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Frequently asked questions
Cancel The Times: Step-by-Step Guide
How to cancel The Times subscription in south africa and recover your money
Understanding The Times and why cancellation matters
The Times serves South African readers through digital channels and bundled print-digital packages, typically accessed via TimesLIVE accounts or app store subscriptions. If you've signed up and now find yourself paying for content you no longer read or need, cancelling your subscription matters for both your budget and your peace of mind.
At Yafee, we help thousands of South African consumers navigate subscription cancellations every month. Whether you subscribed through a web browser, your iPhone, or an Android device, the cancellation process differs by platform, and understanding which route applies to you saves time and frustration.
This guide walks you through every cancellation method, refund eligibility, and your consumer rights under South African law. We'll also flag the traps that catch most people and show you how to avoid them.
What The Times includes
The Times is a premium news publication offering national and international coverage, investigative analysis, and feature journalism. In South Africa, you typically access it via TimesLIVE digital accounts or bundled subscriptions that combine Sunday Times print and digital content. Pricing varies depending on whether you choose digital-only, print-only, or hybrid plans.
Why south african cancellation rules are specific to you
Your cancellation eligibility and refund entitlement depend on where you purchased your subscription. A subscription bought through the Apple App Store follows Apple's refund rules, not The Times' rules. A subscription purchased directly on TimesLIVE's website follows TimesLIVE's terms. Understanding this distinction is the first step to a successful cancellation.
The Times pricing and plan options
Before you cancel, review what you're currently paying for and whether a different plan might suit your needs better.
Current pricing table for south african subscribers
| Plan | Price (ZAR) | Billing cycle | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital: Sunday Times and The Times bundle | R173.30 | 3 months | Digital access to both publications (~R58/month) |
| Digital: Sunday Times (includes TimesLIVE) | R80 | Monthly | Digital-only access with TimesLIVE content |
| Digital and Print: Sunday Times plus TimesLIVE | R110 | Monthly | Print delivery plus full digital access |
| Day Pass: 24-hour access | R30 | 24 hours | Temporary access to subscriber-only articles |
| Physical single copy (newsagent price) | R3.50 | Per issue | Single printed copy where available |
If you're on the R110 print-plus-digital plan but only read online, switching to the R80 digital-only option could save you R30 per month, or R360 per year. Before you cancel outright, contact TimesLIVE customer support to explore a downgrade. You'll often find better results than full cancellation.
Should you cancel or switch plans?
Cancellation is not always your only option; sometimes a plan change better serves your needs.
When to cancel outright
Cancel your subscription if you no longer read The Times at all, if the content no longer matches your interests, or if the cost strains your budget beyond what the publication is worth to you. Full cancellation is also the right choice if you've found a competing news service that suits you better, or if you're consolidating subscriptions to reduce household expenses.
When to downgrade instead
If you read The Times occasionally but the current plan is too expensive, downgrade to the R80 digital-only option instead. If you value the print edition but rarely use digital content, switch to print-only delivery. Yafee recommends contacting TimesLIVE support directly to discuss your options before you cancel; many subscribers find a middle-ground plan that costs less and still delivers the content they value.
How to cancel The Times via your web account
If you signed up directly on TimesLIVE or The Times website using your email and password, your cancellation happens in your account settings.
Step one: sign in to your TimesLIVE account
- Open your web browser and go to timeslive.co.za or the main The Times website.
- If you've forgotten your password, click the "Forgot password?" link and reset it using your registered email address.
- Enter your email address and password to sign in.
- Stay signed in; do not close the browser tab or log out until you've completed the next steps.
Step two: navigate to your account settings
- Look for your profile icon or username in the top right corner of the page.
- On desktop, this is often a circle with your initials or a small avatar.
- On mobile, it may be a menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top corner.
- Click the icon and select "My Account," "Account Settings," or "Subscriptions" from the dropdown menu.
- If you do not see a dropdown, look for a dedicated "Settings" or "Profile" page link.
Step three: find and select your subscription
- In your account settings, scroll down to the "Subscriptions" or "Active Plans" section.
- You should see your current plan listed with the name, price, and billing date.
- Click on the subscription you wish to cancel.
- If you have multiple subscriptions (for example, digital and print), select the one you want to remove.
Step four: initiate the cancellation
- Look for a "Cancel Subscription," "End Plan," or "Stop Billing" button on the subscription details page.
- Click it. The system may ask you to confirm your reason for cancelling.
- Select your cancellation reason from the list provided (for example, "Too expensive," "Not reading," or "Found another service").
