Manage The Times

How to cancel the times subscription in new zealand

What is the times and why new zealand readers subscribe

The Times is a prestigious UK-based news publisher that delivers digital and print subscriptions covering national and international news, opinion, and in-depth features. Based in London, The Times has built a reputation for investigative journalism and comprehensive world coverage that appeals to readers across the globe, including here in New Zealand.

You can purchase subscriptions through multiple platforms: the web, the iOS App Store, Google Play, or directly from the publisher. Your access method depends on your region and the product you choose. Whether you prefer reading on your smartphone, tablet, or computer, The Times offers flexible digital access through their UK & World News app and web-based account.

Who typically subscribes to the times

New Zealand readers who subscribe to The Times generally fall into several groups: professionals seeking comprehensive international business coverage, academics and researchers needing reliable news sources, and readers who value the publication's long-standing editorial standards and archive access.

Print home-delivery editions are available in select regions, though digital subscriptions remain the primary offering for New Zealand-based subscribers. Pricing and availability vary by region, so your subscription cost and access options may differ from UK-based readers.

How the times subscriptions work

When you subscribe to The Times, you gain immediate access to digital content through either their app or web platform. Your subscription renews automatically on a set schedule, and charges appear on your payment method unless you actively turn off auto-renewal.

Understanding your subscription type matters before you cancel. Whether you signed up through an app store, your web browser, or directly with the publisher changes how you'll cancel and what refund rights you hold under New Zealand consumer law.

Your consumer rights when cancelling the times

Consumer guarantees act protections in new zealand

New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act gives you important protections when you purchase digital subscriptions. Under this law, services must be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and delivered with due care and skill. If The Times fails to deliver the service as promised or breaches these guarantees, you have rights to remedies including refunds or cancellation without penalty.

Most importantly, if you discover The Times subscription doesn't work as described, contains misleading information, or fails to function properly, you can escalate your complaint to the Commerce Commission or seek a refund regardless of the company's stated no-refund policy.

Cooling-off and cancellation windows

Digital subscriptions in New Zealand don't automatically qualify for a standard 14-day cooling-off period under consumer law, unlike tangible goods. However, if The Times uses terms that are misleading, fails to clearly disclose auto-renewal terms before you purchase, or presents unfair contract terms, you retain cancellation rights under the Fair Trading Act.

Always review The Times' terms and conditions at the point of purchase. If those terms weren't clearly presented or auto-renewal wasn't explicitly disclosed, document this evidence and contact the Commerce Commission if The Times refuses to cancel or refund your subscription.

Cancellation methods for the times

Cancelling through apple app store (iOS)

If you subscribe to The Times via the Apple App Store, you must cancel through your Apple device settings, not through The Times' own website. Apple controls the billing relationship for app-based subscriptions, so your cancellation request goes directly to Apple, not to The Times.

1. Open your iPhone or iPad and go to the Settings app.
   • Tap your name at the top of the Settings screen.
   • Select "Subscriptions" (you may also see "Media & Purchases" on older devices).
2. Find The Times in your active subscriptions list.
   • Tap "The Times" to open your subscription details.
3. Tap "Cancel Subscription" and follow Apple's on-screen confirmation prompts.
   • Apple will ask you to confirm cancellation; you must complete this step to stop renewals.
4. Verify that auto-renewal shows as "off" or that your cancellation date appears in the subscription details.
   • If you see an "Expires on" date listed, your cancellation is confirmed.

Pro tip: Cancel at least 24 hours before your renewal date. Apple processes renewal charges within the 24-hour window before your billing period ends, so if you cancel after that window, you'll be charged for the next period. However, you can request a refund from Apple directly if you were charged unexpectedly.

Cancelling through google play (Android)

Android users who subscribe through Google Play must cancel their subscription in the Google Play Store app itself. Like Apple, Google manages the billing relationship and acts as the intermediary between you and The Times.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
   • Tap the profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.
2. Select "Subscriptions" or "Payments and subscriptions" from the menu.
   • Different Android versions may label this slightly differently.
3. Find The Times in your active subscriptions.
   • Tap on The Times subscription to open its details page.
4. Tap "Cancel subscription" and confirm when Google Play prompts you.
   • You'll see a confirmation message stating your cancellation has been processed.
5. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Google Play.
   • This email serves as your proof of cancellation and may be needed if you later dispute a charge.

