How to check subscriptions on Android: a complete guide with instructions

Have you ever discovered unexpected charges on your account for services that you did not use? Or have you noticed that small amounts regularly disappear from your phone balance? Most often, this is due to forgotten or hidden subscriptions to applications, games or services. On Androiddevices, subscriptions can be issued not only through Google Play, but also directly from telecom operators, banks or third parties. In this article, we'll look at how to find all active subscriptions on your phone, cancel unnecessary ones, and avoid hidden fees.

The problem is that many users are not even aware of the existence of some subscriptions. For example, a free trial period for an app may automatically turn into a paid subscription if you don't turn it off first. Or the telecom operator activates “bonus” services without explicit consent. We'll show you where to look for such subscriptions, how to control them, and what to do if money continues to be debited after cancellation.

1. Checking subscriptions through Google Play

Most subscriptions to Android are issued through Google Play Store. Here you can see both active and completed subscriptions, as well as manage them. To check the list: Google Play Market corner.

1. Open the application Google Play Store on the phone.
2. Tap on profile avatar in the upper right corner.
3. Select Payments and subscriptions → Subscriptions.

In the list that opens you will see all active subscriptions linked to your Google account. Here you can also:

• 🔄 Cancel subscription ("Cancel" button next to each).
• 📅 View the date of the next debit.
• 💳 Change the payment method (if several cards are linked).
• 📄 Download a receipt for accounting or dispute the payment.

Please note: some subscriptions may be hidden under the “Managed by the developer” item. This means that cancellation occurs not through Google Play, but on the service website (for example, Netflix or Spotify). In this case, there will be a link nearby.

2. Searching for subscriptions through a banking application

If you linked a bank card to Google Pay or paid for subscriptions directly, information about regular payments can be found in mobile banking. Most modern banks (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, VTB, Alfa Bank etc.) have a section “Autopayments” or “Regular payments”.

Instructions for Sberbank Online (similar to other banks):

1. Open the bank application and log in.
2. Go in Payments → Automatic payments.
3. View the list of active subscriptions. Both payments through Google Playand direct debits from services can be displayed here.

This section is convenient to track:

• 💰 Amounts and dates of debits.
• 🏦 Recipient's name (for example, GOOGLE Play or APPLE.COM/BI for cross-platform services).
• 📱 Ability to cancel autopayment directly in the banking application.

⚠️ Attention: If you see an unfamiliar autopayment, but cannot determine what it is for, do not cancel it immediately. Some services (for example, cloud storage or antivirus apps) may block access when payment is canceled. First, check the purpose of the payment with bank support.

3. Checking subscriptions with a mobile operator

Telecom operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) often connect paid services by default or through USSD commands. These could be subscriptions to music, TV, cloud services, or even “antivirus for SIM cards.” Such services write off money from the phone balance, and not from a bank card.

To check and disable them:

Operator	Command to check	Command to disable
MTS	*111*0887# or *152#	*111*0887*2# (for a specific service)
Beeline	*110*09#	*110*09*Service_number#
MegaFon	*105*500#	*105*500*Service_number*0#
Tele2	*155*1#	Through your personal account or calling the operator

You can also:

• 🌐 Go to personal account on the operator’s website (section “Services” or “My subscriptions”).
• 📞 Call the hotline (numbers: MTS — 0890, Beeline — 0611, MegaFon — 0500, Tele2 — 611).
• 📧 Check SMS from the operator with notifications about connecting services.

⚠️ Attention: Some operator subscriptions may be hidden under “bonus” packages. For example, “Unlimited calls for 3 days” are often automatically extended for 5–10 rubles per day. Read the conditions carefully when activating any promotions.

How do operators “hide” subscriptions?

Sometimes services are activated via SMS mailings (for example, “Your prize awaits! Answer YES”) Or they are disguised as “SIM maintenance” for 1–2 rubles per day. Such charges are difficult to notice, but over the course of a year they can amount to 300–700 rubles.

4. Finding hidden subscriptions through Android settings

Some applications (especially from third-party sources) can subscribe through SMS billing or direct payments, bypassing Google Play. To find them: data-i="134">SMS billing

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Tap on ⋮ (three dots) → Special access → Payments via SMS.
3. View the list of applications with access to payment via SMS.

If there are applications here that are unknown to you, delete them and check the payment history in the bank. It is also worth looking at:

• 📱 Settings → Google → Google account management → Payments and subscriptions (duplicates data from Google Play, but sometimes shows more).
• 🔍 Settings → Security → Administrators devices —some applications may receive rights to manage subscriptions.

Important: applications with rights to SMS billing can charge money without your knowledge by sending payment SMS to short numbers. If you do not use such services (for example, parking or charity), disable this access for all applications.

