How to permanently disable auto-renewal so you never get surprised by an unexpected renewal charge again. This guide applies specifically to Wall Street Journal ($4-$39.99/mo) subscribers in Naperville, Illinois. Illinois's Automatic Contract Renewal Act protects you.
Illinois's Automatic Contract Renewal Act (815 ILCS 601) gives Naperville residents specific protections when dealing with Wall Street Journal:
Penalties: Renewal is void if notice requirements not met
Applied to Wall Street Journal (Phone only) for Naperville residents
Log into your account settings
Go to the service's website (not app, unless it's an app-store subscription). Navigate to Settings → Billing → Subscription or Plan.
Look for 'Auto-Renewal' or 'Recurring Billing' toggle
Most services have an explicit auto-renewal toggle. Turn it off. You will typically keep access until your current paid period ends, then it won't renew.
Get written confirmation
After toggling, screenshot the settings page and save any confirmation email. If they charge you after disabling auto-renewal, you have documented proof.
For app-store subscriptions, disable in the store
iPhone: Settings → [Your Name] → Subscriptions → [App] → Turn off Renew. Google Play: Manage subscriptions → Cancel. The app itself cannot see these settings.
Set a final billing date reminder
Note when your current period ends. After that date, verify no charge appears. If you see a charge after disabling auto-renewal, that is an unauthorized charge.
Method: Phone only · Difficulty: hard
Wall Street Journal-specific tips
No refund for current period.
Under 815 ILCS 601, Naperville residents may be entitled to a full refund if Wall Street Journal didn't properly disclose auto-renewal terms.
SubScrub auto-cites 815 ILCS 601 for Naperville residents