Warning: Don't uninstall The Times app thinking it cancels your subscription. Uninstalling the app does not stop auto-renewal. You must explicitly cancel through Google Play, or charges will continue to hit your payment method each billing period.

Cancelling web or direct account subscriptions

If you subscribed directly through The Times website or app website (not through an app store), you'll cancel through your online account or by contacting The Times customer service directly. This gives you the most control but requires more steps than app store cancellations.

1. Visit The Times website and sign in to your account.
   • Go to the login page and enter your email and password.
2. Navigate to your account settings or subscription management page.
   • Look for links labelled "Account", "Subscription", "Billing", or "Manage Subscription".
   • The exact location varies, so check the help section if you can't find it immediately.
3. Select the option to cancel your subscription.
   • If a cancel button appears, click it and follow any confirmation steps.
4. If you cannot find a self-service cancellation option online, contact The Times customer service.
   • Use the contact options listed on The Times website or refer to their support channels.
   • Request cancellation in writing via email so you have a paper trail of your request.
5. Request written confirmation of your cancellation.
   • Ask The Times to confirm the cancellation date and that no further charges will apply.

Pro tip: If The Times has no distinct New Zealand-based customer service address, you'll need to send cancellation requests to their London headquarters. Keep copies of all correspondence. Stopee recommends documenting every step when dealing with international publishers, as time zone delays and postal delays can complicate the cancellation process.

What happens after you cancel the times

Access and service continuation

When you cancel your Times subscription, access typically continues until the end of your current billing period. You've already paid for that period, so The Times allows you to keep reading until that date arrives. This grace period means you won't lose access immediately after hitting the cancel button.

After your current billing period expires, your access to digital content stops. You won't be able to log in to The Times app or website unless you resubscribe. Any saved articles or reading history may remain associated with your account, but you can't access new content without an active subscription.

Auto-renewal and future billing

Once you've successfully cancelled, auto-renewal should be disabled on your account. No further charges should appear on your payment method after your current billing period ends. However, monitor your bank or credit card statement for the next two billing cycles to confirm charges have truly stopped.

If a charge appears after you've cancelled, contact your bank immediately and dispute it. Then reach out to The Times customer service with proof of your cancellation request. Under New Zealand consumer law, you have the right to challenge unauthorised charges.

Account and personal data

Cancelling your subscription doesn't automatically delete your account or personal data. The Times retains your account information according to their privacy policy and terms of service. If you want your account completely closed or your personal data removed beyond subscription cancellation, you'll need to contact customer service separately and request account deletion or data removal under privacy laws.

Stopee recommends keeping your original registration email and a copy of your cancellation confirmation until you verify that all charges have stopped and your account shows as inactive.

Refund eligibility and how to claim a refund

Standard refund policy

The Times' standard policy states that subscription fees are non-refundable once the billing period has begun. If you cancel mid-cycle, you typically won't receive a refund for the remainder of that period, even though your access continues until the period ends.

This policy applies to most digital subscriptions. The Times operates under the assumption that once you gain access to content, the service has been delivered and refunds aren't warranted. However, this blanket policy doesn't override New Zealand consumer law.

When you can claim a refund under new zealand law

Even though The Times states subscriptions are non-refundable, New Zealand consumer law allows you to claim refunds in specific situations. If The Times failed to disclose auto-renewal terms clearly at purchase, misrepresented the service, failed to deliver the promised access, or used unfair contract terms, you have grounds for a refund.

You also have refund rights if The Times service was unavailable or unusable for a significant portion of your billing period due to technical failures on their end. In these cases, the Consumer Guarantees Act entitles you to remedies including partial or full refunds.

Pro tip: If you believe you deserve a refund, document everything: screenshots of the original purchase terms, evidence of auto-renewal disclosure (or lack thereof), and any technical issues you experienced. Then request a refund from The Times with this evidence. If they refuse, escalate to the Commerce Commission with your documentation.

Refund timelines

If The Times approves a refund, expect processing to take 7 to 14 business days for the credit to appear on your original payment method. If you paid by credit card, the refund goes back to your card issuer first, and they may take an additional 1 to 2 business days to post it to your account.

