Manage Empire Magazine

How to cancel your empire magazine subscription and reclaim your money

About empire magazine and your subscription rights

Empire Magazine has been the United Kingdom's leading film and entertainment publication since 1989, delivering monthly coverage of cinema, exclusive interviews, and detailed reviews to dedicated readers across the country. Published by Bauer Media Group, the magazine offers both print and digital subscription options-each creating a legally binding contract between you and the publisher. Understanding your rights as a subscriber is the first step toward cancelling with confidence.

Your subscription agreement is protected under UK consumer law, specifically the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. These laws give you statutory rights to cancel distance selling contracts within 14 calendar days of purchase, regardless of what Empire Magazine's terms state. This protection exists to safeguard you as a consumer, and no company can remove or reduce these rights through their own terms and conditions.

At Stopee, we believe you deserve clarity on your rights before you commit to any subscription. Whether you're cancelling within the cooling-off period or terminating an ongoing agreement, this guide walks you through every step and ensures you understand exactly what you're entitled to.

What makes empire magazine subscriptions legally binding

When you subscribe to Empire Magazine, you enter into a contract with the publisher. This contract specifies the frequency of delivery (monthly, quarterly, or annual), the price you'll pay, and the content you'll receive. The contract is binding on both sides: Empire Magazine must deliver as promised, and you must pay according to the agreed schedule.

The critical point is this: the moment you purchase a subscription, the Consumer Contracts Regulations give you 14 calendar days to change your mind and cancel without penalty or cost. This cooling-off period applies whether you subscribed online, by telephone, or through a third-party retailer. After those 14 days, your cancellation rights depend on the contract terms-but you can still cancel, and you may qualify for a pro-rata refund under certain circumstances.

Your legal protection as a UK consumer

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 establishes that all terms in a consumer contract must be fair and transparent. If Empire Magazine's cancellation procedure is deliberately obscured, costs you money unexpectedly, or contradicts your statutory rights, those terms are likely unfair and unenforceable under UK law. You always have the right to escalate complaints to the relevant authority if the publisher refuses to honour your rights.

Empire magazine subscription pricing and plans

Understanding the cost of your subscription-and what you're locked into-is essential before you decide whether to cancel.

Print subscription options and costs

Empire Magazine's print edition arrives monthly at your door. The publisher offers several payment models to suit different preferences: monthly rolling subscriptions, quarterly bundles, and annual prepaid contracts. Annual subscriptions typically offer the best per-issue value but require a larger upfront commitment, which can complicate cancellation if circumstances change.

Pro tip: If you're considering cancelling, check your confirmation email or account dashboard to verify which plan you're on. Monthly rolling subscriptions cancel with just one month's notice, whilst annual prepaid subscriptions may require you to contact customer service directly.

Digital subscription options and costs

Empire Magazine's digital subscription grants access to the full magazine on tablets, mobile devices, and computers. Digital subscriptions are usually cheaper than print and offer immediate access without delivery delays. However, the cancellation process for digital subscriptions varies depending on where you purchased it.

Should you cancel your empire magazine subscription?

Before you cancel, consider whether the subscription still serves your needs. However, only you know whether the cost justifies the benefit to you.

Common reasons readers cancel

Subscribers cancel for a variety of reasons: budget constraints, loss of interest in film content, overlapping subscriptions to streaming services and other entertainment publications, or simply forgetting they're paying for a service they no longer read. None of these reasons requires justification-your money, your choice. If you're spending money on something you don't use, cancelling removes that financial drain immediately.

Reasons you might keep your subscription

If you're a serious film enthusiast, Empire Magazine offers exclusive interviews, in-depth reviews, and industry analysis you won't find in free online sources. The magazine also features unique cover variants, behind-the-scenes photography, and subscriber-only content. If you read most issues and actively reference the publication, the subscription cost may deliver genuine value. However, Stopee encourages you to assess this honestly: are you paying for something you actually use, or are you paying out of habit?

How to cancel your empire magazine subscription

The cancellation method depends on where and how you subscribed. Stopee has mapped out every route below so you can cancel quickly and correctly.

