How to cancel Astropad and stop recurring charges in malaysia
What is Astropad and why you might want to cancel
Astropad is a creative software service that transforms your iPad or iPhone into a drawing tablet or wireless second display for your Mac or PC. Developed by Astro HQ LLC, a Minneapolis-based company, it serves Malaysian designers, illustrators, and creative professionals who want to extend their workspace without buying additional hardware. You gain access to advanced drawing tools, customizable shortcuts, pressure-curve adjustments, and remote desktop features.
The frustration many users face stems from Astropad's multi-channel billing structure. Depending on where you started your subscription-whether through Astropad's website portal, the Apple App Store, or Google Play-you must cancel through the corresponding platform. This layered approach means cancellation is not universally obvious, and that confusion often leads to accidental auto-renewals. According to Astropad's own support documentation, "subscriptions auto-renew at the end of each billing cycle unless cancelled beforehand."
Astropad's subscription model in malaysia
Astropad offers multiple payment paths. The service provides a 14-day free trial for new users, after which you must either begin paying or cancel. Paid plans include Astropad Studio (RM19.99 per month or RM199.99 per year) and Workbench Pro (RM199.99 per year). Some users may also hold a lifetime licence, which is a one-time purchase and does not auto-renew. Monthly and annual plans, however, charge automatically at the end of every billing cycle unless you actively cancel beforehand.
Yafee recognises that Astropad's pricing sits at a premium for software-as-a-service, meaning the annual plan commitment can feel expensive once use drops below weekly frequency. If you no longer rely on the remote access, drawing tools, or workflow integration, the ongoing charge becomes difficult to justify.
Where Astropad fits in the creative software landscape
Astropad competes alongside other remote-desktop and drawing-tablet solutions. Unlike streaming services (which store content), Astropad charges for access to tools and connectivity features. If you have migrated to a different iPad app, switched to a native drawing tablet, or simply no longer create content on your Mac or PC, your need for Astropad's subscription evaporates. At that point, cancellation is not a penalty-it is a sensible financial decision.
Your consumer rights when canceling Astropad in malaysia
Malaysian consumers enjoy statutory protections under the Consumer Protection Act 1999, which governs unfair contract terms, misleading representation, and unsolicited billing. Yafee advises all users to understand these rights before cancelling, because they form the legal bedrock of your position if Astropad disputes your cancellation or continues to charge you.
The consumer protection act 1999 and auto-renewal clauses
The Consumer Protection Act 1999 prohibits suppliers from charging consumers for goods or services unless a clear agreement exists beforehand. Furthermore, Section 123 of the Act specifically addresses unsolicited goods and services-charges made without your explicit, informed consent are unlawful. Auto-renewal clauses, while legally permissible in Malaysia, must be transparent, easy to understand, and prominently disclosed at the point of sale. If Astropad's cancellation process is deliberately obscured or if you cannot locate a clear next billing date, that opacity may breach the Act's fairness requirements.
In addition, the Act empowers the Malaysian Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA) to investigate complaints. If Astropad refuses to honour your cancellation or continues charging after you have cancelled, you may lodge a formal complaint with the MDTCA, and they will assess whether the company violated the Act.
Your legal position: what you are entitled to
Your legal position: Once you submit a valid cancellation request through the correct billing channel (whether Astropad's website, Apple, or Google Play), you are entitled to stop all future charges immediately. You own the right to cancel without penalty once the free trial period has ended. If a charge appears after your cancellation confirmation, that charge is unauthorised under the Consumer Protection Act 1999, and you may dispute it with your bank or payment provider. If Astropad refuses to refund an erroneous post-cancellation charge, you may escalate the complaint to the MDTCA.
Yafee emphasises that this right is non-negotiable. No terms and conditions can override your statutory consumer protection, so do not accept arguments that "cancellations take time to process" if you have submitted your request well in advance of the renewal date.
Where to cancel Astropad: three billing channels explained
Your cancellation route depends entirely on which payment method you used when you subscribed. The wrong route leads to failed cancellations and unwanted charges. Before you proceed, identify your billing source by checking your payment records or account settings.
Cancellation via the Astropad website portal
If you signed up directly on Astropad's website and paid via credit card, debit card, or Stripe (Astropad's payment processor), you cancel inside your online account portal. This is the most straightforward path because you deal directly with Astropad, not a third-party app store.
- Visit the Astropad website and log in with your email and password.
- Navigate to your account settings or subscription management section (usually labelled "Billing," "Subscription," or "My Plan").
- Locate your active subscription and select the option to cancel or downgrade.
- Confirm your cancellation when prompted.
- Wait for a confirmation email from Astropad (usually within minutes).
- Screenshot the confirmation email and save it to your records.
Once you receive the confirmation, your subscription is terminated, and no further charges will occur after your current billing cycle ends. You retain access to Astropad until the end of that paid period.
