Dating apps make most of their money from a small share of users who pay, and the paid features are designed to be tempting: see who liked you, get shown to more people, send more likes. Some people find them worth it. Just know what you’re buying and how to stop paying.
What you’re paying for
- Subscriptions charged weekly, monthly or every few months, with discounts for longer terms paid up front.
- One-time add-ons such as profile boosts, extra likes or highlighted messages.
- Free trials that turn into paid subscriptions unless you cancel before they end.
Before paying, use the free version for a few weeks. If you’re getting matches and conversations, a subscription mostly adds convenience.
Auto-renewal
Most subscriptions renew automatically at the end of each period. Many states, including California, have automatic renewal laws that require companies to explain the terms clearly and give you an easy way to cancel. Even so, it’s on you to cancel before the renewal date.
How to cancel
| Where you subscribed | How to cancel |
|---|---|
| In the app on an iPhone | Settings, then your name, then Subscriptions |
| In the app on Android | Google Play Store, then your profile, then Payments and subscriptions |
| On the app’s website | Your account or billing settings on that website |
Canceling usually stops the next renewal, and you keep paid features until the current period ends. Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation.
Good move
Set a calendar reminder a few days before any free trial or renewal date. It’s the easiest way to avoid paying for something you’ve stopped using.
Asking for a refund
For purchases made through an app store, refund requests go to Apple, through its “Report a Problem” page, or to Google Play, through your order history. For purchases made on a website, contact the company’s support team. If you were charged after canceling and can’t resolve it, your card issuer can explain how to dispute the charge.
Paid features don’t protect you from fake profiles; our guides to checking a match and dating app privacy cover the free habits that matter more.
To keep in mind
- Premium tiers, boosts and other add-ons add up quickly; check what the free version already does before paying.
- Subscriptions renew automatically, and deleting the app doesn’t cancel them.
- Cancel where you subscribed: in your Apple or Google account for in-app purchases, or in your account on the app’s website.
- Refunds for in-app purchases usually go through Apple or Google, not the dating company.
Asked often
Why was I charged after deleting the app?
Deleting the app leaves the subscription active. Cancel it in your app store account or on the website where you signed up.
Can I pause instead of canceling?
Some apps let you hide your profile or pause matching while keeping your account. Pausing doesn’t necessarily stop billing, so check your subscription status.
Is the price the same everywhere?
Not always. Prices can differ by platform, location and promotion. Compare the price in the app with the one on the website before you buy.
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or professional advice. If you’re in danger, call 911. For confidential support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or RAINN at 1-800-656-4673.
