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How to cancel your medium membership in ireland: your complete step-by-step guide

What is medium and why you might cancel

Medium is a global online publishing platform where writers, journalists, and independent thinkers publish articles, essays, and long-form stories that reach millions of readers worldwide. The platform operates on a freemium model: you can read a limited number of stories free each month, but a paid membership gives you unlimited access to premium content, exclusive writer earnings opportunities, and a curated reading experience. If you've signed up for Medium membership and now want to stop paying, you're not alone. Many Irish subscribers cancel because they're not reading enough to justify the cost, they've found alternative sources for the content they want, or they're simply tightening their budget. This guide from Stopee will walk you through every cancellation method, your rights, and how to protect yourself from surprise charges.

Subscription plans and what you're paying

Medium membership is billed on a recurring cycle, either monthly or annually. Stopee has tracked the commonly reported pricing:

These charges are deducted automatically on the same date each month or year. If you do not cancel before your next renewal date, you will be charged again. It's vital to know exactly when you were first charged so you can calculate when your renewal is due.

Understanding your cancellation rights in ireland

As a consumer in Ireland, you are protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and EU consumer law (which continues to apply post-Brexit for UK and EEA representatives). You have the right to cancel a distance contract (which includes digital subscriptions purchased online) within 14 calendar days of purchase, with a full refund, provided you have not exercised substantial access to the content. After 14 days, Medium's terms govern refunds, but you still have the absolute right to cancel your ongoing subscription at any time. Under Irish consumer law, a company cannot make cancellation deliberately difficult or hide the cancellation option. If Medium makes cancellation unreasonably hard to access, you can escalate to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), Ireland's independent consumer authority. Stopee recommends keeping a copy of any cancellation request and the confirmation you receive, as this is your legal proof if a dispute arises later.

Why you should cancel and when the timing matters

The decision to cancel Medium membership depends on your reading habits and budget.

Signs it's time to cancel

• You're not reading enough articles to justify the monthly or annual cost.
• You prefer free news sources or have switched to reading via other platforms.
• Your financial situation has changed and you need to cut discretionary spending.
• You signed up for a free trial or friend gift that is about to renew at full price.
• You dispute a charge or believe you were charged in error.

Timing your cancellation to avoid extra charges

This is critical: if you cancel after your renewal date has passed, you will have already paid for the next billing period. Medium will not refund charges that have already been processed unless you qualify for the 14-day cooling-off period or the charge was unauthorised. To avoid this, calculate your renewal date now. If you were charged on 15 March 2024, your next charge will be 15 April 2024 (if monthly) or 15 March 2025 (if annual). Cancel at least one day before that date. Stopee advises setting a phone reminder one week before your renewal date so you don't miss the deadline.

How to cancel your medium membership: step-by-step methods

Medium offers several cancellation routes depending on how you purchased your membership.

Cancelling if you subscribed via the medium website

1. Log in to your Medium account at medium.com with your email address and password.
   • If you've forgotten your password, click "Sign in" and select "Forgot password?" to reset it.
2. Click on your profile icon or avatar in the top right corner of the page.
   • This opens a dropdown menu with your account options.
3. Select "Settings" or "Publications" from the menu.
   • Look for a "Membership" or "Billing" section in the left sidebar.
4. Find your active membership and click "Manage subscription" or "Cancel membership".
   • Medium will present a summary of your membership status, next billing date, and amount.
5. Click the "Cancel subscription" button and confirm your choice.
   • Medium will ask for a reason; this is optional but helps them understand why you're leaving.
6. Wait for a confirmation email to arrive in your inbox within minutes.
   • Save this email as proof that you cancelled. Do not delete it.
   • Warning: if you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, contact Medium support immediately at yourfriends@medium.com to confirm cancellation was processed.

Cancelling if you subscribed via apple app store or google play

If you purchased your Medium membership through an app store on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device, you must cancel through that app store, not through Medium's website. Medium cannot process cancellations made through app stores.

Cancelling via apple app store (iPhone or iPad)

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Do not open the Medium app itself.
2. Scroll down and tap "App Store".
   • This opens the App Store settings section.
3. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Subscriptions".
   • You will see a list of all active subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
4. Find and tap "Medium" from the list.
   • If you see multiple Medium entries, tap the one showing an active renewal date.
5. Tap "Cancel Subscription".
   • Apple will ask you to confirm. Tap "Confirm" to proceed.
6. Look for a confirmation message on screen.
   • Take a screenshot of this confirmation as proof.
   • Pro tip: Apple sends a cancellation confirmation email to your Apple ID email address within minutes; keep this as additional proof.

