How to cancel Udemy in malaysia and stop recurring charges
Understanding Udemy and why cancellation matters
Udemy is an online learning platform founded in 2010 that offers both individual course purchases and monthly subscription plans to Malaysian learners. The distinction between these two payment models is critical: a one-time course purchase creates no ongoing obligation, but a subscription plan triggers automatic renewal unless you actively cancel before your next billing date. This section clarifies what Udemy is, how it operates in Malaysia, and why the difference between these payment types fundamentally shapes your cancellation process.
What Udemy offers and how pricing works
Udemy operates a dual-revenue model. You can purchase individual courses as a one-time transaction, or you can subscribe to the Personal Plan for recurring monthly access to a broader course catalogue. The platform displays thousands of courses across coding, business, creative design, and personal development categories. Individual course prices fluctuate based on promotions; subscription plans auto-renew on a monthly cycle unless actively stopped.
In Malaysia, Udemy does not publish fixed local pricing for the Personal Plan. Prices vary by account history, current promotions, and regional factors. For comparison, Coursera's subscription costs approximately RM278 per month, Skillshare approximately RM793 per year, while freeCodeCamp and The Odin Project offer free alternatives. If cost is your primary concern, evaluating free platforms before cancellation can clarify whether your learning goals justify the subscription expense.
How Udemy processes payments in malaysia
Payment processing method determines where you must request cancellation. If you subscribed directly through Udemy.com, you manage cancellation through your Udemy account settings. If you subscribed via Apple App Store or Google Play, Apple and Google process the billing directly, so Udemy cannot refund in-app charges-you must cancel through the app store's subscription settings instead. This distinction prevents confusion and wasted time contacting the wrong party.
Your billing method (credit card, debit card, PayPal, or digital wallet) does not change the cancellation process, only the evidence you will need if disputing a charge with your bank later. Keep screenshots of your current plan, next billing date, and transaction history for your records.
Your consumer rights and what they mean for you
Malaysian law provides you with statutory protections when cancelling digital subscriptions. This section explains your legal foundation and enforcement routes if Udemy refuses to cancel or continues charging after you request cancellation.
Consumer protection act 1999 and your cancellation rights
Malaysia's Consumer Protection Act 1999 (amended) protects you against unfair contract terms and non-delivery of services. Under this Act, a subscription service must allow you to cancel within a reasonable timeframe, and the service provider cannot charge you after cancellation is confirmed. Udemy's own terms state that subscriptions auto-renew unless cancelled, implying that cancellation is always permitted.
In accordance with this Act, Udemy must provide you with a clear cancellation mechanism and must honour cancellation requests within one billing cycle. If Udemy continues charging after you have cancelled, you have grounds to dispute the charge with your bank and report Udemy to the Malaysian Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (MDTCC), which enforces consumer law in Malaysia.
Your legal position: what you can claim
If you request cancellation before your next billing date and Udemy charges you again, you are entitled to request an immediate refund. You can pursue this claim through three channels: first, directly with Udemy's support team; second, via a chargeback with your bank; third, through a formal complaint to the MDTCC. Udemy cannot legally enforce a subscription after you have cancelled, nor can they impose cancellation penalties or lock-in periods not clearly disclosed before payment.
If Udemy claims a course or subscription is non-refundable, Malaysian consumer law requires such restrictions to be fair, transparent, and not contrary to your statutory rights. A blanket non-refund policy that prevents you from cancelling a recurring subscription is not enforceable against the statutory right to cancel.
Methods to cancel Udemy: where you actually go
Cancellation method depends on where you made your payment. This section directs you to the correct cancellation path and explains the practical steps for each payment method.
Cancelling a udemy.com web subscription
If you subscribed on the Udemy website using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal, you cancel through your Udemy account on a browser. This is the most straightforward route and generates an immediate confirmation that Yafee recommends you save as evidence.
Cancelling an apple app store subscription
If you subscribed to Udemy through the Apple App Store on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you must cancel through Apple's subscription management system, not through the Udemy app. Yafee advises cancelling directly with Apple because Udemy cannot access your App Store billing.
