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Check a Terms of Service Agreement

Paste a section of any app or website's terms and see what you are agreeing to in plain English — then use the checklist below to find the clauses that matter most.

Last reviewed October 2026 · Focused on US law

The short version: Clicking "I agree" usually creates a binding contract, as long as the terms were reasonably presented to you. Five sections matter most: what the company can do with your content, account termination, limits on what it owes you, arbitration and class action waivers, and how the terms can change. Consumer protections vary a lot by country and state.

A quick first read, not legal advice. For a real dispute, talk to a consumer protection agency or a lawyer where you live.

What to Check in Any Terms of Service

You do not need to read every word. Search for these sections first:

1. What they can do with your content

Look for a "license" to your uploads. You usually keep ownership, but the license can range from just running the service to much broader uses, sometimes including improving the company's products. Check whether it ends when you delete your content or account.

2. When they can close your account

Many terms let a company suspend or close accounts, sometimes without warning. If your business or income depends on a platform, keep your own backups. In the EU, large platforms generally have to explain account restrictions and offer a way to appeal.

3. Limits on what they owe you

A "limitation of liability" clause caps what the company pays if something goes wrong, often at what you paid it. These caps often do not apply to gross negligence and cannot override many consumer protection and data breach laws.

4. Arbitration and class action waivers

These clauses can send disputes to private arbitration instead of court and stop you from joining group lawsuits. Look for a small claims court option and any opt-out window, which you may need to use within a set number of days.

5. How the terms can change, and how to cancel

Check how you will be told about changes and how to cancel any subscription. Many US states have automatic renewal laws, and the UK and EU have their own consumer protections.

Quick Tips

  • Use your browser's find feature to jump to words like "license," "arbitration," "terminate," and "renew."
  • Check the separate Privacy Policy for how your personal data is used and shared.
  • Save a copy of the terms you agreed to, especially for services you pay for.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Is clicking I agree legally binding?

Usually, yes. Courts often enforce online terms when they were reasonably presented to you and you agreed to them, even if you never read them.

Can a company change its terms whenever it wants?

Many terms allow updates, and courts often enforce changes when users were given reasonable notice, such as an email or a clear in-app notice. Changes made without any real notice are much less certain, and UK and EU consumer law can treat one-sided change clauses as unfair.

Do I have to use arbitration instead of going to court?

In the US, arbitration clauses in consumer terms are often enforceable, but many still allow small claims court, and some offer a short window to opt out in writing. Outside the US, consumers often have stronger protections.

Can SimpleClause tell me whether a term is enforceable?

SimpleClause gives you a quick plain-English first read of what a section says and what to look at more closely. It is not legal advice.