Cancelling a print subscription

Print subscriptions to Empire Magazine are typically managed through Bauer Media Group's subscription service. Here's how to cancel:

1. Locate your subscription confirmation email or latest magazine invoice, which contains your subscription account number or reference code.
2. Visit the Bauer Media subscription management portal or Empire Magazine's official website and log into your account using your email address.
3. Navigate to "My Account" or "Manage Subscriptions" and select your Empire Magazine print subscription.
4. Click "Cancel Subscription" or "End My Subscription"-the exact wording varies depending on the platform.
   • If you're within 14 days of purchase, you may see an option to cancel immediately with a full refund.
   • If you're beyond the cooling-off period, the system will guide you through the cancellation process and explain any refund eligibility.
5. Confirm your cancellation request. The system will display a confirmation message with a reference number.
6. Save or screenshot this confirmation-you'll need it if you need to dispute a future charge.

Warning: Many publishers continue to charge for a final issue after you cancel, treating the remainder of your billing cycle as part of the contract. Check the cancellation confirmation carefully to see your final billing date.

Cancelling a direct digital subscription via empire magazine's website

If you subscribed directly through Empire Magazine's website (not through an app store), follow these steps:

1. Go to the Empire Magazine website and log into your account using your email and password.
2. Navigate to "Account Settings" or "Subscription Management."
3. Locate your active subscription and select "View Details" or "Manage Subscription."
4. Click "Cancel Subscription" and confirm your intention to cancel.
   • The system may offer you a retention discount-only accept this if you genuinely want to keep the subscription.
   • If you don't see a clear cancel button, contact Empire Magazine's customer service team directly (see contact details at the end of this guide).
5. Review the cancellation summary, which will specify your final billing date and refund eligibility.
6. Save the confirmation page and email address to yourself as proof of cancellation.

Pro tip: Most website-based subscriptions auto-renew on a fixed date each month or year. If you cancel before the renewal date, you'll retain access until that date, then the subscription will end. If you cancel after renewal, you may be charged again before the cancellation takes effect-so the timing of your cancellation matters.

Cancelling an app store subscription (Apple or google)

If you subscribed to Empire Magazine through Apple's App Store or Google Play Store, you must cancel through that platform-not through Empire Magazine directly.

Cancelling via apple app store (iPhone, iPad, mac)

1. Open the Settings app on your Apple device.
2. Tap your name at the top of the screen, then select "Subscriptions."
3. Find "Empire Magazine" in the list of active subscriptions.
4. Tap on it and select "Cancel Subscription."
5. Confirm the cancellation. Your access will end at the end of your current billing cycle.
6. A confirmation screen will appear-screenshot this for your records.

Pro tip: Apple often displays a "Keep Subscription" offer during cancellation. Ignore this unless you've genuinely changed your mind. Stopee advises you to stick to your original decision to cancel.

Cancelling via google play store (Android devices)

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Manage Subscriptions."
3. Tap on "Empire Magazine" in your active subscriptions list.
4. Select "Cancel Subscription" and confirm.
5. Google will display a confirmation-save or screenshot this.

Warning: Do not uninstall the Empire Magazine app without cancelling first. Uninstalling does not automatically cancel your subscription-you'll continue to be charged until you explicitly cancel through the app store settings.

What happens after you cancel

Cancelling your subscription is just the beginning. Knowing what to expect next helps you avoid confusion or unwanted charges.

Access after cancellation

Most subscriptions allow you to retain access to your purchased content until your billing cycle ends. For example, if your annual subscription renews on 15 March and you cancel on 1 March, you'll typically have access until 14 March. After that date, your account will revert to a free or limited-access state, and you'll no longer receive new issues.

Print subscribers may receive one final issue if it was already dispatched before your cancellation was processed. You can keep this issue without owing anything further.

Charges to watch for after cancellation

Even after you cancel, check your bank or credit card statements for at least 30 days. Some subscriptions renew on fixed calendar dates that don't align neatly with cancellation timing. If you see a charge after your cancellation date, contact Empire Magazine's customer service immediately with your cancellation reference number. Stopee recommends taking a screenshot of your cancellation confirmation so you have proof to reference.

Unsubscribing from marketing emails

Cancelling your subscription does not automatically remove you from Empire Magazine's marketing emails. Visit the email footer of any marketing message you receive, click "Unsubscribe," and confirm. Alternatively, log into your account on Empire Magazine's website and disable marketing communications in your account preferences.