Cancelling a google play subscription
If you subscribed through Google Play on an Android device, you cancel through Google Play's subscription settings. Like Apple, Google processes the billing independently, so Udemy cannot refund or cancel on your behalf.
Step-by-step cancellation instructions
Follow the procedure that matches your payment method. Each method includes specific steps, screenshots to save, and what to expect after cancellation. Yafee has helped thousands of users navigate this process without accidentally auto-renewing.
Cancel your udemy.com subscription on the web
- Open a web browser and visit udemy.com. Do not use the mobile app.
- Mobile apps sometimes hide subscription settings in less obvious locations.
- Sign in to your Udemy account using your email and password.
- If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password" link and reset it via your email.
- Click your profile icon (usually top right) and select "Account" or "Settings".
- Different browsers may display slightly different layouts, but the account menu is always in the top navigation.
- Find and click "Subscription" or "Billing" from the left-hand menu.
- This section displays your current plan, next billing date, and renewal status.
- Click "Cancel subscription" or "Turn off auto-renewal". Do not confuse this with "Pause"-you must click the cancellation option.
- Take a screenshot of this page before clicking cancel, showing your plan and next billing date.
- Confirm the cancellation by clicking the final "Cancel" or "Confirm" button. Udemy will display a confirmation message.
- Capture a second screenshot showing the confirmation or the updated subscription status (should show "Cancelled" or "Not renewing").
- Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Udemy within 5 minutes.
- Save this email. It is your proof of cancellation if Udemy charges you again.
Cancel your apple app store subscription
- On your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, open the App Store app (do not open Udemy itself).
- On Mac, the App Store is in the Applications folder or Dock.
- Tap or click your profile picture or initials in the top right corner.
- This opens your Apple account menu.
- Select "Subscriptions".
- This page displays all active and expired subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
- Find and tap "Udemy" from the list.
- If you do not see Udemy, confirm you are signed in with the correct Apple ID that purchased the subscription.
- Tap "Cancel subscription" or "Edit subscription", then confirm cancellation.
- Take a screenshot showing the cancellation confirmation or updated status.
- Apple will display a cancellation confirmation. Your subscription ends on the next renewal date.
- You retain access to Udemy until that date passes, then access is removed.
Cancel your google play subscription
- On your Android device, open the Google Play Store app.
- Do not open Udemy directly; use the Play Store app.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- This opens your Google account menu within Play Store.
- Select "Manage subscriptions" or "Subscriptions".
- You will see all active subscriptions tied to your Google account.
- Tap "Udemy" from the active subscriptions list.
- If Udemy does not appear, confirm you are logged into the Google account that made the purchase.
- Tap "Cancel subscription" and confirm the cancellation.
- Screenshot the confirmation or updated subscription status page.
- Google Play will confirm cancellation. Your Udemy access continues until the current subscription period ends, then stops automatically.
- You will not be charged for the next renewal cycle.
What happens after you cancel
Cancellation does not immediately remove your course access. This section explains the timeline and what you should monitor after you submit your cancellation request.
Your access timeline after cancellation
When you cancel a Udemy subscription, your access continues until the end of your current billing cycle. For example, if your billing date is the 15th of each month and you cancel on the 5th, you can access all courses until the 14th. On the 15th, your subscription ends and you lose access unless you reactivate. Udemy will not charge you on the 15th because the subscription is cancelled.
Monitoring for unexpected charges
After cancellation, check your bank or payment provider's transaction history for 7 to 10 days to confirm no new charges appear. If a charge does appear after your cancellation date, contact Udemy support immediately with your cancellation screenshot and email confirmation. If Udemy does not refund within 5 business days, contact your bank to dispute the charge as an unauthorized transaction.
Courses you purchased but not yet started
If you purchased individual courses (not a subscription), those courses remain yours permanently, even after the subscription ends. One-time course purchases do not expire. However, if you wish to request a refund on a purchased course, Udemy typically allows refunds within 30 days of purchase if you have spent fewer than 2 hours in the course. To request a refund, log in to Udemy, go to "Purchase History", select the course, and click "Request a Refund". Yafee advises acting within this 30-day window because Udemy enforces the policy strictly.