Cancellation via apple app store (iPhone and iPad)
If you subscribed through the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad, Apple controls the billing and cancellation process. Astropad does not process the cancellation directly; instead, Apple removes the recurring charge from your Apple ID. This separation is important because Astropad will not receive notification of your cancellation immediately, though Apple will inform them within a billing cycle.
- Open the Apple App Store app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Select "Subscriptions" from the menu.
- Find Astropad in the list of active subscriptions.
- Tap on Astropad and select "Cancel Subscription."
- Confirm your cancellation when Apple prompts you.
- Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation screen.
Apple will email you a confirmation of your cancellation. Save this email. Your access to Astropad continues until the end of your current billing cycle, after which the subscription terminates.
Cancellation via google play (Android devices)
If you subscribed through Google Play on an Android phone or tablet, Google controls the billing relationship. Like Apple, Google handles the cancellation independently, and Astropad is notified after the fact. The process is similar to Apple but uses the Google Play Store interface.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Select "Manage my subscriptions" or "Payments and subscriptions."
- Tap "Subscriptions" to view all active recurring charges.
- Find Astropad in the list and tap on it.
- Select "Cancel subscription" and confirm.
- Screenshot the confirmation message for your records.
Google will send you a confirmation email. Astropad's service remains active until your paid period ends, at which point the subscription lapses.
Essential checks before you cancel
Take these steps to protect yourself and ensure a clean cancellation with no surprises.
Identify your exact billing date and renewal cycle
Before you press cancel, log into your Astropad account (or your Apple/Google account) and note the date of your next scheduled charge. This date is critical. If you cancel more than one day before that date, you will not be charged. If you cancel after the charge has already processed, you may need to request a refund. Record this date in writing or take a screenshot.
Save evidence of your current plan
Take two screenshots: one showing your active plan before cancellation, and one taken immediately after you submit your cancellation request. These images serve as proof of your action if Astropad charges you again or disputes your cancellation claim. Store these images securely, ideally in cloud storage or email them to yourself.
Export or backup any work settings
If you have customised shortcuts, pressure curves, or saved desktop layouts within Astropad, export these settings before cancelling. Once your subscription expires, you may lose access to these configurations. Check Astropad's support pages for export instructions specific to your version.
Document your payment method
Note the card or payment method linked to your Astropad subscription. If an unauthorised charge appears after cancellation, you will need to identify it quickly when disputing it with your bank or card issuer.
Astropad pricing table: what you are paying for
| Plan |
Frequency |
Malaysian price (RM) |
Auto-renews |
Free trial |
| Astropad Studio |
Monthly |
RM19.99 |
Yes, monthly |
14 days |
| Astropad Studio |
Annual |
RM199.99 |
Yes, yearly |
14 days |
| Workbench Pro |
Annual |
RM199.99 |
Yes, yearly |
None |
| Lifetime licence (one-time) |
One-time purchase |
Variable |
No |
N/A |
The annual Astropad Studio plan (highlighted) offers the best value per month if you use the software regularly, but it also locks you into a RM199.99 yearly commitment. If your creative output has slowed or you have found an alternative, the monthly plan at RM19.99 is easier to exit.
What happens after you cancel Astropad
Cancellation is instantaneous from a legal and billing standpoint, but access to the service continues until your paid period expires. Understanding this distinction prevents confusion.
Your access during the paid period after cancellation
Once you submit your cancellation, Astropad's systems mark your subscription as "cancelled" or "active until [renewal date]." You retain full access to all drawing, mirroring, and workflow features until that date. This is not a penalty or a bug-it is standard software industry practice. You have paid for that period, so you have the right to use it.
What stops working after your paid period ends
On the renewal date that would have triggered your next charge (but now does not because you cancelled), Astropad will revoke access. The app may continue to exist on your device, but core features will be locked or disabled. You will receive a notice prompting you to resubscribe or switch to a free tier if one exists. At this point, you have successfully ceased your subscription.
Resubscribing later
If you decide you want Astropad again after cancellation, you can resubscribe through the same channel (website, App Store, or Google Play) at any time. You may qualify for another free trial depending on Astropad's trial policy. Yafee recommends checking the terms before resubscribing, as trial eligibility sometimes resets after a period away from the service.
Refunds and chargebacks: your rights if you are charged after cancellation
If Astropad charges you after you have submitted a valid cancellation, you have multiple avenues for recovery.
Requesting a refund directly from Astropad
Contact Astropad's support team at [email protected] within 14 days of the unwanted charge. Provide your screenshots of the cancellation confirmation, the date of the charge, and a clear explanation. Astropad's support team typically responds within one to two business days. If they refuse to refund, move to the next step.