5. Checking subscriptions in popular services

Some services (for example, Netflix, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Premium) allow you to subscribe directly through your website, and not through Google Play. In this case, information about them will not be in the standard Android sections. Where to look:

Service	Where to check your subscription	Link. to manage
Netflix	Personal account on the website	netflix.com/YourAccount
Spotify	App or spotify.com/account	spotify.com/account/subscription
Apple Services (iCloud, Apple TV+)	Even on Android, payment is made through Apple ID	appleid.apple.com
Amazon Prime	Section "Your orders" on Amazon	amazon.com/your-memberships

If you have used trial versions of these services, be sure to check:

• 📅 End date of the trial period (often automatically turns into a paid subscription).
• 💳 Linked card (sometimes debits are made from another card if the main one has not passed).
• 📧 Email to subscription confirmation letters (they may arrive in the folder "Promotions").

6. How to cancel a subscription if the money continues to be debited

There are situations when the subscription is canceled, but the money still goes away. Here's what to do in such cases:

1. Check the application cache: sometimes Google Play or the bank does not immediately update the subscription status. Reboot your phone and check again.
2. Contact service support: If the subscription is managed by the developer (for example, Duolingo or Tinder), write to them asking them to confirm the cancellation.
3. Dispute the payment with the bank: if the money was debited after cancellation, provide the bank with screenshots of the cancellation confirmation (from Google Play or email).

If there is a problem with the subscription operator:

• 📞 Call the hotline and ask to block all paid services on your number.
• 📝 Write a complaint to support demanding a refund (indicate dates and amounts of charges).
• 🔒 Temporarily block the ability to pay via SMS in the settings phone.

As a last resort, you can:

• 🆔 Change Google account on the phone (if subscriptions are linked to it).
• 📱 Reset the phone to factory settings (will help unlink all hidden services).
• 💳 Block the card and issue a new one (if debits are made directly from it).

⚠️ Attention: If you suspect fraud (for example, a subscription was issued without your knowledge), immediately block the card in the banking application and check your phone for viruses using Malwarebytes or Dr.Web.

7. How to avoid unwanted subscriptions in the future

To avoid unexpected charges, follow simple rules:

• 🔍 Check the conditions when registering for new services (especially clauses about auto-renewal).
• 📅 Set reminders about the end of the trial period (you can in Google Calendar).
• 💳 Use virtual cards for trial subscriptions (for example, in Tinkoff or Revolut).
• 📱 Disable automatic application updates v Google Playto avoid hidden changes in tariffs.
• 🚫 Do not confirm SMS from unknown numbers (even if they promise a prize or bonus).

Also useful:

• Check once a month Google Play → Payments and subscriptions.
• Set up notifications about debits in the banking application.
• Delete unused applications that may have access to payment.

If you often use trial versions, create a separate Google account specially for them. This makes it easier to track and cancel unnecessary subscriptions.

Frequently asked questions

How to check subscriptions on Android if the phone does not turn on?

If the phone does not work, but you suspect charges, check:

1. Bank application or card statement (section "Automatic Payments").
2. Email linked to Google account (letters from Google Play with checks).
3. Personal account of the telecom operator (if debits come from the phone balance).

If you need to urgently cancel subscriptions, do it through the web version Google Play on your computer.

Can I get a refund for a subscription? which you didn’t use?

Yes, but the conditions depend on the service:

• Google Play: you can request a refund within 48 hours after debiting through the “Help” section in the check.
• Bank: if the subscription was issued fraudulently, the bank may dispute the payment (proof is needed).
• Operator: by law you can return money for an unwanted service within 3 days (write a complaint).

In other cases, the return depends on the policy of the service (for example, Netflix does not return money, but may extend subscription).

Why is my Spotify subscription not available on Google Play?

Spotify (like some other services) allows you to subscribe directly through your website, bypassing Google Play. To find it:

1. Open the application Spotify or go to on spotify.com/account.
2. Go to the section Subscription (Subscription).
3. Here you can cancel or change the tariff.

If you paid via Apple ID (even on Android), check your subscriptions in appleid.apple.com.

How to disable all operator subscriptions at once?

To disable all paid operator services en masse:

• MTS: send an SMS with the text STOP ALL to number 111.
• Beeline: call 0674 and follow the instructions in the voice menu.
• MegaFon: send 0 to number 0500.
• Tele2: dial *155*10# and select “Disable all services.”

After that, check your personal account - some services may require separate disabling.

Can viruses subscribe to Android?

Yes, some malicious applications are capable of:

• Send payment SMS to short numbers.
• Subscribe you to operator services via USSD commands.
• Change settings Google Play for hidden payments.

Signs of infection:

• Unknown charges of 1-10 rubles.
• Advertising in the status bar or screen lock.
• Spontaneous installation of applications.

What to do:

1. Remove suspicious applications.
2. Scan Malwarebytes or Kaspersky Mobile.
3. Disable rights to SMS and device administrator for unknown apps.