Still Paying for Old Apps on your iPad? Stop the renewals!

Managing Subscriptions on the iPad

Subscriptions are convenient, but they are also easy to forget about. Over time, small monthly charges can add up, especially if you are no longer using an app or service. In this lesson, I show how to view, manage, and make changes to subscriptions directly on the iPad, so you always know what you are paying for and can stay in control.

Where Subscriptions Are Managed

All App Store subscriptions are tied to your Apple Account, not to an individual app. This means there is a single place where you can review everything you are subscribed to, including active plans, expired subscriptions, and upcoming renewal dates. Once you know where to look, managing subscriptions becomes quick and predictable.

Managing Subscriptions in the App Store

One way to manage subscriptions is directly through the App Store. From your account settings, you can see a clear list of all subscriptions associated with your Apple ID. Each subscription shows its renewal date, price, and available options.

This view is helpful when you want a fast overview of what is active and when charges will occur.

Managing Subscriptions in the Settings App

You can also manage subscriptions through the Settings app. This method leads to the same subscription list but is often easier to remember since Settings is where you already manage many account-related options.

I explain how both paths lead to the same information, so you can use whichever feels more natural to you.

Understanding the Sort Order

Subscriptions are not listed randomly. They are grouped and sorted in a way that separates active subscriptions from expired ones. Knowing how this list is organized helps you quickly spot subscriptions you are still paying for versus ones that have already ended.

This is especially useful if you have subscribed to many apps over time.

Renewing a Subscription

If a subscription has expired or is about to expire, you may see options to renew it. Renewing simply reactivates the subscription using the current pricing and terms shown on your screen.

This can be helpful if you plan to return to an app you previously stopped using.

Canceling a Subscription

Canceling a subscription does not immediately remove access. In most cases, you continue to use the service until the end of the current billing period. I walk through how to cancel safely so you avoid future charges while still keeping access for the time you have already paid for.

This is an important distinction that prevents confusion after canceling.

Changing a Subscription Plan

Many apps offer multiple subscription tiers. You may be able to switch between plans, such as moving from a monthly plan to an annual one or choosing a different feature level.

I show where to look for available options and how changes affect billing.

Helpful Subscription Tips

To stay organized, it helps to review subscriptions regularly and question whether you are still getting value from each one. I also share practical tips to avoid surprise renewals and to spot subscriptions you may no longer need.

A quick review every few months can save money and reduce clutter.

Wrapping Up

Managing subscriptions on the iPad is straightforward once you know where everything lives. Whether you want to review charges, cancel a service, or change plans, these tools give you full control without needing to contact the app developer.