- This feedback helps TimesLIVE improve, but your answer does not affect your cancellation.
- Confirm the cancellation by clicking the final "Confirm" or "Cancel Subscription" button.
- Do not click back or refresh the page during this process.
Step five: verify your cancellation and save confirmation
- You should receive an on-screen confirmation message stating that your subscription has been cancelled or scheduled for cancellation.
- Note the effective cancellation date (for example, "Your subscription will end on 15 March 2025").
- Check your email for a cancellation confirmation message from TimesLIVE within one hour.
- If you do not receive an email, log back into your account and verify that the subscription is no longer listed as active.
- Save or print the confirmation email. You'll need it if you dispute a charge or claim a refund later.
- Take a screenshot of the account page showing "Cancelled" status as backup proof.
How to cancel The Times via apple app store (iPhone and iPad)
If you subscribed through the Apple App Store, your cancellation follows Apple's process, not TimesLIVE's.
Step one: open the app store app on your device
- Unlock your iPhone or iPad and tap the App Store icon (the blue icon with a white stylised "A").
- Do not open The Times app itself; you must use the App Store app to manage subscriptions.
Step two: navigate to your account
- Tap the profile icon in the top right corner of the App Store app (usually a circle with your photo or initials).
- If you have not set up Touch ID or Face ID for App Store purchases, you may be asked to authenticate.
- Select "Subscriptions" from the menu that appears.
- This screen shows all active and expired subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
Step three: locate The Times subscription
- Find The Times or "Sunday Times and The Times bundle" in your active subscriptions list.
- Tap on it to view details, renewal date, and payment amount.
Step four: cancel the subscription
- Tap the "Edit Subscription" or "Manage" option.
- A new screen displays your plan, price, and renewal date.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap "Cancel Subscription."
- Apple may show a retention screen offering discounts. You can accept or decline; either way, you can still cancel.
- Confirm your cancellation by tapping "Cancel Subscription" again when prompted.
- You'll receive an on-screen confirmation stating "Subscription Cancelled." The date shown is your final access date.
Step five: save your confirmation
- Take a screenshot of the cancellation screen showing the subscription as "Cancelled" and the final access date.
- This is your proof of cancellation for Apple's records.
- Check your email (the one linked to your Apple ID) for a cancellation receipt from Apple within 24 hours.
- If you don't receive one, your cancellation may not have gone through; repeat Steps 1-4.
How to cancel The Times via google play store (Android)
If you subscribed through Google Play Store on an Android phone or tablet, follow Google's cancellation process.
Step one: open google play store on your android device
- Unlock your Android phone or tablet and tap the Google Play Store icon (the white triangle in a coloured square).
- Ensure you're using the Google Play Store app, not The Times app.
Step two: access your account and subscriptions
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner of the Google Play Store app.
- This is usually a circle with your Google account initial or photo.
- Select "Manage your Google Play account" from the menu.
- Tap the "Subscriptions" tab at the top of the screen.
Step three: find your Times subscription
- Scroll through your active subscriptions and tap "The Times" or "Sunday Times and The Times bundle."
- This opens the subscription details page showing your plan, price, and next billing date.
Step four: cancel the subscription
- Tap "Cancel subscription."
- Google Play may display a retention offer or survey; you can skip these.
- Confirm your cancellation by tapping "Cancel subscription" when prompted again.
- You'll see a confirmation message with your final access date.
Step five: save your cancellation proof
- Take a screenshot of the screen confirming your subscription has been cancelled.
- Note the date your access will end.
- Check your email (linked to your Google account) for a cancellation receipt from Google within 24 hours.
- If you receive no email, log back into Google Play and verify the subscription no longer appears under "Active subscriptions."
Your consumer rights under south african law
South African consumer protection law grants you specific rights when you cancel a subscription service.
Legal framework protecting your cancellation
The Consumer Protection Act, 2008 (CPA) and the National Credit Act, 2005 (NCA) form the legal foundation for your cancellation rights. Under the CPA, you have the right to cancel a distance transaction (a purchase made online, by phone, or by mail) within 14 calendar days from the date you conclude the agreement, without penalty or reason. This is known as your "cooling-off period."
Furthermore, you have the right to fair contract terms, transparent pricing, and clear information about billing cycles and cancellation procedures. If The Times or its payment provider fails to provide this information upfront, you may have grounds to cancel and claim a refund even outside the 14-day window.
