How to permanently disable auto-renewal so you never get surprised by an unexpected renewal charge again. This guide applies specifically to Starz ($9.99/mo) subscribers in San Jose, California. California's Automatic Renewal Law (ARL) protects you.
California's Automatic Renewal Law (ARL) (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17600) gives San Jose residents specific protections when dealing with Starz:
Penalties: Consumers can recover actual damages plus $1,000 in statutory damages per violation
Applied to Starz (Website or app) for San Jose 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: Website or app · Difficulty: easy
Starz-specific tips
No refunds for current period.
Under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17600, San Jose residents may be entitled to a full refund if Starz didn't properly disclose auto-renewal terms.
SubScrub auto-cites Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17600 for San Jose residents