How to cancel AVG in new zealand and protect your rights
What AVG is and why cancellation matters
AVG is an antivirus and security software suite owned by Avast that protects your devices against viruses, malware, ransomware and online threats. You can purchase it directly from AVG's website, through app stores like Google Play and Apple App Store, or via third-party resellers across New Zealand. The software operates on an automatic renewal basis, meaning your subscription will continue charging each year unless you actively cancel before the renewal date.
Whether you've decided the software doesn't meet your needs, found a better alternative, or simply want to reduce your subscriptions, Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel their software subscriptions cleanly and on time. Understanding your cancellation options upfront means you avoid surprise charges and maintain control of your money.
Cancellation matters because AVG's automatic renewal system means your credit card will be charged annually without intervention on your part. Without proper notice and action, you could face unexpected billing charges that breach consumer protection law. At Yafee, we believe every New Zealand consumer deserves clarity on how to exit their subscriptions with full transparency and without penalty.
How AVG sells subscriptions in new zealand
Your cancellation path depends entirely on where you originally purchased AVG. If you bought directly from the AVG website, you cancel via their MyAccount portal. If you purchased through Apple App Store or Google Play, you must cancel through those platforms instead. Refunds and cancellation timelines also vary by channel. Consequently, identifying your purchase source is your first critical step toward successful cancellation.
Why automatic renewal poses a risk
Automatic renewal occurs without your active consent each year. Many consumers miss renewal dates or forget they subscribed at all. Under the Fair Trading Act 1986, AVG must inform you of renewal terms clearly before purchase and make cancellation straightforward. If AVG fails to provide transparent cancellation options or charges you after you've requested cancellation, you have grounds to seek a refund through the Commerce Commission.
Your consumer rights under new zealand law
New Zealand law grants you specific protections when purchasing software and digital services online.
Consumer guarantees act 1993
The Consumer Guarantees Act requires that goods and services be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and safe. If AVG fails to protect your device as promised, or if the software is faulty, defective or doesn't function as described, you have the right to seek a remedy. This includes refunds, replacement or repair, even after the initial 30-day window if the fault is significant. The Act applies to all consumer purchases in New Zealand, whether bought online or in-store.
Furthermore, if you discover within a reasonable timeframe (typically within 3 months of purchase) that AVG doesn't perform its core security functions, you can claim a refund under this Act regardless of the vendor's standard refund policy.
Fair trading act 1986 protections
The Fair Trading Act protects you from misleading or deceptive conduct. If AVG's automatic renewal process is not transparent, or if you were not clearly informed of cancellation terms and fees before purchase, AVG has breached this Act. You can lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission, New Zealand's enforcement body for consumer protection.
Key protections include: AVG must clearly disclose all material terms (including renewal frequency, cost and cancellation method) before you buy; AVG cannot use unfair contract terms that disadvantage you; AVG must make cancellation as easy as purchase.
Your legal position on cancellation rights
You have the absolute right to cancel your AVG subscription at any time. AVG cannot lock you into ongoing payments or charge penalty fees for early termination. However, cancellation may only stop future charges; it may not refund money already paid for the current billing period unless you cancel within 30 days of initial purchase or the software is faulty. If AVG refuses to cancel your subscription or continues charging after you've requested cancellation, you can escalate your complaint to the Commerce Commission at no cost.
How to cancel AVG via the website
If you purchased AVG directly from AVG's website, you cancel through your AVG MyAccount portal-this is the most straightforward and fastest route.