Cancelling via google play (Android)

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
   • Do not open the Medium app.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Payments and subscriptions".
   • This opens your subscription management screen.
3. Tap "Subscriptions".
   • You will see a list of all active subscriptions linked to your Google Play account.
4. Find and tap "Medium".
   • Medium's subscription page opens.
5. Tap "Cancel subscription" and follow the prompts.
   • Google may offer you a discounted renewal price; ignore this if you want to cancel.
6. Tap "Confirm cancellation".
   • Google will send you a confirmation email. Save it as proof.

Cancelling via registered postal mail (the safest method)

If you want the strongest legal protection and a physical record of your cancellation request, send a letter by registered post. This method is especially useful if Medium has been unresponsive to email requests or if you're disputing a charge.

1. Write a simple, clear letter stating:
   • Your full name and the email address associated with your Medium account.
   • Your Medium user ID (found in your profile settings).
   • The date you want the cancellation to take effect (ideally before your next renewal date).
   • A statement: "I hereby cancel my Medium membership subscription, effective immediately."
   • Your request for written confirmation of cancellation.
2. Address the letter to Medium's support team or their EU representative:
   • Email contact (if sending scanned copy): yourfriends@medium.com
   • EU representative (for EEA, Switzerland, UK residents): VeraSafe Ireland Ltd., privacy@medium.com
3. Send the letter by registered post (An Post Registered Mail in Ireland).
   • You will receive a tracking number and proof of delivery. Keep both.
4. Keep a photocopy of your letter and the postal receipt.
   • These documents prove you sent your cancellation request on a specific date.
   • Warning: do not rely on standard post; use registered mail so you have proof of delivery.
5. Wait 5-7 business days for Medium to confirm receipt and cancellation.
   • If you do not hear back, escalate to the CCPC with your postal receipt as evidence.

What happens after you cancel your medium membership

Knowing what to expect after you hit the cancel button reduces anxiety and helps you spot problems early.

Your access and billing after cancellation

When you cancel, you keep full access to your Medium account and all content you have written until your current billing period ends. You will not lose your reading history, bookmarks, or published articles. Your membership benefits (unlimited reading, access to paywalled content) stop on your renewal date, not immediately. For example, if you cancel on 10 April and your renewal date is 25 April, you keep full membership access until 25 April, then it switches to the free tier on 26 April. You will not be charged again after your current billing period expires, provided you have successfully cancelled. However, Stopee recommends checking your bank statement 3-5 days after your renewal date to confirm no charge was deducted. If a charge appears, contact your bank immediately and inform Medium.

Requesting a refund after cancellation

If you cancel within 14 days of your initial purchase and have not substantially used the membership, you may qualify for a refund under Irish consumer law. Medium will typically honour this automatically or after you request it. To claim a refund within the 14-day period:

1. Contact Medium support at yourfriends@medium.com with your cancellation confirmation.
   • Include your account email, user ID, and the date you purchased the membership.
2. Clearly state: "I am requesting a refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, within 14 days of purchase."
   • Cite this law; it strengthens your request.
3. Wait for Medium to process your refund (typically 5-10 business days after approval).
   • The refund will return to your original payment method (credit card, debit card, or app store account).
4. If Medium refuses the refund, escalate to the CCPC at www.ccpc.ie or call 0818 600 600.
   • Provide your cancellation proof and Medium's refusal email.

After the 14-day period, Medium is not obligated to refund charges already debited, but you can always cancel the ongoing subscription at no penalty. If you believe you were charged in error or without consent, this is different: contact your bank to dispute the charge, and also inform Medium support so they can investigate.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling medium

Cancellation can feel confusing, and it's easy to think you've cancelled when you haven't. Here's what real customers regret.

Mistakes that lead to unwanted charges

• Unsubscribing from Medium's email newsletter instead of cancelling your membership. These are two separate actions. You can unsubscribe from emails but still be charged for membership. Always cancel through Settings, not through an email footer link.
• Cancelling in the Medium app instead of the app store where you purchased. If you bought via Apple App Store or Google Play, you must cancel there. Cancelling in the Medium app itself does not stop your recurring billing.
• Waiting until after your renewal date to cancel. If you cancel on 20 April and your renewal date was 15 April, you will have already been charged and will need to request a refund separately.
• Not saving your cancellation confirmation. If you delete the email or screenshot, you have no proof you cancelled. Without proof, Medium may argue the cancellation was never received.
• Assuming a failed payment means your membership is cancelled. If a payment fails due to an expired card or insufficient funds, your subscription is suspended but not cancelled. Medium will retry the charge, and your account remains active. You must explicitly cancel.

