GoodNotes does not offer a way to convert an active subscription into a one-time payment

If you have a GoodNotes+ subscription, you cannot change it to a one-time purchase through your account settings. The subscription and the one-time purchase are two separate products with different pricing models, and GoodNotes does not provide a conversion path between them.

Your options are to keep your subscription, cancel it and buy the one-time version separately, or wait until your subscription renews and switch at that point. The one-time purchase is cheaper over time if you plan to use GoodNotes for more than a year or two, but it does not include future updates the way a subscription does.

Key Takeaways

  • GoodNotes+ subscription and the one-time purchase are separate products with no built-in conversion option.
  • Canceling your subscription does not refund what you have already paid, but stops future charges when ready.
  • You can buy the one-time version on the same Apple account while keeping an active subscription, though you will be paying for both.
  • The one-time purchase works on all your Apple devices if they share the same Apple ID, just like the subscription does.
  • If you want to switch without paying twice, wait until your next renewal date, cancel before it charges, then buy the one-time version.

How to cancel your GoodNotes+ subscription

On an iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app, tap your name at the top, then tap Subscriptions. Find GoodNotes+ in the list and tap it. Tap Cancel Subscription, then confirm. The cancellation takes effect when ready, but you keep access to GoodNotes+ until your current billing period ends.

On a Mac, open System Settings, click your name in the sidebar, then click Subscriptions. Find GoodNotes+ and click the minus button to cancel. Again, you keep access through the end of your current billing period.

If you cancel before your renewal date, you will not be charged again. Write down your renewal date before you cancel so you know when your access will end.

Buying the one-time purchase after canceling

Once you have canceled, open the App Store on any of your Apple devices. Search for GoodNotes and tap the app. You will see a price listed (not "Get" or a cloud icon) — that is the one-time purchase option. Tap the price, then tap Buy with Face ID or Touch ID to complete the purchase.

The one-time purchase is tied to your Apple ID, so it will appear on all devices signed in with that ID. You do not need to buy it separately for each device.

What you lose and keep when switching

The GoodNotes+ subscription includes access to templates, shapes, and other features that are updated regularly. The one-time purchase gives you the core app and the features available at the time you buy it, but you do not receive future updates to those premium features.

Both versions let you create, edit, and organize notes. Both sync across your devices through iCloud. The main difference is that the subscription model means GoodNotes can add new tools and templates over time, and you get them automatically. With the one-time purchase, you keep what you bought, but new features released after your purchase date are not included.

Timing your switch to avoid paying twice

If you want to avoid paying for both the subscription and the one-time purchase at the same time, plan your cancellation around your renewal date. Check your next billing date in Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions > GoodNotes+. Cancel a day or two before that date, then buy the one-time version after the cancellation is confirmed.

This approach costs you nothing extra — you straightforward replace one payment method with another. If you cancel and then when ready buy the one-time version on the same day, you will briefly have both active, but the subscription will stop charging after your current period ends.

If you want to keep the subscription instead

There is no reason to switch if the regular updates and new templates matter to you. The subscription is designed for people who want GoodNotes to improve over time without having to buy a new version. If you are happy with it, you can keep paying the subscription fee and ignore the one-time option entirely.

Some people find the one-time purchase makes sense if they use GoodNotes only occasionally or if they prefer to own a static version rather than pay ongoing fees. Others prefer the subscription because they want the latest features. The choice depends on how you use the app and what matters to your workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I cancel my subscription?

Apple's refund policy for subscriptions is strict. If you cancel within a few days of being charged, you may be able to request a refund through the App Store. After that window closes, cancellation stops future charges but does not refund what you have already paid. Contact Apple Support if you believe you have a case for a refund.

Will my notes disappear if I switch from subscription to one-time purchase?

No. Your notes are stored in iCloud and tied to your Apple ID, not to whether you have a subscription or one-time purchase. Switching payment models does not affect your notes or your ability to access them.

Can I use the one-time purchase on my iPad and iPhone at the same time?

Yes. Any Apple device signed in with your Apple ID will have access to the one-time purchase. You buy it once and use it everywhere on that account.

What happens to my subscription if I do not cancel it?

It will continue to charge you on your renewal date every month or year, depending on which plan you chose. You will keep access to all subscription features as long as you keep paying. Canceling is the only way to stop the charges.