Step 1: access your AVG MyAccount
- Open your web browser and navigate to myaccount.avg.com
- Bookmark this page for future reference
- Log in using the email address and password associated with your AVG subscription
- If you've forgotten your password, select the "Forgot password" link on the login page and follow the reset instructions sent to your email
- Check your spam folder if you don't receive the reset email within 5 minutes
Step 2: locate your active subscription
- Once logged in, navigate to the "Subscriptions" or "My products" section
- You may see multiple devices or licenses listed if you've protected more than one computer or phone
- Look for the subscription showing "Active" or "Renews on [date]"
- Identify the renewal date displayed next to your subscription
- This date is critical-you must cancel at least 16 days before this date to prevent the next charge
Step 3: cancel automatic renewal
- Select the subscription you want to cancel
- If you have multiple subscriptions, select only the one(s) you want to remove
- Choose "Cancel automatic renewal", "Manage subscription" or "Cancel subscription"-the exact wording varies depending on your account type
- A confirmation page will appear asking you to confirm your decision
- AVG may ask why you're cancelling-answering this is optional, but your feedback helps the company improve
- Do not feel obligated to provide a reason
- Confirm your cancellation when prompted
- You will receive an on-screen confirmation message
Step 4: verify cancellation and save proof
- Return to your MyAccount portal and verify that your subscription no longer shows as "Active" or displays a renewal date
- It may now show "Cancelled" or "Expires on [current renewal date]"
- Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation screen
- Save this screenshot to your computer or cloud storage as proof of cancellation
- This protects you if AVG charges you again by mistake
- Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from AVG
- Forward this email to your personal records folder
How to cancel AVG via apple app store
If you purchased AVG through Apple App Store, you must cancel through Apple's subscription management system, not through AVG's website.
Step 1: access your apple ID settings
- On your iPhone, iPad or Mac, open the Settings app (or System Preferences on Mac)
- Select your name and Apple ID at the top
- Choose "Subscriptions" or "Media and Purchases"
- You may need to select "iTunes and App Store" first on older iOS versions
Step 2: find and cancel your AVG subscription
- Locate "AVG" in your active subscriptions list
- If you don't see it, check "Expired" or scroll down
- Select AVG and choose "Cancel Subscription" or "Turn Off Auto-Renewal"
- You will see your renewal date and the price of the next charge
- Confirm the cancellation
- Your subscription will remain active until the current renewal date, then expire
Step 3: verify and retain proof
- Return to the Subscriptions menu and confirm AVG no longer displays as an active subscription
- It may now show under "Expired"
- Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation
- Save this to your photos or iCloud for future reference
How to cancel AVG via google play store
If you purchased AVG through Google Play Store on an Android device, you cancel through Google Play's subscription management system.
Step 1: open google play store app
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Play Store app
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner
- Select "Payments and subscriptions" then "Subscriptions"
- You will see all active subscriptions linked to your Google account
Step 2: locate and cancel AVG
- Find "AVG" in your subscriptions list
- Tap on it to view subscription details, renewal date and cost
- Select "Cancel subscription"
- Google Play may ask why you're cancelling-this is optional feedback
- Confirm the cancellation
- Your access will end on the current renewal date
Step 3: save cancellation proof
- Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation screen
- Store it in your photos or Google Drive
- Return to your subscriptions list to confirm AVG no longer appears as active
- It may take a few minutes to update
Refunds and what you can expect after cancellation
Understanding refund timelines and what happens to your subscription after cancellation prevents confusion and disappointment.
When you qualify for a refund
AVG's standard refund policy permits refunds within 30 days of purchase if you cancel during this window. If you purchased more than 30 days ago, you typically will not receive a refund for the current billing period when you cancel. Consequently, cancelling mid-cycle means you lose access to the software at the end of your paid period, but you do not recover partial payments.
However, if the software is faulty or fails to perform as described, you may claim a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act even after 30 days. To pursue this, gather evidence that AVG did not protect your device as promised (for example, a security breach occurred despite AVG running) and lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission.
What happens after you cancel
- Your AVG subscription remains active until the end of your current billing period
- You retain full protection for your devices until this date
- After the renewal date passes, your subscription expires and your devices lose protection
- AVG will not charge your credit card again
- You can reinstall AVG at any time by purchasing a new subscription
- Your old license key will no longer work after expiry
If AVG charges you after cancellation
If you cancel but AVG charges your credit card again, contact your bank immediately to dispute the charge. Most banks allow you to dispute unauthorised charges within 120 days. Simultaneously, log into your AVG MyAccount and confirm the cancellation was processed. Contact AVG customer support by email and provide your cancellation screenshot as proof. If AVG refuses to refund the erroneous charge, escalate the matter to the Commerce Commission-Yafee recommends filing a formal complaint at www.consumerprotection.govt.nz.
