How to cancel Adblock in new zealand and stop paying for ad blocking
Why you might want to cancel Adblock
Adblock (marketed as Total Adblock or Adblock Plus depending on where you purchased it) is a paid subscription service that removes advertisements from your browser and mobile apps. You may have subscribed directly through their website, the Apple App Store, or Google Play Store. Many New Zealand users discover they don't use the service as frequently as anticipated, or they've found free alternatives that deliver equivalent functionality.
The process of cancelling Adblock is straightforward once you identify your purchase method. Whether you subscribed via their website or through an app store, Yafee has documented the exact steps you need to take to halt charges and recover your money where eligible. This guide outlines the fastest route to cancellation and explains your consumer rights under New Zealand law.
Understanding your purchase method
Your cancellation pathway depends entirely on how you paid for Adblock. You may have established a subscription directly on the Total Adblock website, or you may have subscribed through the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad, or through Google Play on an Android device. Each method requires a different cancellation process, and failing to follow the correct procedure could leave you paying indefinitely. Verify your bank or credit card statements first to identify exactly where the recurring charges originate.
What information you need before cancelling
Before you begin, locate your login credentials for whichever platform you used to subscribe. If you purchased through the website, you will need your email address and password. If you subscribed through an app store, ensure you have access to the Apple ID or Google account associated with your purchase. Retain any confirmation emails from your purchase as backup evidence. Having these details prepared will save time and prevent delays.
How to cancel Adblock if you subscribed through the website
This is the most direct cancellation route if you purchased your Adblock subscription directly from Total Adblock's website rather than through an app store.
Step 1: log into your Adblock account
Visit the Total Adblock website and locate the "Log In" or "Sign In" link, typically positioned at the top right of the page.
- Navigate to the Total Adblock login page
- Enter the email address associated with your Adblock account
- Enter your password
- Click the "Log In" button
Step 2: access your subscription settings
Once logged in, you will need to locate your active subscription from your account dashboard.
- Look for "My Account", "My Subscriptions", or "Account Settings" in the main navigation menu
- This section typically appears in the top navigation bar or under your profile icon
- Click on this menu item to access your subscription management area
Step 3: find and cancel your subscription
In your subscription management area, you will see your active Adblock plan listed with cancellation options.
- Locate your active Adblock subscription in the list of current subscriptions
- Click the "Cancel Subscription" button next to your active plan
- The system may ask you to confirm your decision or select a reason for cancellation
- Complete any identity verification if prompted, such as clicking a confirmation link in an email or entering a code sent to your phone
Step 4: obtain and save your cancellation confirmation
Your cancellation will be processed immediately, and you will receive a confirmation email within minutes.
- Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation page displayed on screen
- Save the cancellation confirmation email to a folder you can easily locate later
- Note the date and time shown on the confirmation
- Keep these records as proof if you later request a refund or if charges appear after cancellation
How to cancel Adblock if you subscribed through an app store
If you purchased Adblock through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, you must cancel through that platform, not through the Adblock website itself.
Cancelling through the apple app store (iPhone or iPad)
Apple subscriptions are managed through your Apple ID account settings, not through the app itself.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad
- Tap your name at the top of the settings menu
- Tap "Subscriptions"
- Look for Adblock or Total Adblock in your list of active subscriptions
- Tap the Adblock subscription
- Tap "Cancel Subscription" at the bottom of the screen
- Confirm your cancellation when prompted
- You will receive a confirmation email at the address associated with your Apple ID
Cancelling through google play store (Android)
Google Play subscriptions are managed through your Google Play account settings on your Android device or through the web.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device
- Tap the profile icon in the top right corner
- Tap "Manage subscriptions" or "Subscriptions"
- Locate Adblock or Total Adblock in your active subscriptions list
- Tap the Adblock subscription
- Tap "Cancel subscription"
- Follow the prompts to confirm cancellation
- You will receive a confirmation email at the address associated with your Google account
What happens after you cancel Adblock
Understanding what occurs immediately after cancellation will prevent confusion about your access to the service and future charges.
