Cancellation New Scientist: Easy Method

What is New Scientist

Overview

New Scientist is a weekly international science magazine that reports on the latest developments in science and technology.

It publishes digital and print issues, runs a shop for magazines and related products, and offers digital courses and apps.

Formats and access

Access is available via direct subscriptions on the New Scientist website, mobile apps (iOS and Android) and physical print copies sold through retailers.

Different purchase channels are handled by different providers (New Scientist, Apple, Google Play or third‑party retailers), which affects how cancellations and refunds are processed.

How to cancel New Scientist

Direct (website) subscription - steps

• Log in to your New Scientist account on their website.
• Go to Account settings → Manage my subscription and follow the on‑screen instructions to cancel.
• If you cannot use the website controls, email [email protected] requesting cancellation and include your account details.

App store and shop cancellations - steps

• iOS (App Store): Cancel via your Apple ID subscription settings in the App Store; New Scientist cannot cancel App Store subscriptions for you.
• Android (Google Play): Cancel via the Google Play subscription manager; Google handles these subscriptions directly.
• Print magazine / shop orders: Email [email protected] before dispatch to request cancellation; orders cannot be cancelled after they have been dispatched.

What happens when you cancel

Access and renewals

Cancellation normally stops automatic renewals so you are not charged at the next renewal date.

Access to paid content usually continues until the end of the period you have already paid for.

Data and account state

Your account and purchase history are typically retained for record‑keeping and customer service purposes.

If you request data deletion or have other account requests, include this in your communication and keep proof of the request.

Will I get a refund?

General refund rules

Refunds depend on the product type and the channel you used to purchase.

Different rules apply to digital courses, shop items and magazines/periodicals; platform‑managed purchases (Apple/Google) follow their policies.

Product‑specific exceptions

• Digital courses: Full refund available within 14 days if the course has not been started; no refunds after 14 days.
• Magazines / bookazines / periodicals: Cannot be cancelled for refund once dispatched; no refunds for those already dispatched.
• Shop goods (other items): You have a 14‑day right to cancel from receipt and then a further 14 days to return the item in saleable condition; refunds are for the cost of goods (shipping excluded) unless the item is faulty. Orders placed in December may have an extended 28‑day return window.

New Scientist plans and pricing

Available plans (illustrative)

The table below lists known pricing snapshots and retail items associated with New Scientist in South Africa.

Prices vary by platform and may be updated by the vendor; check your purchase channel for the exact, current price.

Your consumer rights in South Africa

General approach

Consumer rights and remedies may differ between jurisdictions and purchase channels.

If you bought through Apple or Google, those providers’ rules apply; if bought from the New Scientist shop or site, New Scientist terms and applicable regional rules apply.

Actions if something goes wrong

• Keep evidence of cancellation attempts and charges (emails, screenshots, bank statements).
• If cancellation fails or charges persist, contact your payment provider to dispute the charge.
• You may also contact South African consumer protection bodies for guidance; retain documentation to support your complaint.

Customer experiences

Positive feedback

Some subscribers praise the editorial quality and breadth of scientific coverage offered by New Scientist.

Those who successfully manage subscriptions report straightforward access and good content value.

Reported issues and complaints

• Many users report difficulty cancelling via the website or app and point to non‑existent account tabs in the FAQ.
• Subscribers describe unexpected auto‑renewals and surprise charges, and some report continued charging after they attempted to cancel.
• Complaints include slow or unhelpful customer service and problems getting data or deletion requests honoured.

Documentation checklist

What to save before and after cancelling

• Account username/email and order or subscription reference numbers.
• Screenshots of the subscription page, cancellation screens, and any on‑screen messages.
• All emails sent to and received from New Scientist, plus timestamps.
• Bank or card statements showing charges and dates.

Why this documentation matters

Saved documentation is crucial if you need to escalate a dispute with your bank, card issuer or consumer protection authority.

It also speeds up resolution when contacting New Scientist customer service or the retailer you used.

Common mistakes

Relying on the wrong cancellation route

Many people attempt to cancel an App Store or Google Play subscription from the New Scientist website; platform subscriptions must be cancelled via Apple or Google.

Attempting the wrong route causes delay and may leave the subscription active and billed.

Missing proof and deadlines

Not saving confirmation of cancellation or missing a short cooling‑off window leads to unsuccessful refund claims.

Assuming magazines can be refunded after dispatch is a frequent error; printed periodicals are generally excluded from returns once dispatched.

Comparative recap

Channel comparison

The table below summarizes cancellation methods and refund likelihood by channel to help you choose the correct route.

Refer to your original purchase channel when taking action - this is the most important step.

After cancelling

Immediate checks

Save any cancellation confirmation you receive (email or screenshot) and note the date when the current paid period ends.

Check your bank or card statement in the following billing cycle to confirm no further charges appear.

Next steps if problems continue

• If you continue to be charged, contact your payment provider to dispute the charge and provide your documentation.
• If you purchased from the New Scientist shop or site and need assistance, email [email protected] or [email protected] with full details.
• Consider contacting South African consumer protection authorities if you cannot resolve the issue through the provider or your payment method.

Address

Corporate address

New Scientist Ltd.

Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT, United Kingdom

Contact emails (useful)

Subscriptions: [email protected]

Shop/orders: [email protected]