How to Cancel AutoPay: Step-by-Step Guide for GPay, PhonePe, UPI AutoPay, and Recurring Payments

AutoPay makes recurring payments convenient by automatically paying bills, subscriptions, EMIs, insurance premiums, and other recurring charges without requiring manual approval every time. While this saves time, it can also result in unexpected deductions if you forget about an active subscription or no longer use a service.

Whether you want to stop a UPI AutoPay mandate, cancel recurring payments in Google Pay (GPay) or PhonePe, or disable automatic card payments, this guide explains the process step by step. You’ll also learn what happens after cancelling AutoPay, why charges may continue in some cases, and how to verify that a mandate has been successfully revoked.

What is AutoPay?

AutoPay is a recurring payment feature that allows a merchant or service provider to automatically collect payments from your approved payment method after you authorize a payment mandate.

Depending on how the payment is set up, the payment method can be:

• UPI ID
• Bank account
• Credit card
• Debit card
• Wallet (for supported services)

For UPI payments, this authorization is called a UPI AutoPay mandate. Once approved, future payments are automatically deducted according to the amount and frequency you agreed to while creating the mandate. It helps users avoid missed payments while giving merchants a reliable way to collect recurring charges.

Common Uses of AutoPay

AutoPay is commonly used for:

• OTT subscriptions (Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, etc.)
• Utility bill payments
• Mobile and DTH recharges
• Insurance premium payments
• Loan EMI collections
• SIP investments
• Gym and club memberships
• SaaS subscriptions
• Music and video streaming services
• Cloud storage subscriptions
• Digital service renewals

Although AutoPay is convenient, you should regularly review active mandates and remove those you no longer need.

Why People Cancel AutoPay

Users usually disable AutoPay for one or more of the following reasons:

• They no longer use the subscription.
• A free trial is about to end.
• They have switched to another payment method.
• The subscription has become too expensive.
• They want better control over monthly expenses.
• They changed their bank account or UPI app.
• They noticed duplicate or unexpected recurring charges.
• They want to prevent accidental renewals.

Knowing why you’re cancelling also helps determine whether you only need to revoke the payment mandate or cancel the subscription itself.

How to Cancel AutoPay

In most cases, cancelling AutoPay takes only a few minutes. The exact steps may differ depending on the app, but the overall process remains similar.

Steps to Cancel AutoPay

1. Open the app where the recurring payment was originally set up.
2. Go to Profile, Settings, Payments, or Manage Payments.
3. Open the AutoPay, Mandates, Subscriptions, or Recurring Payments section.
4. Select the active mandate you want to cancel.
5. Tap Cancel, Revoke, Disable, or Stop AutoPay.
6. Confirm using your UPI PIN, app PIN, or biometric authentication.

Once the cancellation is successful, future automatic debits under that mandate should stop.

Important: Cancelling an AutoPay mandate only prevents future payments. It does not automatically refund payments that have already been processed or cancel your subscription with the merchant.

How to Cancel AutoPay in Google Pay (GPay)

If you created a UPI AutoPay mandate using Google Pay, you can revoke it directly from the app.

Steps to Cancel AutoPay in Google Pay

1. Open the Google Pay app.
2. Tap your profile picture.
3. Open Payments, AutoPay, or Mandates (the menu may vary depending on the app version).
4. Select the merchant or recurring payment you want to cancel.
5. Tap Cancel or Revoke Mandate.
6. Confirm using your UPI PIN.

After confirmation, future recurring debits linked to that mandate should stop.

If You Can’t Find the AutoPay in Google Pay

If the recurring payment isn’t visible:

• Check whether the mandate was created using another UPI app such as PhonePe or Paytm.
• Make sure you’re signed in with the correct Google account.
• Update Google Pay to the latest version.
• Check if the subscription is managed directly by the merchant instead of Google Pay.
• Contact the merchant if the mandate is still active but doesn’t appear in the app.

Also read: GPay Transaction Limit Per Day

How to Cancel AutoPay in PhonePe

PhonePe also lets users manage and revoke active UPI AutoPay mandates directly within the app.