Your access to Adblock after cancellation
Cancelling your subscription stops future charges immediately. However, you will retain access to Adblock until the end of your current paid billing period. For example, if you paid for a yearly subscription in January and cancel in March, you will continue to have ad-blocking active until January the following year. You do not lose access to functionality you have already paid for.
Verifying your cancellation took effect
Confirm that your cancellation has been processed by checking your account status within one week.
- Log back into your Adblock account (or check your app store subscription settings)
- Verify that your subscription is listed as "Cancelled" or "Inactive"
- Monitor your bank or credit card statements for 30 days to ensure no further charges appear
- Contact your bank immediately if a charge appears after your cancellation date
Your consumer rights under new zealand law
Adblock subscriptions are governed by the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986, which protect your rights as a consumer in New Zealand.
Your legal position
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, goods and services supplied to you in trade must be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and safe. If Adblock fails to deliver ad-blocking functionality as advertised, or if the service is unavailable for extended periods, you have the right to seek a remedy. Furthermore, under the Fair Trading Act 1986, suppliers must not engage in misleading or deceptive conduct. If you were charged after requesting cancellation, or if you were misled about cancellation terms, you may have grounds for a refund or dispute.
Yafee specialises in helping New Zealand consumers understand these protections and recover money when services fail to meet legal standards.
How to request a refund for Adblock
If you wish to recover money you have paid, you must take specific steps within defined timeframes to maximise your chances of success.
Step 1: request a refund within 14 days of purchase
If you are dissatisfied with Adblock, you have the strongest position if you request a refund within 14 days of your purchase date.
- Locate your original purchase confirmation email
- Note the purchase date and transaction amount
- Contact Adblock customer support by email (support email addresses are typically listed on their website or in your confirmation email)
- State clearly that you wish to cancel your subscription and request a full refund within the 14-day period
- Include your order number, purchase date, and the amount charged
- Ask for a response within 5 business days
Step 2: escalate if Adblock refuses your refund
If Adblock does not respond within 5 business days, or if they refuse your refund request, you may escalate your complaint to the Commerce Commission (also known as the "Commission"), which is New Zealand's consumer protection authority.
- Gather all evidence: purchase confirmation emails, cancellation confirmations, bank statements showing charges, and copies of all correspondence with Adblock
- Visit the Commerce Commission website at www.comcom.govt.nz
- Lodge a formal complaint through their online complaint portal
- Describe your issue clearly and attach all supporting evidence
- The Commerce Commission will investigate and may require Adblock to refund your payment
Step 3: dispute the charge with your bank or credit card provider
If Adblock continues to charge you after cancellation, or if they refuse to refund you, you can dispute the charge directly with your bank or credit card provider.
- Contact your bank or credit card issuer by phone or online banking
- Explain that you cancelled Adblock and were charged after the cancellation date, or that you requested a refund and Adblock refused
- Provide your cancellation confirmation email and bank statements showing the disputed charge
- Your bank will initiate a chargeback or dispute investigation
- You will typically receive a resolution within 20 to 30 business days
Adblock pricing and subscription plans
Understanding what you are paying for will help you determine whether a refund is justified under New Zealand consumer law.
| Plan |
Cost (NZD) |
Billing cycle |
Refund eligibility |
| Monthly subscription |
$5.99 - $8.99 per month |
Monthly (auto-renewal) |
Refundable within 14 days if unused |
| Annual subscription |
$49.99 - $89.99 per year |
Annual (auto-renewal) |
Refundable within 14 days if unused |
| Lifetime access (rare) |
$199.99 - $299.99 one-time |
One-time purchase |
Refundable within 14 days |
| Free version |
Free |
No charge |
N/A |
Prices vary depending on where you purchase Adblock (website, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store) and whether you are an existing customer receiving a promotional rate.