How to double-check you've actually cancelled

Don't assume; verify. Within 24 hours of cancelling, do this:

1. Log back into your Medium account.
   • Check your Settings or Membership section; it should show "No active membership" or a message confirming cancellation.
2. Check your email for a confirmation from Medium or your app store.
   • If you received no email, contact support immediately.
3. Review your payment method (credit or debit card) in your Medium account or app store settings.
   • It should no longer show Medium as a merchant with future charges authorised.
4. Mark your calendar for your renewal date and set a phone reminder for one week before.
   • Check your bank statement on the renewal date to confirm no charge appeared.

Your consumer rights if medium refuses to cancel or refund

Medium is a professional company, but disputes do happen. You have legal recourse.

What irish law says about cancellations

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives you these protections:

• You have a right to cancel any distance contract (including digital subscriptions) within 14 days of purchase for any reason, with a full refund, unless you've substantially used the service.
• After 14 days, you still have the absolute right to cancel ongoing subscriptions at any time, without penalty, by the most straightforward means available.
• A company cannot deliberately make cancellation harder than signing up. If Medium hides a cancel button or requires you to phone an expensive number, this breaches the law.
• If you ask a company to cancel in writing and they ignore you, you can report them to the CCPC.

Escalating if medium doesn't respond

If Medium does not confirm cancellation within 7 working days, or if a charge appears after you cancelled, escalate to the CCPC (the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission).

1. Gather your evidence:
   • Cancellation confirmation email (if you have it).
   • Screenshots of your cancellation request.
   • Proof of any charges after you cancelled (bank statement).
   • Copies of all emails to Medium support and their replies.
   • Postal receipt (if you sent a registered letter).
2. Visit www.ccpc.ie or call 0818 600 600.
   • Describe the issue and provide your evidence.
   • The CCPC can investigate and force Medium to refund you if they find the company acted unfairly.
3. File a complaint with your bank or payment processor (Visa, Mastercard) if you believe the charge was unauthorised.
   • Your bank can issue a chargeback within 120 days of the charge.

Stopee has helped thousands of customers navigate disputes like this. The key is evidence and persistence. Document everything from day one.

Should you keep or cancel? a quick comparison

Use this table to decide if Medium membership is right for you.

Final checklist before and after cancellation

Use this checklist so you don't miss a critical step.

Before you cancel

• Write down the email address linked to your Medium account.
• Note the date you were first charged (check your bank statement).
• Calculate your renewal date (add one month or one year to the first charge date).
• Verify whether you subscribed via medium.com, Apple App Store, or Google Play.
• Decide if you want to request a refund (only within 14 days of purchase).

After you cancel

• Save your cancellation confirmation email or screenshot.
• Create a folder on your computer or phone called "Medium Cancellation Proof".
• Set a phone reminder for one week before your renewal date.
• Check your bank statement on your renewal date to confirm no charge appeared.
• If a charge does appear, contact your bank within 120 days to dispute it.
• Keep all cancellation proof for at least 12 months in case a dispute arises later.

Get help from stopee if medium won't cancel

Stopee exists to help you take control of your subscriptions and protect yourself from unwanted charges. If you've tried to cancel Medium and run into trouble, Stopee's resources and step-by-step guides can help you escalate to the CCPC or your bank. Visit stopee.com for templates you can use to contact Medium or regulatory bodies, advice tailored to Irish consumer law, and detailed guides for other subscriptions you might want to cancel. Many users find that having a clear template and understanding their legal rights makes all the difference when a company doesn't respond. Stopee is here to empower you to cancel confidently and recover money you shouldn't have been charged.

Contacting medium support if you need help

If you've followed these steps and still have questions, reach out to Medium directly:

• Email support: yourfriends@medium.com (for all subscription and billing queries).
• EU/UK/EEA representative: VeraSafe Ireland Ltd., privacy@medium.com (for privacy and data-related concerns; can also handle billing escalations).
• Response time: Medium typically replies within 2-5 business days, though some users report delays; follow up if you don't hear back within a week.

Include your Medium account email, user ID, and a clear statement of what you need (cancellation confirmation, refund, proof of cancellation) in every email. Stopee recommends sending these emails from the same email address linked to your Medium account so Medium can verify your identity quickly. Keep copies of everything you send and every reply you receive.

Summary: your path to cancelling medium

Cancelling your Medium membership in Ireland is straightforward if you know the right steps and timing. You have a clear legal right to cancel at any time under Irish consumer law, and you can do it through the Medium website, your app store, or by registered mail. The most important actions are to cancel before your renewal date, save your confirmation, and check your bank statement on your renewal date to confirm no charge appeared. If Medium doesn't respond or continues to charge you, escalate to the CCPC with your evidence. Stopee recommends treating subscriptions like any other contract: document everything, set reminders, and don't hesitate to escalate if something goes wrong. You're not locked in forever, and a company cannot deliberately hide the cancellation process from you. Take action today, and you'll avoid surprise charges and regain control of your money.