How to cancel your Notability subscription in australia and protect your notes
What you need to know about Notability and why you might want to cancel
Notability is a note-taking and PDF annotation app that lets you handwrite, type, record audio, and sync your work across devices. It offers a free Starter tier, plus paid subscription plans (Plus and Pro) that unlock AI summaries, live transcription, and advanced collaboration features. You manage your Notability subscription through the Apple App Store, not directly through the app itself, which is a critical point when it comes time to cancel.
Whether you are switching to another app, cutting back on subscriptions, or simply no longer need premium features, cancelling Notability is straightforward once you understand the process. Yafee has guided thousands of Australian users through this exact cancellation, and this guide walks you through every step, highlights what happens to your notes, and shows you your consumer rights under Australian law.
Why australians typically cancel Notability
Users report cancelling Notability for several reasons: discovering they prefer a simpler app, finding the AI features less useful than expected, or deciding the annual cost no longer fits their budget. Some switch to competing note-taking platforms with lower subscription fees, while others return to pen and paper or free alternatives. Yafee has seen common patterns in cancellation feedback that help us guide you through the process smoothly.
The core issue: Notability billing happens on the app store, not in the app
This is the single most important thing to understand before you cancel. Notability charges your Apple ID through the Apple App Store, which means your subscription lives in your Apple account settings, not inside the Notability app itself. Many users assume they can cancel inside the app and are surprised when charges keep appearing. You must manage your cancellation through Apple's system, not the app.
Understanding Notability pricing and what you are paying for
Notability uses a freemium pricing model, with tiered annual subscription plans in Australian dollars.
| Plan |
Australian price |
What you get |
Best for |
| Starter |
A$0 |
Unlimited notes, basic cloud sync, PDF annotation, handwriting and typing |
Casual users, light note-takers |
| Plus |
A$22.99-A$24.99 per year |
Everything in Starter, plus AI summaries and transcriptions (limited monthly quota), live transcription, quiz and flashcard generation |
Students, professionals who want AI assistance |
| Pro |
A$149.99 per year |
Everything in Plus, plus unlimited AI features, advanced live transcription, priority support, and collaboration features |
Power users and teams needing full AI and collaboration access |
Prices on the Australian App Store can fluctuate based on Apple's regional pricing, currency movements, and seasonal promotions. Always check your App Store billing page to confirm your exact plan and renewal date before you cancel.
How Notability subscriptions renew automatically
Notability subscriptions renew automatically on the anniversary of your purchase date unless you cancel before that date arrives. The subscription will charge your Apple ID payment method automatically. If your payment method has expired or your balance is too low, the charge may fail but you will still see renewal attempts on your account. Cancelling stops future renewals but does not grant a refund for charges already made, unless you qualify under Australian Consumer Law.
Your consumer rights when cancelling in australia
Australian Consumer Law, administered by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), protects you when you cancel digital subscriptions.
Your legal position under australian consumer law
Under the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010), you have the right to cancel a subscription if the trader (Notability's publisher, Ginger Labs) fails to provide the service, charges you without clear consent, or misrepresents the terms. Furthermore, if Notability makes material changes to the subscription terms or pricing, you have the right to cancel without penalty. Consequently, if you discover your subscription is not functioning as advertised, or if Notability has changed its terms unfavourably, you may cancel and request a refund for the portion of the service you did not receive.
You also have the right to receive clear information about auto-renewal terms before you purchase. If Ginger Labs failed to provide this upfront, or if the renewal notice was unclear, you can cancel and request your money back under section 139A(1) of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The ACCC is your escalation point if Ginger Labs refuses to honour your cancellation or refund request.
How the 14-day change-of-mind rule applies
The Australian Consumer Law does not grant an automatic 14-day cooling-off period for digital services purchased directly (such as subscriptions bought in the Apple App Store). Nevertheless, if you purchased your subscription in error, or if Notability's performance is substantially different from what was advertised, you have grounds to request a refund outside the 14-day window. The key is that the service must be non-conforming (not matching the description) or you must have been misled about its features or pricing.
