How to cancel Shortmax in new zealand and protect your consumer rights
What is Shortmax and how does it work in new zealand
Shortmax is a global streaming subscription service that specialises in short-form drama and episodic content. The platform operates on a freemium model: you can watch ad-supported content at no cost, or pay a recurring subscription to unlock premium, ad-free viewing. Shortmax displays all pricing in US dollars (USD), which converts to New Zealand dollars (NZD) at your local app store or payment gateway when you complete a transaction.
The service is accessible via the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and the Shortmax website. Each platform manages subscriptions independently, meaning your cancellation method depends entirely on where you originally signed up. Understanding this distinction is the first step toward a smooth cancellation process.
Shortmax subscription plans and pricing in NZD
Shortmax offers three premium tiers, all denominated in USD and converted to NZD at checkout. The exact NZD amount you pay will vary slightly based on daily exchange rates, so always verify the final price before confirming payment.
| Subscription plan |
Price (USD) |
Billing cycle |
Key benefits |
| Weekly Pass Pro |
US$19.99 |
Every 7 days |
Unlimited ad-free access, HD quality, offline viewing |
| Monthly Pass Pro |
US$39.99 |
Every 30 days |
Unlimited ad-free access, HD quality, offline viewing |
| Annual Pass Pro |
US$199.99 |
Every 12 months |
Unlimited ad-free access, HD quality, offline viewing |
At current exchange rates, the Weekly Pass Pro converts to approximately NZD $33, the Monthly Pass Pro to around NZD $66, and the Annual Pass Pro to roughly NZD $330. These figures fluctuate daily. Before you commit to a subscription, always check your app store's local pricing display to see the exact NZD amount you will be charged.
How Shortmax auto-renewal works
Shortmax uses automatic subscription renewal, which means your chosen plan renews at the end of each billing cycle unless you cancel in advance. Your payment method on file will be charged automatically. If you do not cancel before your renewal date, you will incur the full cost of your next subscription period.
Your consumer rights under new zealand law
As a consumer purchasing a subscription service in New Zealand, you are protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986. These laws establish your right to cancel and your entitlement to transparent billing practices.
What the consumer guarantees act requires
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, Shortmax must provide you with services that are of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and delivered with reasonable care. If the service fails to meet these standards, you have grounds to seek a remedy, including cancellation and refund. Furthermore, New Zealand consumer law requires that subscription services disclose their cancellation process clearly and in plain language before you pay.
In accordance with the Fair Trading Act 1986, all subscription charges must be transparent and accurate. Shortmax cannot charge you without your explicit, informed consent. If you cancel before a renewal date, you should retain access to the service until the end of your current billing period.
Your legal position on refunds
New Zealand consumer law does not automatically grant refunds for subscriptions you have used, provided the service functioned as described and you received what you paid for. However, if Shortmax failed to deliver the service, misrepresented the terms, or charged you without authorization after you cancelled, you have a right to dispute the charge. The Commerce Commission enforces consumer protection law in New Zealand and investigates complaints of unfair trading practices.
If Shortmax refuses to honour your cancellation or disputes a charge, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission or seek assistance from Citizens Advice Bureau. Document all communications with Shortmax in writing and keep copies of your payment confirmations.
Your cancellation procedure depends entirely on where you subscribed to Shortmax. The three main pathways are through Apple's App Store, Google Play Store, or directly via the Shortmax website. Yafee specialists recommend identifying your subscription source before you begin cancellation to avoid confusion and ensure the cancellation registers properly.
Cancel Shortmax via apple app store (iOS)
If you subscribed through the Apple App Store on an iPhone or iPad, you must cancel through Apple's subscription management system, not through the Shortmax app itself. Apple processes all subscription changes for services delivered through its platform.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your name or Apple ID at the very top of the screen.
- Select Subscriptions from the menu.
- Locate Shortmax in your active subscriptions list and tap it.
- Tap the Cancel Subscription button.
- Apple will display your current billing date and the date your access will end.
- You may be offered a retention offer (discount or extension).
- Tap Cancel Subscription again to confirm.
