Understanding Auto-Renewal & How to Disable It

Auto-renewal is a standard practice in subscription-based software services, designed to provide uninterrupted access to Link Whisper's features and ensure your WordPress site stays protected with the latest updates. This comprehensive guide explains how auto-renewal works, why it's important, and exactly how to disable it if you choose to do so.

What is Auto-Renewal?

Auto-renewal means that your Link Whisper subscription automatically continues and your payment method is charged at the end of each billing cycle without requiring manual action from you.

Why Auto-Renewal Exists:

Continuous Protection: Your WordPress site receives critical plugin updates, security patches, and compatibility fixes as soon as they're released.

Uninterrupted Service: You maintain access to premium features like AI-powered link suggestions, one-click link insertion, and comprehensive reporting tools.

Convenience: No need to remember renewal dates or manually reactivate your license each year.

Support Access: Your priority customer support access continues without interruption.

Link Whisper's Auto-Renewal Policy

To ensure your site continues to receive critical plugin updates, security patches, and premium support, Link Whisper subscriptions are set to automatically renew by default when you first purchase.

Key Details:

Billing Frequency: Most Link Whisper licenses are billed annually on the anniversary of your original purchase date. For example, if you purchased on March 15, 2025, your renewal will occur on March 15, 2026.

Billing Amount: You'll be charged the current renewal price for your license tier (Single Site, 3-Site, or 10-Site). Renewal prices may differ from promotional or first-time purchase prices.

Payment Method: The same credit card or payment method you used for the original purchase will be charged automatically.

Renewal Notice: You typically receive an email notification approximately 7-14 days before your renewal date, giving you time to cancel if desired.

What Happens If You Don't Renew:

If auto-renewal is disabled and you don't manually renew:

Loss of Premium Features: You lose access to the "One Click" link insertion features, AI-powered suggestions, and reporting updates. The plugin interface will show prompts to renew.

Existing Links Remain: All internal links you've already created using Link Whisper remain active on your site permanently. They are standard HTML links and don't depend on an active subscription.

Plugin Stays Installed: The Link Whisper plugin remains installed on your WordPress site, but premium functionality is disabled until you renew.

No Updates: You won't receive plugin updates, including security patches and WordPress compatibility updates.

Support Ends: Access to priority customer support is terminated.

How to Disable Auto-Renewal (Cancel Subscription)

In the Link Whisper system, "Canceling" your subscription is the action that disables auto-renewal. There is no separate "Pause" button or "Disable Auto-Renewal" option; you simply cancel the recurring billing profile.

Important Clarification:

Canceling does NOT mean:

• Your account is deleted

• Your license key is invalidated immediately

• Your existing links are removed

• You lose access instantly

Canceling DOES mean:

• Future automatic payments are stopped

• You retain access through your current billing period

• You can reactivate anytime

Method 1: The "My Account" Dashboard (Self-Service)

This is the quickest method if the self-service option is available in your account.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Log In: Navigate to LinkWhisper.com/my-account and enter your login credentials.

2. Navigate to Subscriptions: Click on the Subscriptions tab in the account menu.

3. Select Your Subscription: Locate and select your active subscription from the list. It should show a status like "Active" or "Current."

4. Cancel Option: Look for a "Cancel" button or "Cancel Subscription" link associated with your subscription.

5. Confirm Cancellation: Click the cancel button and confirm when prompted. The system may ask you to confirm your decision.

6. Confirmation: You should see a confirmation message on screen indicating that auto-renewal has been disabled.

Important Note:

If you do not see a direct cancel button in your account dashboard, this feature may not be enabled for your account type. Please use Method 2 below to ensure the billing is stopped immediately.

Method 2: Contact Support (Guaranteed Method)

For a guaranteed stop to future billing with confirmation, contacting our support team directly is the most reliable approach.

Why Use This Method:

• Works for all account types

• Provides written confirmation of cancellation

• Allows you to ask questions

• Ensures no technical issues prevent cancellation

• Usually processed within 24 hours

How to Contact Support:

Email: Send your request to support@linkwhisper.com

Subject Line: Use something clear like "Cancel Auto-Renewal - [Your Name or License Key]"

Action: Request to cancel your upcoming renewal or disable auto-renewal

Include: Your License Key (found in your account) or the Email Address used for purchase

Response Time: Our support team typically responds within 24 hours, often much faster during business hours.

