How to cancel your London Review of Books subscription in india and reclaim your refund
What is London Review of Books and why indian readers subscribe
The London Review of Books (LRB) is a prestigious biweekly literary magazine published in the United Kingdom, delivering sharp essays, book reviews and cultural commentary to readers worldwide. If you subscribe from India, you access the magazine through digital platforms, mobile applications or print delivery, depending on your chosen plan.
Indian readers value LRB for its intellectual depth, independent editorial voice and rigorous cultural analysis. However, if the subscription no longer aligns with your reading habits or financial circumstances, you hold clear contractual rights to cancel and receive a refund for undelivered issues. Yafee specialises in helping Indian consumers navigate magazine cancellations with precision and speed.
How London Review of Books subscriptions work for indian customers
LRB offers multiple subscription routes to Indian customers: direct subscriptions managed through the official LRB website, app-based subscriptions through Apple App Store or Google Play Store, and single-issue purchases. Your cancellation method depends entirely on how you originally subscribed and which payment gateway processed your transaction.
Subscriptions operate on monthly or annual billing cycles, and LRB's subscription terms apply globally, including to India. Understanding your specific billing arrangement before you cancel prevents accidental renewal charges and ensures you claim refunds for issues not yet dispatched.
Reasons indian readers cancel London Review of Books
Common reasons include budget constraints, insufficient reading time, overlapping magazine subscriptions, dissatisfaction with content focus or preference for alternative publications. If you identify with any of these categories, cancelling promptly protects your finances and ensures you claim refunds for undelivered issues within the contractual window.
Pricing and plans available to indian subscribers
London Review of Books pricing varies significantly depending on whether you subscribe directly via the LRB website or through third-party app stores operating in India.
Current pricing for indian subscribers (2024)
| Plan |
Price (INR) |
Billing period |
Access type |
| LRB annual subscription (Apple App Store) |
₹9,900 |
12 months |
App access only; archive not included |
| Individual issue (app purchase) |
₹499-₹599 |
One-time |
Single issue via Apple or Google platform |
| Print plus digital (direct from LRB) |
Variable (GBP equivalent) |
Quarterly or annual |
Print dispatch plus website and app access |
| Digital only (direct from LRB) |
Variable (GBP equivalent) |
Quarterly or annual |
Website and app access only |
Action step: Locate your most recent invoice, email receipt or app store statement. This document confirms your exact plan, billing frequency and subscription commencement date-all essential information when you contact LRB customer services or use Yafee's resources to process your cancellation.
Understanding what your subscription includes
LRB subscriptions grant access to current issues and, depending on your plan, the complete online archive of past articles. When you cancel, you retain permanent access to all issues already paid for and will continue to receive those dispatches unless you explicitly request otherwise. Undelivered issues at the moment you cancel qualify for a full refund under LRB's stated policy and Indian consumer protection law.
Your consumer rights and legal position
When you subscribe to London Review of Books as an Indian consumer, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 grants you enforceable rights over the service provider's conduct.
What indian consumer law grants you
Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, any subscription service-including foreign publications like LRB-must deliver goods or services as described and permit cancellation without unreasonable barriers. The Act defines unfair contract terms and prohibits automatic renewal without explicit prior consent. If LRB charges your card after you cancel, or refuses to process a legitimate cancellation request, you hold grounds for formal complaint through the Central Consumer Protection Authority or your state's Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
Furthermore, if LRB fails to process your cancellation within a reasonable timeframe (typically 14 calendar days from receipt of your request), the company may face penalties for non-compliance with consumer protection standards. Your legal position strengthens considerably if you retain written proof of your cancellation request-email, dated screenshot or recorded communication.
Your legal position when you cancel
You hold the right to cancel your London Review of Books subscription at any point during the billing cycle. You are entitled to a full refund for any issues not yet dispatched at the moment of cancellation. LRB cannot impose early cancellation fees or penalties. If the company requests a reason for cancellation, you are under no obligation to provide one. Should LRB refuse to process your cancellation or delay refund processing beyond 30 days, escalate your complaint to the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) or your state Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, citing the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
How to cancel your London Review of Books subscription
Your cancellation method depends on whether you subscribed directly through the LRB website, via Apple App Store, Google Play Store or through another payment gateway.
