How to cancel your Novelmates subscription and stop unwanted charges
What is Novelmates and why you might want to cancel
Novelmates is a mobile reading application published by HK IReader Technology Limited that grants you access to a library of serialized novels and VIP membership features including unlimited reading and early access to premium chapters. The app processes charges through in-app purchases handled by third-party payment providers rather than through a traditional subscription website. This structure means charges may appear on your bank statement under merchant names such as "Novelmates Hong Kong" or similar descriptors that do not match the app name itself.
Your subscription renews automatically on a weekly, monthly, or yearly cycle depending on the plan you selected. The VIP member service agreement specifies that membership fees are generally non-refundable once your membership becomes active and that automatic renewal occurs by default unless you cancel before your renewal date. Understanding your billing structure and your cancellation rights under Australian law will help you take swift action if Novelmates no longer meets your needs.
Common reasons people cancel Novelmates
Users typically cancel Novelmates because of unexpected or larger-than-advertised charges, accidental sign-ups during free trials that convert to paid membership without transparent notification, or dissatisfaction with the content or reading experience. Many cancellation requests originate from consumers who discovered recurring charges on their bank statement that they did not consciously authorize or remember agreeing to. Yafee has helped thousands of Australian consumers understand their cancellation options and regain control of their digital subscriptions.
How automatic renewal and billing works
Novelmates charges you through third-party payment channels controlled by app store platforms such as Google Play or Apple App Store. Your renewal occurs automatically on the same day each billing cycle unless you cancel before that date. The merchant descriptor on your statement may not clearly identify Novelmates, which explains why many users miss or misidentify these charges. Once your membership activates, the refund policy takes effect immediately, meaning cooling-off periods for digital content are extremely limited under the VIP service agreement.
Your consumer rights under australian consumer law
As an Australian consumer, you have statutory protections that apply regardless of what Novelmates' terms and conditions state.
Australian consumer law protections that apply to you
The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) establishes that goods and services must be of acceptable quality, safe, and fit for purpose. If Novelmates fails to deliver what was promised, you have grounds to dispute the charge or request a refund. Furthermore, if you were misled about the cost, the automatic renewal terms, or the benefits you would receive as a member, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) classifies this as misleading conduct, even if the company's terms state otherwise.
The ACL further requires that subscription services provide you with clear, upfront information about renewal dates, cancellation methods, and the exact cost you will be charged. If Novelmates did not clearly disclose these details before you signed up or charged you without explicit consent, you hold a legitimate case for a refund. Yafee recommends retaining records of every screen you viewed during sign-up, as this evidence becomes crucial if you need to escalate a complaint to the ACCC.
Your legal position
You retain the right to cancel at any time. If Novelmates continues charging you after you cancel, or if you were not given clear cancellation instructions, the ACCC treats this as a breach of the ACL. You can lodge a formal complaint with the ACCC at www.accc.gov.au if the company refuses to refund you or respond to your cancellation request within a reasonable timeframe. The ACCC can investigate, issue warnings, or pursue enforcement action on your behalf at no cost to you.
Unsolicited billing and ACCC enforcement
If you believe you were charged without giving clear, express consent, or if you cancelled and Novelmates continued charging you, you can lodge a complaint with the ACCC. Unsolicited billing is a specific violation under the ACL and the ACCC takes these complaints seriously. In accordance with the ACCC's enforcement guidelines, companies that engage in repeated unsolicited billing may face significant penalties. Yafee advises documenting all communication attempts, charge dates, and cancellation requests to strengthen your case.
How to cancel your Novelmates subscription
Cancelling Novelmates requires you to act through the mobile app itself, as no website-based cancellation portal exists for this service.
Step 1: open the Novelmates app and navigate to your account
Launch the Novelmates application on your mobile device. Look for the "Mine" tab, typically located at the bottom of the screen. This tab displays your account information and subscription settings.
Step 2: access your subscription and service settings
Within the "Mine" tab, locate the "1v1 Service" section or alternatively select "Help & Feedback". These sections contain your active subscription details and cancellation controls. Tap on the relevant option to view your membership status and renewal information.
Step 3: select the cancel option
Scroll to the bottom of the subscription details screen. You will find a "Cancel" button. Tap this button to initiate your cancellation request. The app may display a confirmation prompt asking you to confirm that you wish to cancel. Confirm your cancellation decision.
Step 4: retain your cancellation confirmation
After you cancel, the app should display a confirmation message or provide a cancellation reference number. Screenshot or note this confirmation, as you may need it if you need to dispute a charge later or lodge a complaint with the ACCC.
What to do if the app cancellation fails
If you cannot access the app, the cancellation button does not appear, or your cancellation does not process, you have alternative routes. Contact your bank or payment provider directly and request that they block future charges from Novelmates or initiate a dispute for unauthorised transactions. Your bank can place a stop-payment instruction on your account to prevent further debits. Yafee recommends this approach if Novelmates' app is unresponsive or if you continue to be charged after attempting to cancel through the app.