Outcome:

Once processed, support will send you a confirmation email stating:

"We have gone ahead & cancelled your subscription. You will not be charged going forward."

Save this email as proof of your cancellation request and confirmation.

Cancel vs. Disable Auto-Renewal: What's the Difference?

Many users ask about the distinction between these terms. Here's the clarification:

In Link Whisper's System:

Functionally Identical: "Disabling Auto-Renewal" and "Canceling Subscription" mean the same thing in our system.

Both Actions:

• Stop future automatic payments

• Allow you to keep access through your current billing period

• Can be reversed by manually renewing later

• Don't delete your account or license key

Neither Action:

• Removes the plugin from your site

• Deletes your existing internal links

• Provides a refund for the current period (see Refund Policy for refund requests)

• Immediately terminates access (you keep access until period ends)

Deactivating a Site vs. Canceling Billing

Critical Distinction: These are two completely different actions that users sometimes confuse.

Deactivating a Site:

What It Does: Removes Link Whisper's activation from a specific WordPress website

Where to Do It: License Keys tab → Click "Deactivate" next to a site URL

Purpose: Frees up a "slot" in your license so you can use that license key on a different website URL

Does NOT: Stop billing, cancel subscription, or disable auto-renewal

Example Use Case: You're moving from example.com to newexample.com and want to transfer your license

Canceling Billing (Disabling Auto-Renewal):

What It Does: Stops future automatic payments for your subscription

Where to Do It: Subscriptions tab → Click "Cancel" OR contact support

Purpose: End your subscription and prevent future charges

Does NOT: Deactivate the plugin from your current sites (unless the billing period expires and isn't renewed)

Example Use Case: You no longer want to pay for Link Whisper and want to stop automatic renewal

Notifications and Confirmations

Understanding the emails you'll receive helps you track your subscription status:

Before Renewal:

Renewal Reminder: Sent approximately 7-14 days before your renewal date

What It Includes:

• Your renewal date

• Amount to be charged

• Link to cancel if desired

After Cancellation:

Cancellation Confirmation: Sent immediately after your cancellation is processed

What It Includes:

• Confirmation statement: "You will not be charged going forward"

• Date cancellation was processed

• Your access end date (end of current billing period)

• Instructions for reactivation if you change your mind

Tip:

Create a folder in your email for Link Whisper correspondence and save all confirmation emails for your records.

What Happens After Auto-Renewal is Disabled

Immediate Effects:

Billing Stops: No future charges will occur on your payment method

Access Continues: You retain full access to all premium features until the end of your current paid period

After Current Period Ends:

License Status: Changes from "Active" to "Expired"

Premium Features Locked: AI suggestions, one-click linking, and reports become unavailable

Plugin Still Works: You can still view your existing link structure, but can't create new suggestions

Links Stay Active: All previously created internal links remain permanently on your site

How to Re-Enable Auto-Renewal

Changed your mind? You can restart your subscription at any time.

If Still Within Billing Period:

Contact support@linkwhisper.com and request to re-enable auto-renewal before your current period expires.

If After Billing Period Expired:

1. Log in to LinkWhisper.com/my-account

2. Go to License Keys tab

3. Find your expired license

4. Click "Renew Now" or "View/Upgrade"

5. Complete the checkout process

Your license key remains the same - you're simply reactivating the same license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I get a reminder before I'm charged?

A: Yes! You'll typically receive an email 7-14 days before your renewal date.

Q: Can I change my billing date?

A: Not directly, but you can cancel and repurchase on your preferred date. Contact support for assistance.

Q: What if I want to switch to a monthly plan instead of annual?

A: Link Whisper currently only offers annual billing. You cannot switch to monthly.

Q: If I disable auto-renewal, can I still get updates?

A: Yes, until your current billing period ends. After that, updates stop.

Q: Does disabling auto-renewal affect my multiple sites differently?

A: No. If you have a 3-Site or 10-Site license, cancellation affects all sites under that license equally.

Need Help?

Our support team is here to help with any questions about auto-renewal:

Email: support@linkwhisper.com

Response Time: Usually within 24 hours, often faster during business hours

What to Include: Your license key or purchase email address for faster processing