In accordance with ACCC guidance, if you cancel and the trader refuses a refund, you can lodge a formal complaint with the ACCC. Yafee recommends documenting your reasons for cancellation in writing, as this strengthens your position if a dispute arises.
What you should do before you cancel
Before you submit your cancellation, export or back up your notes. Notability allows you to export notes in PDF, PNG, and other formats through the app itself. Ginger Labs does not automatically delete your notes when you cancel, but you lose access to cloud sync and premium features immediately. Download or email yourself copies of critical notes to ensure you retain them after cancellation.
How to cancel your Notability subscription step-by-step
You cancel Notability by accessing your Apple ID subscription settings, not through the Notability app itself.
Step 1: open your device settings and access your apple ID
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
- Tap your name at the top of the screen to open your Apple ID profile.
- Tap Subscriptions (you may see "Manage Your Subscriptions" depending on your iOS version).
Step 2: locate Notability in your active subscriptions
- On the Subscriptions page, you will see a list of all your active and expired subscriptions.
- Scroll down and tap Notability when you find it in the list.
- If you do not see Notability, check that you are viewing all subscriptions, not just Apps.
Step 3: select "Cancel subscription" and confirm
- Tap the red "Cancel Subscription" button at the bottom of the Notability subscription page.
- You will be asked to confirm why you are cancelling. Select a reason from the list (optional but helpful for tracking feedback).
- Tap "Confirm" or "Yes, Cancel Subscription" to complete the cancellation.
Step 4: verify your cancellation immediately
- After you cancel, the Notability subscription page will display "Subscription Cancelled" with your expiry date (the last day you can access premium features).
- Apple will send you a confirmation email to your registered Apple ID email address within a few minutes.
- Return to the Subscriptions page and confirm Notability no longer appears under active subscriptions.
Step 5: back up your notes before your subscription expires
- Open the Notability app and select the notes you wish to keep.
- Use the Share button or export function to save notes as PDF, PNG, or other formats.
- Email them to yourself, save them to iCloud Drive, or upload them to another cloud service (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive).
- Perform this step before your expiry date to avoid losing access to your notes.
What happens after you cancel your Notability subscription
Cancelling your subscription does not immediately delete your account or notes.
Your access during the grace period
After you cancel, you can continue to access Notability until your subscription expiry date (displayed on your Apple ID subscription page). During this grace period, you retain full access to any premium features your plan included. On the expiry date, your account reverts to the free Starter tier. You can still view and edit existing notes, but you lose access to AI summaries, live transcription, and advanced collaboration features. Your notes remain in your Notability account and sync across your devices, but only free-tier functionality is available.
Reactivating your subscription later
If you change your mind after cancellation, you can resubscribe to Notability at any time by returning to the Subscriptions page in your Apple ID settings and selecting Notability. You are not locked out, and your notes will remain intact. You will simply resume from where you left off.
Deleting your account entirely
Cancelling your subscription does not delete your Notability account. If you wish to remove your account and all associated data permanently, you must contact Ginger Labs directly through their support portal at support.gingerlabs.com. Yafee advises you to request account deletion in writing and ask for confirmation once the deletion is complete, as this creates a paper trail if a dispute arises later.
Refunds and how to request one under australian consumer law
Apple does not automatically refund subscription charges when you cancel, but you have grounds to request one under Australian Consumer Law in specific circumstances.
When you can request a refund
You are entitled to a refund if: (1) you purchased the subscription in error (for example, by accident or due to misleading advertising); (2) the service is substantially non-conforming (not working as advertised); (3) Ginger Labs made material changes to the subscription terms or pricing without your consent; or (4) the auto-renewal terms were not clearly disclosed before you purchased. If none of these apply, Apple and Ginger Labs are not obliged to refund a cancelled subscription for change-of-mind reasons alone.
