Manage The Week

How to cancel the week subscription in india and claim your refund

What is the week and why you might cancel

The Week is India's leading English-language news magazine, delivering a weekly digest of national and international stories across politics, business, culture and opinion. You can access The Week through print delivery, mobile apps on iOS and Android, or digital platforms. While many readers value its editorial balance and concise reporting, subscription costs, editorial preferences or reading habits change-and you deserve a straightforward cancellation process without barriers. At Stopee, we've guided thousands of readers through cancelling magazine and app subscriptions, so you'll find exactly what you need to exit smoothly.

When cancelling makes sense

You might choose to cancel if you're not reading the weekly issues, prefer free news sources, or want to reduce subscription spending. Print subscriptions lock in annual commitments, while app subscriptions auto-renew unless you actively disable them. The good news: Stopee has verified that The Week honours refunds for unmailed print issues within 30 days, and app cancellations follow platform rules (Apple App Store and Google Play) that often include grace periods.

Pricing and plan options for the week

The Week offers three primary subscription channels, each with different pricing and cancellation pathways.

The print subscription at ₹1,799 annually is the most popular option, but it also carries the longest commitment. App-based subscriptions auto-renew monthly unless you cancel before the renewal date. Stopee recommends checking your exact plan type before starting cancellation, as each channel requires different steps.

Why print subscriptions are harder to cancel

Annual print subscriptions ask you to commit upfront, and The Week's refund policy applies only to issues not yet mailed. This means your window for a full refund is typically 30 days from purchase or subscription start. If even one issue has left their printing facility, you lose refund eligibility for that issue. App subscriptions, by contrast, follow Apple or Google's cancellation rules and often allow cancellation within 14 days for a full refund-provided you act quickly.

How to cancel the week via email or official channels

The simplest path to cancellation is direct contact with The Week's subscription team or account support.

Step-by-step email cancellation process

1. Open your email client (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) and create a new message.
2. Address it to subscribe@theweek.in or newsdesk@theweek.in (both are monitored by customer care).
3. Use the subject line: "Request to cancel my subscription" or "Delete my account and subscription."
4. In the body, include:
   • Your full name
   • The email address registered with your account
   • Your subscription ID (if you have it; check your original confirmation email or invoice)
   • The type of subscription (print annual, app monthly, etc.)
   • Your reason for cancellation (optional but helpful)
5. Send the email and wait for a response within 5-7 business days.
6. Reply to their confirmation email to acknowledge cancellation and ask for a refund status update if you're within the 30-day unmailed-issues window.

Pro tip: Keep a copy of your sent email and any receipts in a separate folder. This creates a paper trail if you need to escalate to The Week's Grievance Officer, Renjith N, at compliance@mm.co.in.

Cancellation via the week's website account page

If you registered for digital access or an online account, look for a "Manage Subscriptions" or "Account Settings" page on The Week's website. Many readers find a "Cancel Subscription" button there, which triggers an automated cancellation and sends a confirmation email. If this button doesn't appear, use the email method above.

How to cancel the week app subscriptions on iOS and android

App-based subscriptions are managed directly through Apple App Store or Google Play, not by The Week. This is actually to your advantage-these platforms enforce strict cancellation timelines and often refund within 14 days if you act quickly.

Cancelling on apple app store (iPhone or iPad)

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap Your Name at the top of the screen.
3. Select Subscriptions.
4. Find and tap The Week in the list of active subscriptions.
5. Tap Cancel Subscription (note: some older versions show "Turn Off Auto-Renewal" instead).
6. Select your reason for cancellation from the dropdown menu (optional).
7. Confirm cancellation by tapping Confirm.

Warning: You must cancel at least 24 hours before your next renewal date to avoid being charged. If you're charged after cancellation, contact Apple Support directly at support.apple.com/billing; they process refunds within 5-10 business days.

Pro tip: Check your renewal date in Settings > Subscriptions > The Week. Screenshot it so you remember when to cancel if you're undecided.

Cancelling on google play store (Android)

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone.
2. Tap your Profile Icon in the top right corner.
3. Select Payments and Subscriptions.
4. Tap Subscriptions.
5. Find and tap The Week.
6. Tap Cancel Subscription.
7. Choose your reason and confirm.

