your times subscription in the UAE without frustration

What you need to know about the times

The Times is a prestigious UK-based news organisation delivering digital and print journalism across politics, business, culture, and global affairs. If you subscribe via the app or website, you gain access to comprehensive reporting on breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive commentary.

How the times subscription works

The Times operates on a recurring subscription model billed monthly or annually. Your subscription renews automatically at the end of each billing cycle unless you cancel beforehand. You access the service through web browsers, iOS apps, and Android apps, giving you flexibility to read on your preferred device.

Why you might consider cancelling

You may be cancelling because you're not reading enough content to justify the cost, you've found alternative news sources, or your financial priorities have shifted. Whatever your reason, you deserve a straightforward cancellation process. Unfortunately, The Times requires phone contact only, which creates friction for many subscribers in the UAE.

Current pricing plans for UAE subscribers

Below are the pricing options available to UAE subscribers as listed on the Apple App Store, which reflects current rates in AED.

Pro tip: If you're on a combined plan and only want The Times, you may need to downgrade rather than cancel. Confirm this when you call customer services.

The one method that actually works to cancel the times

The Times does not accept email or online cancellation requests, which is a significant barrier for many subscribers outside the UK. Phone contact is mandatory, and you must speak to a live agent to complete the cancellation.

Contact details for cancellation

You have two phone numbers available depending on your location. If you're calling from the UAE, use the international number to reach The Times customer services team.

• UK freephone: 0800 018 5177 (for calls from the United Kingdom)
• International line: +44 207 711 1527 (for calls from outside the UK, including the UAE)

When you call the international number from the UAE, your call will be charged at international rates. Call during UK business hours (typically 8am to 6pm GMT on weekdays) for the shortest wait times.

Step-by-step cancellation process

Follow these steps precisely to ensure your cancellation is processed correctly and documented.

1. Call +44 207 711 1527 from your phone in the UAE
   • Allow 5-10 minutes for the call; expect potential hold times during busy periods
   • Have your account details ready before dialling to speed up verification
2. Verify your identity when prompted
   • Provide the email address or username linked to your subscription
   • Confirm your last four digits of your payment card if asked
   • Be prepared to confirm your billing address
3. Request cancellation explicitly
   • Tell the agent: "I want to cancel my subscription to The Times"
   • Do not say "pause" or "suspend" unless you want a temporary break
4. Provide at least two days' notice before your next billing date
   • Ask the agent when your next renewal date is
   • State your cancellation effective date (e.g., "I want to cancel before 15 January")
   • This prevents an unwanted charge after you cancel
5. Request written confirmation
   • Ask for a cancellation reference number and note it down immediately
   • Request email confirmation sent to your account email address
   • Warning: If the agent refuses to email confirmation, ask them to read the confirmation number aloud twice and write it down word-for-word
6. End the call and document everything
   • Note the date, time, and agent name (if provided)
   • Keep your reference number in a safe place for at least 90 days
   • Monitor your account for any unexpected charges after cancellation

What happens immediately after you cancel

Understanding the post-cancellation timeline helps you avoid surprises and ensures you're not charged unexpectedly.

Access during your final billing period

You retain full access to The Times until the end of your current paid period. If you cancel on 10 January with a billing cycle ending on 25 January, you can read until 25 January at no additional cost. Your subscription does not terminate immediately upon cancellation; it runs through to the end of the cycle you've already paid for.

Automatic renewal stops

Once your paid period expires, The Times will not attempt to renew your subscription. No further charges will appear on your card after your final billing date, provided the cancellation was processed correctly.

Account and data retention

The Times may retain your account data according to its privacy policy. You can request data deletion by contacting customer services separately, though this is a distinct action from cancellation.

Refund possibilities and what your rights are

Refunds from The Times are rare, but your consumer rights in the UAE may provide leverage in specific situations.

The times' standard refund policy

The Times treats subscription fees as non-refundable once charged. If you cancel after your billing date, the fee for that period is generally retained by the company. This is their standard position and applies to most subscribers.

Exceptions that may apply to you

Refunds may be granted only if required by applicable UAE law or at The Times' sole discretion. You have the right to request a refund in writing, even if the likelihood is low.

• If you cancel within 14 days of your first purchase (consumer protection law in some jurisdictions may apply)
• If The Times failed to deliver the service you paid for (technical issues, repeated access denial)
• If you did not receive your order confirmation or billing communication
• If you believe the charge was made in error or without your clear consent

Your consumer protection rights in the united arab emirates

The UAE has consumer protection frameworks that may support your case if The Times refuses reasonable requests or engages in unfair practices.