- Wait for Apple to send you a cancellation confirmation email.
- This email will state your final access date clearly.
- Check your inbox and spam folder for this message.
- Screenshot your Settings screen showing Shortmax no longer listed under active subscriptions.
- This visual proof protects you if a dispute arises later.
Cancel Shortmax via google play store (Android)
Android users who subscribed through Google Play Store must manage their subscription through Google's Subscriptions interface. The process is similar to Apple but uses Google's platform controls.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap the profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select Payments and Subscriptions.
- Tap Subscriptions.
- Find and tap Shortmax.
- Tap Cancel Subscription.
- Google will ask for your cancellation reason (optional feedback).
- Confirm your decision on the next screen.
- Await a confirmation email from Google.
- The email will confirm your cancellation and your final access date.
- Retain this email for your records.
- Take a screenshot showing Shortmax removed from your active subscriptions.
- Store this image on your phone or in cloud storage.
Cancel Shortmax via the website or in-app account settings
If you subscribed directly through the Shortmax website or hold an account with direct payment credentials (credit card linked to Shortmax, not through an app store), you may cancel through your in-app account or the Shortmax website. However, Yafee notes that Shortmax does not publish a physical postal address for cancellations in New Zealand, and email is the only documented contact method available.
- Log in to your Shortmax account on the website or within the app.
- Navigate to Account Settings or Subscription Management.
- Look for a Manage Subscription or Billing section.
- Locate the active subscription and select Cancel or Remove Subscription.
- Shortmax may prompt you to provide feedback on why you are cancelling.
- You may be offered a discount or temporary pause option.
- Confirm your cancellation choice.
- The system should display a final access date.
- Send a follow-up email to Shortmax support to confirm the cancellation in writing.
- State your account email, subscription plan, and the date you cancelled in the app.
- Request written confirmation of your cancellation and final access date.
Timing your cancellation to avoid unexpected charges
Shortmax auto-renewal timing is critical. If you cancel after your billing date has passed, you will be charged for the next cycle before the cancellation takes effect. Consequently, you must cancel at least 24 hours before your renewal date to prevent an unwanted charge.
How to find your billing date
Check your payment app store account (Apple, Google) or your Shortmax account portal to locate your exact billing date. Look at your most recent receipt or invoice. If you subscribed weekly, your renewal occurs every 7 days. If you subscribed monthly, renewal occurs on the same date each month. If annual, renewal occurs exactly 12 months from your start date. Set a mobile phone reminder for 24 hours before this date to ensure you cancel on time.
What happens after you cancel
Once you cancel, your subscription enters a grace period. You retain full access to Shortmax premium features until the end of your current billing cycle. You will not be charged again. After your final access date, your account reverts to the free, ad-supported tier (if Shortmax offers one). Yafee recommends downloading or screenshotting any account information or watchlist you wish to preserve before your access expires.
Refunds and billing disputes
Shortmax subscription charges are generally non-refundable under standard streaming service terms, unless the service was not delivered as promised. Nevertheless, you have the right to dispute unauthorised charges or charges made after you cancelled.
Requesting a refund
If Shortmax charged you after you cancelled, or if you were billed in error, contact Shortmax support immediately and request a refund in writing. Include your account email, the disputed charge date, amount, and a clear explanation. Provide proof of your cancellation (screenshot or email confirmation from Apple, Google, or Shortmax). Shortmax typically has 30 days to respond to a refund request.
Escalating a billing dispute
If Shortmax denies your refund request or does not respond within 30 days, you can dispute the charge through your payment provider (your bank or credit card company) or your app store account (Apple or Google). In accordance with the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission if you believe Shortmax engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers secure refunds by following this escalation path when direct contact with the service provider failed.
Common cancellation mistakes to avoid
Cancellation errors are frustrating, but you can prevent them with a few simple precautions. Yafee recommends taking these steps to protect yourself from unexpected charges and account confusion.
