How to cancel your Storyblocks subscription in the UAE and protect your rights
Understanding Storyblocks and why you might cancel
Storyblocks is a subscription-based digital media library that grants you access to royalty-free stock footage, audio tracks, images, and creative templates. You download these assets for use in commercial and personal projects, with your subscription providing a commercial license for the paid period. The platform operates across multiple channels: the main website (storyblocks.com), the Apple App Store (for iOS users), and Google Play (for Android users).
Content creators, filmmakers, videographers, and digital marketers throughout the UAE rely on Storyblocks to accelerate their production workflows and meet tight deadlines. However, subscription costs accumulate quickly, and if your creative requirements have shifted, you've discovered alternative tools, or your project work has concluded, cancellation becomes a sensible financial decision. This guide walks you through every cancellation method, refund entitlements, and your consumer rights under UAE law. At Yafee, we believe you deserve complete clarity and control over your subscription commitments.
Common reasons to cancel Storyblocks
You might cancel because you've completed your creative project, switched to a competitor platform, or simply want to reduce monthly expenses. Perhaps you've discovered that free alternatives meet your production needs, your usage patterns have dropped significantly, or your budget has changed. Whatever your reason, cancelling promptly prevents unnecessary recurring charges and keeps your financial records organised.
How Storyblocks charges work in the UAE
Storyblocks operates subscription plans at varying price points depending on the assets and features you require. Your subscription terms and cancellation procedures differ slightly depending on your purchase channel. If you bought through storyblocks.com directly, you manage cancellation through your account dashboard. If you purchased via Apple App Store or Google Play, the respective app stores handle billing and cancellation. Yafee recommends checking your most recent billing statement to confirm your purchase channel before you proceed with cancellation.
Your consumer rights under UAE law
The UAE Consumer Protection Law (Federal Law No. 24 of 2006) establishes mandatory protections for all distance contracts, including digital subscriptions purchased online.
Your legal position
Under UAE consumer protection legislation, you have the right to cancel any distance contract-including Storyblocks-within 14 calendar days of purchase or from the date your subscription begins, whichever is earlier. This cooling-off period is mandatory and overrides any conflicting terms in Storyblocks' service agreement. During this 14-day window, you can cancel without penalty or additional cost. After the cooling-off period expires, Storyblocks' standard cancellation policy applies: typically, no prorated refunds for unused time in your current billing cycle. However, you retain the right to cancel at any time to prevent future charges.
Refunds during the 14-day cooling-off period
If you cancel within 14 days of your subscription start date, you are entitled to a full refund of all payments made. Storyblocks must process this refund within 14 days of receiving your written cancellation notice. This entitlement overrides any "non-refundable" language in their terms of service. Yafee advises documenting your cancellation request with a timestamp and keeping confirmation emails, as this becomes essential evidence if a dispute arises later.
Escalation if Storyblocks refuses to cancel
If Storyblocks declines your cancellation request, continues charging after you've requested cancellation, or fails to process a refund owed under the 14-day cooling-off period, you can escalate your complaint to the UAE Ministry of Economy (moec.gov.ae). The Ministry handles consumer disputes and enforces the Consumer Protection Law across all emirates. Retain all receipts, payment confirmations, email exchanges, and account screenshots as supporting evidence for any complaint.
How to cancel Storyblocks: step-by-step by platform
Your exact cancellation process depends on where you purchased your subscription and which payment method you used.
Cancel through the Storyblocks website (fastest method)
Cancelling directly through your Storyblocks account is the fastest and most straightforward route, giving you immediate control and a clear digital record of your cancellation request.