Step 1: locate your subscription source and billing information
Before you initiate cancellation, identify which platform manages your subscription. Check your email inbox for the most recent invoice or payment confirmation. Search for emails from lrb.co.uk, [email protected], Apple, or Google. Note the exact date your subscription renews and your current billing amount in INR or GBP.
- Search your email for "London Review of Books" or "LRB subscription"
- Open your most recent invoice and note the subscription start date and renewal date
- Identify the payment processor: LRB direct, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store
- If uncertain, log into your app store account (Apple ID or Google Account) and check active subscriptions under "Subscriptions" or "Manage Purchases"
Step 2: cancel a direct London Review of Books subscription (website-based)
If you subscribed directly on lrb.co.uk and pay by card, bank transfer or Direct Debit, use this method. This is the most straightforward route for Indian subscribers who registered with an international payment method.
- Visit the official London Review of Books website (lrb.co.uk)
- Log into your account using your registered email address and password
- Navigate to "Account Settings" or "My Subscription" (location varies by website version)
- Select "Cancel Subscription" or "Manage Your Subscription"
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm cancellation
- LRB may ask you to provide feedback on your cancellation reason-this step is optional
- You will receive an on-screen confirmation message with a cancellation reference number
- Take a screenshot of the confirmation page and note the reference number
- Check your email within 24 hours for a cancellation confirmation email from LRB customer services
Step 3: cancel an apple app store subscription
If you subscribed to London Review of Books through the Apple App Store on iPhone, iPad or Mac, you must cancel through Apple's subscription management system, not through the LRB app itself.
- Open the Apple App Store app on your iPhone or iPad
- Tap your profile picture or icon in the upper right corner
- Select "Subscriptions"
- Locate "London Review of Books" in your active subscriptions list
- Tap the subscription and select "Cancel Subscription"
- Confirm cancellation by tapping "Confirm" or "Stop Subscription"
- Apple will display your refund eligibility and final billing date
- You will retain access to the app until the end of your current billing period
- Screenshot the cancellation confirmation page for your records
- You will receive an email confirmation from Apple within 24 hours
Step 4: cancel a google play store subscription
If you subscribed to London Review of Books through Google Play Store on an Android device, you must cancel through Google Play's subscription management interface.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device
- Tap your profile icon in the upper right corner
- Select "Payments and subscriptions"
- Tap "Subscriptions"
- Find "London Review of Books" and tap it
- Select "Cancel subscription"
- Follow the on-screen confirmation steps
- Google will confirm your cancellation effective date and refund eligibility
- You retain access through the end of your billing period
- Screenshot the confirmation screen and save the date shown
- Check your email (associated with your Google Account) for a cancellation confirmation from Google within 24 hours
Step 5: confirm cancellation and monitor your account
After you cancel, verify that no further charges appear on your payment method. Monitor your bank statement or credit card for 2-3 billing cycles to ensure the company honours your request.
- Wait 5-7 business days after cancellation before checking your bank account or payment method
- Verify that no renewal charge appears on your statement
- If you notice an unauthorised charge after cancellation, contact Yafee immediately for dispute escalation support
- Retain all cancellation confirmation emails and screenshots for at least 1 year
- If LRB attempts to charge you post-cancellation, file a dispute with your bank or payment provider within 60 days
Understanding your refund timeline and what to expect
London Review of Books processes refunds for undelivered issues according to its stated subscription policy and applicable consumer law. Your refund depends on your cancellation timing relative to the next billing date.
When you receive your refund
If you cancel before your next billing date, LRB will not charge your payment method. If you cancel after a charge has processed but before the corresponding issue is dispatched, you qualify for a full refund of that charge. LRB typically processes refunds within 14-30 calendar days. If you subscribed through Apple App Store or Google Play Store, Apple or Google processes the refund directly to your original payment method-not through LRB-and may take an additional 3-5 business days.
