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How to cancel the epoch times and understand your cancellation rights in canada

Understanding the epoch times and your subscription options

The Epoch Times is an independent media organization that delivers news, opinion, and feature content to Canadian readers through weekly print editions and digital platforms. You can access their journalism via website subscriptions, mobile apps for iOS and Android, and a subscriber portal where you manage your account. This guide will walk you through every cancellation method available to you and explain your rights under Canadian consumer law.

What the epoch times offers

The Epoch Times publishes content across multiple formats: their website (ReadEpoch.ca and TheEpochTimes.com), a weekly printed newspaper, mobile applications, e-Paper editions, subscriber newsletters, and access to EpochTV. Depending on which plan you choose, you receive varying combinations of these services. Most subscriptions renew automatically unless you actively cancel before your billing cycle ends.

The subscription plans and pricing available to you

Your specific plan determines which cancellation method applies to you. If you subscribed through Apple's App Store or Google Play, your cancellation happens through those platforms. If you subscribed directly through The Epoch Times website, you cancel through your customer account or by contacting their reader services team.

Your consumer rights and what canadian law protects

Before you cancel, understand the protections that apply to you as a Canadian consumer.

Consumer protection legislation in canada

Every province in Canada has consumer protection laws that govern subscription services and automatic renewal practices. The Competition Act (federal) and provincial consumer protection statutes require that subscription companies provide you with clear cancellation terms, allow you to cancel easily, and honour cancellation requests promptly. Additionally, many provinces have specific "negative option billing" rules that require written consent before charging you and a simple mechanism to stop charges.

If The Epoch Times fails to cancel your subscription within a reasonable timeframe after your request, or if they continue billing after cancellation, you have grounds to dispute the charges with your bank or credit card issuer. You can also file a complaint with your provincial consumer protection authority.

Your refund rights under canadian law

The Epoch Times states in their terms of service that payments are final and non-refundable. However, Canadian consumer law may override this in specific situations. If you discover unauthorized charges, you have the right to dispute them within 30 days of the charge appearing on your statement. You can request a chargeback through your financial institution if The Epoch Times does not respond to your dispute within 30 days or refuses a legitimate refund request.

If you subscribed through Apple App Store or Google Play, those platforms have their own refund policies that may be more generous than The Epoch Times' policy. You can request a refund directly from Apple or Google within a specific window (usually 14-15 days) after purchase, regardless of The Epoch Times' refund stance.

How to cancel the epoch times based on where you subscribed

Your cancellation method depends on your subscription source. Stopee recommends identifying how you signed up first, then following the exact steps for that platform.

Cancelling a website subscription through ReadEpoch.ca or TheEpochTimes.com

If you subscribed directly through The Epoch Times' website rather than through an app store, use this method.

1. Visit ReadEpoch.ca or TheEpochTimes.com and log into your account using your email and password.
   • If you cannot remember your password, click "Forgot password" and follow the email recovery steps.
2. Navigate to your customer account or subscription settings (usually labeled "Account," "Subscription," or "Billing").
   • Look for a section titled "Manage Subscription" or "Subscription Settings."
3. Select the subscription you wish to cancel and click "Cancel Subscription" or similar option.
   • The system may ask you why you are cancelling; you can skip this or provide feedback.
4. Confirm your cancellation request.
   • You should receive an email confirmation within minutes. Save this email as proof of cancellation.
5. Check your account to verify the cancellation status shows as "Cancelled" or "Active until [end date]."
   • Your access continues until the end of your current billing period.

Pro tip: Take a screenshot of your account showing "Cancelled" status. This protects you if The Epoch Times attempts to bill you again after cancellation.

Warning: If you do not see a "Cancel Subscription" button in your account portal, contact The Epoch Times customer service immediately at 1-800-766-0157 (toll-free in Canada). Do not assume your cancellation is complete until you receive written confirmation.

Cancelling an apple app store subscription (iOS)

If you subscribed to The Epoch Times through your iPhone or iPad, Apple manages your subscription, not The Epoch Times directly. You must cancel through Apple's subscription management system.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
   • Do not open the Epoch Times app itself.
2. Tap your name at the top of the settings menu.
   • This opens your Apple ID profile.
3. Select "Subscriptions" from the menu.
   • You will see a list of all active subscriptions tied to your Apple ID.
4. Find "The Epoch Times" in your subscription list and tap it.
   • If you see multiple subscriptions (digital and print, for example), select the one you want to cancel.
5. Tap "Cancel Subscription" or "Delete" (wording varies by iOS version).
   • Apple will ask to confirm your cancellation.
6. Confirm the cancellation.
   • You receive a confirmation screen and an email from Apple within minutes.

Pro tip: If you cannot find subscriptions in your settings, you can cancel through the App Store app itself. Open App Store, tap your profile icon (bottom right), select "Subscriptions," find The Epoch Times, and tap "Cancel Subscription."

