Paid subscriptions on smartphones Android have become so common that many users do not even notice how their account is being charged for unnecessary services. According to data Google, more than 40% of device owners on Android 13+ have at least one active subscription, while a third of them forget to cancel it. The problem is aggravated by the fact that the mechanisms for registering and canceling subscriptions are often hidden deep in the menu, and the interfaces differ depending on the version OS and phone manufacturer.

In this article we will analyze all possible ways to delete subscriptions - from standard methods via Google Play to hidden settings in the firmware Samsung One UI, MIUI i EMUI. We will pay special attention to subscriptions issued through a telecom operator (for example, MTS, Beeline), and services that block cancellation through standard channels. If you find a charge for an unknown service or just want to save money, this instruction will help you figure it out without contacting support.

Important: some subscriptions are automatically renewed even if you have not used the service for a long time. For example, Google One or YouTube Premium can debit funds once a month or year, if you do not disable auto-renewal. At the same time, notifications about charges often end up in the Spam folder or do not arrive at all.

📊 How often do you check active subscriptions on your smartphone?
Once a month
Once every six months
Only when I notice write-off
Never checked

1. Removing a subscription through Google Play (main method)

Most subscriptions to Android are issued through Google Play Market, so you should start your search here. This method works for services like Netflix, Spotify, Tinder Gold and other applications where payment is made through your account Google.

Open the application Google Play Market and follow these steps:

  1. Tap on profile avatar in the upper right corner.
  2. Select item Payments and subscriptions → Subscriptions.
  3. In the list, find the desired service and click on it.
  4. Press the button Cancel subscription and confirm the action.

If there is no cancel button, then the subscription has already been disabled or issued through another channel (for example, directly from the service or through an operator). In this case, check the alternative methods below.

Check your email for renewal emails

Make sure you are signed in to the correct Google account

Try canceling through the web version of the Play Store (play.google.com)

Contact service support if the "Cancel" button is inactive-->

Important nuance: After cancellation, the subscription will remain active until the end of the paid period. For example, if you canceled YouTube Premium on the 15th, but payment was made before the 30th, access to the service will remain until the end of the month.

What to do if Google Play does not have a "Subscriptions" section?

If you have an old version of the Play Store (until 2022) or custom firmware, the section may be called “Account” → “Payments”. Also check if the section is hidden due to regional restrictions. As a last resort, use direct link (will open in a browser).

2. Cancellation through Android settings (for Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei firmware)

Smartphone manufacturers often duplicate information about subscriptions in their proprietary shells. This is convenient if you do not want to search for the desired section in Google Play. Instructions for popular brands:

For Samsung (One UI 5.0 and later):

  1. Go to Settings → Accounts and archiving → Google.
  2. Select Google account management → Payments and subscriptions.
  3. Click Subscriptions and cancel unnecessary ones.

For Xiaomi (MIUI 14+):

  1. Open Settings → Google → Google account management.
  2. Go to section Payments and subscriptions → Subscriptions.
  3. Select a service and click Cancel.

For Huawei (EMUI/HarmonyOS):

On devices Huawei without services Google subscriptions are issued through AppGallery. To cancel:

  1. Run AppGallery.
  2. Tap on the avatar → Orders → Subscriptions.
  3. Select a service and click Manage → Cancel subscription.
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On some firmware Xiaomi the "Subscriptions" section may be hidden in Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Google Play Store → Storage → Clear data. This will reset the cache and may bring back hidden menu items.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Huawei Mobile Services (without Google Play) subscriptions via AppGallery can be automatically renewed even after deleting the application. Always check the status in your personal account Huawei ID.

3. How to delete a subscription issued through a telecom operator

Many services (for example, MTS TV, MegaFon Music, Beeline Pro) offer to subscribe through a mobile operator. In this case, the debit is not from a bank card, but from the phone balance, and it is impossible to cancel it via Google Play It is impossible.

Methods cancellations depend on the operator:

  • 📱 MTS: send an SMS with the text STOP to the short service number (indicated in the SMS notification) or call 0890.
  • 📱 Beeline: dial command *110*09# or use your personal account on the website.
  • 📱 MegaFon: send SMS 0 to the number 5151 or manage subscriptions through the app MegaFon.
  • 📱 Tele2: dial *155*1# or cancel in your personal account.

If you don’t know through which operator Subscription is completed, check your payment history:

  1. Open the operator’s application (for example, My MTS).
  2. Go to the section Payments → History.
  3. Find charges with the name of the service (for example, "Subscription to IVI").

⚠️ Attention: Operators often disguise subscriptions as “content services” or “access to premium.” If your payment history contains (unknown) charges for small amounts (RUB 5–50), this is most likely a hidden subscription. Cancel all suspicious services.
Operator Command to cancel Number for SMS/USSD
MTS STOP [service name] Short number from SMS
Beeline *110*09# —
MegaFon 0 5151
Tele2 *155*1# —
Iota Through your personal account —

4. Removing subscriptions through web versions of services (Netflix, Spotify, Tinder)

Some applications (for example, Netflix, Spotify, Tinder) allow you to subscribe both through Google Play, and directly on their website. If cancellation via Play Market did not work, check your personal account of the service.

