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Cancel Device Subscriptions
Secure Home & Dependents
Review the phone and computer for subscription services like streaming, cloud storage, gaming, or productivity apps. Most subscriptions can be canceled through the app store or service website. Check bank and credit card statements for charges you may have missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Digital
How do I find all the deceased's subscriptions?
Check bank and credit card statements for recurring charges—go back at least 3 months to catch quarterly and annual subscriptions. Review the Apple App Store (Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions) and Google Play Store (Play Store > Payments & Subscriptions). Check email for subscription confirmations and renewal notices. Services like Trim or Rocket Money can scan accounts automatically for $0-$10/month.
How do I cancel Apple App Store and Google Play subscriptions?
For Apple: Go to Settings > [Name] > Subscriptions on the deceased's iPhone, or manage.apple.com if you have their Apple ID credentials. For Google: Open play.google.com/store/account/subscriptions. Unsubscribing from an app does not cancel the subscription—you must cancel through the app store. Deleting an app also does not cancel the subscription. Charges continue until explicitly canceled.
Costs
What about free trials that will convert to paid subscriptions?
Search the deceased's email for "free trial," "trial ends," or "subscription starting" to find pending conversions. Cancel these immediately—many convert to annual plans at $50-$200. If a trial has already converted, contact the service within 30 days for a refund. Credit card companies can also dispute charges for services used by a deceased person if the merchant refuses a refund.
Can I get refunds for unused subscription time?
Many services will issue prorated refunds when you provide a death certificate. Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, Disney+) typically stop billing immediately but do not refund partial months. Annual subscriptions (software, memberships) are more likely to offer prorated refunds. Contact each service's support team directly. If a service refuses, your credit card company can often process a chargeback.