Your legal position when you cancel
You are entitled to a full refund if you cancel within 14 days of signing up, provided you have not yet accessed a significant portion of the service. If you cancel after 14 days, you are entitled to a pro-rata refund for any full billing period you have not yet entered. For example, if you pay R110 for a monthly subscription, cancel on day 20, and your next billing date is day 30, you should receive a refund for the 10 unused days (approximately R36.67). However, Yafee advises that you must request this refund explicitly; The Times will not automatically process it.
If the supplier charges you after you have submitted a valid cancellation request, you may dispute the charge through your bank or payment provider. The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and the National Consumer Commission (NCC) are the enforcement bodies that investigate breaches of the CPA. If The Times refuses to honour your cancellation or withhold a refund without legal justification, you may lodge a complaint with the NCC.
How to escalate if The Times refuses to cancel
- Contact TimesLIVE customer support a second time, this time in writing (email or letter).
- State your cancellation request clearly, include your subscription account number, and reference the CPA or NCA if relevant.
- If support does not respond within 7 working days or refuses your request, escalate to the National Consumer Commission.
- Submit a complaint via the NCC website (ncc.org.za) or by email to [email protected].
- Include copies of your cancellation request, confirmation of delivery, and any refusal correspondence from The Times.
- The NCC will investigate at no cost to you and may order The Times to refund your money and pay a penalty.
- This process typically takes 30 to 90 days.
Refund eligibility and timelines
Your refund eligibility depends on when you cancel and how much of the service you have used.
Refunds within the 14-day cooling-off period
If you cancel within 14 calendar days of signing up and have not accessed the service significantly (for example, you have not read more than one or two articles in premium content), you are entitled to a full refund under the Consumer Protection Act. Yafee recommends requesting your refund in writing immediately after you cancel, even if the system shows cancellation as confirmed.
Refunds after the 14-day period
After 14 days, you are entitled to a pro-rata refund for any full billing period you will not use. If your next renewal date is 25 days away and you cancel today, you should receive a refund equal to 25 divided by your full billing cycle, multiplied by your subscription cost. For example, if your monthly cost is R80 and you have 25 days left in your billing period, your refund is approximately R66.67.
In practice, most digital subscription providers process refunds within 5 to 10 business days after you cancel, but some may take up to 30 days. If you cancel through your bank app (for example, by revoking permission to charge your card), the refund may take longer, as it must be processed through the card network.
When The Times withholds refunds
The Times may withhold a refund if you have accessed a substantial amount of premium content, if you are cancelling outside your billing period, or if you are disputing a legitimate charge. Nevertheless, if you believe the withholding is unjustified, you have the right to challenge it through the NCC or your bank's dispute process.
Common mistakes that delay or deny your refund
Most South African subscribers who lose refunds do so not because they lacked the right, but because they made a procedural error. Yafee has identified the most frequent traps.
Mistake one: cancelling through your bank instead of the app or website
Many subscribers try to stop The Times subscription by telling their bank to block the charge or revoking the payment mandate. This is not a cancellation; it's a payment dispute. TimesLIVE will see the unpaid charge, mark your account as delinquent, and may suspend your access without issuing a formal cancellation. Always cancel through the app, website, or in writing to TimesLIVE directly.
Mistake two: not requesting your refund explicitly
Cancelling your subscription and receiving a refund are two separate actions. Many subscribers assume the system will refund them automatically, but TimesLIVE often requires you to submit a refund request form or email. Read your cancellation confirmation carefully; if it does not mention a refund, email support immediately to request one. Include your account number, cancellation date, and your banking details.
Mistake three: deleting your account before your cancellation is confirmed
If you delete your TimesLIVE account within days of cancelling, the system may lose track of your refund request. Wait at least 7 days after your cancellation confirmation arrives before you close your account. This ensures support can process any refund and you have a way to contact them if the refund is delayed.
Mistake four: ignoring the cancellation confirmation email
Your cancellation confirmation email is legal proof that you requested cancellation on a specific date. If you lose it or do not save it, you have no proof if The Times later charges you again or claims you never cancelled. Save every confirmation email and take screenshots of confirmation screens. You may need this evidence to win a dispute with your bank or a complaint with the NCC.
Mistake five: cancelling mid-billing cycle without understanding your refund date
Some subscribers cancel on day 3 of a monthly billing cycle and expect a full refund for the entire month. In reality, you're entitled only to a pro-rata refund for unused days. If your billing cycle renews on the 15th and you cancel on the 5th, you receive a refund for 10 days, not 30. Read the cancellation confirmation carefully to see your pro-rata refund amount.