Refund eligibility and how to claim
Refund rules differ between subscription cancellations and course purchases. This section clarifies what you can reclaim and the procedure for each scenario.
Refunds for a cancelled subscription
Udemy's standard policy does not offer refunds for subscription time already used. If you cancel on the 5th of the month and your next billing date is the 15th, you lose access to the remaining 10 days of subscription without a refund. However, if Udemy charges you after you have cancelled, you are entitled to a full refund of that unexpected charge. This is not a discretionary policy-Malaysian consumer law entitles you to a refund for services you did not authorize or use.
Refunds for individual course purchases
Udemy permits refunds on individual courses purchased within the past 30 days, provided you have completed fewer than 2 hours of course content. To claim, navigate to "Purchase History", select the course, and click "Request a Refund". Udemy typically processes approved refunds within 5 to 10 business days to your original payment method. If Udemy denies your refund claim and you believe the course did not match the description, you can escalate to the MDTCC or dispute the charge with your bank.
Pricing table: what Udemy costs and when to cancel
Understanding Udemy's typical subscription cost helps you decide whether to cancel or renew. This table compares Udemy against competing platforms to illustrate value.
| Service |
Monthly cost (MYR) |
Annual cost (MYR) |
Course count |
Best for |
| Udemy Personal Plan |
Varies (RM99-RM199) |
RM1,188-RM2,388 |
10,000+ |
One-time purchases at discounted rates |
| Coursera subscription |
RM278 |
RM3,336 |
5,000+ |
Accredited certificates |
| Skillshare subscription |
RM66 |
RM793 |
30,000+ |
Creative and design skills |
| freeCodeCamp |
Free |
Free |
500+ |
Coding and programming (no cost) |
| The Odin Project |
Free |
Free |
Comprehensive web development |
Web development (no cost) |
Common mistakes that lead to unexpected charges
Most users who are charged after cancellation made one preventable error. Recognizing these traps now ensures you cancel correctly and avoid frustration.
Confusing "pause" with cancellation
Udemy offers a "Pause subscription" option in some regions, which temporarily halts charges but keeps the subscription active. If you click "Pause" instead of "Cancel subscription", your renewal will resume after the pause period ends, and you will be charged without warning. Always select "Cancel" or "Turn off auto-renewal", never "Pause".
Cancelling in the mobile app instead of the web account
Mobile apps sometimes hide subscription settings or display outdated information. Yafee recommends using a web browser to cancel on Udemy.com because the web interface is always current and generates clearer confirmation messages. If you cancel only in the app and Udemy's web account still shows your subscription active, you are at risk of being charged.
Missing the cancellation deadline
If your next billing date is the 15th and you cancel on the 16th, you have already been charged for the next month. Udemy charges on the renewal date, not days later. Check your next billing date in your account settings and cancel at least 1 day before that date. Set a phone reminder 3 days before your renewal date if you plan to cancel.
Forgetting to cancel after a free trial
Udemy sometimes offers a free trial period before charging. If you accept a trial, you must cancel before the trial period ends or you will be automatically charged. Screenshot the trial end date the moment you sign up, then set a calendar reminder. Udemy sends reminder emails, but they sometimes reach spam folders.
What to do if Udemy charges you after cancellation
If you cancelled but a charge still appears on your statement, follow this escalation path. Yafee has supported many users through this process and knows the fastest resolution route.
Step 1: gather your evidence
Collect your cancellation screenshot, email confirmation from Udemy, and the statement showing the unexpected charge. Udemy will ask for these documents, and your bank will require them to process a chargeback. Take clear screenshots that show dates, amounts, and your account name.
Step 2: contact Udemy support
Visit Udemy's help centre and submit a support ticket explaining that you cancelled before the charge date but were charged anyway. Provide your cancellation confirmation email and ask for an immediate refund. Udemy typically responds within 48 hours to billing disputes.
Step 3: dispute with your bank if Udemy refuses
If Udemy does not refund within 5 business days, contact your bank and request a chargeback or dispute. Provide your cancellation evidence and explain that the charge was unauthorized. Malaysian banks processing MYR transactions typically investigate disputes within 10 to 15 business days and rule in your favour if you have proof of cancellation.