Steps to Cancel AutoPay in PhonePe

1. Open the PhonePe app.
2. Tap your profile.
3. Go to Payments, Manage Payments, or Settings.
4. Open the AutoPay or Mandates section.
5. Select the recurring payment you want to stop.
6. Tap Cancel, Disable, or Revoke.
7. Confirm using your UPI PIN.

Once the mandate is cancelled successfully, it should no longer appear as an active AutoPay instruction.

AutoPay Still Active in PhonePe?

If recurring payments continue after cancellation:

• Verify that the mandate status shows Cancelled.
• Check whether the merchant requires separate subscription cancellation.
• Wait until the current billing cycle ends if the next debit was already scheduled.
• Contact PhonePe support if the mandate status doesn’t update after some time.

Note: The exact navigation may differ slightly depending on whether you’re using Android or iPhone and the version of the app installed. If you’re unable to locate the AutoPay section, update the app or contact customer support for assistance.

Also read: PhonePe Transaction Limit Per Day

How to Cancel a UPI AutoPay Mandate

A UPI AutoPay mandate can usually be cancelled from the same UPI app where you originally approved it. This may include Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, or your bank’s UPI app.

If you’re unsure which app was used to create the mandate, check each UPI app’s Mandates or AutoPay section to locate the active instruction.

Steps to Cancel a UPI AutoPay Mandate

1. Open the UPI app where the mandate was created.
2. Go to Profile, Settings, or Manage Payments.
3. Open AutoPay, Mandates, or Subscriptions.
4. Select the active mandate you want to cancel.
5. Tap Revoke, Cancel, or Disable.
6. Confirm using your UPI PIN.

Once the mandate is revoked, future recurring payments under that authorization should stop.

Note: Some merchants, especially lenders, investment platforms, and subscription services, may also require you to cancel the subscription or service separately. Revoking the UPI mandate alone may not terminate your agreement with the merchant.

How to Cancel Recurring Payments from a Merchant Website or App

Not every recurring payment is controlled through your payment app. Many merchants manage subscriptions directly through their own website or mobile application.

This is common for:

• Netflix
• Amazon Prime Video
• Disney+ Hotstar
• Spotify
• YouTube Premium
• Google One
• Microsoft 365
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• ChatGPT Plus
• Other SaaS and digital subscriptions

In these cases, cancelling the UPI mandate or card authorization alone may not end the subscription. The merchant may simply ask you to add another payment method or continue attempting future collections.

Steps to Cancel a Merchant Subscription

1. Sign in to your account on the merchant’s website or app.
2. Go to Account, Billing, Membership, or Subscription Settings.
3. Open your active subscription.
4. Select Cancel Subscription, Turn Off Auto-Renew, or a similar option.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Save the cancellation confirmation email or screenshot.

Important: Always cancel the subscription first if possible, and then revoke the payment mandate. This helps avoid billing disputes later.

How to Stop Recurring Payments on a Credit Card or Debit Card

If recurring payments are linked to your credit card or debit card instead of UPI, you’ll usually need to contact both the merchant and, if required, your bank.

Steps to Stop Card-Based Recurring Payments

1. Contact the merchant and request cancellation of recurring billing.
2. Ask for written confirmation by email or SMS.
3. Verify that your subscription has been cancelled.
4. If charges continue, contact your card issuer or bank.
5. Request that future recurring transactions under that authorization be blocked.

If the merchant continues to debit your card after cancellation, keep copies of your cancellation confirmation and contact your bank to raise a payment dispute.

How to Stop Automatic Payments from Your Bank Account

Some recurring payments are deducted directly from your bank account through standing instructions or other debit arrangements instead of UPI.

In these situations, you may need to contact both the merchant and your bank.

Steps to Stop Automatic Bank Account Payments

1. Contact the company collecting the payment.
2. Request cancellation of the recurring billing arrangement.
3. Ask for written confirmation.
4. Contact your bank if deductions continue.
5. Request revocation of the authorization or a stop-payment instruction, if available.
6. Monitor your bank account for future debits.

This approach is commonly required for insurance premiums, loan repayments, utility bills, and other direct debit arrangements.

What Happens After Cancelling AutoPay?

After you cancel an AutoPay mandate, future automatic debits under that specific authorization should stop.