Common mistakes when cancelling Adblock
Cancelling Adblock is not difficult, but several missteps could leave you paying longer than necessary or delay your refund.
Deleting the app without cancelling the subscription
Removing the Adblock app from your device does not cancel your subscription. Your payment method will continue to be charged until you formally cancel through the website or app store. Many New Zealand users delete the app assuming they have cancelled, only to discover charges appearing months later. Always cancel the subscription first, then delete the app.
Cancelling the wrong subscription
If you purchased Adblock through multiple platforms or have multiple payment methods linked to your account, verify you are cancelling the correct subscription. Log into each platform where you may have subscribed (website, Apple App Store, Google Play Store) and check your subscriptions on each one. Cancel only the active subscription you wish to stop.
Failing to save confirmation emails
Yafee advises all consumers to retain cancellation confirmations. If a charge appears after cancellation, or if Adblock disputes your cancellation, you will need proof that you cancelled on a specific date. Email confirmations provide this evidence and are admissible as proof in disputes with your bank or with the Commerce Commission.
Waiting too long to request a refund
Your strongest legal position to request a refund exists within 14 days of purchase. After this period, you may still succeed in obtaining a refund if the service failed to deliver as advertised or if you can prove you never actually used the service, but your claim will be weaker. Act within the first two weeks if you are unsure whether you want to keep Adblock.
After cancellation: checklist and verification
Following these steps after cancellation ensures you have a clear record and can respond quickly if any issues arise.
| Action |
Timeframe |
Why it matters |
| Save cancellation confirmation email |
Within 1 hour of cancelling |
Serves as proof of cancellation date |
| Screenshot your account showing cancelled status |
Within 1 day of cancelling |
Visual evidence that subscription is no longer active |
| Check bank statement for refund |
Within 7-14 days of cancelling |
Confirms refund was processed (if refund was granted) |
| Monitor for unwanted charges |
Daily for 30 days after cancelling |
Allows you to dispute any charge that appears after cancellation |
| Contact bank if charge appears |
Immediately after spotting the charge |
Faster resolution if you act within 20 days of the charge |
| Lodge Commerce Commission complaint if no resolution |
Within 3 months of the dispute |
Escalates to official regulator for investigation |
If you cannot cancel through the website or app store, or if you need to escalate your complaint, contact the following parties.
Total Adblock support contact
Total Adblock (the operator behind Adblock in some markets) maintains a UK postal address for some administrative matters, though cancellation is processed primarily through your online account or app store. Nevertheless, if you encounter barriers to cancellation, you may send written notice to:
Total Security Ltd
[Postal address to be verified with current provider]
Include your account email, order number, and a clear request to cancel your subscription and refund your payment. Send this by registered mail so you have proof of delivery.
New zealand consumer protection authority
If Adblock does not respond to your cancellation or refund request within 10 business days, escalate your complaint to:
Commerce Commission (New Zealand)
Website: www.comcom.govt.nz
Online complaint form: Available on their website
Phone: 0800 943 600 (toll-free)
The Commerce Commission is the statutory regulator responsible for enforcing the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and Fair Trading Act 1986. They will investigate your complaint and can compel Adblock to refund your payment if they find a breach.
Why yafee helps you cancel with confidence
Cancelling a subscription should not require extensive research or legal knowledge. Yafee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel services like Adblock, recover refunds, and understand their consumer rights. Our contract law specialists have documented the exact steps required to cancel Adblock through every platform, compiled the relevant New Zealand consumer protection laws, and identified escalation pathways when providers fail to honour cancellation requests.
Whether you are cancelling because you found a free alternative, because you no longer use the ad-blocking feature, or because you were charged unexpectedly, Yafee provides the clarity and step-by-step guidance you need to cancel quickly and recover your money where eligible. Visit Yafee today to access cancellation guides for dozens of other services, and reference our legal framework library to understand your rights under New Zealand consumer law.