Step 4: escalate to the MDTCC if the bank is unresponsive
If your bank rejects your dispute or does not respond within 21 days, file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (MDTCC) at mdtcc.gov.my or your nearest MDTCC office. The MDTCC can compel Udemy to refund unauthorized charges and investigate unfair contract practices. This is a formal regulatory process, but it is free and has a high success rate for billing disputes backed by cancellation proof.
Key checklist before and after cancellation
Use this checklist to confirm you have completed every step correctly and minimized your risk of unexpected charges.
| Task |
Before cancellation |
After cancellation |
| Screenshot your subscription plan and next billing date |
✓ |
- |
| Identify your payment method (web, Apple, Google) |
✓ |
- |
| Use correct cancellation method for your payment source |
- |
✓ |
| Screenshot the cancellation confirmation |
- |
✓ |
| Save the cancellation email from Udemy |
- |
✓ |
| Monitor bank statements for 10 days |
- |
✓ |
| Contact Udemy if unexpected charge appears |
- |
✓ (if needed) |
Why users cancel and when to keep your subscription
Cancellation is not always the right choice. This section explores when cancellation makes sense and when renewal offers genuine value.
Reasons to cancel Udemy
You should cancel if you have completed the courses you needed, if you are not accessing the platform regularly, or if a competitor platform better suits your learning goals. You should also cancel if you purchased courses individually and do not intend to buy more, because individual purchases do not require an active subscription. Furthermore, if cost is prohibitive and free alternatives like freeCodeCamp meet your needs, cancellation is economically rational.
Reasons to keep your subscription
Retain your Udemy subscription if you are actively enrolled in multiple courses and use the platform at least twice per week. The subscription model offers better value per course than purchasing each course individually at full price. Additionally, if you anticipate learning across diverse categories (coding, business, design), Udemy's breadth of 10,000+ courses often outweighs the cost of specialized platforms.
If cancellation does not proceed smoothly, use these contact routes to escalate your issue. Yafee and these official channels work together to ensure your cancellation is honoured and any charges are refunded.
Udemy customer support
Visit support.udemy.com and submit a ticket under "Billing and Payments" or "Subscriptions". Udemy responds to support tickets within 48 hours on business days. Provide your cancellation date, screenshot, and the specific issue (e.g., "Charged after cancellation on [date]"). Udemy support can manually cancel subscriptions, refund unexpected charges, and generate replacement confirmation emails if yours was lost.
Payment disputes with your bank
Contact your bank's dispute or chargeback department. Malaysian banks (Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, RHB, AmBank, and others) accept disputes for unauthorized charges. You will need your Udemy cancellation confirmation, the statement showing the unexpected charge, and your cancellation email. Banks typically resolve disputes within 21 days.
Ministry of domestic trade and cost of living (MDTCC)
File a formal consumer complaint at mdtcc.gov.my or at your nearest MDTCC office. The MDTCC enforces the Consumer Protection Act 1999 and investigates unfair billing practices. This is a free process and the MDTCC can compel Udemy to refund charges deemed unauthorised or unfair.
Malaysian communications and multimedia authority (if payment is via telco billing)
If you paid for Udemy via mobile phone billing (telco billing), contact the MCMC at mcmc.gov.my to dispute the charge. The MCMC regulates telco billing and can reverse unauthorised charges at the telco level.
Conclusion: taking control of your Udemy subscription
Cancelling Udemy is straightforward when you follow the correct method for your payment source and act before your renewal date. The legal framework-Malaysia's Consumer Protection Act 1999-guarantees your right to cancel and protects you against unexpected charges. Document your cancellation, monitor your bank statement, and escalate to Udemy support, your bank, or the MDTCC if a charge appears after cancellation.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions like Udemy without stress or surprise charges. By confirming your payment method first, using the web interface for Udemy.com subscriptions, and saving your cancellation confirmation, you remove almost all risk. If Udemy does charge you after cancellation, you have clear legal recourse through your bank or the MDTCC. Whether you choose to cancel now or renew depends on your learning goals and budget-but now you know exactly how to execute cancellation if you decide to stop paying.