Warning: The Epoch Times cannot cancel your App Store subscription for you. Even if you contact their customer service, they will direct you back to Apple. You must take these steps yourself to stop billing.

Cancelling a google play subscription (Android)

If you subscribed through Google Play on an Android device, Google manages your subscription billing. Cancel directly through Google Play rather than contacting The Epoch Times.

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Play Store app.
   • Look for the Play Store icon (white triangle on coloured background).
2. Tap your profile icon (top right corner).
   • This opens your account menu.
3. Select "Manage subscriptions" or "Subscriptions."
   • You will see all your active Google Play subscriptions.
4. Find "The Epoch Times" and tap it.
   • The subscription details page opens.
5. Tap "Cancel subscription."
   • Google may ask why you are cancelling; this is optional.
6. Confirm your cancellation.
   • You receive a confirmation email from Google and access continues until your billing period ends.

Pro tip: Stopee recommends cancelling at the start of your billing cycle (as soon as you know you want to cancel) rather than waiting until the end. This ensures you do not accidentally get charged for another period if there is any processing delay.

Warning: The Epoch Times does not manage in-app Google Play subscriptions. Even if you contact them, they cannot cancel it. You must use Google Play's system, or Google will continue billing automatically.

Cancelling by registered mail (formal written notice)

If you prefer to cancel by formal written notice or if you have had issues with online cancellation, you can send a registered mail cancellation request to The Epoch Times Reader Services team. This method creates a paper trail and is especially useful if you later need to dispute charges.

1. Prepare a letter that includes:
   • Your full name as it appears on the subscription account
   • Your email address linked to the account
   • Your phone number
   • A clear statement: "I request immediate cancellation of my Epoch Times subscription effective immediately" (or effective on a specific date if you prefer)
   • The date you signed
2. Address the letter to:
   • Reader Services
     The Epoch Times
     Markham, ON
     (This address serves all Canadian provinces outside British Columbia and Alberta)
3. Send the letter by registered mail with return receipt requested.
   • This costs approximately C$15-20 extra but provides proof of delivery.
   • Keep your receipt and return card as evidence.
4. Allow 5-10 business days for The Epoch Times to process your cancellation after they receive it.
   • Check your account during this time to confirm cancellation status changes.

Pro tip: Stopee advises sending registered mail cancellation requests if you suspect The Epoch Times is deliberately making online cancellation difficult or if previous cancellation attempts were ignored. This formal approach triggers their compliance obligations under Canadian consumer protection law.

What happens to your account and access after cancellation

Cancellation does not work instantly. Understanding the timeline helps you avoid unexpected charges and know when your access ends.

Your access timeline after cancellation

When you cancel your subscription, The Epoch Times stops your automatic renewal for future billing periods. However, you retain full access to your subscription through the end of your current paid period. For example, if you cancel on day 5 of a monthly billing cycle, you continue accessing The Epoch Times until the end of that month, then your access stops.

If you subscribed through Apple or Google, their systems control the access timeline. Sometimes Apple or Google deactivates your access immediately upon cancellation; other times you can use the subscription until the current period expires. Check your confirmation email to see the exact cutoff date.

Your account and personal data after cancellation

Cancelling your subscription does not automatically delete your account or personal information. The Epoch Times retains your account data, email address, phone number, and billing history according to their privacy policy and as required by Canadian tax and business law. You cannot force them to delete this information immediately, but you can request deletion under Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA if they are federally regulated, or provincial privacy legislation).

If you wish to completely remove your personal data from The Epoch Times systems, contact their privacy team or support at 1-800-766-0157 and request deletion. Allow 30-60 days for processing.

Refunds and chargebacks explained

Understanding refund possibilities before you cancel helps you pursue money back if you are entitled to it.

The epoch times refund policy

The Epoch Times states clearly in their terms of service that all payments are final and non-refundable. They do not issue refunds if you cancel mid-billing cycle, even if you cancel on day 1 of a monthly subscription. They also do not pro-rate charges based on unused days.

The only exception is if you were charged in error (duplicate charge, unauthorized charge, wrong amount). If this happens, you must contact The Epoch Times within 30 days of the erroneous charge and submit a dispute request. They will investigate and may issue a refund if they confirm the error. However, do not wait for The Epoch Times to act-you can dispute the charge with your bank or credit card issuer immediately.

Disputing charges with your bank or credit card company

If The Epoch Times continues billing after you cancel, or if they charge you without authorization, you can file a chargeback through your financial institution. Most Canadian banks and credit card companies allow you to dispute unauthorized or incorrectly processed charges within 60 days (some allow up to 120 days).

1. Contact your bank or credit card company by phone, online, or in person.
   • Have your account number, the transaction date, and the amount ready.
2. Explain that the charge was unauthorized or that you cancelled the subscription but were still charged.
   • Provide your cancellation confirmation email as evidence.
3. Request a chargeback (dispute) and ask for a temporary credit while they investigate.
   • Most banks credit the amount back to your account within 5-10 business days pending investigation.
4. Your bank will contact The Epoch Times and request documentation proving the charge was legitimate.
   • If The Epoch Times cannot provide proof, the chargeback is granted permanently in your favor.