Google Play refunds are processed similarly to Apple's: within 14 days of cancellation, you can request a refund through the Play Store app under Payments & Subscriptions > Order History. Look for The Week charge, tap it, and select Request Refund. Google approves most refund requests within 2-3 business days.

Understanding your refund rights and the week's policy

Refunds for magazine subscriptions in India are governed by consumer protection law and company policy. At Stopee, we've reviewed The Week's terms carefully so you know exactly what you're entitled to.

The week's stated refund policy

The Week will refund your full subscription amount if you cancel within 30 days and no issues have been mailed to you. Once an issue leaves their printing facility, it is no longer refundable under their policy. This 30-day window is critical: act quickly if you want your money back.

For print subscriptions, email subscribe@theweek.in with your subscription ID and ask for a refund status check. They will verify how many issues have already been dispatched. If you're still within the window, they process refunds to your original payment method within 7-10 business days.

Consumer protection act and your statutory rights

Under India's Consumer Protection Act, 2019, you have the right to cancel and claim a refund for unsatisfactory service. While The Week's public policy does not explicitly mention a 14-day statutory cooling-off period, this right exists if the magazine fails to meet the quality standards you were promised or if issues are damaged or delayed.

If The Week refuses your refund and you believe it's unfair, you can escalate to India's National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) or your state's local Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Stopee recommends filing a formal complaint with the Grievance Officer (Renjith N at compliance@mm.co.in) as your first escalation step, with a copy to subscribe@theweek.in. State your reason clearly: "I am cancelling under my statutory consumer rights and request a full refund."

App store refund policies (Apple and google)

Both Apple and Google offer refund windows independent of The Week's internal policy. If you cancel an iOS in-app subscription within 14 days and request a refund through Apple Support, Apple will refund you directly-The Week cannot stop this. The same applies to Google Play. Stopee advises using the platform's refund channel first if you subscribed via an app; it's faster than contacting The Week's customer service.

What happens after you cancel the week

Cancellation can feel like a step into the unknown, especially with print magazines-here's exactly what to expect.

Access during and after cancellation

If you cancel a print subscription, you retain access to all issues already delivered until the end of your paid period. Any future issues scheduled for delivery will not be sent once your cancellation is processed. This typically takes 2-3 business days after email confirmation.

For app subscriptions, you keep access to The Week's content until midnight on your next renewal date. After that, you lose access unless you resubscribe. If you cancel within the 24-hour window before renewal, you'll usually retain access for the remainder of the current period.

Data retention and account deletion

The Week retains some account data for legal, tax and backup purposes even after cancellation. This is standard for media companies and is compliant with Indian data protection rules. If you specifically requested account deletion (as opposed to subscription cancellation), some personal data may take 30-90 days to fully remove from their servers. Stopee recommends requesting both subscription cancellation and account deletion in separate emails so The Week handles each request correctly.

Unsubscribe from marketing emails

After cancellation, you may still receive promotional emails from The Week. To stop these, click the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of any marketing email, or email subscribe@theweek.in with the subject "Unsubscribe from promotional emails." This does not affect your subscription status-it only stops newsletters and offers.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling the week

Cancelling a magazine subscription isn't complex, but small oversights can delay your refund or leave you charged after you thought you'd quit. We've seen these traps many times, and Stopee wants you to sidestep them.

Mistake 1: confusing cancellation with suspension

Some readers think putting a hold on delivery is the same as cancellation-it isn't. A hold pauses your issues for a few weeks but keeps your subscription active and charges you on renewal. If you want out completely, you must email a cancellation request, not a delivery hold. Be explicit: "I wish to cancel my subscription entirely" rather than "Please pause my subscription."

Mistake 2: waiting past the 30-day refund window

The Week's refund eligibility drops sharply after 30 days. If you're on the fence, cancel within 14-21 days to be safe. After 30 days, you will not recover your money, even if issues haven't arrived yet. Mark your refund deadline in your phone's calendar the day you subscribe-it's the single best safeguard.

Mistake 3: cancelling the app but not the auto-renewal setting

Simply deleting The Week app from your phone does not cancel your subscription. Your auto-renewal setting lives in Apple App Store or Google Play, not on the app itself. You must follow the steps outlined above (Settings > Subscriptions > Cancel) or you'll be charged again when the next renewal date arrives. Stopee has heard from many readers who deleted the app, felt relieved, and were shocked by a charge 30 days later.