Refunds and your right to your money back

Your refund eligibility depends on when you cancel and the terms of your specific subscription plan.

Refunds within the 14-day cooling-off period

If you're within 14 calendar days of subscribing, you have an unconditional legal right to cancel and receive a full refund. This applies even if you've already received and read one or more issues. The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 protect this right, and Empire Magazine cannot refuse it or charge you a restocking fee.

To claim your refund, cancel your subscription and explicitly state in writing (by email) that you're exercising your right to cancel within the cooling-off period. Include your subscription reference number and the date you subscribed. Empire Magazine must refund you within 14 days of receiving your cancellation request.

Refunds after the 14-day cooling-off period

After 14 days, your refund eligibility depends on the contract terms. However, UK law still protects you:

• Annual prepaid subscriptions: You may be entitled to a pro-rata refund for unused issues. If you've paid £59.99 for 12 issues and cancel after 3 months (3 issues), you should receive a refund for the remaining 9 issues. Calculate this as (9 ÷ 12) × £59.99 = approximately £45.
• Monthly rolling subscriptions: Refunds are typically not available after the cooling-off period, but you can cancel at any time and avoid future charges. Your final charge covers the current month's issue.
• Quarterly subscriptions: Similar to monthly-you may not receive a refund for the current quarter, but cancellation prevents future charges.

Pro tip: If Empire Magazine refuses a refund you believe you're entitled to, escalate your complaint through Stopee's dispute resolution guidance or contact the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme relevant to your situation.

Processing time for refunds

Refunds typically process within 14 days of Empire Magazine receiving and approving your cancellation request. However, your bank may take a further 3-5 working days to credit the money to your account. If you don't see your refund within 21 days of cancelling, contact customer service with your cancellation reference and refund amount.

Your consumer rights and what they mean for you

UK consumer law is on your side. Knowing your rights empowers you to cancel confidently and challenge unfair practices.

The consumer rights act 2015

This Act establishes your statutory rights as a consumer in the UK. Key protections include:

• The right to cancel distance selling contracts (including magazine subscriptions purchased online or by phone) within 14 calendar days without reason or penalty.
• The right to receive clear, transparent information about subscription terms before you commit.
• The right to dispute unfair contract terms that contradict your statutory rights.
• The right to receive goods (or services) that match their description and are of satisfactory quality.

If Empire Magazine's cancellation process breaches any of these rights, you can escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) or the relevant consumer authority.

The consumer contracts (Information, cancellation and additional charges) regulations 2013

These Regulations specifically govern distance selling contracts like magazine subscriptions purchased online. They require companies to:

• Clearly disclose all material contract terms (price, frequency, cancellation method) before you subscribe.
• Provide a straightforward cancellation mechanism that's as easy as the purchase process.
• Honour a 14-day cooling-off period from the date of purchase.
• Refund cancellations within 14 days of receiving your request.

Stopee emphasises: these rights exist independently of what Empire Magazine's terms say. No company can contract out of these protections.

Who to contact if empire magazine refuses to honour your rights

If Empire Magazine fails to process your cancellation, denies a refund you're entitled to, or continues charging after you've cancelled, escalate formally:

• First: Send a formal email to Empire Magazine's customer service team (see contact details below), clearly stating your complaint, the refund amount, and a deadline for response (7 working days).
• Second: If they don't respond or refuse, file a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), which handles consumer disputes involving financial services and subscription payments.
• Third: If the FOS cannot help, contact your local Citizens Advice Consumer Service, which can advise on further escalation options.

You have the legal right to pursue these channels, and Stopee encourages you to do so if a company treats you unfairly.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling

Cancellations can go wrong in surprising ways. These mistakes cost readers time, money, and frustration-but they're all preventable.

Mistake 1: confusing uninstalling the app with cancelling the subscription

Deleting the Empire Magazine app from your phone does not cancel your subscription. The subscription continues to auto-renew, and you'll be charged without receiving access to new content. Always cancel through your account settings or the app store-not by deleting the app.

Mistake 2: cancelling too close to the renewal date

If you cancel just before your subscription renews, the charge may process before your cancellation takes effect. For example, if your annual subscription renews on 15 March and you cancel on 14 March, you might still be charged on 15 March. To avoid this, cancel at least 3 working days before your renewal date. Check your confirmation email or account dashboard for the exact renewal date.

