Ending your Headspace membership made easy

About Headspace

Headspace is one of the UK's most popular meditation and mindfulness apps, founded in 2010 by Andy Puddicombe, a former Buddhist monk, and Rich Pierson. The service has grown from a simple meditation app into a comprehensive mental wellness platform used by millions of subscribers worldwide, including a substantial user base across the United Kingdom.

The platform offers guided meditations, sleep sounds, mindfulness exercises, and mental health content designed to help users manage stress, improve sleep quality, and develop healthier mental habits. Headspace has positioned itself as a science-backed approach to meditation, partnering with various research institutions to validate its effectiveness.

What sets Headspace apart is its approachable style and structured programmes. Rather than overwhelming new users, the app introduces meditation gradually through themed courses covering topics like anxiety management, focus improvement, and relationship building. The content features Andy Puddicombe's distinctive voice and animation-based explanations that make mindfulness accessible to beginners.

Most importantly, Headspace operates on a subscription model, which means you'll need to actively cancel if you decide the service isn't right for you. Many users initially sign up during free trial periods or promotional offers, then find themselves paying monthly or annual fees they no longer want to maintain.

Plans, features and pricing

Understanding what you're paying for helps you make an informed decision about cancellation. Headspace offers several subscription tiers, and knowing which one you have is crucial when calculating notice periods and potential refunds.

Current subscription options

Headspace typically offers three main subscription pathways for UK customers. Keep in mind that pricing can vary based on promotional periods and whether you initially signed up through the app stores or directly through their website.

Additionally, Headspace often runs promotional campaigns offering discounted rates for the first year or extended free trials. These promotional subscriptions automatically convert to standard pricing unless cancelled, which catches many subscribers off guard.

What you get with membership

Before cancelling, it's worth knowing exactly what you're giving up. The full Headspace subscription includes access to hundreds of guided meditations ranging from three-minute sessions to hour-long practices. You'll find themed courses on everything from managing anger to improving athletic performance.

The sleep content library includes sleepcasts (essentially bedtime stories for adults), sleep music, and wind-down exercises. There's also a focus music section, mindful movement videos incorporating yoga and gentle exercise, and SOS exercises for moments of acute stress or anxiety.

For families, the Plus plan allows each member to maintain their own profile with personalised recommendations and progress tracking. This can represent genuine value if multiple household members actively use the service.

Why subscribers choose to cancel

From processing thousands of cancellations, I've noticed several common patterns. Many users find that after completing the foundational courses, they've learned enough to meditate independently without guided sessions. The subscription then feels like an unnecessary ongoing expense.

Financial pressures frequently drive cancellations, particularly when subscribers review their monthly outgoings and realise they're paying for multiple apps and services they rarely use. Headspace often falls into this category—valued in principle but underutilised in practice.

Some users switch to free alternatives like Insight Timer or YouTube guided meditations, whilst others find the content becomes repetitive after extended use. Technical issues, lack of new content updates, or simply finding that meditation doesn't suit their lifestyle are also common reasons.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

This section is absolutely critical because misunderstanding these terms can cost you money. I've seen countless cases where subscribers thought they'd cancelled but continued being charged because they didn't follow the correct procedure.

Legal requirements in the UK

Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, UK consumers have specific rights when cancelling subscription services. You're entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period from the date you first subscribe, during which you can cancel for a full refund—even if you've used the service.

After this initial period, your cancellation rights depend on Headspace's terms and the type of subscription you hold. Monthly subscriptions typically allow cancellation at any time, but you'll remain charged until the end of your current billing cycle. Annual subscriptions are trickier and often non-refundable after the cooling-off period expires.

Keep in mind that the Consumer Rights Act 2015 also provides protections if the service isn't as described or is faulty. However, these provisions rarely apply to straightforward "I don't want this anymore" cancellations.

Headspace's official cancellation terms

Headspace's terms state that you must cancel before your next billing date to avoid being charged for the subsequent period. This seems straightforward, but the complication arises with timing and processing delays.

For monthly subscriptions, cancellation typically takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle. If you're paying £12.99 monthly and you cancel on the 15th whilst your billing date is the 20th, you'll pay for the full month but won't be charged again on the 20th of the following month.

Annual subscriptions present more challenges. Most importantly, Headspace generally doesn't offer pro-rata refunds if you cancel mid-year. If you paid £69.99 for a year and cancel after six months, you typically won't receive £35 back. You'll retain access until your annual period ends, but there's no refund for unused time.

This policy is why documenting your cancellation properly matters enormously. If Headspace fails to process your cancellation and continues charging you, having proof of when you requested cancellation becomes your strongest defence for obtaining a refund.