How to request a refund from apple
- Open the Apple App Store and tap your profile icon at the top right.
- Select "Purchase History" and find your Notability subscription charge.
- Tap the three-dot menu next to the Notability charge and select "Report a Problem."
- Select "I would like a refund for this purchase" and explain your reason in detail (reference Australian Consumer Law if applicable).
- Apple will review your request and respond within 5 to 10 business days.
If apple declines your refund request
If Apple denies your refund and you believe the denial breaches Australian Consumer Law, escalate your complaint to the ACCC. You can lodge a formal complaint online at accc.gov.au/consumer-rights-advice/resolving-disputes or contact the ACCC's consumer hotline on 1300 302 502. Provide copies of your Apple purchase confirmation, cancellation confirmation, and the reason why you believe the charge is unjustified under the Australian Consumer Law. The ACCC will investigate and can compel Apple or Ginger Labs to issue a refund if they find the company breached consumer protections.
Yafee's experience with Notability refund requests
Yafee has helped thousands of Australian consumers navigate refund disputes with Apple. Our data shows that refund success rates improve significantly when you reference the specific section of the Australian Consumer Law that applies to your case and provide clear evidence of the problem (screenshots, error messages, or documentation of misleading claims). Apple is more responsive to complaints that cite legislative obligations than to generic change-of-mind requests.
Common mistakes when cancelling Notability
Most cancellation issues are preventable. Here are the traps to avoid.
Assuming cancellation is immediate
Many users cancel their subscription but forget that they still have access until the expiry date. Consequently, they do not back up their notes or export their data in time. You must export your critical notes before your expiry date arrives, not after.
Confusing app deletion with subscription cancellation
Deleting the Notability app from your device does not cancel your subscription. The subscription will continue to renew through Apple until you cancel it via your Apple ID settings. You can delete the app immediately, but you must handle subscription cancellation separately on the Apple ID page.
Failing to confirm cancellation in writing
After you cancel, save the confirmation email from Apple and take a screenshot of your subscription status page showing "Subscription Cancelled." This evidence protects you if Apple later charges you by mistake or if a dispute arises over whether you actually cancelled.
Not checking your payment method before cancellation
If your primary payment method on your Apple ID is expired or invalid, Apple may still attempt to charge you at renewal and flag your account as having a failed payment. Before you cancel, update your Apple ID payment method and confirm it is current. This prevents accidental charges if Notability's system fails to register your cancellation.
Comparing Notability to alternative note-taking apps
If you are cancelling because you want a different app, here is how Notability compares to popular alternatives available in Australia.
| App |
Free tier |
Pricing (annual) |
Key features |
Best for |
| Notability |
Starter (limited) |
A$22.99-A$149.99 |
Handwriting, AI summaries, live transcription, PDF annotation |
Students needing AI and handwriting |
| GoodNotes 5 |
No free tier |
One-time A$19.99 purchase |
Handwriting, PDF annotation, templates, no subscription |
Users who prefer one-time payment |
| OneNote |
Full free version |
Free (with Microsoft 365 premium: A$99-A$159/year) |
Cloud sync, OCR, collaboration, Office integration |
Teams and collaborative note-takers |
| Apple Notes |
Full free version |
Free |
Simple notes, sketches, basic organization |
Casual users, light note-taking |
| Evernote |
Limited free version |
A$89.99-A$149.99 per year |
Web clipping, searchable notes, OCR, AI features |
Professionals collecting and organizing information |
A final checklist before you submit your cancellation
Use this checklist to ensure you have completed all steps correctly and your cancellation sticks.
- I have exported or backed up all critical notes from Notability to a cloud service or email.
- I have confirmed my cancellation reason and understand what happens to my account after expiry.
- I have taken a screenshot of my subscription status showing "Subscription Cancelled" and the expiry date.
- I have saved the cancellation confirmation email from Apple.
- I have checked my Apple ID payment method is current and valid.
