First: don't worry. Missing a reminder doesn't break anything in SubSorted. The app carries on working, your data is intact, and the next reminder will be scheduled automatically.
But it's worth understanding why a reminder might not reach you, and what you can do about it.
Why reminders can be missed
SubSorted schedules reminders using your phone's built-in notification system. This is reliable, but it's not infallible. There are a few situations where a notification might not appear when expected:
Notifications are turned off
If you've disabled notifications for SubSorted — either during setup or later in your phone's settings — reminders will be scheduled but won't be displayed. This is the most common reason for missing one.
Focus modes and Do Not Disturb
Both iOS and Android allow you to silence notifications during certain hours or activities. If SubSorted isn't allowed through your Focus mode or Do Not Disturb settings, reminders may be delayed or hidden until the mode ends.
Operating system limits
Phone operating systems occasionally restrict background notifications to save battery. This is rare, but it can happen — particularly on Android devices with aggressive battery optimisation. If your phone decides SubSorted isn't a priority, a notification might be delayed.
Phone was off or restarting
If your phone is powered off at the scheduled reminder time (9:00 AM UK time), the notification may be delivered late or not at all, depending on your operating system. This is uncommon but worth knowing about.
SubSorted schedules the reminder. Your phone delivers it. Once a reminder is scheduled, it's in your phone's hands — the same system that handles alarms, calendar alerts, and messages. We've done everything we can on our end; the rest depends on your device settings.
What to do if something renews anyway
If a subscription renews and you wish it hadn't, there are a few things worth trying:
Check if the provider offers a cooling-off period
Some subscription services allow cancellation within a short window after renewal — often 24 to 48 hours — and will issue a refund. This varies by provider, but it's always worth checking.
Contact the provider directly
If there's no automatic cooling-off period, contact the provider's support team. Explain the situation calmly. Many will offer a refund or credit, especially for a first occurrence. SubSorted's merchant directory can help you find contact details and cancellation links for common services.
For App Store and Google Play subscriptions
If the subscription is billed through Apple or Google, you'll need to manage it through your phone's subscription settings rather than contacting the provider directly. See our guide on how Apple and Google subscriptions work for step-by-step instructions.
Update the subscription in SubSorted
If the renewal has happened and you're keeping the subscription, open it in SubSorted and check that the next renewal date is correct. The app calculates this automatically, but it's worth a quick glance to make sure everything looks right.
SubSorted is a reminder tool, not a cancellation service. If you decide to cancel, you'll need to do it directly with the provider or through your phone's subscription settings. SubSorted can help you find where to do that, but the action is always yours.
How to adjust future reminders
If a reminder arrived too late to be useful — or you simply didn't notice it — you can adjust the timing so it works better next time.
Give yourself more lead time
Open the subscription, tap Edit, and increase the reminder lead time. If you were reminded 3 days before and that wasn't enough, try 7 days. For expensive annual subscriptions, some people set reminders 14 days in advance.
Check your notification settings
Make sure SubSorted has permission to send notifications and isn't being filtered by Focus mode or battery optimisation:
- iPhone — Settings > Notifications > SubSorted. Ensure "Allow Notifications" is on. Check your Focus modes to make sure SubSorted is allowed through.
- Android — Settings > Apps > SubSorted > Notifications. Ensure notifications are enabled. Also check Settings > Battery > SubSorted and disable any aggressive optimisation.
Open the app occasionally
On some devices, apps that haven't been opened recently may have their background permissions reduced. Opening SubSorted once a week is enough to keep everything running smoothly. Your subscription list is always there, so a quick check takes seconds.
It's not the end of the world
Missing a reminder is frustrating, but it's recoverable. Most subscriptions can be cancelled within the new billing period, many providers will refund if you ask, and SubSorted will keep reminding you for the next cycle.
The best thing you can do is adjust your settings now so it doesn't happen again. A few extra days of lead time and the right notification permissions go a long way.