How to Cancel Your Real Simple Magazine Subscription

Real Simple magazine has been helping readers simplify their lives since 2000 with practical advice on home organization, cooking, wellness, and lifestyle. Published by Dotfash Meredith (formerly Meredith Corporation), it’s one of America’s most popular lifestyle magazines.

But if you’re no longer reading it, or you’re cutting subscription costs, canceling makes sense. Real Simple subscriptions range from $19.99 to $34.99 annually, depending on whether you choose print, digital, or all-access plans.

This guide covers all cancellation methods: online through the customer portal, by phone, through Apple App Store subscriptions, and via Google Play. We'll also explain Real Simple's refund policy for unmailed issues and what to do if you can't find your subscription.

Before You Cancel: Here’s What You Need to Know

Check where you subscribed first:

• Check your credit card statement: Look for "Real Simple," "Meredith Corp," "Dotdash Meredith," "Apple.com/bill," or "Google Play"

• Find your original confirmation email: Search your inbox for "Real Simple subscription" to see which platform processed your order

• Check your magazine label: Your account number and billing information appear on the mailing label

Refund policy you need to know:

• Unmailed issues: Real Simple typically refunds the prorated value of undelivered issues. If you have 6 months remaining on an annual subscription, you're entitled to a partial refund.

• Already-delivered issues: No refund for issues you've already received or downloaded.

• How to request a refund: Call 1-800-888-1171 after canceling and specifically request a refund for remaining issues. This isn't automatic—you must ask.

• Processing time: Magazine refunds typically take 6-8 weeks to process and appear as a credit card refund or check.

Note on magazine subscription refunds: Under Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations, magazine publishers must honor cancellation requests and provide refunds for undelivered issues. Learn more at https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/selling-magazines.

How to Cancel Real Simple Online (Website Subscribers)

Use this method if you subscribed directly through RealSimple.com or through Dotdash Meredith’s magazine network now, as https://www.people.inc/

Real Simple customer service portal:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Access the Customer Service Portal

1. Navigate to the Real Simple customer service website (not the main homepage)
2. Look for “Manage My Subscription,” “Accoun,t” or “Customer Service” links
3. The portal URL may vary, but it’s typically hosted on realsimple.com or a Dotdash Meredith subdomain

Step 2: Log In to Your Account

You can log in using one of the methods:

1. Email and password: Use the credentials you created when subscribing
2. Account number and ZIP code: Find your account number on the Magazine’s mailing label (usually above your name)
3. Forgot password: Click “Forgot Password” to reset via email

Step 3: Navigate to Subscription Management

1. Look for “My Subscriptions, “Manage Subscription,” or “Account Dashboard”
2. Your active Real Simple subscription should be listed with the renewal date and plan details
3. Common issue: The website can be slow to load. Be patient and avoid clicking back - this can log you out.

How to Cancel Real Simple by Phone

Calling customer service is often the fastest and most reliable method, especially if the website isn’t cooperating. This works for all Real Simple subscriptions purchased directly (not through Apple or Google).

Real Simple Customer Service: 1-800-888-1171

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST (hours may vary; call to confirm

By canceling today, you're saving between $19.99 and $34.99 annually—money you can redirect to other priorities or a different magazine subscription that better fits your needs.

How to Cancel Real Simple Through Apple

If you subscribed through the Real Simple iOS app or Apple News+, Apple manages your billing.

Cancel Real Simple iOS App Subscription

For standalone Real Simple app subscriptions ($4.99/month or $29.99/year).

1. Open Settings app on iPhone/iPad

2. Tap your Apple ID (name at top)

3. Tap "Subscriptions"

4. Select "Real Simple Magazine"

5. Tap "Cancel Subscription" and confirm

6. Verify it shows "Expires on [date]" instead of "Renews on [date]"

Apple Support: https://support.apple.com/billing

Cancel Apple News+ (Includes Real Simple + 300 Magazines)

Apple News+ costs $12.99/month and includes Real Simple plus 300+ other magazines. Canceling Apple News+ removes access to ALL magazines, not just Real Simple.

Apple News+ info: https://support.apple.com/apple-news

On iPhone/iPad:

1. Open Settings > Tap your Apple ID > Subscriptions

2. Select "Apple News+"

3. Tap "Cancel Subscription" and confirm

On Mac:

1. Open News app > News > Preferences

2. Click "Manage Subscription"

3. Click "Cancel Subscription" and confirm

Important: If you only want to stop reading Real Simple but keep other Apple News+ magazines, don't cancel—simply stop opening Real Simple.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cancel my Real Simple magazine subscription online?

You can cancel online through Real Simple’s customer service portal or through the account you originally used—such as Amazon, Apple, or a third-party seller. Your cancellation request should take effect before the next billing cycle.

What happens to my Real Simple issues after I cancel?

Most subscribers continue receiving issues through the end of the billing period they’ve already paid for. Access to the digital edition usually ends when the subscription expires.

How do I contact Real Simple magazine customer service to cancel?

You can cancel by contacting Real Simple’s publisher customer support via phone or email. They can check your account, verify your subscription status, and process the cancellation for you.

Does Real Simple offer refunds for canceled subscriptions?

Refund eligibility depends on how you purchased the subscription. Some platforms offer prorated refunds, while others do not. Check the billing terms of your original purchase method.

Can Chargeback cancel my Real Simple magazine subscription for me?

Yes. Chargeback’s AI agents can detect your Real Simple subscription from your inbox or financial accounts, then cancel it on your behalf—no forms or customer service calls needed. It’s fast, automatic, and designed to help you avoid unwanted renewals.

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