How to manage all your app subscriptions on Mac & iOS

Every few months, I do a subscription audit — and every time, I find at least one app I completely forgot I was paying for. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone.

Managing app subscriptions is more important than ever, especially as more software providers shift to recurring billing. Managing a dozen (or more) app subscriptions can definitely become painful.

Here’s the step-by-step guide to managing your Mac and iOS App Store subscriptions, as well as some other ones, so you don’t find yourself surprised by the charges on your credit card when they renew. 

How to view your App Store subscriptions

To view App Store subscriptions is easy since you don't have to go to a website to sign up or trust yet another company with your credit card information. Just open the App Store on your Mac or iPhone/iPad to check. The subscription is then charged to the card associated with your Apple Account and auto-renews for the same period: usually monthly or annually.

The downside is that it’s on you to remember to cancel app subscriptions if you no longer need them. The App Store does send a reminder email, though, so make sure to watch out for that. 

 For additional details, see Apple’s official support guide.

On Mac: Manage subscriptions in the App Store

To view subscriptions on your Mac, via the Mac App Store:

1. Open the App Store app on your Mac.
2. Click your name in the bottom-left corner (or Sign In if you’re not logged in).
3. Click Account Settings and sign in again if prompted.
4. In the Manage section, click Manage next to Subscriptions to view, change, or cancel any plan.

Can’t find a certain subscription? Go to your email and search "receipt from Apple" or "invoice from Apple". Open the mail, and check which Apple Account was used for the subscription.

For more information, check Apple Support. 

On iPhone or iPad: Manage subscriptions

1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap Apple Account at the top.
3. Tap Subscriptions to view, switch, or cancel any active plan.

If you no longer need a certain subscription on your Appke devices, here’s how to cancel subscriptions on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.

How to find and manage non-App Store subscriptions

Chances are, you probably have more subscriptions that aren't managed through the App Store. These can include streaming services, SaaS tools, or direct app purchases. Tracking them manually is possible, but dedicated apps can make the process easier:

• Rocket Money scans your bank accounts and credit cards to find unneeded payments, but uses the Plaid API to do so, which means your bank logins aren't stored anywhere. 
• Trim does the same thing but also offers an SMS service that can warn you about suspicious transactions or let you check your account balance. 
• Subscript is a service that scans your email inbox for receipts and compiles a list of your subscriptions. You can also add your subscriptions manually. Set up reminders for your recurring payments, and the app will ping you before you're charged.
• Chronicle is the comprehensive bill organizer that works on Mac and iOS, letting you categorize and tag every auto-renewing subscription in one place. Plus, you can set alerts and reminders to pay bills on time. Unlike the other apps on this list, it doesn't connect to your bank or scan your email — your financial data stays on your device.

Read also:

• Best budgeting apps 2026
• Sideloading apps on Mac
• How to cancel iCloud storage plan on Mac and iPhone in 2026

Why subscriptions are better than one-time licenses

Wasn't it better when you paid once for software and could use it as long as you liked? Well, not necessarily. While one-time software purchases might seem more appealing, the subscription model offers several advantages:

• You're supporting developers. Revenue from subscriptions lets developers devote time and resources to constantly updating their apps and adding cool features.
• You get more specialized apps. When developers know recurring revenue is coming in, they can afford to build niche tools — not just apps designed to appeal to everyone.
• New features come faster. Instead of waiting until there are enough new features to justify a full update, developers can release smaller updates as soon as those features are ready.
• You'll always be up to date. If you're paying a subscription fee, you always get the latest and greatest version, instead of being stuck with features from a few years ago unless you buy a new license. 

Why app platforms offer the best of both worlds

Subscription fatigue is real. Bundles or suites of apps can ease the pain. One of the best-known examples is Setapp, which curates apps from various developers. For $9.99/mo, you get access to 250+ apps across a wide range of categories, from development to creativity to productivity to utilities.

Install what you need, uninstall when you need the space back — apps are always there if you want them again. Setapp handles updates automatically in the background.

If you'd rather start with one or two apps, you can purchase or subscribe to them individually via Setapp Marketplace:

How to manage subscriptions on Mac: Take control of your subscriptions

To manage subscriptions on Mac like a pro, you need:

• Regularly review your app subscriptions on all devices to prevent unwanted charges.
• Use dedicated tools or manual methods to track non-App Store subscriptions.
• Consider platforms like Setapp to simplify subscription management and maximize value.
• Set reminders for free trials and renewals to stay in control of your spending.

Ultimately, you need to judge for yourself. And luckily, it’s easy to do with a free 7-day Setapp trial. If you ever change your mind, unsubscribing from Setapp only takes a few clicks — much easier than managing subscriptions in the Mac App Store for sure!

Chronicle plus 250+ other Mac apps — all for $9.99/mo. Try everything free for 7 days, then decide what stays. Start My 7-Day Trial.