How to Cancel Medium in 2026
To cancel Medium, visit your account settings and navigate to the Membership section, then select "Cancel membership" — the entire process takes about 2 minutes. Medium typically processes cancellations immediately, and you retain access until your current billing period ends. As of 2026, Medium's subscription costs $168/year ($14/month billed annually), and cancellations do not include refunds for the current period. Your reading history, bookmarks, and saved articles remain accessible after cancellation as long as you keep your account. If you're canceling due to reading less frequently, consider pausing instead of fully canceling—this preserves your subscription benefits without the immediate charge.
Quick Summary
Monthly Cost
$15.00
Annual Cost
$180.00
Steps
5
Time
3–5 minutes
When you try to cancel
🔴 No offers — clean exit
Medium does not offer retention discounts. Manage your membership from your account settings.
Cancellation difficulty
Self-Serve
Cancel entirely through your account settings. No negotiation needed.
Step-by-Step Cancellation Instructions
- 1
Visit Medium.com and sign in
- 2
Click your profile icon
- 3
Go to 'Settings'
- 4
Click 'Membership'
- 5
Select 'Cancel membership'
What to Expect During Cancellation
What they'll try
Discount offer in flow?
❌ No
Win-back email after?
❌ No
Access after cancel
Full access continues until end of current billing period. No mid-cycle refunds.
Your data
Your profile, publications, stories, and reading history are preserved indefinitely after cancellation.
Straightforward cancellation with no retention tactics. If you subscribed via iOS or Android app, you must cancel through Apple/Google subscription settings instead — canceling in the Medium app alone won't stop billing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cancel my Medium subscription?
You can cancel Medium through your account settings on their website or app. The process is rated "medium" difficulty and takes 5 steps. Your access typically continues until the end of your current billing period, so you won't lose access immediately after canceling.
Will I get a refund if I cancel Medium?
Most Medium plans do not offer prorated refunds for the current billing period. Your access continues until the end of the period you've already paid for. If you recently subscribed or were charged unexpectedly, contact Medium support to request a refund — many services will accommodate recent charges.
Can I pause my Medium subscription instead of canceling?
Medium may offer a pause or hold option that temporarily suspends your subscription without canceling it entirely. This preserves your account data and settings. Check your account settings for a pause option — if one isn't available, you can cancel and resubscribe later, though some settings or data may not be preserved.
What happens to my data if I cancel Medium?
After canceling Medium, your account data is usually preserved for a period of time. You can typically reactivate and access your information if you resubscribe. Before canceling, export or save any important data, preferences, or content you want to keep.
Can I reactivate Medium after canceling?
Yes, you can typically resubscribe to Medium at any time after canceling. Most services allow you to reactivate your account with your original email address, and your previous settings or data may still be available. However, you may not get the same promotional pricing you originally signed up with — check for current deals before reactivating.
Is there a cancellation fee to stop my Medium subscription in 2026?
No, Medium does not charge cancellation fees. You can cancel anytime without penalties. However, you won't receive a refund for the current billing period—your subscription remains active until the end of your paid cycle.
Can I cancel Medium on my phone app?
You can't cancel directly from the app; you must cancel through the web browser at medium.com. Log in, go to Settings → Membership, and select the cancellation option. This must be done online to process correctly.
What happens to my saved articles and reading history when I cancel Medium?
Your reading history, bookmarks, and saved articles remain in your account indefinitely. You can reactivate anytime and resume where you left off. Your profile and clapped articles also stay active after cancellation.
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