If you're already a paid subscriber to a publication, you can view a paid post on the Substack app.
If you're a free subscriber, you'll see a paywall notifying you that the post is visible for paying subscribers only.
At this time, most readers can't change their subscription plan directly on the Substack app and upgrading can only be done on a web browser at this link: https://substack.com/settings/subscriptions
Becoming a paid subscriber on the Substack app
Currently in beta, select publications may offer readers the ability to pay for subscriptions directly in the app via Apple’s built-in payments system.
When you subscribe for the first time to a publication, you'll see the options to become a monthly, annual, or free subscriber. Select which plan you'd like to purchase and follow the prompts from the App Store to pay.
If you'd like to view a paid post on a publication that's part of the pilot, follow the prompts on the post to subscribe to a plan.
Once you complete the checkout process on the App Store, you'll receive a subscription confirmation email and receipt email from Apple. When you subscribe to a paid plan via the App Store, your plan will automatically renew.
To view paid content on the app, tap your profile picture and the publication will now appear under "Paid".
Note: If you don't see an upgrade option on the app, you can still become a paying subscriber for your publications at this link: https://substack.com/settings/subscriptions
How can I make changes to my subscription on the app?
If you upgraded and became a paid subscriber directly on the app, you can make changes such as switching to an annual plan or canceling your subscription on the app.
Tap your profile picture in the top-right of the app, then Settings at the bottom. Select Payments from the menu and then tap on the publication you'd like to change.
You’ll be routed to the App Store where you can change your subscription plan.
- To upgrade from Monthly to Annual, tap "See All Plans".
- To cancel your subscription, tap "Cancel Subscription".
Note: The only subscriptions that can be changed directly on the Substack iOS app are subscriptions that were purchased on the app. To manage your other paid subscriptions, open a new tab on a web browser and head to: https://substack.com/settings/subscriptions
If you cancel a subscription, your paid subscriber benefits will continue until the end of the billing cycle. If you'd like to check the exact date when your benefits end, head to the Subscriptions section on a web browser.
The end date will appear under your Subscription status. Once your paid subscription ends, you'll automatically become a free subscriber to that publication.
Can I request a refund for a canceled subscription?
Some purchases from the App Store may be eligible for a refund. To request a refund, follow these steps: Request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple
Our Support team is unable to accommodate any refund requests for subscriptions purchased via the Substack iOS app.
Why are the subscription plan prices on the iOS app different from those on Substack.com?
Writers can set different pricing plans in the app than they do on the web version of their publication.
If you'd like to subscribe at a lower rate, you can cancel your subscription made on the App Store and your subscription won’t auto-renew. Then you can purchase a new subscription via the web version of the Substack publication.
Tip: We are unable to issue any refunds if you cancel on the App Store and subscribe at a lower rate on Substack.com.