Mistake 3: not saving your cancellation confirmation

Many readers cancel successfully but lose proof of cancellation. If a charge appears later, you'll struggle to dispute it without documentation. Screenshot your cancellation confirmation page immediately, and save the email confirmation to a folder you can easily locate. Stopee recommends labelling it clearly: "Empire Magazine Cancellation - [date]."

Mistake 4: ignoring retention offers during cancellation

During the cancellation process, Empire Magazine may offer a discount or special rate to keep you subscribed. If you're cancelling because of cost, this offer may seem tempting-but it locks you back in at a potentially higher price once the promotional period ends. Stick to your original decision unless you've genuinely changed your mind.

Mistake 5: not checking your statement for continued charges

Even after you cancel, check your bank or credit card statement monthly for at least 90 days. Sometimes subscriptions renew due to system delays or billing errors. The sooner you spot an unauthorised charge, the faster you can dispute and recover your money.

Your cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you cancel cleanly and retain proof of the process.

What readers say about cancelling empire magazine

Feedback from real subscribers offers insight into the cancellation experience and common pain points.

Positive experiences

Readers who cancelled through the Empire Magazine website or app store reported straightforward, immediate cancellations. One subscriber noted: "I clicked Cancel Subscription, confirmed, and got an instant confirmation email. No hassle." Most positive reviews came from monthly rolling subscribers, who have the most flexible cancellation terms.

Challenges readers faced

Some subscribers struggled to find the cancellation button on the website, describing it as "hidden" or "deliberately obscured." Others reported continuing charges after cancelling, requiring multiple customer service emails to resolve. A few readers cancelled through the app store but didn't realise this didn't fully close their account, leading to continued marketing emails. Stopee notes these are common complaints and reasons to keep thorough documentation of your cancellation.

Key takeaway from subscriber feedback

Readers consistently emphasise the importance of saving cancellation confirmation immediately. Those who did experienced smooth refund processes; those who didn't faced delays in disputing continued charges. This single step-screenshotting your confirmation-protects you significantly.

Subscription comparison: should you switch instead of cancel?

Before you cancel entirely, consider whether another publication better suits your needs and budget.

If you love film coverage but want lower cost or greater flexibility, these alternatives exist. However, if you're cancelling to reduce spending overall rather than switch publications, cancellation is the right choice.

Final steps: cancelling with confidence

Cancelling your Empire Magazine subscription is straightforward once you know the process and your rights. Whether you're within the 14-day cooling-off period or terminating an ongoing subscription, UK consumer law protects you. You have the right to cancel without penalty, the right to clear information about the process, and the right to a refund if applicable.

Here's your action plan:

1. Identify where you subscribed (Empire Magazine website, Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or print via Bauer Media).
2. Log into your account or app store settings.
3. Locate and click the cancel button-it's always there, though sometimes buried.
4. Confirm your cancellation and screenshot the confirmation page immediately.
5. Save the confirmation email as well.
6. Monitor your bank statement for the next month to ensure no further charges appear.
7. If you spot an unauthorised charge, contact customer service within 7 days with your cancellation proof.

Stopee has guided thousands of UK consumers through cancellations just like this one, and we know the process works when you follow it carefully. Your cancellation is valid the moment you submit it-don't let any company tell you otherwise.

Contact details for empire magazine customer service

If you encounter issues during cancellation or need to dispute a charge, contact Empire Magazine directly:

• Email: subscriptions@empireonline.com (or check Empire Magazine's website for current contact email)
• Phone: Bauer Media customer service number (available on your subscription confirmation email or the Empire Magazine website)
• Website: empireonline.com - look for "Manage My Subscription" or "Contact Us"
• Postal address: Bauer Media Group, Academic House, 24-28 Oval Road, London NW1 7DT, United Kingdom

Always include your subscription reference number and the dates relevant to your query (subscription date, cancellation request date, charge date) when you contact customer service. Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.

At Stopee, we're committed to helping you navigate subscription cancellations with clarity and confidence. Whether you're cancelling Empire Magazine or any other service, Stopee provides guidance rooted in UK consumer law and real-world experience. Your money, your decision-cancel when you're ready, knowing your rights are protected.