Manage Pressreader

How to cancel PressReader and take control of your digital reading

What PressReader is and why you might want to leave

PressReader is a digital newsstand that gives you access to thousands of newspapers and magazines from around the world in one app or website. You can read everything from The New Zealand Herald to international titles, all through your phone, tablet, or web browser.

The service works through three main channels: the PressReader website, mobile apps on iOS and Android, or through your local library if you have a library card. Many readers find the breadth of content genuinely useful at first, but costs add up quickly, titles rotate, or you simply discover you're reading the same publications you already subscribe to separately.

At Stopee, we help thousands of New Zealand consumers navigate subscription cancellations every month, and PressReader appears regularly on the list of services people want to exit. Whether you've hit your budget limit, discovered you prefer individual publication subscriptions, or just lost the reading habit, cancelling PressReader is straightforward once you know the right steps. We've created this guide to walk you through every option.

Understanding your subscription method matters first

Before you cancel, you need to know where you purchased your subscription. This single detail determines your entire cancellation process. Did you buy directly from PressReader's website, or through Apple's App Store or Google Play? The answer changes everything about what you do next.

Subscriptions bought through Apple or Google are managed by those platforms, not by PressReader directly. This means you'll cancel through Apple or Google, not through PressReader's account settings. This distinction trips up many people, so we'll cover both pathways in detail below.

Your rights as a new zealand consumer

What the consumer guarantees act means for your subscription

New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act protects you when you buy digital services like PressReader. The Act guarantees that any service you purchase must be of acceptable quality and fit for purpose.

If you purchased PressReader and it doesn't work as advertised, crashes frequently, or fails to deliver the content you're paying for, you have grounds to ask for a refund or cancellation. The Act applies regardless of what PressReader's terms say about "no refunds". Additionally, if you cancel within 14 days of purchase for any reason, you may be entitled to a full refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act, even if PressReader doesn't advertise this.

This is why Stopee always recommends checking your purchase date first. If you're within the first 14 days, your leverage is stronger.

What happens if PressReader refuses to help

If you request a refund and PressReader declines, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission or your local Citizens Advice Bureau. These organisations handle consumer disputes when companies won't budge. Keep records of all your communications with PressReader-emails, screenshots, dates-so you have evidence if you need to lodge a formal complaint.

Most importantly, never feel pressured to accept PressReader's first answer. Consumer law in New Zealand is firmly on your side.

How to cancel if you bought directly from PressReader's website

Step-by-step cancellation through your PressReader account

If you purchased your subscription directly from PressReader.com, follow these steps to turn off auto-renewal and stop future charges.

1. Go to PressReader.com and log in with your email address and password.
   • If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password?" link to reset it first.
2. Once logged in, look for your account menu-this is usually in the top right corner or under a hamburger icon (three horizontal lines).
   • Common menu labels include "Account", "Settings", "My account", "Manage subscription", or "Billing".
3. Click into the section that handles subscriptions or payments.
   • This might be called "Subscription", "Subscriptions", "Billing", "Payment methods", or "Manage your plan".
4. Look for an option to manage, edit, or cancel your current subscription.
   • You'll typically see your plan name, the amount you're paying, and your renewal date.
5. Select "Cancel subscription", "Turn off auto-renewal", "End subscription", or similar wording.
   • PressReader may ask why you're leaving-this feedback is optional, but it helps them improve.
6. Confirm your cancellation when prompted.
   • You should receive a confirmation email within minutes. Save this email as proof.

What to do if you can't find the cancellation option online

If you've searched your account settings and the cancellation button isn't appearing, contact PressReader support directly. Send an email to care@pressreader.com with the subject line "Cancel my subscription" and include your account email address and the date your subscription renews.

Pro tip: State your cancellation date clearly. For example: "Please cancel my PressReader subscription effective immediately and confirm that no charges will occur on my renewal date of 15 March 2025." This removes any ambiguity.

PressReader support typically responds within 24-48 hours. If they don't acknowledge your cancellation request within 2 business days, follow up again. Document every email you send-this becomes important if you need to dispute a charge later.