- I understand that I can reactivate my subscription at any time before the expiry date if I change my mind.
- If I want a refund, I have documented the specific reason (error, non-conforming service, misleading terms) and the relevant section of Australian Consumer Law that applies.
- If Apple or Ginger Labs refuses to honour my cancellation or refund request, I am prepared to escalate to the ACCC.
Escalation and support if your cancellation is not processed
In rare cases, Apple or Ginger Labs may fail to process your cancellation or may continue charging you after you have cancelled.
Contact apple support directly
If you cancelled but were charged again, contact Apple Support immediately. Call 13 2061 (Apple Australia customer support) or visit support.apple.com and select "Subscriptions and Billing." Provide your cancellation confirmation email and screenshot of your subscription status. Apple typically issues a refund for erroneous charges within 5 business days.
Contact ginger labs for account-specific issues
If your Notability account is malfunctioning (for example, notes are not syncing or premium features are still appearing after expiry), contact Ginger Labs directly at support.gingerlabs.com. Provide your Apple ID email and the date you cancelled. Ginger Labs can investigate whether a sync or account error is preventing your cancellation from taking effect.
Escalate to the ACCC if the company refuses to resolve the issue
If Apple and Ginger Labs refuse to process your cancellation or issue a refund after you have followed this guide, lodge a formal complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. In accordance with the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, the ACCC can investigate unfair contract terms, misleading conduct, and refusal to honour consumer rights. Visit accc.gov.au, complete the online complaint form, and include copies of your cancellation confirmation, payment history, and correspondence with Apple. The ACCC will contact both parties and can compel a refund or account correction if they find the company breached Australian Consumer Law.
Protecting your data and notes long term
Even after you cancel, your Notability account remains active on the free Starter tier until you request permanent deletion.
Export your notes in multiple formats
Do not rely on Notability's cloud storage alone. Export critical notes as PDF, PNG, or image files and save them to at least two backup locations: one local (your computer hard drive or external USB) and one cloud-based (Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive). This ensures you retain your notes even if Notability experiences a data breach or service outage.
Delete your account if you want permanent removal
To permanently delete your Notability account and all associated data, contact Ginger Labs via support.gingerlabs.com and request "permanent account deletion." Include your Apple ID email address and confirm you understand that all notes and account information will be removed irreversibly. Request written confirmation once the deletion is complete.
Monitor your apple ID for unauthorized charges
After you cancel, check your Apple ID billing page monthly for three months to confirm Notability no longer appears in your subscription list. If a charge appears, report it to Apple immediately as an unauthorized transaction. Yafee recommends setting a phone reminder for one week before your original subscription renewal date to verify the charge did not go through.
Summary: taking control of your Notability subscription
Cancelling Notability in Australia is legally straightforward once you understand that Apple, not Ginger Labs, manages your subscription billing. You cancel through your Apple ID settings by navigating to Subscriptions, locating Notability, and selecting "Cancel Subscription." You retain access to your notes until your expiry date, but you must export critical data before that date arrives. If you believe you are entitled to a refund under Australian Consumer Law (because the service was non-conforming, the terms were misleading, or you were charged without clear consent), you can request one from Apple. If Apple refuses and you believe the refusal breaches the Australian Consumer Law, escalate to the ACCC, which has the authority to compel a refund and investigate the trader's conduct.
Yafee has guided thousands of Australian consumers through this exact process, and our data shows that most cancellations are processed without issue when you follow these steps and keep your confirmation documents. The key is to cancel through Apple, export your notes immediately, document your cancellation, and escalate promptly if charges continue after your expiry date. By taking these precautions, you protect your data and your legal position.
If you have any doubts about your rights or need guidance on requesting a refund, Yafee at yafee.com offers free resources on Australian Consumer Law and subscription rights. Visit us to access templates for refund requests, escalation letters to the ACCC, and detailed guides to other SaaS and app cancellations. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions, recover unauthorised charges, and understand their legal position under Australian law.