How To Cancel WordPress Subscription?

Canceling your WordPress subscription is not always a straightforward and simple process for many. That is why understanding the different types of subscriptions and the steps required for cancellation can save you time and frustration. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to cancel both WordPress.com and WordPress.org subscriptions and address any concerns you might have.

Understanding the Different WordPress Plans

Before we discuss the cancellation process, it’s important to clarify the different types of WordPress plans. Having a clear understanding of this is crucial as the steps for canceling vary depending on your subscription.

1) WordPress.com Subscriptions

WordPress.com offers several plans, including Free, Personal, Premium, Business, and eCommerce. These plans come with varying features and benefits, and you can cancel at any time, depending on your needs.

2) WordPress.org (Self-Hosted) Subscriptions

WordPress.org, on the other hand, is a self-hosted solution, meaning you manage your hosting and domain separately. If you’re using WordPress.org, you’re likely paying for a hosting plan (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround, etc.) and may have additional domain registration costs. The cancellation process here typically involves your hosting provider, not WordPress directly.

NOTE: This article will focus primarily on canceling a WordPress.com subscription. However, we’ll briefly touch on WordPress.org as well for those using the self-hosted version.

How to Cancel a WordPress.com Subscription

If you’re using WordPress.com, canceling your subscription is relatively easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow:

Step 1: Log into Your WordPress.com Account

First, visit the WordPress.com login page and enter your username and password to access your account.

Step 2: Go to Your Plan Settings

Once you’re logged in, you need to head to your account settings to find your current plan. Click on your profile picture or the “Account Settings” link, then find the “Plans” or “Subscriptions” section. This is where you’ll be able to manage your subscription.

Step 3: Select the Plan to Cancel

In your Plans section, you’ll see a list of the plans associated with your account. Select the plan you want to cancel. Make sure you double-check which plan you’re subscribed to, especially if you’ve upgraded or added additional services in the past.

Step 4: Follow the Cancellation Instructions

Once you’ve selected the plan to cancel, WordPress will walk you through the cancellation process. You may be prompted to confirm your decision. This is a good time to review any cancellation details, (e.g. remaining days on your plan and any refund).

Step 5: Receive a Confirmation Email

After you’ve confirmed your cancellation, WordPress will send a confirmation email. This email will outline your cancellation request and the details of your subscription status moving forward. Keep this email for your records, just in case.

Step 6: Backup Your Data (Optional but Recommended)

Before canceling, it’s always a good idea to back up your content. This includes posts, pages, media files, and any other important data. You can export your content from the WordPress.com dashboard under the “Export” section in your account settings. This way, you can easily import your content to a different platform if you decide to switch later.

WordPress.com Refund Policy

WordPress.com offers refunds for certain plans, but there are specific conditions you must meet. Typically, refunds are available within 30 days of purchase for annual plans. If you’ve upgraded your plan and decided to cancel shortly afterward, you may be eligible for a refund based on the time remaining in your subscription.

To request a refund, you’ll need to contact WordPress support. You can do this through the help section in your WordPress.com dashboard or by reaching out to their customer support team via live chat or email.

Keep in mind that monthly plans are generally non-refundable. You can also reach out to  WordPress support for more details about your eligibility.

How to Cancel WordPress.org (Self-Hosted) Subscription

If you’re using WordPress.org with self-hosting, the cancellation process will differ. Since you’re paying for hosting through a third-party provider (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround), you’ll need to cancel through their platform. Here’s a general overview of the process:

Step 1: Log Into Your Hosting Account

Access the website of your hosting provider and log in to your account. For example, if you’re using Bluehost, go to their login page and sign in.

Step 2: Go to the Subscription or Billing Section

Once logged in, go to the billing or subscription management section of your account. This is where you’ll find your active plans, including your hosting and domain services.

Step 3: Cancel the Hosting Plan

Select the hosting plan you wish to cancel and follow the instructions to terminate the service. Some hosting providers may offer a “Cancel” button directly on the dashboard, while others may require you to contact customer support.

Step 4: Consider Domain Registration

If your domain is also registered through the same hosting provider, you’ll need to decide whether to cancel your domain registration or transfer it to another provider. Be sure to take care of this before your hosting plan expires.

Step 5: Backup Your Data

As with WordPress.com, you should back up your website content before canceling your hosting plan. Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or an FTP client to download your website files and database for safekeeping.

Conclusion

Canceling your WordPress subscription doesn’t have to be a hassle. Whether you’re on WordPress.com or using the self-hosted WordPress.org platform, understanding the cancellation process and your options can make things much smoother. If you’re sure about your decision, follow the steps above to complete the cancellation.

Remember to back up your content, review any refund policies, and take care of any associated services like domain registration before pulling the plug.