However, cancelling AutoPay does not automatically:

• Refund payments that have already been processed.
• Reverse the current billing cycle.
• Cancel your subscription with the merchant.
• Delete previous transaction history.
• Close your merchant account.

For example, if your monthly subscription renews on the 1st of every month and you cancel AutoPay on the 10th, you’ll usually continue to enjoy the service until the current billing period ends.

Why Is AutoPay Still Active After Cancellation?

Sometimes users believe they have successfully cancelled AutoPay but continue to see recurring charges.

This can happen for several reasons.

Common Reasons

• The mandate was cancelled in the wrong payment app.
• The merchant subscription is still active.
• The next payment had already been scheduled before cancellation.
• The recurring payment is linked to a credit or debit card instead of UPI.
• The cancellation request is still being processed.
• The merchant requires separate cancellation through its website or app.
• The mandate status has not yet been updated.

If money continues to be deducted after you’ve completed all cancellation steps, contact the merchant first. If the issue isn’t resolved, reach out to your bank or payment service provider and raise a dispute.

AutoPay Not Stopping? Try This Checklist

If recurring payments continue after cancellation, follow this checklist:

✅ Confirm the mandate status is marked as Cancelled.

✅ Verify that the subscription has also been cancelled on the merchant’s website or app.

✅ Check whether the payment was linked to UPI, a debit card, or a credit card.

✅ Wait until the current billing cycle ends if the next debit had already been initiated.

✅ Keep screenshots and cancellation confirmation emails.

✅ Contact the merchant’s customer support.

✅ If unauthorized deductions continue, contact your bank or payment provider and raise a complaint.

Following these steps usually resolves most recurring payment issues.

How to Verify Active AutoPay Mandates

Before cancelling AutoPay, it’s a good idea to check which mandates are currently active.

Most payment apps provide a dedicated section where you can review all approved recurring payment instructions.

Steps to Check Active Mandates

1. Open the payment app you normally use.
2. Go to Profile, Settings, or Manage Payments.
3. Open AutoPay, Mandates, or Subscriptions.
4. Review the list of active recurring payment mandates.
5. Select any mandate to view details such as the merchant name, payment frequency, next debit date, and current status.

If you regularly use multiple UPI apps, review each one periodically. Many users forget which app was originally used to create a mandate, resulting in unused payment authorizations remaining active.

How to Cancel AutoPay Based on Payment Type

The steps for cancelling AutoPay depend on how the recurring payment was originally set up. The table below provides a quick overview.

Payment Type	Where to Cancel	Need to Cancel with Merchant?	Bank Support Required?
UPI AutoPay	The UPI app where the mandate was created (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, etc.)	Sometimes	Usually No
Google Pay AutoPay	Google Pay app	Sometimes	No
PhonePe AutoPay	PhonePe app	Sometimes	No
Paytm AutoPay	Paytm app	Sometimes	No
BHIM AutoPay	BHIM app	Sometimes	No
OTT or App Subscription	Merchant website or app	Yes	No
Credit Card Recurring Payment	Merchant first, then card issuer if required	Yes	Sometimes
Debit Card Recurring Payment	Merchant first, then bank if required	Yes	Sometimes
Bank Account Auto Debit	Merchant and bank	Yes	Yes

Tip: If you’re unsure where the recurring payment was created, check all the payment apps you use. Many users have mandates spread across multiple UPI apps without realizing it.

Things to Check Before Cancelling AutoPay

Before revoking an AutoPay mandate, make sure you understand how it could affect your subscription or service.

Check Your Next Billing Date

If your next payment is due within the next few hours or days, the debit may already have been scheduled. Cancelling the mandate might only stop future billing cycles.

Review the Merchant’s Cancellation Policy

Some merchants require advance notice before cancellation or may have minimum subscription periods.

Verify Whether a Lock-in Period Applies

Certain services, such as insurance policies, investment plans, or business software subscriptions, may include contractual commitments. Cancelling AutoPay does not always terminate these agreements.

Save Proof of Cancellation

After cancelling, keep:

• Screenshots of the confirmation page
• Confirmation emails
• SMS notifications
• Support ticket numbers

These records can help if you need to dispute a future charge.

Monitor Your Payment Method

Check your bank account, card statement, or UPI transaction history during the next billing cycle to ensure no further deductions are made.

