---
title: "Cancel and reactivate a subscription"
description: "How your customers can cancel and resume their subscription from their PrestaShop customer area"
url: https://www.ciklik.academy/en/prestashop/gestion-abonnes-prestashop/resilier-et-reactiver-un-abonnement/
lang: en
lastUpdated: 2026-10-09
---

# Cancel and reactivate a subscription

> PrestaShop
>
> This page applies to PrestaShop stores using the Ciklik module. Running a Ciklik box store? [See the box path](https://www.ciklik.academy/en/demarrage/bienvenue-chez-ciklik/).

> Tip
>
> From their customer area, a subscriber can **cancel and resume** their subscription. This guide details the different behaviors depending on the context.

## Cancelling a subscription

When the customer cancels their subscription:

- The subscription switches to **inactive** status
- They will **not be charged** at the next due date
- Access to the product/service remains active until the `end_date` (expiration date)

## Reactivating a subscription

When the customer clicks on **“Resume”** to reactivate a deactivated subscription, the behavior depends on the billing cycle.

### Case 1: Reactivation during the paid period

**Condition**: The subscription’s expiration date (`end_date`) is **in the future**.

**Behavior:**

- The subscription switches to **active** status
- **No order is generated**
- **No charge is made**
- The customer keeps their initial renewal date (`end_date + 1 day`)

**Example:**

```
Subscription started on January 1st
end_date = January 31st
Customer cancels on January 15th
Customer reactivates on January 20th (end_date still in the future)
→ No new order
→ Next charge: February 1st
```

### Case 2: Reactivation after the paid period has expired

**Condition**: The subscription’s expiration date (`end_date`) is **in the past**.

**Behavior:**

- The subscription switches to **active** status
- **A new order is automatically generated**
- **A charge is made immediately**
- The reactivation date becomes the new anniversary date

**Example:**

```
Subscription started on January 1st
end_date = January 31st
Customer cancels on January 15th
Customer reactivates on March 15th (end_date has passed)
→ Order generated immediately
→ Charge attempted on March 15th
→ Next due date: April 15th
```

## Transaction result at reactivation

### Successful transaction

- The order is **pushed to PrestaShop**
- It appears as a regular order
- The `end_date` is updated
- The next payment date is scheduled

### Failed transaction

- **No order is pushed to PrestaShop**
- The subscription remains active
- The next payment date is still scheduled (current date + frequency interval)
- The [payment retry system](https://www.ciklik.academy/en/paiements/tentatives-de-prelevements-rebill/) takes over

> Note
>
> Regardless of the transaction status, the next payment date is scheduled at: `reactivation date + subscription frequency interval`.

## Important note for PrestaShop integrators

> Automatic order at reactivation
>
> When an expired subscription is reactivated, an **order is automatically generated** in PrestaShop.
>
> If your business logic triggers actions on new orders (webhooks, notifications, customer group changes, etc.), this automatic order will be processed the same way as a regular order.

### Scenarios to anticipate

| Action on PrestaShop side  | Impact of reactivation order |
| -------------------------- | ---------------------------- |
| Sending confirmation email | Email sent to customer       |
| Customer group change      | Customer added to group      |
| Webhook to external system | Webhook triggered            |
| Stock update               | Stock decremented            |

### UX recommendation

> Best practice
>
> Add a message on the PrestaShop customer interface (via module override or hook) to **warn the customer** that resuming an expired subscription will trigger an immediate order with charge.
>
> Example message:
>
> > “Your subscription has expired. By reactivating it, you will be charged immediately to resume your subscription.”

## Understanding end_date vs next_billing

To properly understand reactivation behavior, it is important to distinguish these two dates:

| Field          | Meaning                                    |
| -------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| `end_date`     | Until what date the subscription is “paid” |
| `next_billing` | When the next charge will occur            |

See: [Understanding the end_date field of a subscription](https://www.ciklik.academy/en/prestashop/gestion-abonnes-ciklik/comprendre-le-champ-end-date/)

## FAQ

**Q: Can the customer reactivate their subscription from the PrestaShop customer area?**

Yes, if the module is correctly configured. The “Resume” button appears on inactive subscriptions in the “My subscriptions” section of the customer area.

**Q: What happens if the charge at reactivation fails multiple times?**

The configured payment retry scenario applies. After X failures, the subscription can be automatically cancelled according to your configuration. See [Automatic cancellation of unpaid subscriptions](https://www.ciklik.academy/en/prestashop/gestion-abonnes-ciklik/envoyer-un-lien-de-mise-a-jour-de-cb/#automatic-cancellation-of-unpaid-subscriptions).

**Q: Can I prevent automatic reactivation of expired subscriptions?**

No, this is the standard behavior. If you want a different flow, contact Ciklik support to discuss your use case.

**Q: Is the reactivation order identifiable in PrestaShop?**

Yes, in the “Messages” section of the PrestaShop order, you will find the Ciklik references that indicate whether it is an initial subscription, a renewal, or a reactivation.

## See also

[Modify the status of a subscription](https://www.ciklik.academy/en/prestashop/gestion-abonnes-ciklik/modifier-le-statut-d-un-abonnement/)

[Understanding the end_date field of a subscription](https://www.ciklik.academy/en/prestashop/gestion-abonnes-ciklik/comprendre-le-champ-end-date/)

[Subscribe and manage your subscription](https://www.ciklik.academy/en/prestashop/gestion-abonnes-prestashop/souscrire-et-gerer-son-abonnement/)

[Customize subscription renewals](https://www.ciklik.academy/en/prestashop/setup/personnaliser-les-renouvellement-des-abonnements/)