Pro tip: Stopee recommends filing a chargeback if The Epoch Times bills you more than once after cancellation. Banks take repeated unauthorized charges seriously and often rule in the customer's favor immediately.

Refunds for app store and google play purchases

Apple and Google have more generous refund policies than The Epoch Times. If you subscribed through either platform, you can request a refund directly from them, not from The Epoch Times.

Apple typically allows refunds within 14 days of purchase if the subscription is still in the first billing period. Google Play usually offers a 15-day refund window. To request a refund, go to your purchase history on the App Store or Google Play, find The Epoch Times subscription, and select "Report a Problem" or "Request a Refund." Explain that you wish to cancel and request your money back. These refunds are usually granted within 24-48 hours without question.

Common mistakes people make when cancelling

Cancellation feels straightforward, but small oversights can leave you vulnerable to continued billing or disputes.

Mistakes to avoid

Mistake 1: Confusing account deletion with subscription cancellation. Simply deleting The Epoch Times app from your phone or closing your web browser tab does not cancel your subscription. Your automatic renewal remains active, and you will be charged again on your next billing date. You must explicitly cancel through the methods described above.

Mistake 2: Assuming cancellation is complete without confirmation. After you submit a cancellation request online, always wait for an email confirmation from The Epoch Times, Apple, or Google. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, contact customer service to verify the cancellation was processed. Do not assume silence means success.

Mistake 3: Cancelling on your billing date. If you cancel on the exact day your subscription renews, there is a small window where the renewal charge may process before your cancellation takes effect. Stopee recommends cancelling at least 2-3 days before your renewal date to ensure the charge does not go through.

Mistake 4: Not saving your cancellation confirmation. Screenshot your cancellation confirmation email or account status page. If The Epoch Times later claims you never cancelled and tries to bill you, this proof protects you. Store it safely for at least 12 months.

Mistake 5: Contacting The Epoch Times if you subscribed through App Store or Google Play. The Epoch Times customer service cannot cancel app-based subscriptions. If you call them, they will only direct you back to Apple or Google, wasting your time. Cancellations for app subscriptions happen exclusively through the app platforms.

Checklist for cancelling the epoch times

Use this checklist to ensure you complete every step correctly.

Deciding whether to cancel the epoch times

Before you cancel, consider whether cancellation is truly your best option.

Reasons you might want to keep your subscription

The Epoch Times provides comprehensive independent journalism and access to archives dating back years. If you value in-depth reporting, print newspapers, and access to EpochTV documentaries, your subscription delivers genuine value. The promotional rates (starting at C$1 per week or C$1 for the first month) are competitive compared to other news outlets.

If you only just started your subscription within the last month, consider whether you have given it enough time to determine its value to you. Many subscribers find they appreciate the print edition after using it for several weeks.

Reasons you should cancel

Cancel if you are not reading the content regularly, if the cost no longer fits your budget, or if you have found other news sources that better meet your needs. Do not keep a subscription out of habit or guilt. Your money is better spent on services you actively use.

If The Epoch Times has failed to deliver your print edition, charged you incorrectly, or ignored your customer service requests, cancellation sends a clear message that their service standards are unacceptable.

If you subscribed through a promotional rate and the regular price is now too high, this is a legitimate reason to cancel. Stopee advises checking whether they offer retention discounts before you fully cancel-sometimes customer service will negotiate a lower price to keep you as a subscriber.

Reader services contact information and address

Keep this information available if you need to contact The Epoch Times about cancellation, billing issues, or disputes.

Customer Service (Toll-Free in Canada): 1-800-766-0157

Mailing Address for Registered Mail Cancellations (Outside BC and Alberta):
Reader Services
The Epoch Times
Markham, ON

Online Account Portal: ReadEpoch.ca or TheEpochTimes.com (log in to manage your subscription)

Mobile App Help Guide: Visit help.epochtimes.ca for detailed app management instructions

Your empowerment and next steps

Cancelling any subscription should be simple, and your Canadian consumer rights guarantee you the ability to stop service without unreasonable barriers. Whether you are cancelling because your priorities have changed, your budget has tightened, or you have found a better alternative, you have every right to make that choice without guilt.

Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, dispute charges, and navigate the often-confusing world of automatic renewals. Our mission is to empower you with clear information, step-by-step instructions, and a reminder that your money and your time are yours to control. If you encounter problems cancelling The Epoch Times-if they refuse to process your cancellation, continue billing after you cancel, or fail to respond to your requests-escalate to your provincial consumer protection authority or file a chargeback through your bank. You have legal recourse.

Stopee stands with you every step of the way. Visit Stopee.com for guides on cancelling hundreds of other services, and remember that taking back control of your subscriptions is an act of financial empowerment. You deserve services that deliver real value, and you deserve to cancel them without friction when you decide they no longer fit your life.