When You Should Not Cancel AutoPay

Although cancelling AutoPay can prevent unwanted recurring charges, there are situations where you should proceed carefully.

Avoid cancelling AutoPay if it is linked to:

• Loan EMI payments
• Insurance premium payments
• SIP investments
• Credit card bill payments
• Utility services that may be disconnected for non-payment

Missing these payments could result in late fees, penalties, service interruptions, or impact your credit history. If you still want to cancel AutoPay, make sure you’ve arranged another payment method before the next due date.

Best Practices for Managing AutoPay

Whether you use UPI, cards, or bank accounts for recurring payments, following a few simple practices can help you avoid unexpected deductions.

• Review your active mandates every few months.
• Cancel subscriptions you no longer use.
• Read renewal terms before starting free trials.
• Enable payment notifications and transaction alerts.
• Use separate payment methods for business and personal subscriptions.
• Keep your mobile number and email address updated to receive mandate notifications.
• Regularly review your bank and card statements for unfamiliar recurring charges.

A few minutes of periodic review can help you stay in control of your recurring payments.

Also read: List of Top Subscription Management Software

Conclusion

AutoPay is a convenient way to manage recurring payments for subscriptions, bills, insurance premiums, and other regular expenses. However, it’s equally important to review your active mandates and cancel those you no longer need.

In most cases, you can revoke an AutoPay mandate directly from the payment app where it was created, such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, or BHIM. If the recurring payment is managed by the merchant, you’ll also need to cancel the subscription through the merchant’s website or app.

After cancelling, keep a copy of the confirmation, monitor your account during the next billing cycle, and contact the merchant or your bank if unexpected deductions continue. Taking these steps can help prevent unnecessary charges and ensure your recurring payments remain under your control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AutoPay?

AutoPay is a recurring payment feature that allows approved payments to be deducted automatically from your chosen payment method, such as a UPI account, bank account, credit card, or debit card. It is commonly used for subscriptions, utility bills, insurance premiums, and loan repayments.

How do I cancel AutoPay in Google Pay (GPay)?

Open Google Pay, go to the AutoPay or Mandates section, select the active mandate, tap Cancel or Revoke, and confirm using your UPI PIN.

How do I cancel AutoPay in PhonePe?

Open PhonePe, navigate to Manage Payments or AutoPay, select the active recurring payment, and revoke the mandate after confirming with your UPI PIN.

How do I cancel a UPI AutoPay mandate?

Open the UPI app where the mandate was originally created, go to Mandates or AutoPay, select the active instruction, and revoke it.

Can I stop recurring payments from my credit card?

Yes. Start by cancelling the subscription with the merchant. If charges continue, contact your bank or card issuer to block future recurring transactions or raise a dispute if necessary.

Why is AutoPay still active after I cancelled it?

There could be several reasons:

• The payment had already been scheduled.
• The merchant subscription is still active.
• The mandate was cancelled in the wrong payment app.
• The cancellation request is still being processed.
• The recurring payment is linked to a card rather than UPI.

Always check both the payment app and the merchant account before assuming the cancellation has failed.

Will I receive a refund after cancelling AutoPay?

No. Cancelling AutoPay only stops future recurring payments. It does not automatically refund payments that have already been processed. Refund eligibility depends on the merchant’s cancellation and refund policy.

How long does it take for an AutoPay cancellation to take effect?

In most cases, the mandate status is updated immediately or within a few minutes. However, if the next payment was already scheduled before cancellation, that debit may still be processed.

Can I enable AutoPay again later?

Yes. If you want to resume automatic payments, you’ll usually need to create a new AutoPay mandate or authorize recurring billing again through the merchant or payment app.

Is UPI AutoPay safe?

Yes. UPI AutoPay is designed for secure recurring payments and requires user authorization before a mandate is created. To stay protected, review your active mandates regularly and revoke any that you no longer use.

What should I do if a merchant continues charging me after cancellation?

First, verify that both the payment mandate and the subscription have been cancelled. If charges continue, contact the merchant’s customer support. If the issue remains unresolved, raise a dispute with your bank, card issuer, or payment service provider and provide your cancellation confirmation as evidence.

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