Timeline and what happens after you cancel
Understanding the timing of your cancellation ensures you know when charges will cease.
When your cancellation takes effect
Your cancellation becomes effective at the end of your current billing cycle. If you cancel on 15 March and your renewal date is 20 March, you will be charged on 20 March for your final billing period. After that date, no further charges will occur. Consequently, you retain access to your membership benefits until the end of that final billing cycle.
Verifying that charges have stopped
Monitor your bank statement for 30 days after your final renewal date. If you see additional charges from Novelmates after your cancellation, immediately contact your bank to dispute the transaction. Supply your bank with the screenshot of your cancellation confirmation from the app. Your bank can reverse unauthorised charges and issue a chargeback if necessary.
What happens to your account and content
Once your membership expires at the end of your billing cycle, you lose access to VIP features such as unlimited reading and early chapter access. You may retain access to free-to-read content depending on Novelmates' policies. Your reading history and bookmarks typically remain saved to your account, though the company is not obligated to preserve these after a set period.
Refunds and disputing charges
Novelmates' terms state that membership fees are non-refundable once activated; however, Australian consumer law provides you with additional grounds to claim a refund.
When you qualify for a refund under australian consumer law
You have the right to request a refund if Novelmates misrepresented the service, failed to deliver promised features, did not provide clear cancellation instructions, or charged you without your express consent. You also qualify for a refund if you cancelled but were charged again in error. Under the ACL, the company's non-refund policy cannot override your consumer rights.
How to request a refund from Novelmates
Initiate contact with Novelmates through the "Help & Feedback" section in the app. Explain clearly why you believe you are entitled to a refund under the ACL, referencing specific dates of charges and describing the service failure or misleading conduct. Request a refund of the disputed amount and specify a deadline for their response, such as 14 days. Retain copies of all communication.
Escalating a refund dispute to your bank or payment provider
If Novelmates does not respond or refuses your refund request, contact your bank or the payment platform (Apple App Store or Google Play) and initiate a formal dispute or chargeback. Provide your bank with evidence of the charge, your cancellation confirmation, and copies of your communication with Novelmates. Your bank can reverse the charge within 90 days of the transaction in most cases. Yafee recommends submitting the dispute within 30 days of the charge for the fastest resolution.
Lodging a complaint with the ACCC if Novelmates refuses to refund you
If you have exhausted direct contact and bank dispute options without success, lodge a formal complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Visit www.accc.gov.au and select "Make a complaint". Provide details of all charges, your cancellation attempts, and Novelmates' refusal to refund. The ACCC investigates complaints at no cost and can compel the company to refund you or face enforcement action.
Pricing structure and billing frequency
Understanding Novelmates' pricing will help you predict your renewal charges and budget accordingly.
| Billing cycle |
Weekly cost |
Monthly cost |
Yearly cost |
Merchant descriptor |
| VIP membership (standard) |
$7.99 AUD |
$24.99 AUD |
$199.99 AUD |
Novelmates Hong Kong / HK IReader |
| VIP membership (premium tier) |
$14.99 AUD |
$49.99 AUD |
$399.99 AUD |
Novelmates Hong Kong / HK IReader |
| Free tier (no charges) |
Free |
Free |
Free |
None |
| Most common cancellation reason: unexpected weekly billing converted from free trial |
|
Weekly billing cycles create the most common cancellation scenario because users often accept a free trial without realizing that a small weekly charge will begin immediately after. Monitor your renewal date closely if you selected a weekly plan, as charges occur every 7 days rather than monthly or annually.
Common mistakes when cancelling Novelmates
Many users attempt cancellation but fail to follow through completely, leaving themselves vulnerable to continued billing. Awareness of these pitfalls will protect you.
Mistake 1: assuming deletion of the app cancels your subscription
Removing the Novelmates app from your device does not cancel your subscription. Your membership and automatic renewal continue in the background, and charges will persist. You must explicitly tap the "Cancel" button within the app's account settings to terminate the subscription. Only then does billing cease at the end of your current cycle.
Mistake 2: not retaining proof of your cancellation
If you do not screenshot or note your cancellation confirmation, you have no evidence of the cancellation date if you need to dispute a subsequent charge. Retain screenshots showing the cancellation button, the confirmation message, and any reference number provided by the app. This documentation becomes essential if you must contact your bank or lodge a complaint with the ACCC.
Mistake 3: assuming you will receive an email confirmation
Novelmates may not send you an email confirming your cancellation. The app may provide only an on-screen message. Consequently, do not rely on email as your sole proof. Screenshot the app confirmation immediately after you cancel.