Mistake 4: not keeping proof of cancellation

Email confirmations from The Week or your app store are your proof of cancellation. If a charge appears after you cancel, you need this evidence to request a refund or file a complaint. Screenshot your cancellation confirmation and save any emails from The Week's support team. If your email gets lost, ask The Week's support to resend the cancellation confirmation and ask for your transaction ID.

Checklist: your complete cancellation roadmap

Use this checklist to track every step of your cancellation and ensure nothing is missed.

How to escalate if the week refuses to cancel or refund

Most cancellations are straightforward, but if The Week's customer service delays or denies your refund unfairly, you have clear escalation paths under Indian consumer law.

Step 1: formal complaint to the grievance officer

Send a registered email to compliance@mm.co.in (The Week's Grievance Officer, Renjith N) with the subject "Formal complaint: subscription cancellation and refund denied." Include:

• Your subscription ID and subscription start date
• Proof of cancellation (email confirmation or app store screenshot)
• Details of any charges that occurred after cancellation
• The refund amount you're claiming
• A clear statement: "I request a full refund under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019."

The Grievance Officer is legally required to respond within 30 days. If they don't, or if they deny your claim, move to step 2.

Step 2: file with your state's consumer disputes redressal commission

India's Consumer Protection Act allows you to file a complaint with your local Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission at no cost. You can file online at the national portal: www.ncrightportal.nic.in. You'll need:

• Your full complaint letter (describe the issue, your attempts to resolve it, and the law you're citing)
• Proof of cancellation and any denied refund requests
• Receipt or invoice showing your payment
• The Grievance Officer's response (if you received one)

The Commission typically resolves complaints within 2-3 months and can order The Week to refund you plus compensation for unfair denial. Stopee has seen many magazine cancellation cases succeed at this level because consumer law clearly favours subscribers in refund disputes.

Step 3: contact your payment provider

If The Week charges you after cancellation, your bank or credit card company can reverse the charge through a chargeback or disputed transaction claim. Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your card) and say: "I cancelled my subscription on [date] but was charged again on [date]. I request a refund." Most banks complete chargebacks within 10-15 business days.

Key takeaways: cancelling the week with confidence

Cancelling The Week is straightforward if you know the rules. For print subscriptions, email subscribe@theweek.in or newsdesk@theweek.in with your subscription ID and request cancellation within 30 days for a full refund on unmailed issues. For app subscriptions, use your phone's Settings (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) to turn off auto-renewal at least 24 hours before your renewal date-this is faster and often includes a 14-day refund window through Apple or Google.

Save all confirmation emails, check your bank statement after your renewal date to confirm no charge occurs, and escalate to The Week's Grievance Officer at compliance@mm.co.in if you encounter delays or refusal. India's Consumer Protection Act is on your side: you have the right to cancel, claim a refund for unmailed issues, and file a complaint with your state's Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission if The Week refuses.

Stopee has walked thousands of readers through subscription cancellations-from print magazines to streaming apps-and we know that clarity and speed make all the difference. Whether you're cancelling for budget reasons, editorial preference, or simply because your reading habits have changed, you deserve a process that respects your time and your money. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel fairly and reclaim what they're owed. Follow these steps, and you'll be subscription-free within days.

Where to send your cancellation request: the week's contact details

Use these verified addresses and email contacts to cancel your subscription.

Email addresses (fastest option)

For subscription cancellation: subscribe@theweek.in

For account deletion or data requests: newsdesk@theweek.in

For grievances or escalations: compliance@mm.co.in (Grievance Officer: Renjith N)

Postal address (if you prefer registered mail)

Malayala Manorama Group (Publisher of The Week)
Kottayam, Kerala, India

(Note: specific street address and postal code are not publicly listed on their cancellation page; email is your best option.)

In-app support

If you're using The Week app on iOS or Android, check the app's Help or Settings menu for a "Contact Support" button. This routes your message to their app support team, who can escalate to the subscription department.

Stopee recommends email as your primary channel because it creates a searchable record and forces a documented response. If you phone The Week's general line, ask for the subscription department and request the case reference number for any changes you discuss.