Notice periods and billing cycles

Here's where subscribers frequently make costly mistakes. Headspace requires cancellation before your renewal date, but "before" needs careful interpretation. I always recommend allowing at least 5-7 working days before your billing date to ensure processing completes in time.

Your billing cycle depends on when you originally subscribed. Check your confirmation email or bank statement to identify your exact renewal date. Setting a calendar reminder two weeks before this date gives you comfortable margin for postal cancellation.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Postal cancellation is the most reliable method for terminating your Headspace subscription, particularly when you want indisputable proof that you've requested cancellation. Whilst digital methods might seem more convenient, postal cancellation with Recorded Delivery provides legal documentation that protects you if disputes arise.

Why postal cancellation is most reliable

After handling thousands of subscription cancellations, I can tell you that postal cancellation creates an audit trail that online methods simply cannot match. When you cancel through an app or website, you're relying on the company's system to process your request correctly. Technical glitches, user interface changes, or "accidental" complexity can derail digital cancellations.

Postal cancellation, particularly via Recorded Delivery, provides several crucial advantages. First, you receive a Certificate of Posting showing exactly when you sent your cancellation letter. This timestamp is legally significant if Headspace claims they never received your request or that it arrived too late.

Additionally, postal cancellation forces you to clearly articulate your cancellation request in writing, including all necessary details like your account information and explicit instruction to cancel. There's no ambiguity about whether you clicked the right button or completed all steps in a multi-stage online process.

Most importantly, if Headspace continues charging you after receiving your postal cancellation, you have concrete evidence for your bank or credit card company when requesting a chargeback. Digital cancellation confirmations can be disputed, but Royal Mail proof of postage is objective third-party verification.

What information you need before writing

Before drafting your cancellation letter, gather all relevant account details. You'll need your full name exactly as it appears on your Headspace account, the email address associated with your subscription, and your account username if different from your email.

Check your bank or credit card statements to identify how Headspace appears on your billing. This might be "Headspace Inc", "HEADSPACE.COM", or variations depending on their payment processor. Including this information helps them locate your account quickly.

Determine your subscription type (monthly or annual) and your next billing date. This information should appear in your Headspace account settings or in confirmation emails from when you subscribed. Knowing your billing date ensures you send your cancellation with adequate notice.

If you're cancelling during the 14-day cooling-off period and requesting a refund, note the exact date you first subscribed. You'll need to reference the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 and state clearly that you're exercising your statutory cancellation rights.

Writing your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter should be clear, concise, and unambiguous. Start with your full name and address at the top, followed by the date. Address the letter to "Customer Services, Headspace" and include a clear subject line like "Formal Notice of Subscription Cancellation".

In the body, state explicitly: "I am writing to cancel my Headspace subscription effective immediately" or "effective at the end of my current billing period" depending on your preference. Include your account email address, username, and any customer reference number you've been assigned.

Request written confirmation of your cancellation and specify that you do not authorise any further payments to be taken from your account. If you're within the cooling-off period, state: "I am exercising my statutory right to cancel under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 and request a full refund."

Keep your letter professional and factual. Whilst you might feel frustrated with the service or cancellation process, emotional language doesn't strengthen your position. Stick to facts, dates, and clear instructions.

Most importantly, keep a copy of everything you send. Photograph or scan your letter before posting it, and retain your proof of postage permanently. These documents are your insurance policy if problems arise.

The correct postal address

Sending your cancellation to the correct address is absolutely critical. An incorrect address means delays or your letter never reaching the right department, which could result in continued charges. Based on current information, send your cancellation letter to:

• Headspace
• 2nd Floor
• 30 Stamford Street
• London
• SE1 9LQ
• United Kingdom

Always verify this address before posting, as companies occasionally relocate or change their correspondence addresses. You can check Headspace's current terms and conditions or contact details on their website for the most up-to-date information.

Using Recorded Delivery

Never send a cancellation letter by standard post. The additional cost of Recorded Delivery (currently around £3.35) is minimal compared to the risk of continued unwanted charges. Recorded Delivery provides proof of postage and tracking, though not proof of delivery to the specific recipient.

For maximum protection, consider Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed, which provides proof of delivery and compensation if the letter goes missing. This costs more (around £6-8) but offers the highest level of security for important correspondence.

When posting your letter, the Post Office will provide a Certificate of Posting with a unique tracking reference. Keep this certificate safe—it's your primary evidence that you sent the cancellation. You can track your letter's progress using the reference number on the Royal Mail website.

