FAQs
When will the content on SCMP.com be free to access?
The paywall on SCMP.com was removed on 5 April 2016 and content on SCMP.com is now free to consume without the need to subscribe.
Why did SCMP remove the paywall? Why did you make the digital content free?
The removal of the paywall is part of Alibaba Group Vice Chairman Joe Tsai’s vision of the company moving forward. In his op-ed to readers in the SCMP on 11 Dec 2015, he said:
“Our vision [for SCMP] is to grow the readership globally. We believe we can do this because the SCMP, from its base in Hong Kong, is uniquely positioned to report on China with objectivity, depth and insight, a proposition that is in high demand by readers around the English-speaking world who care to better understand the world’s second-largest economy. To help achieve our vision, we plan to make the SCMP more readily available.”
Removing the paywall is the first step towards realizing this vision, together with investing in the newsroom, and making our news reading experience even better – as seen in the launch of our version 3 SCMP News App available for download on all app stores. This app, together with all our digital platforms will be free to access without limitations.
Will there be new features on SCMP.com?
We always strive to enhance our digital user experience as well as adding new features and functionality as we strive to bring readers the best possible news reading experience across all of our platforms. For example, we have just rolled out our enhanced native app which gives a better user experience.
Will all content be free on SCMP.com?
SCMP.com readers will have free access to all our articles, videos, photo galleries and infographic content across all of our digital platforms. Some features will be paid for premium services, these include access to the SCMP ePaper edition as well as access to our historical archive which contains SCMP content from 1903 to 1997.
Do I have to login after the SCMP.com paywall is removed?
No. You will be able to access SCMP.com’s news and analysis without the need to log in. However, if you wish to take advantage of SCMP’s value-added services such as commenting on articles then you will need to log in using an existing account or create a new account for free.
I am a SCMP.com subscriber. Am I entitled to a refund and if what is the process?
Firstly we would like to thank you for your loyalty and patronage.
We understand that individual subscribers will have different payment methods and amounts to be refunded, so our Customer Service teams are ready to help subscribers on an individual basis.
All SCMP.com subscribers with subscription end dates after 5-Apr-2016 will get a prorated refund on the remaining portion of their SCMP.com subscription. The refund calculation is based on the remaining subscription period and net package rate.
Each eligible subscriber will be contacted on or shortly after 5-April-2016 in relation to refund arrangements and options. All refunds will be processed according to the last payment channel used for the last purchase only. Please note refund may take up to 3 months to complete.
Why do I have to pay for the South China Morning Post print edition when all content on SCMP.com is free? Is the South China Morning Post print newspaper going to be free as well?
The broadsheet print version of the SCMP has many loyal readers, who value and enjoy reading the print edition. They consider this a different reading experience which they enjoy, when compared to a digital device. These readers continue to enjoy reading a physical newspaper and it is important that we respect their preference and maintain the print broadsheet.
The print newspaper also comes with regular supplements such as the popular Post Magazine, Good Eating, STYLE and Home Essentials, and lifestyle compendiums XXIV (luxury wristwatches magazine) & LUXE Homes, plus other periodicals that cover serviced apartment trends, MICE business events and business services directories.
Does SCMP.com have content not found in the South China Morning Post print edition?
Yes. SCMP.com serves to enhance its articles with helpful and relevant background information, related article links, reports and studies, blogs, polls, galleries; and multimedia content.
How often is the content of SCMP.com updated?
SCMP.com updates content on the site around the clock, 7 days a week.
How do I access RSS news feeds?
RSS (or Really Simple Syndication) provides a convenient way for you to receive regular content "feeds" of the latest news and information headlines from SCMP.com. You can subscribe to SCMP.com news feeds using an RSS reader or a browser that supports RSS feeds. Simply visit our RSS Services page and click on the RSS icon to add this feed to your feed reader. When you subscribe to an RSS feed, new stories and updates are automatically delivered to your browser or RSS reader the moment they are published.
How will you treat my personal data?
Do I have free access anywhere?
The South China Morning Post is free to read on all digital devices including desktops, tablets and mobile phones, and across all geographies.
I’m a Racing Post digital subscriber, do I get a refund? Is racing.scmp.com going to be free as well?
Racing Post digital subscription will continue to remain subscription-based. Since SCMP digital is complimentary with the racingpost.com subscription, there is no refund on the SCMP digital portion.
What is the SCMP Mobile Edition?
The SCMP Mobile Edition is a native app purposed-built for iPhone, Android and Windows mobile phones which allows users to quickly and easily access the latest news, breaking stories, trending articles as well as our 20 year archive from SCMP.com.
Do I have to login after the SCMP.com paywall is removed?
No. You will be able to access SCMP.com’s news and analysis without logging in. However, if you wish to take advantage of SCMP’s value-added services such as commenting on articles then you will need to log in using an existing account or create a new account for free.
What are the main features on the SCMP Mobile/Tablet app?
The app delivers you the Latest News from Hong Kong, China, Asia and World plus Business, Lifestyle, Sport, Property and Magazines content including Post Magazine and Style Magazine. The app also gives you access to the hottest trending stories from the South China Morning Post where you can filter your news based on Most Viewed, Most Commented or Most Shared. Readers can comment on articles, personalise their menu and save their favourite articles for reading at a later date. The app also providers readers with a quick and easy way to access articles from our SCMP.com 20 year archive.
