In the moment, you really needed this tool or app. So you signed up for a free trial. You meant to cancel before it ended.
But then you got busy and you likely forgot.
You just got charged for something you never planned to pay for. If it’s 50 bucks plus, you might be a little jaded. If it’s $10 you probably shrug it off, but a year later you’re not using it and you’re still paying for it monthly.
It happens to almost everyone.
A recent study found that 48% of people have been charged for a subscription they forgot to cancel. Free trials are designed this way, easy to start, easy to forget, and seamlessly convert into paying customers.
But there’s ways you can optimise to beat the system. Cancel the free trial immediately after signing up, and in most cases, you'll still get the full trial period. You just won't get charged when it ends.
This guide covers how to cancel free trials before getting charged, what to do if you've already been billed, and how to stop it from happening again.
Why Free Trials Are Designed to Trap You
Free trials aren't a charity. They're a conversion tool for businesses to disarm and get a foot in the door.
Companies know that most people:
Forget when the trial ends
Forget they signed up at all
Can't be bothered to cancel
Feel "locked in" once they've started using the product
That's why they require a credit card upfront. It’s why cancellation is often buried deep in places that are hard to find. It’s why the trial ends at midnight on day 7, not day 8.
The business model of free trials depends on people forgetting.Now many even explicitly say they will remind you before renewal, but they know you’re still likely to forget or not take action.
The Trick Is To Cancel Immediately After Signing Up
Here's the easiest way and habit to avoid these unwanted charges:
Sign up → Cancel immediately → Enjoy the full trial
Most services let you keep access until the trial period ends, even if you've already cancelled. You just won't auto-convert to a paid subscription.
This works for:
Most streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, etc.)
Most software and apps
Most subscription boxes (first box may still ship)
Most SaaS tools
It doesn't always work for:
Some services that cut off access immediately when you cancel. This will usually be clearly marked.
Physical product trials where the item has already shipped
Services with "cancel anytime but no refund" policies
The key: Cancel immediately when signing up if you can, make it a habit. Then you don't have to remember anything later on.
How to Cancel Free Trials on iPhone
Most free trials started through the App Store are managed by Apple, not the app itself. These are some of the easiest to cancel right after signing up, then you can enjoy access without the worries of getting charged in the future.
Steps:
Open Settings
Tap your name at the top
Tap Subscriptions
Find the trial subscription
Tap Cancel Subscription or Cancel Free Trial
Confirm
You'll keep access until the trial ends. Apple will remind you before it renews.
Tip: If you don't see the subscription here, you didn't sign up through the App Store. Check the app or website directly.
See our full guide to cancelling iPhone subscriptions →
How to Cancel Free Trials on Android
Free trials from the Google Play Store are managed through Google.
Steps:
Open the Google Play Store app
Tap your profile icon (top right)
Tap Payments & subscriptions
Tap Subscriptions
Find the trial subscription
Tap Cancel subscription
Confirm
Same deal, you'll keep access until the trial period ends.
Tip: If the subscription isn't listed, you signed up directly with the company. Cancel through their website or app.
How to Cancel Free Trials on Websites and Apps
For trials you signed up for directly (not through app stores):
General steps:
Log into your account on the website or app
Go to Account, Settings, or Billing
Look for Subscription, Membership, or Plan
Click Cancel or Cancel Trial
Confirm (watch for dark patterns trying to keep you)
Common places the cancel button hides:
Account Settings → Billing → Manage Subscription
Profile → Membership → Cancel
Settings → Plan → End Trial
Some services make this deliberately hard. If you can't find it then check our cancellation guides for 320+ services → Or use our subscription cancel tool to open direct links to cancel flows in bulk.
What If You've Already Been Charged?
Forgot to cancel and got charged? You still have options:
1. Request a Refund Directly
Contact the company immediately. Many will refund if:
You haven't used the service since the trial ended
You contact them within a few days of being charged
You're polite and direct
What to say:
"Hi, I signed up for a free trial and forgot to cancel before it converted. I haven't used the service since the trial ended. Could you please refund the charge?"
This works more often than people think, especially with larger companies that value customer goodwill.