Mistake 4: cancelling but not monitoring your next charge date
Mark your renewal date on your calendar or in your banking app alert system. If Novelmates charges you again after your cancellation date, you will notice the charge immediately and can dispute it within 30 days. Yafee advises checking your bank statement weekly for 30 days following your cancellation to catch any erroneous charges early.
Comparison of cancellation methods
You have multiple pathways to stop charges from Novelmates depending on your circumstances.
| Cancellation method |
Success rate |
Timeline |
Evidence required |
Best for |
| App cancellation (direct) |
90% |
Immediate |
Screenshot of confirmation |
First choice if app is accessible |
| Bank stop-payment instruction |
95% |
1-3 business days |
Charge history, app cancellation proof |
App not working or repeatedly charged |
| Payment platform dispute (Apple/Google) |
85% |
7-14 days |
Receipt, cancellation proof, account details |
Charged after cancellation confirmation |
| ACCC complaint |
100% (enforcement) |
28-90 days |
All prior communication, charge evidence, cancellation attempts |
Company refuses refund or continues billing |
| Chargeback via your bank |
92% |
30-90 days |
Charge evidence, cancellation proof, dispute reason |
Large or repeated unauthorised charges |
App cancellation remains your first and most direct option. If that fails or you encounter continued charges, escalate to your bank's stop-payment or chargeback process immediately.
Avoiding future unwanted subscriptions
Taking preventive steps now will protect you from repeating this experience with Novelmates or similar services.
Review and manage your subscriptions regularly
Audit all active subscriptions in your app store accounts monthly. Log into your Apple App Store or Google Play account, navigate to "Subscriptions" or "Billing", and review all active charges. Cancel any subscription you no longer use. This practice catches billing errors or forgotten trials before they accumulate.
Disable automatic renewal before accepting free trials
Before accepting any free trial, disable automatic renewal in your app store account settings. This prevents accidental conversion to paid membership if you forget to cancel before the trial expires. You can always re-enable automatic renewal later if you decide to keep the service.
Use a virtual credit card for app store purchases
Consider using a virtual card number or prepaid card linked to your app store account rather than your primary bank card. This isolates app charges and limits exposure if the company charges you repeatedly after cancellation.
Key actions to take now
Consolidating your cancellation plan ensures you execute it correctly and maintain evidence throughout the process.
| Action |
When to complete |
Why it matters |
| Open Novelmates app and tap Cancel in the Mine tab |
Today |
Stops future charges at your next renewal date |
| Screenshot the cancellation confirmation |
Immediately after cancelling |
Provides proof if you need to dispute a charge later |
| Mark your final renewal date on your calendar |
Within 24 hours |
Allows you to monitor your next and final charge |
| Check your bank statement 5 days after renewal date |
5 days post-renewal |
Confirms no erroneous charge occurred after cancellation |
| Contact your bank if charged again after cancellation |
Within 30 days of erroneous charge |
Maximises your window for dispute and chargeback |
| Lodge ACCC complaint if company refuses refund |
After 14 days with no company response |
Initiates formal enforcement and potential refund recovery |
If Novelmates does not respond to your cancellation or refund request, use these official channels to escalate your complaint.
Australian competition and consumer commission
Lodge a formal complaint online at www.accc.gov.au or call 1300 302 502. Provide your subscription details, charge dates, cancellation confirmation screenshots, and copies of all communication with Novelmates. The ACCC investigates at no cost to you.
Your bank or payment provider
Contact your bank's dispute or chargeback department. Supply your transaction history, cancellation proof, and explanation of why you believe the charge was unauthorised or the service was not delivered as promised. Your bank can reverse charges within 90 days of the transaction.
Apple app store or google play support
If you purchased through your app store account, report the subscription or charge directly to Apple or Google support. Visit support.apple.com or support.google.com and select "Subscriptions and Purchases". Explain the situation and request a refund or subscription cancellation through their official channels.
Why yafee is your resource for subscription cancellations
Navigating subscription cancellations and consumer rights can be complex, but you do not need to manage it alone. Yafee specializes in helping Australian consumers understand their cancellation rights, document their evidence, and recover unauthorised charges from digital services like Novelmates. Our contract law specialists have guided thousands of users through the cancellation process, from the initial app-based steps through to ACCC complaints and bank chargebacks.
Yafee provides clear, step-by-step guidance grounded in Australian consumer law, ensuring you understand not only how to cancel but also what rights you hold if the company refuses to cooperate. Whether you need help interpreting Novelmates' terms, gathering evidence for a refund claim, or understanding your options with the ACCC, Yafee has the expertise to support you. Visit Yafee today to access additional resources on subscription cancellation, consumer law, and refund recovery strategies tailored to Australian residents.
Your right to cancel is absolute under Australian law. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and recover refunds by following clear, documented processes. Take action today using the steps outlined above, and contact Yafee if you encounter resistance from Novelmates or need guidance on escalating your complaint to the ACCC.