- Open a web browser and navigate to storyblocks.com
- Use the same email address associated with your paid subscription account
- If you are not already logged in, click the login button at the top of the page
- Click on your account icon or profile menu (typically in the top right corner)
- Select "Account," "Settings," or "Subscription" from the dropdown menu
- Look for a section labeled "Billing," "Subscription Plan," or "My Plan"
- Locate and click the "Cancel Subscription" or "Cancel Plan" button
- The system may ask you to confirm your reason for cancellation; select the most appropriate option
- Storyblocks may offer a discounted renewal or pause option; decline if you intend to cancel completely
- Review the cancellation summary and click "Confirm Cancellation"
- Note the exact date your subscription will end (usually the last day of your current billing cycle)
- Screenshot or print this confirmation page for your records
- You will receive a confirmation email at your registered address
- This email serves as your cancellation receipt; keep it indefinitely
- If you do not receive an email within 24 hours, contact Storyblocks support to verify
Cancel via email (documented method)
If you prefer a documented written record or cannot access your account online, you can cancel by email. This method creates a paper trail that proves your cancellation intent.
- Locate Storyblocks' official customer support email address
- Visit storyblocks.com and find the "Contact Us" or "Support" page
- Use only the official email address; do not rely on contact details from third-party websites
- Compose a clear cancellation email to support
- Subject line: "Cancellation Request for [Your Account Email Address]"
- Include your full name, account email, and subscription plan name (if known)
- State: "I request cancellation of my Storyblocks subscription effective immediately" or "effective at the end of my current billing period"
- Keep the message concise and professional
- Send the email and retain a copy for your records
- Forward the email to yourself or save it to a folder labeled "Cancellations"
- Note the exact date and time you sent the request
- Wait for a confirmation response from Storyblocks support
- Storyblocks typically responds within 24 to 48 hours
- The confirmation email should specify your cancellation date and any refund entitlements
- Monitor your account and payment method for changes
- Check your subscription status within 7 days to ensure cancellation is active
- Verify that no new charge appears on your credit card or payment method after the confirmed cancellation date
Cancel through apple app store (iOS subscriptions)
If you subscribed to Storyblocks through the Apple App Store, you must cancel through Apple's App Store settings, not directly through Storyblocks.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app
- Do not open the Storyblocks app itself; Apple handles all App Store subscriptions through Settings
- Tap on your Apple ID name at the top of the Settings menu
- Select "Media and Purchases" or "iTunes and App Stores"
- Tap "Subscriptions"
- A list of all your active subscriptions will appear
- Locate "Storyblocks" in the list
- Tap on Storyblocks and then tap "Cancel Subscription"
- Apple will ask you to confirm; tap "Confirm" to complete the cancellation
- Note the effective cancellation date (usually at the end of your current billing cycle)
- You will receive a confirmation notification on your Apple device
- Check the App Store's purchase history to verify the cancellation appears with a status of "Cancelled"
Cancel through google play (Android subscriptions)
If you subscribed via Google Play on an Android device, you manage cancellation through the Google Play Store app or website.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device or visit play.google.com in a web browser
- Ensure you are logged into the Google account associated with your Storyblocks subscription
- Tap the profile icon (top right corner) and select "Manage your Google Account"
- On the web version, click your profile picture and select "Manage your account"
- Go to the "Payments and subscriptions" section
- Tap "Subscriptions" or "Manage subscriptions"
- Find Storyblocks in your subscription list and tap it
- Review your subscription details and renewal date
- Tap "Cancel subscription"
- Google Play will ask you to select a reason and confirm; complete this step
- Your subscription will end at the conclusion of your current billing period
- Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Google Play
- Retain this email as proof of cancellation
Timeline: when your Storyblocks cancellation takes effect
Understanding when your cancellation becomes active prevents confusion about access and charges.
| Cancellation timing |
Your access status |
Charges |
| Immediate cancellation requested |
You lose access when the current billing cycle ends (whichever comes first) |
No further charges apply after end of current cycle |
| Cancellation at end of billing cycle |
Full access until the last day of your current month or annual period |
Final charge already applied; no renewal charge |
| Within 14-day cooling-off period |
You may lose access immediately or at cycle end (platform-dependent) |
Full refund due within 14 days of your cancellation request |
| After 14-day cooling-off period |
Access continues until billing cycle end |
No refund; final charge stands |
Refund processing and what to expect
Refund timelines and entitlements depend on when you cancel and which legal protections apply.