Local regulations that protect you

The UAE Ministry of Economy (formerly Ministry of Economy and Planning) oversees consumer complaints and enforces protection against unfair contract terms, misleading advertising, and unreasonable refusal to process cancellations. These laws apply to digital services purchased by UAE residents.

How to escalate if the times refuses cancellation

If The Times customer services refuse to cancel your subscription or ignore your cancellation request, follow this escalation path.

1. Send a written cancellation request via email (even though they don't normally accept email cancellations) to create a documented record
   • Include your full name, account email, and subscription start date
   • State your cancellation effective date and reason for cancellation
   • Request written acknowledgement within 7 days
   • Keep a copy for your records
2. Contact the UAE Ministry of Economy if The Times does not respond or refuses
   • Visit moec.gov.ae to file a consumer complaint
   • Provide evidence of your cancellation request(s) and The Times' response
   • The ministry can investigate unfair practices and compel companies to comply with consumer law
3. File a chargeback claim with your bank or card issuer if an unwanted charge appears after cancellation
   • Contact your bank within 90 days of the disputed charge
   • Provide your cancellation reference number and confirmation as evidence
   • For payment-related disputes, the UAE Central Bank (centralbank.ae) provides guidance

Common mistakes that trap subscribers into continued billing

Cancelling The Times is frustrating because the phone-only requirement creates opportunities for miscommunication. Many subscribers believe they've cancelled when they haven't, only to discover surprise charges weeks later.

Mistake 1: not giving two days' notice before your billing date

If you cancel on 20 January but your renewal date is 22 January, you may still be charged for another month. Always confirm your renewal date with the agent and state your cancellation effective date explicitly (e.g., "Cancel before 22 January").

Mistake 2: accepting verbal confirmation without a reference number

A reference number is your only proof of cancellation if a dispute arises. Without it, The Times can claim no cancellation request was made. Always ask for a number and request email confirmation as backup.

Mistake 3: assuming email cancellation requests count

The Times does not accept email cancellation. Sending an email and believing you've cancelled leaves you vulnerable to unexpected charges. Phone contact is the only accepted method.

Mistake 4: not monitoring your bank account after cancellation

System errors or processing delays can result in charges appearing after you've cancelled. Check your bank statements for 30 days post-cancellation to catch unwanted charges early.

Mistake 5: asking to "pause" instead of "cancel"

If you ask to pause your subscription, The Times may interpret this as a temporary hold, and billing may resume automatically. Use the word "cancel" explicitly if you want permanent termination.

Documentation checklist before you call

Gather these details before you dial +44 207 711 1527 to streamline the call and reduce the risk of miscommunication.

• Account email address or username associated with your subscription
• Last four digits of your payment card on file
• Your billing address as it appears in The Times' records
• Your current subscription start date (if you know it)
• Pen and paper to write down your cancellation reference number
• Quiet location where you can hear the agent clearly
• Approximately 10-15 minutes of uninterrupted time

Having these details ready reduces hold times and prevents the agent from needing to transfer you or place you on further hold.

Comparing your alternatives if you want to cancel

Before you cancel, consider whether one of these alternatives might suit you better.

What readers say about cancelling the times

Real subscriber experiences reveal the frustration many face and where The Times performs reasonably well.

Negative experiences reported

Subscribers consistently report three main pain points. First, the phone-only cancellation method creates barriers for people who prefer digital communication. Second, long hold times during peak hours (9am-5pm GMT) frustrate callers from the UAE. Third, some subscribers report agents who push back against cancellation or ask probing questions about why they're leaving.

Positive outcomes when done correctly

Subscribers who call at off-peak times (early morning UK time), provide clear cancellation requests, and secure reference numbers generally experience smooth cancellations. Many report that access continues through the paid period as promised, with no unexpected charges appearing after the final billing date.

Why stopee can help you stay in control

Cancelling subscriptions requires precision, documentation, and persistence. Stopee specializes in helping consumers navigate complex cancellation processes across digital services. Whether you're cancelling The Times or managing multiple subscriptions, Stopee provides step-by-step guidance tailored to your region and service.

The team at Stopee understands the frustration of phone-only cancellation methods and unclear refund policies. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers in the UAE cancel unwanted subscriptions without losing money or wasting hours on hold. By using the checklist and steps outlined above, combined with Stopee's resource library, you can cancel your Times subscription confidently and ensure no surprise charges appear on your next bank statement.

Visit Stopee (stopee.com) today to find cancellation guides for other services you subscribe to and keep your digital life organized and cost-effective.