Instructions for popular services:

  • 🎬 Netflix: Go to netflix.com/YourAccount → Membership Management → Cancel membership.
  • 🎵 Spotify: Open spotify.com/account → Your subscription → Change or cancel.
  • 💘 Tinder: In the application: Profile → Settings → Subscription management (or via tinder.com).
  • 📺 IVI/Okko: Personal account on the website → My subscriptions.

If you subscribed through iTunes (even on Android), it can only be canceled through your Apple ID on apple.com. This is a common one. a trap for users who have ever used an iPhone.

⚠️ Attention: Services like OnlyFans or Patron Often block subscription cancellations through standard channels. In this case, you will have to write to support with a demand to cancel the write-offs, referring to the law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights” (Article 32).

5. Hidden subscriptions: how to find and delete invisible charges

Sometimes subscriptions are disguised as “trial periods”, “premium access” or even system services. For example, Google One may charge you for cloud storage that you have not used for a long time, and Samsung Members for "premium support".

Where to look for hidden subscriptions:

  • 🔍 Bank statements: Check your card payment history (look for charges from GOOGLE *AppName or MOBILE CONTENT).
  • 📧 Letters from Google: In the mail at @gmail.com find letters with the subject "Your subscription to [service] has been extended."
  • 📱 System applications: On Samsung check Settings → Samsung Services → Subscriptions.

If you find a suspicious charge, but you can’t cancel it through standard methods:

  1. Contact bank support and block automatic payment using the recipient's details.
  2. Write to support Google Play (via play.google.com → Help → Contact us).
  3. If the subscription is tied to a phone number, change the tariff to “without options” from the operator.
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Hidden subscriptions are often issued through “one-click payments” (for example, in games or on sites with adult content. Always check SMS notifications about charges, even for small amounts (1-10). ₽).

6. What to do if the subscription is not cancelled

Sometimes services deliberately complicate the cancellation process or ignore user requests. If standard methods do not work, follow the algorithm:

Step 1. Blocking payments:

  • 💳 In your bank account, disable automatic payments for Google Play or a specific service.
  • 📱 At your telecom operator, block all paid subscriptions with the command *111*77# (for MTS/Beeline/MegaFon).

Step 2. Contacting support:

  • 📧 Write to service support with a request to cancel the subscription and return the money (attach screenshots of payments).
  • 🛡️ If the service ignores it, file a complaint complaint to Rospotrebnadzor or to the platform Google Play (via the "Report a problem" form).

Step 3. Extreme measures:

  • 🔄 Reset your phone before factory settings (this will delete all linked accounts, but does not guarantee cancellation of subscriptions).
  • 🆔 Change your account Google or phone number (if the subscription is linked to a SIM).

⚠️ Attention: Some services (especially gaming or “for adults”), after canceling the subscription, continue to charge funds, referring for "penalties" in the user agreement. In this case, immediately contact the bank to dispute the payment.

7. How to avoid accidental subscriptions in the future

To avoid unexpected charges, follow these simple rules:

  • 🔒 Set up two-step authentication for your account Google and bank cards.
  • 📵 Disable "one-click payments" in Google Play → Settings → Authentication.
  • 📱 Regularly (once every 1-2 months) check active subscriptions via play.google.com/store/account/subscriptions.
  • 💳 Use virtual cards to pay for subscriptions (for example, Tinkoff or Sberbank Online allow you to create a one-time card number).

If you have children who use the phone, be sure to turn it on parental controls in Google Play:

  1. Open Google Play → Settings → Family → Parental controls.
  2. Set a PIN code and prohibit purchases without confirmation.

Subscriptions through a telecom operator can be blocked completely by sending a USSD command *111*77# (works for most Russian operators). This will disable all paid services, including content subscriptions.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting subscriptions

Is it possible to delete a subscription through the bank without contacting the service?

Yes, but this is a temporary solution. The bank may block the automatic payment, but the service itself will continue to consider the subscription active. For example, Netflix may block an account for non-payment. It is better to cancel your subscription through official channels, and use bank blocking as a last resort.

I deleted the application - should the subscription have been canceled automatically?

No! Deleting the application does not cancel your subscription. It will remain active and funds will be debited until you cancel it manually through Google Play, the service website or telecom operator.

How to get a refund for a subscription that I did not use?

According to the law of the Russian Federation (Article 32 "On the Protection of Consumer Rights"), you can request a refund for the unused period subscription if the service has not provided the service in full. To do this:

  1. Write a claim to service support demanding a refund.
  2. If refused, contact Rospotrebnadzor or file a claim in court (for amounts over 10,000 ₽).

The period for consideration of a claim is up to 10 days. For Google Play there is a special return form: play.google.com → Help → Refund and cancellation.

Why do money continue to be debited after canceling a subscription?

Possible reasons:

  • You canceled your subscription, but did not turn off auto-renewal (check the status in your personal account).
  • The subscription was issued through the operator, not Google Play.
  • The service ignores cancellation (often happens with little-known applications).
  • On the card "autopayment" option in the bank.

Solution: block payments from the bank and the operator, and then dispute the write-offs.

Is it possible to cancel a subscription through the operator if it was purchased through Google Play?

No, these are two different systems. If the payment receipt indicates GOOGLE *AppName, you need to cancel only through Google Play. The operator can block only those subscriptions that are issued through its billing (for example, SMS services or content services).