How to cancel if you bought through apple's app store (iPhone or iPad)

Turning off auto-renewal on iOS devices

Subscriptions purchased through the Apple App Store are managed entirely by Apple, not by PressReader. This means you must cancel through your Apple Account, not through the PressReader app itself.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
   • The Settings app has a grey gear icon and is on your home screen.
2. Scroll down and tap "iTunes & App Store" (older iOS) or "Apps" (newer iOS versions).
   • On the very newest iOS, this may appear as "App Store" in the top section.
3. Tap on your Apple ID name at the top of the screen.
   • You'll see your email address and a summary of your account.
4. Select "Subscriptions".
   • This shows every active subscription on your Apple account.
5. Find "PressReader" in the list and tap it.
   • You'll see your current plan, renewal date, and price.
6. Tap "Cancel subscription" or "Edit subscription".
   • Apple will show a final confirmation-confirm the cancellation.

Your PressReader access continues until the end of your current billing period. Apple sends you a confirmation email once auto-renewal is off. At Stopee, we always recommend taking a screenshot of this confirmation-it's your proof if Apple accidentally recharges you.

Accessing subscriptions from your mac

If you manage your Apple account from a Mac instead, open the App Store app, click your profile picture in the top right, then select "Account Settings". Look for "Subscriptions" in the sidebar and follow the same cancellation steps.

How to cancel if you bought through google play (Android)

Managing your google play subscription on android

Like Apple, Google Play subscriptions are managed through your Google Account, not through the PressReader app. You'll cancel directly with Google.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
   • The Play Store icon is usually a colourful triangle on your home screen.
2. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner.
   • This opens a menu with account options.
3. Select "Manage subscriptions" or "Payments and subscriptions".
   • You'll see a list of every subscription linked to your Google account.
4. Find "PressReader" and tap it.
   • The subscription details page shows your plan, renewal date, and price.
5. Tap "Cancel subscription".
   • Google may ask why you're cancelling-this is optional feedback.
6. Confirm when prompted.
   • You'll get a confirmation message in the Play Store app and an email confirmation.

Google Play gives you access to your subscription through the end of your current billing period even after you cancel. No charges will occur after that date.

Cancelling through your google account online

You can also cancel Google Play subscriptions from any browser. Go to myaccount.google.com, click "Payments & subscriptions" on the left, then "Manage subscriptions". Find PressReader and select "Cancel subscription".

What happens immediately after you cancel

Access during your final billing period

Cancelling doesn't cut off your access immediately. You continue to read everything on PressReader until your current billing period ends. This is true whether you bought from PressReader, Apple, or Google Play.

For example, if you paid on 1 March and cancel on 10 March, you still have full access until 1 April. Use this time to finish reading anything you want to save or screenshot.

Auto-renewal has been disabled

Once you've completed the cancellation steps above, auto-renewal is switched off at the platform level. This means PressReader cannot charge you again, even if your account remains active. The company has no ability to recharge you after your current period ends-only you or Apple/Google can authorise new payments.

Warning: If you get charged after your cancellation period ends, this is a billing error. Contact PressReader support immediately and dispute the charge with your bank or card issuer if needed.

Your account and saved content remain intact

Cancelling your subscription does not delete your PressReader account or your reading history. You can still log in after cancellation, but you won't see new content or be able to download articles if the subscription is truly ended.

If you want to remove your account completely and delete all your personal data, email care@pressreader.com and request account deletion. PressReader will walk you through that process, though it's separate from cancellation.

Can you get a refund after cancellation

PressReader's refund position

PressReader does not publish a standard "14-day money-back" refund policy on its website. This means refunds are not automatically granted once you cancel, even if you've only used the service for a few days.

However, this does not mean you have no recourse. Under New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act, you're entitled to request a refund within 14 days of purchase if the service fails to meet your expectations or doesn't work as described. The law overrides PressReader's published terms.

How to request a refund

Send an email to care@pressreader.com with the subject "Refund request" and include the following:

• Your account email address.
• Your purchase date.
• The amount you paid (in NZD).
• A brief explanation-for example: "The app crashes when I try to download articles" or "I cancelled within 14 days of purchase and request a full refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act."

Pro tip: If you're within 14 days of purchase, state that explicitly. The 14-day window is your strongest legal position, and mentioning the Consumer Guarantees Act signals you understand your rights.

If PressReader declines your refund request, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission at commerce.govt.nz or lodge a complaint with your local Citizens Advice Bureau. Keep all communication records.

Refunds through apple or google play

If you bought through the App Store or Google Play, you may have better luck requesting a refund directly from Apple or Google rather than from PressReader. Both platforms have their own refund processes and are often more flexible than the publisher.

Apple allows you to request a refund for up to 90 days after purchase through appleid.apple.com/account/manage. Google Play has a 48-hour refund window from the date of purchase through the Play Store app.

At Stopee, we've helped many consumers recover refunds by going directly to the app platform rather than the subscription company-this often works faster.