If you paid via a third party like Google Play or Apple, the refund goes through that platform first, then to your payment method, which can extend timelines to 2 to 3 weeks total. Monitor your account closely during this window.

Common mistakes people make when cancelling the times

Cancellation errors that cost you money

Many readers feel frustrated when they discover their subscription still renewed after attempting to cancel. The most common mistake is confusing where you subscribed. If you signed up through an app store, you must cancel through that app store, not through The Times website. Cancelling in the wrong place leaves your auto-renewal active, and you'll be charged again.

Another frequent error is not cancelling early enough. If you wait until your renewal date to cancel, you may be charged before the cancellation processes. For app store subscriptions especially, the 24-hour window before renewal is critical. Cancel with at least 48 hours' notice to guarantee you won't be charged for the next period.

Not verifying the cancellation is also risky. After you hit the cancel button, take a screenshot or note the confirmation details. Don't assume cancellation succeeded just because you completed a form. Return to your account settings after a few days and confirm that auto-renewal shows as disabled.

Refund request mistakes

When requesting a refund, avoid vague complaints. Rather than writing "I want a refund because I don't read The Times anymore," explain specifically why you deserve one under consumer law: "Auto-renewal terms were not clearly disclosed at purchase" or "The Times app was unusable for three weeks due to technical failures."

Don't wait months to request a refund. Most consumer protection agencies and payment processors have time limits on refund claims. Contact The Times within 30 days of your unexpected charge or service failure to preserve your right to dispute it later.

Your cancellation checklist for the times

Comparing cancellation methods: which approach suits you best

Contacting the times customer service and escalation

Standard customer service channels

The Times operates from London, United Kingdom, which means customer service may have limited New Zealand-specific support. You can reach them through the contact options displayed on The Times website. Response times may be slower due to the time zone difference between New Zealand and the UK.

Email remains the most reliable contact method for New Zealand subscribers. Send your cancellation request or dispute to the customer service email address listed on their website and request a written confirmation. Keep all correspondence for your records.

Escalation and postal address

If The Times declines your cancellation or refund request, you have escalation options. There is no distinct New Zealand cancellation postal address for The Times; international subscribers must send postal correspondence to their London headquarters:

The Times, 1 London Bridge, London SE1 9GF, United Kingdom

Include your full name, email address, account details, and a clear statement of your cancellation request or refund claim. Request acknowledgment of receipt. Allow 3 to 4 weeks for postal correspondence to reach London and for a response to return to New Zealand.

Dispute escalation with new zealand authorities

If The Times refuses to cancel your subscription or refund an unauthorised charge, contact the Commerce Commission. Under the Fair Trading Act and Consumer Guarantees Act, the Commission investigates complaints against overseas companies operating in New Zealand. Document everything: screenshots of your cancellation attempt, copies of unwanted charges, and correspondence with The Times.

Stopee recommends having this documentation ready before submitting a formal complaint to the Commerce Commission. The Commission won't pursue minor disputes but will intervene if The Times engages in systematic unfair practices or misleading conduct.

Final advice: protect yourself when cancelling the times

Cancelling any subscription should be straightforward, but international publishers sometimes make the process deliberately confusing to reduce cancellation rates. The Times may not have a dedicated cancellation button on their website, and support response times can be frustratingly slow.

Start your cancellation process well before your renewal date, not the day before. Use written confirmation wherever possible, especially for postal or email cancellations. Monitor your payment method for two billing cycles after cancellation to catch any rogue charges immediately.

Remember that New Zealand consumer law protects you even when a company claims subscriptions are non-refundable. If auto-renewal wasn't clearly disclosed, if the service failed to work as promised, or if terms were unfair, you have rights to remedies including cancellation and refunds. Don't accept a company's first refusal.

Stopee (stopee.com) has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and recover refunds from companies claiming no-refund policies. If you're unsure about your cancellation approach, encounter resistance from The Times, or need guidance on your consumer rights under New Zealand law, visit Stopee for step-by-step support and expert advice tailored to your situation. Stopee specialises in protecting readers and viewers from subscription traps and ensuring you get the refunds and cancellations you're entitled to. Your right to cancel is backed by law, and Stopee is here to help you exercise it.