How to cancel your Mubi subscription in new zealand and protect your rights
What Mubi is and why you might cancel
Mubi is a subscription streaming service focused on carefully curated independent films, international cinema, festival discoveries, and classics rather than offering an unlimited back catalogue. Each month, Mubi's editorial team refreshes its collection, meaning the selection rotates continuously. This model appeals to discerning film enthusiasts but may not suit viewers who prefer on-demand access to specific titles.
You might be cancelling because the rotating catalogue no longer matches your viewing habits, you've watched the films that interested you, or you're consolidating your subscriptions to manage costs. Whatever your reason, Yafee guides you through the cancellation process clearly and ensures you avoid unexpected charges or billing traps that catch many subscribers off guard.
How Mubi works in new zealand
Mubi offers a seven-day free trial in most regions, followed by a paid monthly subscription. You stream across web browsers, iOS apps, Android apps, and selected smart TV devices. New Zealand subscribers typically pay between NZ$12.99 and NZ$14.99 per month, depending on the subscription tier and current promotional offers. The service operates on auto-renewal, meaning your subscription renews automatically at the end of each billing cycle unless you explicitly cancel.
Why cancelling before your renewal date matters
Auto-renewal happens automatically at the end of each billing cycle. If you do not act before your renewal date, you will be charged for another month of service. Mubi's standard policy does not issue refunds for partial periods or remaining subscription value. Yafee helps you stay ahead of these deadlines so you retain control of your spending and avoid unwanted charges.
Your consumer rights in new zealand
New Zealand consumer protection law is structured to protect you if Mubi fails to deliver the service you paid for or misleads you about cancellation terms.
Consumer guarantees act protections
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, Mubi must provide services that are of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and delivered with reasonable care and skill. If Mubi stops functioning, repeatedly crashes, or does not deliver the promised film catalogue, you may be entitled to a refund or credit, even if Mubi's terms state "non-refundable." The key principle is that consumer law overrides unfair contract terms. If Mubi's service is genuinely defective or substantially fails to meet its promises, the non-refund clause does not protect the company.
Your legal position: You hold stronger rights than Mubi's terms alone suggest. If the service is materially defective, you can pursue a refund by referencing the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, and Mubi cannot rely on its cancellation policy to deny you remedy.
Fair trading act leverage
The Fair Trading Act 1986 prohibits misleading conduct and false representations about services. If Mubi misleads you about cancellation deadlines, charges, trial terms, or subscription features, you can escalate a complaint to the Commerce Commission. Document all misleading communications, including screenshots of charges, email confirmations, and your cancellation request. Yafee recommends retaining this evidence for at least twelve months.
Escalation pathway if Mubi refuses
If Mubi refuses a refund or disputes an erroneous charge, contact the Commerce Commission or seek advice from Citizens Advice Bureau. The Commerce Commission investigates breaches of the Fair Trading Act and can enforce compliance. For disputes over service quality under the Consumer Guarantees Act, you may also pursue a claim through the Disputes Tribunal if the amount is under the tribunal's jurisdiction (typically under NZ$15,000).
Cancel Mubi via your account settings (web)
If you signed up directly at mubi.com, cancellation is fastest and simplest through your Mubi account dashboard.
Step one: log into your Mubi account
Visit mubi.com and enter your email address and password in the login form. If you have forgotten your password, click the "Forgot password?" link and follow the reset process before proceeding. Ensure you have access to the email address registered with your account, as password reset links are sent to that inbox.
Step two: navigate to your account settings
Once logged in, locate your profile menu, usually in the top-right corner of the screen. Look for a gear icon or "Settings" link within that menu. Click it to enter your account settings dashboard.
Step three: access your subscription settings
In your account settings, select the "Subscription" tab or section. You will see your current plan, next renewal date, billing amount, and payment method displayed here. This section confirms the exact date your next charge will occur.
Step four: click "Cancel subscription" and confirm
Locate and click the "Cancel subscription" button. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your cancellation request. Mubi may offer a discount, pause option, or retention incentive at this stage. Only accept if you genuinely wish to remain subscribed; otherwise, proceed with cancellation. Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation page before closing your browser, as this serves as proof of your cancellation request.
Step five: verify your cancellation email
Check your registered email inbox (including spam or promotions folders) for a cancellation confirmation from Mubi. This email confirms the date your subscription ends and when your access will cease. If you do not receive this email within two hours, log back into your account and verify that the cancellation status shows as "cancelled" or "pending cancellation." Yafee recommends keeping this confirmation email for your records indefinitely.