Refunds for direct website subscriptions (paid by card or bank transfer) appear in your bank account within 7-14 business days after LRB processes your request. International transfers from the United Kingdom to Indian bank accounts may incur currency conversion and may take longer.
What happens to your access after cancellation
You retain permanent access to all issues you have already paid for and received. You will continue to receive issues scheduled before your cancellation date. Once your cancellation takes effect, you lose access to new issues and, depending on your plan, the online archive. Yafee recommends downloading or archiving any articles you wish to retain before your cancellation date takes effect.
Common cancellation mistakes to avoid
Cancelling a subscription carries fewer pitfalls than most contracts, but missteps can delay your refund or result in unexpected charges. Stay alert to these traps and you will navigate the process without friction.
Mistake 1: cancelling through the wrong platform
Many Indian subscribers attempt to cancel through the LRB mobile app itself, only to discover that the app has no cancellation option. If you subscribed through Apple or Google, you must cancel through that app store, not through LRB's own interface. Cancelling in the wrong place wastes time and leaves your subscription active, resulting in further charges.
Mistake 2: failing to document your cancellation request
Always take a screenshot of your cancellation confirmation and save the reference number provided. If LRB later disputes your cancellation or charges you after the fact, your screenshot becomes critical evidence. Without documentation, the company can claim they never received your request, and Yafee's support team will have difficulty escalating your complaint to the Central Consumer Protection Authority.
Mistake 3: not checking your bank statement after cancellation
Some subscribers cancel but forget to verify that no further charges appear. If LRB breaches your cancellation request and charges you months later, you may struggle to dispute the charge beyond 60 days. Set a calendar reminder to review your statement 7 and 30 days after cancellation confirmation.
Mistake 4: assuming the mobile app will reflect cancellation immediately
After you cancel through Apple or Google, the LRB app may continue to display your subscription as active for 24-48 hours while the platform syncs its records. This is normal and does not indicate a failed cancellation. Wait 2 business days before contacting support to confirm the change has processed.
What to do after you cancel
Your cancellation is complete, but a few simple follow-up steps ensure no unexpected charges or service disruptions occur in the weeks ahead.
Immediately after cancellation
Within one hour of cancelling, send yourself an email summarising the cancellation: date, time, platform, reference number and your reasoning. Create a folder on your computer or cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive) and store all cancellation-related emails and screenshots there. This archive becomes invaluable if any dispute arises.
Week one after cancellation
Review your email for a formal cancellation confirmation from LRB, Apple or Google. If you do not receive one within 3 business days, contact customer services to confirm receipt of your request. Provide them with your cancellation reference number and the date you cancelled.
Week two and beyond
Check your bank statement or app store billing summary to confirm that no renewal charge appears. If a charge does post, immediately dispute it through your bank or app store platform, citing your cancellation confirmation. Contact Yafee's support team to escalate the complaint if the company refuses to reverse the charge within 14 days.
Addressing common situations and complications
Most London Review of Books cancellations proceed without complication, but certain scenarios require specific action.
If London Review of Books refuses to process your cancellation
If LRB customer services claims they cannot cancel your subscription or states that cancellation is only available at certain times, this breaches your consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. You hold the right to cancel at any point, without justification. Document the refusal in writing (email or recorded chat) and escalate to the Central Consumer Protection Authority. Provide your original subscription confirmation and the date of LRB's refusal.
If you were charged after cancellation
If a charge appears on your statement after your cancellation confirmation date, open a dispute with your bank (if paid by card or bank transfer) or with Apple or Google (if via app store). Provide your cancellation reference number and screenshot as evidence. Most banks and app stores reverse charges within 10-14 days if you provide clear documentation. Yafee can assist you in drafting the dispute letter if the company contests your claim.
If you cancel but issues continue to arrive
Occasionally, issues already in print dispatch after your cancellation date. This is normal and does not reverse your cancellation. You are entitled to keep these issues and have already paid for them. If you receive issues and are subsequently charged again, contact customer services immediately with proof of the duplicate charges.