Services like Postclic simplify this entire process by handling the printing, posting, and tracking digitally. Rather than visiting the Post Office, you can upload your letter online, and Postclic sends it via tracked delivery whilst providing digital proof of postage. This saves time whilst maintaining the legal protections of postal cancellation, and you can access your proof of posting instantly from any device.

Timeline and what to expect

After posting your cancellation letter, allow 3-5 working days for delivery to Headspace's London office. Their customer service team should then process your request within 5-10 working days, though this can extend during busy periods.

You should receive written confirmation of your cancellation, either by email or post. If you haven't received confirmation within two weeks of posting your letter, follow up immediately. Reference your proof of postage and request urgent confirmation.

Keep in mind that your access typically continues until the end of your current billing period. If you're on a monthly plan billing on the 15th and you cancel on the 1st, you'll retain access until the 15th but won't be charged again after that date.

Monitor your bank statements carefully for at least two billing cycles after cancellation. If Headspace attempts to charge you after your cancellation should have taken effect, contact your bank immediately to dispute the charge and provide your proof of postage as evidence.

Tips from former members

Having processed thousands of Headspace cancellations, I've gathered insights that can save you time, money, and frustration. These practical tips come from real experiences of subscribers who've successfully navigated the cancellation process.

Timing your cancellation strategically

The single most common mistake I see is subscribers cancelling too close to their renewal date. Even with postal cancellation, you need buffer time for delivery and processing. I recommend cancelling at least two weeks before your next billing date, particularly for annual subscriptions.

If you're currently on a free trial, set a reminder for three days before the trial ends. This gives you time to send a postal cancellation if you can't easily cancel through the app. Many subscribers forget about their trial until they see an unexpected charge on their statement.

For annual subscribers approaching renewal, mark your calendar one month in advance. This gives you time to decide whether to continue, and ample notice period if you choose to cancel. Annual renewals often happen silently without reminder emails, catching subscribers off guard.

Protecting yourself from continued charges

After cancelling, some subscribers remove their payment method from their Headspace account as additional protection. This can prevent automatic charges, though it's not foolproof if the company has already stored your payment details for processing.

Consider informing your bank or credit card provider that you've cancelled your Headspace subscription and shouldn't be charged after a specific date. Some banks allow you to block specific merchants, which provides an extra layer of protection against unwanted charges.

Screenshot or save any confirmation emails or account screens showing your subscription status after cancellation. These provide additional evidence if disputes arise. Take these screenshots immediately after receiving cancellation confirmation, as you may lose account access later.

What to do if things go wrong

If Headspace continues charging you after your cancellation should have taken effect, act immediately. Contact their customer service with your proof of postage, stating clearly that you cancelled on a specific date and should not have been charged.

If customer service doesn't resolve the issue within 7-10 days, escalate by sending a formal complaint letter (again via Recorded Delivery) requesting a full refund of any charges taken after your cancellation date. Reference your original cancellation letter and proof of postage.

For unresolved disputes, you can contact your bank to request a chargeback under the grounds that you cancelled the service but were charged anyway. Your proof of postage is crucial evidence for this process. Additionally, you can report the issue to the Financial Ombudsman Service if charges were taken from a UK bank account or credit card.

Alternatives worth considering

Before cancelling completely, consider whether Headspace offers any pause or downgrade options. Some subscription services allow you to pause your membership for a period rather than cancelling entirely, though this isn't always advertised.

If cost is your primary concern but you value the content, check whether Headspace offers a lower-tier plan or student/NHS worker discounts. Sometimes a reduced-price subscription proves more satisfactory than cancelling and losing access entirely.

Many former Headspace subscribers successfully transition to free alternatives like Insight Timer, which offers thousands of guided meditations without subscription fees. YouTube also hosts extensive free meditation content. If you've learned the fundamentals through Headspace, you might find free resources sufficient for ongoing practice.

Final practical advice

Keep all documentation related to your Headspace subscription and cancellation for at least 12 months. This includes original signup emails, payment confirmations, your cancellation letter, proof of postage, and any correspondence with customer service. You never know when you might need to reference these documents.

If you subscribed through Apple's App Store or Google Play rather than directly through Headspace's website, your cancellation process might differ. Check your app store subscription settings, but I still recommend sending a postal cancellation to Headspace directly as backup documentation.

Remember that cancelling your subscription doesn't delete your Headspace account. If you want your personal data removed entirely, you'll need to submit a separate data deletion request under GDPR regulations. Include this request in your cancellation letter if data privacy concerns you.

Most importantly, don't let subscription inertia cost you money. If you're not actively using Headspace or it no longer serves your needs, cancelling promptly saves you from months or years of unnecessary charges. The few minutes required to send a proper postal cancellation can save you hundreds of pounds over time.