Deleting the app does not cancel your subscription
A frequent error is assuming that deleting the Shortmax app from your phone cancels your subscription. It does not. Uninstalling an app leaves your subscription active and subject to auto-renewal. You must explicitly cancel through your app store account or Shortmax's account settings before deleting the app. Verify cancellation in writing before removing the app from your device.
Logging out of your account does not cancel
Similarly, signing out of your Shortmax account does not halt charges. Auto-renewal is tied to your app store account (Apple or Google) or your linked payment method, not to whether you are actively logged in. Consequently, you must follow the platform-specific cancellation steps outlined above.
Failing to document your cancellation
Always screenshot or save your cancellation confirmation from Apple, Google, or Shortmax. If a dispute arises later and you cannot prove you cancelled, your payment provider may side with Shortmax. Documentation is your strongest defence under New Zealand consumer law.
What to do after cancellation
Your cancellation is complete, but a few follow-up actions will protect your account and ensure Shortmax does not attempt to re-bill you. Yafee recommends completing these steps within one week of your cancellation confirmation.
Verify cancellation on your billing records
Log back into your app store account (Apple or Google) and confirm that Shortmax no longer appears under your active subscriptions. If you subscribed directly, check your Shortmax account and verify your subscription status shows as Cancelled. Review your payment method settings to ensure no other billing profiles are linked to Shortmax.
Monitor your payment statements
Check your bank or credit card statements for the next two billing cycles to ensure Shortmax does not attempt to charge you after cancellation. If an unauthorized charge appears, contact your bank immediately and dispute the transaction. Provide your cancellation confirmation email as evidence.
Save all communications
Retain all emails from Apple, Google, or Shortmax that confirm your cancellation, along with the date you cancelled and your final access date. Store screenshots of your app store subscription page showing the cancellation. These documents are essential if you need to escalate a dispute to the Commerce Commission or your payment provider.
Shortmax cancellation follows the same pattern as other subscription services, but the exact steps vary slightly by platform. The table below compares cancellation ease across the three main distribution channels.
| Platform |
Cancellation location |
Processing time |
Confirmation method |
| Apple App Store |
iPhone Settings > Subscriptions |
Immediate |
Email from Apple (24-48 hours) |
| Google Play Store |
Google Play app > Subscriptions |
Immediate |
Email from Google (24-48 hours) |
| Shortmax website or app |
Account Settings > Manage Subscription |
Immediate (in-app) |
Email from Shortmax (variable) |
How yafee simplifies your cancellation
Cancelling a streaming subscription should not be complicated. Yafee exists to guide you through every platform and explain your consumer rights in plain language. Our contract law specialists have reviewed the terms of dozens of subscription services and know exactly where cancellation processes trip up consumers.
When you use Yafee, you gain access to step-by-step cancellation guides tailored to your platform, automatic reminders for renewal dates, and legal backing if a dispute arises. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel Shortmax and other subscriptions without stress or unexpected charges. If Shortmax refuses to honour your cancellation or attempts to bill you after you cancel, Yafee can explain your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and help you escalate to the Commerce Commission or your payment provider.
Contacting Shortmax directly
If you need to contact Shortmax outside of the app store or website portal, you may attempt to reach them via email. Note that Shortmax does not maintain a publicly listed postal address for New Zealand customers. Email remains the only documented contact channel for billing inquiries and cancellation support.
Summary and next steps
Cancelling Shortmax in New Zealand is straightforward when you follow the correct platform-specific steps. Your legal rights are protected under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986. In accordance with these laws, Shortmax must honour your cancellation request promptly and refund any charges made after you cancelled without authorization.
Your next action depends on your subscription platform. If you subscribed via Apple, open Settings and navigate to Subscriptions. If you subscribed via Google Play, open the Play Store app and find Subscriptions. If you subscribed directly, log into your Shortmax account and find the Manage Subscription option. Cancel immediately, take a screenshot, and monitor your statements for the next two billing cycles.
Do not delay. Cancel at least 24 hours before your renewal date to avoid unexpected charges. If Shortmax fails to honour your cancellation or continues to bill you, document the evidence and escalate to the Commerce Commission. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions and defend their rights under New Zealand law, and we are here to support you through this process as well.