If you wish to cancel print delivery but keep digital access
Log into your LRB account and navigate to "Subscription Settings" or "Delivery Preferences." You can downgrade from print-plus-digital to digital-only. This change typically takes effect on your next billing date and may result in a partial refund if you have already paid for the full print plan. Contact LRB directly to arrange this adjustment if the option is not visible in your account panel.
Comparing London Review of Books with alternative publications for indian readers
Before you cancel, consider whether an alternative publication might better suit your reading needs and budget.
Comparable literary and cultural magazines available in india
| Publication |
Annual cost (approx. INR) |
Content focus |
Delivery method |
| London Review of Books |
₹9,900-₹12,000 |
Literary essays, book reviews, cultural criticism |
Digital (app/web), print international |
| The Guardian Weekly (International Edition) |
₹8,000-₹10,000 |
News analysis, book reviews, culture |
Print dispatch to India, digital access |
| Prospect Magazine |
₹6,500-₹8,000 |
Politics, philosophy, culture, book reviews |
Digital subscription, print available |
| The New York Review of Books |
₹7,000-₹9,500 |
Literary essays, cultural criticism, reviews |
Digital app/web, international print |
If budget is your primary concern, Prospect Magazine or The Guardian Weekly offer lower annual costs with comparable editorial quality. If you value LRB's voice but wish to reduce spending, consider downgrading to digital-only access or switching to quarterly billing rather than cancelling outright. Yafee can help you explore these options if you contact our support team.
Checklist for cancelling your London Review of Books subscription safely
Use this step-by-step checklist to ensure you complete your cancellation without missed steps or follow-up delays.
- Locate your most recent London Review of Books invoice or payment receipt
- Identify your subscription source (LRB website, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store)
- Note your subscription renewal date and current billing amount
- Log into the correct platform and navigate to your subscription settings
- Select "Cancel Subscription" and confirm your request
- Screenshot the on-screen confirmation and note the reference number
- Save the confirmation email you receive within 24 hours
- Create a folder to store all cancellation documents and correspondence
- Wait 7 days and verify no renewal charge appears on your payment method
- Set a calendar reminder to check your statement again at the 30-day mark
- If issues arrive after cancellation, confirm they were pre-paid and keep them
- If unexpected charges appear, file a dispute with your bank or app store within 60 days
If self-service cancellation through the website or app store fails, contact LRB customer services directly. The company does not maintain a dedicated postal address for Indian cancellations, but you can reach their United Kingdom support team through email or online contact form.
London Review of Books customer service contact details
Email for subscription queries: [email protected]
Website contact form: Visit lrb.co.uk/help or search "Contact Us" on their homepage
Postal address (UK/Overseas): London Review of Books, 28 Little Russell Street, London WC1A 2HN, United Kingdom
When you contact LRB by email, include your full name, email address associated with your subscription, account number (if visible on your invoice), subscription start date and a clear statement: "I request cancellation of my subscription effective immediately." Request a cancellation confirmation email in response. Keep this correspondence in your records. If LRB does not reply within 7 business days, escalate your complaint to the Central Consumer Protection Authority or file a dispute with your payment provider.
Conclusion: your path forward after cancellation
Cancelling your London Review of Books subscription is straightforward when you follow the correct platform-specific steps and retain clear documentation. Your consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 protect you from hidden fees, delayed refunds and cancellation refusal. The process typically completes within 7-14 calendar days, with refunds processing within 30 days thereafter.
Whether your cancellation stems from budget constraints, reading time limits or preference for alternative publications, Yafee supports Indian consumers in navigating subscription disputes and enforcing their legal rights. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions without unnecessary delays or unexpected charges. If LRB fails to honour your cancellation or processes an unauthorised charge, Yafee can guide you through formal complaint procedures with the Central Consumer Protection Authority and your state's Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
Retain all cancellation confirmations, screenshots and correspondence for at least one year. Monitor your bank or credit card statement closely for 30 days after cancellation. If complications arise, document them immediately and contact Yafee's support team for expert guidance on next steps. Your cancellation is your right-enforce it with confidence and clarity.