How much does the SCMP Mobile/Tablet cost?
The app is completely free to download for all smartphones including iPhone, Android and Windows mobile. SCMP digital content is free to access.
I have a SCMP Print subscription, will this entitle me to free access to the SCMP Mobile/Tablet app?
SCMP digital content is free and you can access it across all platforms.
What devices does the app work on?
The iPhone application is designed specifically to work on all Apple iPhones 5S, 5C, 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, 7, 7 Plus as well as on iPad Air (1st Gen and 2nd Gen), iPad Mini (3rd Gen and 4th Gen), iPad Pro as long as your iOS is 8 or above. The Android application has been designed to work on Samsung Galaxy (S6, S6 edge, S5, Note 5, Note 4), HTC One (M8 and M9), Sony Xperia (M4 Aqua, M5, Z5, Z3+), Motorola Nexus 6, LG (Nexus 5, G Pro 2, G4) running on Android 4.4 or later, 5.x or 6.x.
How can I download the app?
iOS: On your iPhone or iPad use your iTunes account details to log in to the App Store, search for 'South China Morning Post' or ‘SCMP’, find the app and download it directly to your device. On your computer use your account details to log in to the iTunes store, search for 'South China Morning Post' or ‘SCMP’, find the app and download the app to iTunes. You can then sync the app with your iPhone.
Android: Use your account details to log in to the App Store, search for 'South China Morning Post' or ‘SCMP’, find the app and download the app directly to your device.
How do I remove the application from my phone or iPad?
To remove the app, follow the same procedure that you use for any other iPhone or Android applications. Press and hold the SCMP Mobile Edition icon on your homescreen until it begins to wobble. Press the "X" in the corner of the icon and then tap delete to remove the icon. You can also remove the icon directly via iTunes. If you are using an Android Phone, Navigate to Menu > Settings > Applications > Manage applications, then scroll through the list of apps to find ‘SCMP Mobile Edition’ and tap to uninstall.
Do I have to be online to read the content?
Yes, you will need an internet connection in order to use the app so it can pull in the latest news and articles. You can save articles to read off-line. Please note that in some cases images in articles saved for offline reading may not display.
I cannot find the content I am looking for?
If you are looking for an article that you cannot find in the app, then you can take advantage of our 20 year archive by opening the app menu and tapping the search icon.
What should I do if my SCMP mobile app isn’t working?
You might be using an older version of SCMP mobile app. Please download our all-new mobile app from Google Play or iTunes, depending on your mobile phone’s operation system.
Do I have to register to read on SCMP.com?
No you do not need to register in order to read news and features on SCMP.com.
However, if you wish to take advantage of SCMP’s value-added services such as commenting on articles then you will need to log in using an existing account or create a new account for free. To enjoy our value-adding features, you will need to register and complete the Online Registration Form. This form requests only general personal information.
What does SCMP.com do with all my personal data after I register online?
All personal and confidential information is stored on a restricted server. This information can help us offer a more customized reading experience to you. User-account details are purged upon customer request.
Where can I find my Customer ID No. or Newspaper Subscription No. for my Print/ePaper Subscriptions?
Alternatively, please go to “My Account” on scmp.com and get the information from the Account page.
How can I update my account or verify my print/ePaper subscriptions?
All subscribers should have their own accounts. Please login to “My Account” on scmp.com and you will be able to update your personal information and change your e-newsletter and mobile options.
I have forgotten my password and/or username. What should I do?
I have registered, and I know my login and password. But when I log in, my password is not accepted. What is wrong?
We suspect your browser is unable or has not been activated to accept cookies. If you are using the office computer, we suggest you contact your IT administrator. If you are using your home computer, you can check or adjust your browser preferences as instructed below.
For Internet Explorer:
From the menu bar, click on "Tools"; and select "Internet Options". Click on "Privacy" tab (the third tab). then click on "Advanced" button. In the pop-up, cehck the boxes for "Override automatic cookie handling" "Accept Third-party cookies", and "Always allow session cookies".
For Firefox:
From the menu bar, click on "Tools" and select "Options". Click on "Privacy" and check "Accept cookies from sites", and click "OK". Your browser will now be able to accept cookies.
For Chrome:
Click the “Tools” menu and select “Options”. Click the “Under the Hood” tab and then “Content settings” which is under the “Privacy” section. Select “Allow local data to be set”. Your browser will now be able to accept cookies.
Do I have to log in every time I visit SCMP.com?
No. You only need to log in if you wish to update your profile or access some of our value added services such as commenting on an article.
If I log on to SCMP.com on different computers, how do I keep others from using my access?
To prevent others from using your access to SCMP.com, you need to log out after your visit. To do this, please use the “Logout” button on the navigation bar. Clicking this button will result in a complete log out of SCMP.com. Alternatively, close your browser. To access the site again, you will be required to enter your username and password in the login box on the navigation bar or login page.
What authentication measures does SCMP.com offer for logged on users?
All users must successfully enter their login and password. The logon and password is encrypted with SSL transmission. Incorrect username and/or password, or a failed login, will bring up an error page.
I am having problems accessing SCMP.com using my Mac. What do you recommend?
We recommend downloading the latest version of Firefox , Safari or Chrome to be able to access SCMP.com on the Macintosh platform.
How do I order photographs?
How do I request reprints of articles from the South China Morning Post?