Cooling-off period refunds (14 days)
If you cancel within 14 days of your subscription start date, you qualify for a full refund under UAE Consumer Protection Law. Storyblocks must initiate the refund within 14 days of receiving your cancellation request. The refund will be credited to your original payment method (credit card, debit card, or digital wallet). Depending on your bank, the funds may take an additional 3 to 5 business days to appear in your account. Yafee recommends monitoring your bank statements closely during this period to confirm the refund has posted.
Standard refunds (after 14-day period)
If you cancel after the 14-day cooling-off period has expired, Storyblocks' standard policy applies: no refund for the remainder of your subscription period. Your access continues until the end of your current billing cycle, and no new charge will be applied at renewal. You may retain any downloaded assets indefinitely, as you have already received the commercial license associated with your subscription.
What to do if your refund does not arrive
If you cancelled within the 14-day cooling-off period but have not received a refund within 21 days of your cancellation request, take the following steps:
- Contact Storyblocks support with your cancellation confirmation email
- Request written confirmation of the refund status and expected delivery date
- Check with your bank or payment provider
- Confirm that the refund has not been deposited under a different account or payment method
- Ask if the refund is pending or if there were any processing errors
- Escalate to the UAE Ministry of Economy if Storyblocks does not respond within 7 days
- File a formal complaint at moec.gov.ae, attaching all cancellation and refund correspondence
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancellation is straightforward when you follow the correct process, but a few missteps can delay the completion of your request.
Mistake 1: cancelling through the wrong channel
If you subscribed via Apple App Store, cancelling through Storyblocks.com will not work. You must cancel through Apple's subscription settings. The same applies to Google Play subscriptions. Confirm your purchase source before initiating cancellation, as Yafee has seen cases where customers cancel through the wrong platform and assume their subscription has ended, only to be charged again.
Mistake 2: not taking screenshots or saving confirmation emails
Digital records are essential if a billing dispute arises. Save every email confirmation, screenshot of the cancellation page showing the effective date, and payment statement showing your final charge. These documents prove your cancellation intent and timing, which becomes critical evidence if you need to escalate to the Ministry of Economy.
Mistake 3: not verifying cancellation after 7 days
Do not assume your cancellation is complete simply because you clicked the button. Log back into your account within 7 days and confirm that your subscription status reads "Cancelled" or "Inactive." Check your payment method to ensure no new charge has been applied after your confirmed cancellation date. Early verification allows you to contact support immediately if something has gone wrong.
Mistake 4: failing to keep access credentials secure
Before you cancel, ensure that any creative assets you need to keep have been downloaded and backed up locally. Once your subscription ends, your access to Storyblocks' library ceases, and you cannot re-download assets unless you reactivate the subscription. You retain the right to use any assets you downloaded during your active subscription period; the commercial license does not expire.
What happens after cancellation
Once your cancellation is confirmed, several changes take effect-understanding them prevents confusion about your access and rights.
Access and downloads after cancellation
Your access to Storyblocks' library ends on the confirmed cancellation date. You can no longer download new assets or use the search and preview features. However, any assets you downloaded during your active subscription period remain legally yours under the commercial license you purchased. You may continue to use those assets in commercial and personal projects indefinitely, even though your subscription has ended.
Account reactivation and future subscriptions
If you cancel and later decide to resubscribe, you create a new subscription. Your cancellation does not permanently delete your account; you can log back in at any time to restart a paid plan. Any promotional discounts or loyalty offers you previously received may not automatically apply to a reactivated account, so contact Storyblocks support for current renewal pricing.
Monitoring for unauthorized charges
Monitor your payment method for 30 days after your confirmed cancellation date to ensure no unexpected charges appear. If Storyblocks charges you after the cancellation date, you have the right to dispute the charge with your bank under consumer fraud protection rules. Report the unauthorized charge immediately to your card issuer, providing your cancellation confirmation as evidence.