PressReader pricing and plan options in new zealand

Current subscription costs

Below is a breakdown of PressReader's subscription plans as they appear in the New Zealand App Store and on the website. Pricing may vary slightly between the app and the web, and prices change periodically.

The monthly plan costs roughly NZ$45, which adds up to NZ$540 per year if you pay monthly. The annual plan at NZ$450 saves you NZ$90 if you're certain you'll use the service for a full year.

Many New Zealand libraries-including Auckland Libraries and Wellington City Libraries-offer free PressReader access if you have a library card. Before you pay for a subscription, check whether your local library provides it. This is one of the easiest ways to read for free.

Common mistakes when cancelling PressReader

Cancelling the app without turning off auto-renewal

This is the biggest mistake we see. Many people delete the PressReader app from their phone thinking this cancels their subscription. It doesn't. Deleting an app has zero effect on whether you're charged. You must log in and turn off auto-renewal through your account settings or through Apple/Google Play.

After deleting the app, you can reinstall it without being charged again-your cancellation stays in place. But charges will continue if you skip the actual cancellation step.

Cancelling in the wrong place

If you bought through Apple, don't try to cancel through your PressReader account settings. Apple controls the billing, not PressReader. Conversely, if you bought directly from PressReader's website, cancelling through the App Store won't work because your subscription isn't there.

Match your cancellation method to your purchase method exactly. When in doubt, check your email receipts-they show where the purchase was made.

Not saving confirmation emails

Always screenshot or save the confirmation email you receive after cancellation. If PressReader charges you by mistake after cancellation, this email is your proof that you cancelled on time. Without it, disputing the charge becomes harder.

Assuming your free trial period is cancelled

PressReader offers free trials, but these auto-convert to paid subscriptions unless you manually cancel before the trial ends. Don't assume a trial cancels itself. Set a calendar reminder one week before your trial ends and cancel proactively.

Your cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you've completed every step correctly:

• Step 1: Identify where you purchased your subscription (website, App Store, or Google Play).
• Step 2: Log in to the correct account (PressReader, Apple, or Google) and navigate to subscriptions.
• Step 3: Click "Cancel subscription" or "Turn off auto-renewal".
• Step 4: Confirm the cancellation when prompted.
• Step 5: Screenshot or save the confirmation email.
• Step 6: Check your calendar for the renewal date to confirm no charge occurs.
• Step 7: If you're within 14 days and want a refund, email care@pressreader.com with your details.
• Step 8: Monitor your bank or card for any unexpected charges after your billing period ends.

When you should keep your PressReader subscription

Who actually benefits from this service

PressReader isn't right for everyone, but it's genuinely useful if you fit this profile:

• You read newspapers and magazines from multiple countries or regions regularly.
• You don't want to manage separate subscriptions to individual publications.
• You travel frequently and want consistent access to home country news abroad.
• You prefer a single app over juggling multiple news apps.
• You have no library card or your library doesn't offer PressReader access.

If any of these apply, your NZ$45 per month might deliver real value. But if you've tried PressReader and found you only read 2-3 publications regularly, it's cheaper to subscribe to those publications directly.

How stopee can help you cancel more smoothly

Cancelling subscriptions shouldn't be stressful or time-consuming. At Stopee, we've built tools and guides to help New Zealand consumers take control of their subscriptions and cut unnecessary costs. Whether you're cancelling PressReader, a gym membership, a streaming service, or anything else, Stopee walks you through every step with clarity and support.

We understand the frustration of hidden renewal dates, confusing account menus, and companies that make cancellation deliberately difficult. That's why Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, recover refunds, and take back control of their spending. Our guides cover every major service and every platform-Apple, Google, website cancellations, you name it.

Bookmark Stopee.com and return whenever you need to cancel something. We're here to empower you with clear steps, consumer rights information, and the confidence to say no to services that no longer serve you.

Contact PressReader directly

Email: care@pressreader.com

Website: pressreader.com

PressReader's corporate office is based in Canada, so there is no physical New Zealand address for cancellations. All requests must go through email or your online account.

Cancelling PressReader is straightforward once you know the steps. Match your cancellation method to your purchase method, confirm you've turned off auto-renewal, save your confirmation email, and monitor your billing for the next 30 days. Within minutes, auto-renewal is off. Within 14 days, you have grounds for a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act. The power is in your hands. At Stopee, we empower thousands of Kiwis every month to cancel smartly, recover refunds when they're owed them, and avoid paying for services they've left behind.