2. Request a Refund Through Apple or Google
If you subscribed through an app store:
Apple: Go to reportaproblem.apple.com, find the charge, and request a refund. Apple is often generous with first-time requests.
Google: Go to play.google.com/store/account/orderhistory, find the charge, and request a refund.
3. Dispute the Charge (Last Resort)
If the company won't refund and you genuinely didn't intend to subscribe, you can dispute it with your bank or credit card. Although most companies don’t want this kind of heat.
Note: Only do this if you've tried the above first. Chargebacks can get your account banned from the service.
Use our chargeback request generator →
How to Stop Free Trial Charges From Happening Again
Set a Calendar Reminder
If you don't want to cancel immediately, set a reminder for 1-2 days before the trial ends.
It’s best to set it for 2 days before, not the day of. Gives you a buffer if you forget or get busy.
When the Orbit app launches you will be able to set up easy notifications to remind you of free trials without needing to rely on your calendar. Sign up to the waitlist to be notified when it launches.
Use a Virtual Card
Some banks and apps let you create virtual card numbers with spending limits. Set a $0 or $1 limit, and the charge will decline when the trial converts.
Some fintechs that offer this:
Privacy.com (US)
Revolut
Wise
Caution: Some services will cancel your account immediately if payment fails. Others will just retry or downgrade you to free.
This is a good system to manage these free trials with peace of mind, it is also a planned feature in the Orbit roadmap as we believe it’s key.
Cancel Immediately (Recommended)
We keep mentioning it because it works. Sign up, cancel within 24 hours, enjoy the trial. No renewal stress.
Track Your Subscriptions
If you sign up for a lot of trials, track them somewhere:
Spreadsheet with trial end dates
Notes app with reminders
The Orbit app will be able to pick up your free trials automatically through email connect.
Use our subscription audit quiz or our cancel tool to find subscriptions you have forgotten about.
Free Trials That Cut Off Access When You Cancel
Not all services let you keep the trial after cancelling. Some cut off access immediately.
Known services that may cut off access early:
Some gym trials
Some premium newsletters
Some B2B software with sales-led trials
Some subscription boxes
How to handle these:
Set a calendar reminder for day before trial ends
Cancel at the last possible moment
Read the terms before signing up
If you're unsure, check the confirmation email or terms of service. It usually says whether you'll keep access after cancelling.
Common Free Trial Traps (And How to Avoid Them)
The "Free Trial" That Requires a Purchase
Some trials are only free if you buy something else, or require a minimum spend. Read the fine print.
The Trial That Auto-Renews at a Higher Price
Some trials convert to annual plans, not monthly. These are huge traps. Check what you're agreeing to.
The Trial With No Cancel Button
Some services (especially gyms or older companies) require you to call, email, or even send a letter to cancel. Check the cancellation policy before signing up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a free trial and still use it?
Usually yes. Most services let you keep access until the trial period ends, even after cancelling. Some cut off access immediately, check the terms or cancel and see.
When should I cancel a free trial?
Immediately after signing up is safest. If you want to evaluate first, set a reminder for 1-2 days before it ends. But you can always sign up again later.
Will I get a refund if I forgot to cancel?
Often yes, if you ask. Contact the company directly, or request through Apple/Google if you subscribed via the app store.
Can I sign up for another free trial after cancelling?
Depends on the service. Many are "one free trial per customer" based on email, payment method, or device. Some let you trial again after a waiting period.
Do free trials affect my credit score?
No. Free trials don't impact credit scores. But if you don't pay a bill that goes to collections, that could.
What's the best way to track free trial end dates?
Calendar reminders, a simple spreadsheet, or a subscription tracking app. The key is having a system, any system.
Quick Wins: Stop Unwanted Trial Charges Today
Cancel any active trials right now — Check iPhone settings, Google Play, and any services you've recently signed up for
Set reminders for trials you want to keep — 2 days before they end
Adopt the "cancel immediately" habit — Sign up, cancel, enjoy the trial worry-free
Check your bank statement — Look for charges you don't recognise from forgotten trials
Use virtual cards for future trials — Limits your exposure
[Browse cancellation guides for 320+ services →]
Part of our guide to cancelling subscriptions →
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