Pricing comparison: is Storyblocks worth renewing?
Before you cancel, consider whether a different Storyblocks plan might suit your needs and budget better.
| Plan type |
Monthly cost (approx. AED) |
Assets included |
Ideal for |
| Essentials (pay-per-download) |
50-150 |
Limited downloads per month |
Casual creators, small projects |
| Unlimited (monthly) |
199-299 |
Unlimited footage, images, audio, templates |
Active content creators, agencies |
| Unlimited (annual) |
1,800-2,100 (per year) |
Unlimited assets; significant annual savings |
Full-time creators, studios |
| Standard (monthly) |
99-149 |
Limited monthly downloads |
Hobbyists, light users |
If your usage has dropped but you still need occasional access, consider downgrading to a lower-tier plan rather than cancelling completely. Yafee recommends reviewing your past download history in your Storyblocks account to determine which plan matches your actual creative output.
If you need more help: contacting Storyblocks and yafee
Storyblocks' official support channels are available through their website. For escalation within the UAE, the Ministry of Economy provides consumer dispute resolution.
Storyblocks support contact details
Visit storyblocks.com and click "Contact Us" or "Help" to access their support portal. Storyblocks typically responds to support inquiries within 24 to 48 hours. For urgent billing or cancellation issues, request priority support and mention that your inquiry relates to a UAE consumer protection matter; this may accelerate their response.
UAE ministry of economy escalation
If Storyblocks refuses to honour your cancellation or refund request, file a formal complaint with the UAE Ministry of Economy at moec.gov.ae. Provide your cancellation request email, confirmation (or lack thereof), payment statements, and a summary of your attempts to resolve the issue directly. The Ministry has enforcement authority and can require Storyblocks to comply with UAE Consumer Protection Law.
Yafee's cancellation expertise
At Yafee (yafee.com), we specialise in helping consumers navigate subscription cancellations and understand their legal rights across multiple jurisdictions. Our guides cover cancellation procedures, refund entitlements, and consumer protection frameworks for digital services in the UAE and beyond. Whether you're cancelling Storyblocks or another subscription, Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel their services cleanly and recover refunds they were owed. Visit Yafee to explore guides for other platforms, understand your consumer rights, and access tools to manage your subscriptions with confidence.
Checklist: ensuring your cancellation is complete
Use this checklist to confirm that your Storyblocks cancellation has been processed correctly.
- Confirmed the purchase channel (storyblocks.com, Apple App Store, or Google Play)
- Successfully navigated to the correct cancellation page or contacted support via email
- Received and saved a cancellation confirmation email from Storyblocks or the app store
- Noted the exact cancellation date and final billing date
- Took a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation showing the effective date
- Logged back into your account within 7 days to verify the subscription status shows "Cancelled"
- Downloaded and backed up any critical assets before the cancellation date
- Monitored your payment method for 30 days to ensure no unauthorized charges
- If within the 14-day cooling-off period: tracked your refund and confirmed receipt within 21 days
- If your cancellation was not confirmed: contacted Storyblocks support with your cancellation request and prepared escalation materials for the Ministry of Economy
Summary and next steps
Cancelling your Storyblocks subscription is a straightforward process when you use the correct channel and follow the documented steps. Your cancellation method depends on your purchase source: direct website cancellation is fastest, email provides a written record, and Apple App Store or Google Play cancellations route through the respective app platforms. Under UAE Consumer Protection Law, you have the right to cancel within 14 days for a full refund, and the authority to prevent future charges at any time after that period.
Document every step, save confirmation emails, and verify cancellation within 7 days. If Storyblocks refuses to honour your cancellation or process a refund owed under the cooling-off period, escalate to the UAE Ministry of Economy. Yafee empowers you to take control of your subscriptions and understand your legal protections. Cancel with confidence, knowing your consumer rights are backed by law.