What's the difference between cancelling in PayPal vs the merchant?

Cancelling in PayPal stops PayPal from sending payments. Cancelling with the merchant ends the service agreement. For a clean break, do both — otherwise the merchant might bill a backup card.

Why don't I see 'Manage automatic payments'?

If the menu is empty, you have no pre-approved billing agreements set up — the charge may be a regular card payment instead. Check your linked card or bank statement and cancel with the merchant directly.

Will I get a refund after cancelling?

Cancelling stops future payments only; it does not refund past charges. Request refunds from the merchant, or open a dispute in the PayPal Resolution Center if a charge was unauthorized.

Can I cancel a PayPal subscription on my phone?

Yes. Open the PayPal app, tap your profile icon, go to Automatic Payments / Payment Preferences, select the merchant, and tap Cancel Automatic Payments.

How to Cancel a Subscription on PayPal

Cancel automatic payments and subscriptions billed through PayPal in under 3 minutes using the website or the PayPal app — step by step with screenshots of where to tap.

PayPal is one of the few payment platforms with a real subscription manager built in — it is called Automatic Payments (sometimes shown as "Pre-approved payments"). Cancelling there stops PayPal from sending money to that merchant going forward.

Easy~3 minPayPal Help

Go to PayPal cancellation page

Opens in a new tab — sign in and follow the steps below

On the PayPal Website (Desktop)

The web version gives you the clearest view of every automatic payment you have authorized.

1Sign In to PayPal

Go to paypal.com and log in to your account.

2Open Settings → Payments

Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top right, then select the Payments tab.

3Manage Automatic Payments

Click Manage automatic payments. You will see a list of every merchant authorized to bill you.

4Cancel the Merchant

Click the merchant you want to stop, then click Cancel and confirm with Cancel Automatic Payments. The status changes to Cancelled.

In the PayPal App (iOS & Android)

The mobile app has the same controls, just in a different place.

1Open the App and Tap Your Profile

Open the PayPal app and tap your profile photo / icon in the top corner to reach Settings.

2Go to Payments / Automatic Payments

Tap Payment Preferences or Automatic Payments (wording varies by app version).

3Select and Cancel

Tap the merchant, then tap Cancel Automatic Payments and confirm.

Cancelling the automatic payment in PayPal stops the money transfer, but the merchant may still consider your account active. For subscriptions like streaming or software, also cancel inside the merchant's own account settings so you are not billed through another card or marked as past due.

FAQ

PayPal is just one place subscriptions live. See How to Stop Recurring Payments for every method, or read How to Cancel a Subscription on Cash App and How to Cancel Subscriptions Through Your Bank. To avoid forgotten renewals entirely, see the hidden cost of forgotten subscriptions.

Disclaimer

These steps are for informational purposes only and were accurate as of the last update. PayPal Holdings, Inc. may change its interface or process at any time. ReSubs is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to PayPal. For the most current instructions, visit PayPal Help. For billing disputes, contact PayPal directly.