Pricing and value comparison for AVG
Understanding AVG's cost structure helps you decide whether cancellation is the right choice and how it compares to alternative security solutions.
| Plan |
Annual NZD cost (approx.) |
Devices covered |
Key features |
| AVG Free |
NZD 0 |
1 |
Basic malware scanning, limited support |
| AVG Internet Security |
NZD 50-70 |
1 |
Antivirus, firewall, email protection |
| AVG Total Security |
NZD 70-90 |
Unlimited |
Antivirus, VPN, password manager, file shredder |
| AVG Premium Security |
NZD 80-100 |
Unlimited |
All features plus priority support and webcam protection |
| Competitor: Norton 360 |
NZD 60-80 |
Up to 5 |
Antivirus, VPN, password manager, 100 GB cloud backup |
| Competitor: Bitdefender |
NZD 40-60 |
Up to 5 |
Antivirus, ransomware protection, VPN |
Yafee's analysis shows that if you use multiple devices, Bitdefender and Norton often deliver better value per device than AVG. If you use only one device, AVG's mid-tier plan is competitively priced but not significantly cheaper than alternatives.
Common mistakes when cancelling AVG
Cancellation is straightforward, but small errors can delay your exit or lead to surprise charges. The good news is that all these mistakes are easily preventable.
Missing the 16-day cancellation window
AVG requires you to cancel at least 16 days before your renewal date to prevent the next charge. If you cancel on day 15, you will be charged. Check your renewal date in MyAccount immediately and mark your calendar. Set a phone reminder for 20 days before renewal to avoid this trap. Yafee recommends cancelling as soon as you decide to leave-do not wait until the last moment.
Cancelling on the wrong platform
If you bought AVG through Apple App Store, cancelling on AVG's website will not work. Conversely, if you bought directly from AVG.com, cancelling in the App Store will not affect your direct subscription. Verify your purchase channel by checking your email receipt or credit card statement. The receipt will show whether you paid Apple, Google or AVG directly. Cancelling on the wrong platform wastes time and leaves your original subscription active.
Forgetting to save cancellation proof
Always take a screenshot of your cancellation confirmation. If AVG charges you again, this screenshot is your proof that you cancelled in time. Without it, disputing the charge is more difficult. Save screenshots to cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive or iCloud) so they survive device loss or damage.
Not checking your email for the confirmation
AVG sends a cancellation confirmation email to your registered address. If you don't receive it within 24 hours, check your spam folder or contact AVG support. The absence of a confirmation email suggests your cancellation may not have processed. Follow up with AVG to confirm before you assume the cancellation is complete.
How to check that AVG has cancelled successfully
After you submit your cancellation, verify that it has been processed to avoid unexpected charges.
Verification checklist
- Log into your AVG MyAccount 24 hours after cancellation
- Confirm your subscription no longer shows as "Active"
- It should now display "Cancelled" or "Expires on [your current renewal date]"
- Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from AVG or Apple/Google
- If you don't receive it within 24 hours, contact AVG support
- Mark your calendar for your final renewal date (the date your access ends)
- Set a reminder for the day after to verify you were not charged
- On the day after your final renewal date, log into your credit card or bank account and confirm no charge appeared
- If a charge appears, contact your bank immediately to dispute it
- Uninstall AVG from all your devices after your final renewal date passes
- This prevents accidental reliance on expired protection
What to do if AVG refuses to cancel or charges you twice
In rare cases, AVG may refuse to cancel, fail to process your cancellation, or continue charging after you've requested cancellation. You have legal remedies.
