Free trials without surprise charges
Free trials are a great way to test a service — as long as you control the end date, not the company. The core habit is simple: the moment you start a trial, set a reminder for a day or two before it converts, and decide then whether to keep it. If you do not want it, cancel through the same platform you used to sign up: the App Store, Google Play, PayPal, or the company's website.
15DayTrial walks through every step: starting trials safely, canceling on each platform, keeping a renewal tracker, and what to do if you are charged anyway.
Guides
How to use free trials without getting charged
Read the terms, set reminders, cancel early safely, and avoid common free trial traps.
How to cancel subscriptions on iPhone, Android, PayPal, and more
Step-by-step cancellation for Apple, Google Play, PayPal, websites, and recurring card charges.
How to track subscription renewals and free trials
Find hidden recurring charges, build a renewal tracker, set reminders, and audit regularly.
How to dispute an unwanted subscription charge
Merchant refunds, credit card disputes, debit card rights, deadlines, and where to complain.
Auto-renewal laws and your subscription rights in the U.S.
ROSCA, the vacated click-to-cancel rule, state auto-renewal laws, and what companies must disclose.
The 60-second free trial checklist
Before you tap "Start free trial":
- Find the conversion date and price. Note exactly when the trial ends and what it will cost afterward, including whether it renews monthly or annually.
- Find the cancellation method. Is it in app-store settings, on the website, or by phone or chat only?
- Set two reminders — one three days before the trial ends and one the day before.
- Screenshot the offer terms and the confirmation email.
- Decide whether to cancel right away. On many platforms you can cancel immediately and keep access until the trial ends, but some end access the moment you cancel. Check first.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be charged if I cancel a free trial early?
Generally no. If you cancel before the trial converts to a paid subscription, you should not be charged. Some services keep your access until the trial ends; others, including some App Store subscriptions, may end access as soon as you cancel.
Does deleting an app cancel my subscription?
No. Uninstalling an app does not cancel a subscription on iPhone or Android. You must cancel in your Apple ID subscription settings or in Google Play's Payments & subscriptions section, or with the company directly if you signed up on its website.
How do I find all my subscriptions?
Check your Apple ID subscriptions, Google Play subscriptions, PayPal automatic payments, and Amazon memberships, then scan two or three months of bank and credit card statements for recurring charges. Searching your email for words like receipt, renewal, and trial catches the rest.
Can I dispute a subscription charge with my credit card company?
Often, yes. Try the merchant first, then dispute with your card issuer. Under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act, you generally must send a written dispute within 60 days after the statement showing the charge was sent to you.
Is the FTC click-to-cancel rule in effect?
No. The FTC finalized a click-to-cancel rule in 2024, but a federal appeals court vacated it in July 2025 before it took effect. Other protections still apply, including the federal Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act and many state automatic renewal laws.
Is 15DayTrial affiliated with Apple, Google, or PayPal?
No. 15DayTrial is an independent consumer guide. We describe how to manage subscriptions on those platforms, but menus change, so confirm with each company's official help pages.