Disputing the charge with your bank or card issuer
If Astropad does not refund the erroneous charge, contact your bank or credit card issuer and file a chargeback dispute. Present your evidence (screenshots, cancellation confirmation email, the charge receipt) and explain that you cancelled the subscription before the charge date. Banks in Malaysia are obligated under Bank Negara guidelines to investigate disputed charges within 30 days. Most unauthorised subscription charges are ruled in your favour.
Escalating to the MDTCA if Astropad refuses
If both Astropad and your bank fail to resolve the matter, lodge a formal complaint with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs. The MDTCA enforces the Consumer Protection Act 1999 and can compel Astropad to refund you if the charge breached Malaysian consumer law. You do not need a lawyer for this step-the MDTCA accepts complaints online or by post at no cost.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers navigate these recovery routes, and the vast majority resolve within the first step (direct refund request) or the second step (bank chargeback). Persistence and clear evidence are your strongest tools.
Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them
Cancellation anxiety is common, but most mistakes are preventable. Here are the pitfalls Yafee sees repeatedly, and how to sidestep each one.
Cancelling on the wrong platform
The single most frequent error is cancelling in the wrong place. You might cancel via the Astropad website when your subscription actually auto-renews through Apple, leaving the Apple subscription active and live. Check your payment method before you act. If you are unsure, visit all three possible cancellation portals (Astropad's website, Apple App Store, Google Play) and check whether you have an active subscription on any of them. Cancel on every platform where you find an active subscription.
Cancelling too close to renewal or after it has already happened
If you cancel after the charge has already posted to your bank account, you must request a refund separately-cancellation alone will not reverse a charge that has already been collected. Astropad's free-trial users are especially vulnerable here because the trial-to-paid transition happens automatically. Set a phone alarm for at least 48 hours before the free trial ends if you do not want to be charged. Cancelling weeks or months early removes all risk.
Assuming the app deletion cancels the subscription
Deleting the Astropad app from your phone or computer does not cancel your subscription. The subscription exists in the billing system (Astropad's portal, Apple, or Google), not on your device. You must cancel in the billing system separately. Many users delete the app, assume they have cancelled, and are shocked when the next charge arrives.
Forgetting to collect confirmation
Without a screenshot or confirmation email, you have no proof that you cancelled. If you later dispute a charge, your bank or the MDTCA will ask for evidence. Yafee always recommends saving at least two forms of proof: the confirmation email from the billing provider, and a screenshot of the cancellation screen itself.
Checklist: step-by-step cancellation workflow
| Step |
Action |
Status |
| 1 |
Identify your billing source (Astropad website, Apple, or Google Play) |
☐ |
| 2 |
Log in and locate your active subscription |
☐ |
| 3 |
Note your next renewal date and plan name |
☐ |
| 4 |
Screenshot your active plan before cancelling |
☐ |
| 5 |
Submit your cancellation request through the correct platform |
☐ |
| 6 |
Confirm the cancellation when prompted |
☐ |
When to keep Astropad instead of cancelling
Cancellation is not always the right move. Consider keeping your subscription if you meet any of these criteria.
Active creative professionals who rely on remote drawing
If you use Astropad multiple times per week as part of your professional workflow, the subscription cost (RM19.99 per month or RM199.99 per year) is often cheaper than buying a dedicated graphics tablet or upgrading your hardware. For designers, illustrators, and digital artists, Astropad's pressure sensitivity and remote-desktop integration can genuinely speed up work and reduce hand fatigue.
Users invested in custom shortcuts and settings
If you have spent weeks tuning your pressure curves, button mappings, and workflow shortcuts, cancellation means losing all that configuration. Replicating this setup in an alternative tool takes time. Keeping Astropad might be worth the cost simply to preserve your ergonomic investment.
Those still in the free trial period
If you are within the 14-day free trial and uncertain whether Astropad fits your workflow, keep the subscription through the trial period. Use it intensively. Many users discover unexpected value after the second or third week. You can always cancel after the free period if it does not work out.
If you need assistance cancelling or have questions about your subscription, contact Astropad's support team at [email protected]. The company is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (Astro HQ LLC), but they serve Malaysian users and respond to queries in English. Response times typically range from one to two business days. Yafee notes that Astropad does not offer phone support or live chat, so email is your only direct contact method.
For unresolved disputes or refund denials, escalate your complaint to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA) via their consumer complaint portal at [www.mdtca.gov.my](http://www.mdtca.gov.my) or by visiting your nearest state MDTCA office. All Malaysian consumers can file complaints at no cost, and the MDTCA investigates violations of the Consumer Protection Act 1999 with the authority to compel refunds or impose penalties on suppliers.
Yafee has guided thousands of Malaysian consumers through subscription cancellations across dozens of software platforms, and your rights remain constant: you have the legal entitlement to cancel any auto-renewing subscription without penalty once a free trial or initial period ends. Act within the proper channels, keep your evidence, and do not hesitate to escalate to the MDTCA if Astropad refuses a legitimate refund. Your subscription is your choice-not a permanent lock-in.