Step 1: contact AVG customer support
- Email AVG support at [email protected] with your cancellation request and screenshots
- Use the subject line "Request for subscription cancellation and investigation of duplicate charge"
- Include your account email, subscription ID (if available) and cancellation date
- Allow 5 business days for AVG to respond
- Retain copies of all emails for your records
Step 2: dispute the charge with your bank
- Contact your bank or credit card issuer and report the unauthorised charge
- Provide your cancellation screenshots and AVG's refusal email as evidence
- Most banks allow disputes within 120 days of the charge
- Your bank will investigate and typically refund the disputed amount within 14 days
- This is faster than waiting for AVG to respond
Step 3: escalate to the commerce commission
- If AVG refuses to refund or your bank's dispute fails, file a complaint with the Commerce Commission
- Visit www.consumerprotection.govt.nz
- Complete the online complaint form with details of your cancellation attempt and the charge
- Attach your screenshots and email correspondence
- The Commission will investigate AVG's conduct and may require them to refund you
- This process is free and confidential
Should you cancel AVG or keep it?
Deciding whether to cancel depends on your security needs and whether you've found a better alternative.
Reasons to cancel AVG
- You have found a cheaper alternative that covers more devices (e.g., Bitdefender or Norton)
- Your new computer includes built-in security (Windows Defender on Windows, XProtect on Mac) and you no longer need third-party protection
- You use your device infrequently and have minimal malware risk
- AVG is slowing down your computer and impacting performance
- You want to reduce subscriptions and cut expenses
- You are dissatisfied with AVG's customer support or product updates
Reasons to keep AVG
- You actively download and use files from untrusted sources and need robust protection
- You run an older operating system (Windows 7 or older Mac) that lacks modern built-in security
- You value AVG's VPN feature for privacy on public WiFi
- You have invested in AVG licenses across multiple devices and the multi-device plan suits your needs
- You have experienced a past security breach and want professional-grade protection
- You prefer regular automatic updates and do not want to manage security manually
If you encounter technical difficulties during cancellation or need assistance, contact AVG directly through these verified channels. In accordance with Fair Trading Act requirements, AVG must respond within a reasonable timeframe (typically 5 business days).
AVG customer support contact methods
| Channel |
Details |
Response time |
| Email support |
[email protected] |
5 business days |
| Online chat |
myaccount.avg.com (during business hours) |
Same day |
| Phone support |
Available in select countries; check myaccount.avg.com for your region |
Varies |
| AVG MyAccount portal |
myaccount.avg.com - submit cancellation directly |
Immediate |
| Mailing address (corporate) |
AVG Czech s.r.o., Paesingerstrasse 6, 81679 Munich, Germany (note: physical mailing not recommended for New Zealand consumers) |
3-4 weeks |
For cancellation requests, email is the most reliable method for New Zealand consumers because it creates a written record and establishes proof of your cancellation attempt.
Summary and next steps
Cancelling AVG in New Zealand is straightforward when you follow the correct procedure for your purchase platform. If you bought directly from AVG's website, use MyAccount at myaccount.avg.com to cancel within 16 days of your renewal date. If you bought through Apple App Store or Google Play, cancel through those platforms' subscription management systems. Save screenshots of your cancellation confirmation, check your email for confirmation from AVG, and verify the cancellation in your account 24 hours later.
Your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and Fair Trading Act 1986 protect you from unexpected charges and unfair contract terms. If AVG refuses to cancel or charges you after you've cancelled, dispute the charge with your bank or file a complaint with the Commerce Commission at www.consumerprotection.govt.nz.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel software subscriptions without penalty by providing clear, step-by-step guidance and legal backing. Whether you're switching to a cheaper alternative, using built-in security instead, or simply reducing subscriptions, Yafee ensures you understand your rights and complete cancellation on time. Visit Yafee at yafee.com to access cancellation guides for thousands of other services in New Zealand, and use our platform to track your cancellation status and receive reminders before renewal dates. Your money, your control.