What happens after your cancellation
Your access to The Times does not end immediately when you click "Cancel." Instead, your subscription runs until the end of your current billing period, unless TimesLIVE offers early cancellation.
Your access during the notice period
After you cancel, you retain full access to The Times until your final access date (shown in your cancellation confirmation). If you pay monthly and cancel on the 10th of the month, you can still read The Times until the end of that month (usually the 30th or 31st). Use this time to download or save any articles or content you wish to keep, as you will lose access at midnight on your final access date.
Your access after your final date
When your final access date passes, your login credentials will no longer work on TimesLIVE or in The Times app. If you have downloaded articles for offline reading on your phone or tablet, these usually remain accessible after your subscription ends, but you cannot download new content. If you signed up through Apple or Google, your access ends when Apple's or Google's records show the subscription as cancelled.
Verifying your cancellation is complete
Yafee recommends checking your bank or card statement one billing cycle after your final access date. You should see no new charge from TimesLIVE or the app store. If a charge appears after your cancellation date, contact TimesLIVE immediately and dispute it with your bank. Keep your cancellation confirmation email and proof of the erroneous charge to support your dispute.
When to keep your Times subscription
Cancellation isn't right for everyone; consider keeping your subscription if the value outweighs the cost.
Comparison: cancel versus keep
| Reason to cancel | Reason to keep |
|---|---|
| You have not read any articles in the past month. | You read The Times at least 3 times per week for news and analysis. |
| The monthly cost (R80 to R110) strains your budget. | You value premium journalism and support quality reporting. |
| You have found a competing news service you prefer. | The Times is your primary source for news and you trust its editorial voice. |
| You subscribed by mistake or during a free trial and forgot to cancel. | You use the print edition for leisure reading (R110 plan). |
| You are consolidating household subscriptions to save money. | You have a household or family plan that serves multiple users. |
| The app is slow or the website is difficult to navigate. | Your device works well with the app and you love the user interface. |
Cancellation address and contact details
If you prefer to cancel in writing or need to lodge a formal complaint, use the following details.
TimesLIVE customer support (primary contact)
Email: [email protected]
In your email, include your full name, email address associated with your account, account number (visible in your subscription settings), current plan name and price, and your cancellation request. Request written confirmation of the cancellation date and any refund due. Allow 5 to 7 working days for a response.
National consumer commission (NCC) - formal complaints
Email: [email protected]
Website: ncc.org.za
Lodge a complaint with the NCC if TimesLIVE does not cancel your subscription or withhold your refund after you have requested it in writing and waited 14 days for a response. The NCC investigates for free and can order The Times to refund your money and pay a penalty.
Final checklist before you cancel
Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is done correctly and you preserve your right to a refund.
- Confirm which platform you subscribed through (TimesLIVE website, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store).
- Your cancellation method depends on this.
- Note your subscription plan name, price, and next billing date.
- This information appears in your account settings or subscription details.
- Check how many days remain in your current billing period.
- If you cancel mid-cycle, calculate your pro-rata refund entitlement.
- Follow the step-by-step cancellation method for your platform (website, Apple, or Google).
- Do not use your bank or payment app; cancel directly with the service provider.
- Save your cancellation confirmation screen and email.
- Take screenshots; print or export the email as a PDF.
- Request your refund in writing if the confirmation does not automatically mention one.
- Email [email protected] within 48 hours of your cancellation.
- Verify your cancellation and refund one week and one month after your final access date.
- Check your bank statement to confirm no further charges appear.
- If The Times charges you after your cancellation date, dispute the charge with your bank immediately.
- Reference your cancellation confirmation email and the Consumer Protection Act.
Why yafee helps thousands of south african consumers
Cancelling a subscription should be straightforward, but app store policies, billing cycles, and refund procedures often create confusion. Yafee has helped thousands of South African consumers cancel subscriptions like The Times, recover refunds, and understand their legal rights under the Consumer Protection Act.
This guide translates legal entitlements into practical steps you can follow immediately, whether you're cancelling through TimesLIVE, Apple, or Google. We've highlighted the traps that cost most subscribers their refunds and shown you how to avoid them.
If you cancel The Times and encounter resistance, or if a refund is withheld unfairly, Yafee at yafee.com provides detailed guidance on escalating complaints to the National Consumer Commission and disputing charges through your bank. Whether your cancellation is straightforward or complicated, Yafee is here to ensure you keep your legal rights and recover the money you're owed. Start your cancellation today, and refer back to this guide if any step is unclear or if support does not respond as expected.