Cancel Mubi via the mobile app (iOS and android)
If you subscribed through the Mubi app on your phone or tablet, you can cancel directly within the app settings.
For iOS app users
Open the Mubi app and log in with your credentials. Tap the profile icon (usually bottom-right), then select "Settings." Scroll to "Subscription" and tap "Manage subscription." You are then redirected to your Apple ID settings. Tap "Cancel subscription" and confirm. Apple sends a cancellation confirmation to your registered Apple ID email address.
For android app users
Open the Mubi app and log in. Tap your profile icon and select "Settings." Find "Subscription" and tap "Manage subscription." You are redirected to your Google Play account. Tap "Cancel subscription" and follow the on-screen confirmation. Google Play sends a cancellation confirmation to your registered Google account email address.
Cancel Mubi by email or post
If online cancellation fails or you prefer written confirmation, you can request cancellation by email or post.
Cancellation by email
Send an email to Mubi's support address (typically [email protected]) with the subject "Subscription cancellation request." Include your full name, email address associated with your account, and a clear statement: "I request immediate cancellation of my Mubi subscription, effective as of today." Request a written confirmation of cancellation. Send this email from the same email address registered with your Mubi account to avoid identity verification delays. Keep a copy of the sent email and any response for your records.
Cancellation by post
Although Mubi has no dedicated New Zealand postal address, you may send a cancellation request to its UK address. Include your full name, email address, account details, and a clear cancellation request. Send the letter by registered post so you have proof of delivery. Yafee notes that postal cancellation is slower than email or account settings, often taking 5 to 10 business days to process. Use email or account settings cancellation whenever possible.
Mubi UK postal address (if required): Mubi Limited, Unit 2, 41-47 Whitfield Street, London W1T 4EF, United Kingdom.
Understand mubi's refund and billing policy
Mubi's standard refund policy is restrictive but does not override your consumer rights under New Zealand law.
What mubi's terms say
Mubi's subscription terms state that subscriptions are non-refundable and do not offer credits for unused portions of a billing period. If you cancel on the first day of a monthly billing cycle, you lose access to the remaining 29 or 30 days of that month without compensation. This policy is standard among streaming services, but consumer law provides important protections that override these terms in specific circumstances.
When you may claim a refund despite the non-refund policy
You can pursue a refund if: (1) Mubi's service fails to meet acceptable quality standards under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (e.g., the app crashes repeatedly, content is not as advertised, or access is unavailable); (2) you were misled about cancellation deadlines or charges under the Fair Trading Act 1986; or (3) you cancel within Mubi's free trial period before any charge is applied. If none of these circumstances apply, Mubi's non-refund policy likely stands, and you lose any remaining subscription value upon cancellation.
Verify your final charge date
After you cancel, confirm your exact final access date and charge date in your cancellation confirmation email. Most streaming services allow you to access content until the end of your paid billing period, even after cancellation. If your next renewal was scheduled for 15 March and you cancel on 10 March, you retain access until 15 March but will not be charged again. Do not assume your access ends immediately; access typically ends on your renewal date.
Pricing and subscription tiers in new zealand
Understanding Mubi's pricing helps you decide whether the cost justifies continuing your subscription.
| Subscription tier |
Monthly cost (NZD) |
Features |
Best for |
| Free trial |
NZ$0.00 |
Seven days access; limited catalogue |
New users testing the service |
| Standard monthly |
NZ$12.99-14.99 |
Unlimited streaming on web, iOS, Android, smart TV |
Most subscribers |
| Annual subscription |
NZ$129.99 (upfront) |
Same features as monthly; cheaper per-month rate |
Committed subscribers (approx. 10% discount) |
| Student discount |
Variable (50% off monthly) |
Verified students only; same features |
Full-time students with valid .edu email |
Prices vary slightly depending on current promotions and your subscription entry date. If you are paying significantly more than the rates shown above, contact Mubi support to confirm you are on the correct tier.
What happens after you cancel
Cancellation is final once confirmed, but your access window depends on your renewal date.
Access after cancellation
You retain access to Mubi's catalogue until the end of your current billing period. If you cancel on 1 March and your next renewal was scheduled for 15 March, you keep full access until 15 March at 11:59 PM. After that moment, your account locks, and you cannot stream content. Yafee recommends noting your final access date in your calendar so you are not surprised when your access expires.
Reactivating your subscription
You can reactivate a cancelled subscription by logging back into your account and selecting "Reactivate subscription" if the option is available. If you cancelled and wish to return within a reasonable timeframe (typically 30 to 60 days), you can usually restore your subscription without signing up for the free trial again. However, Mubi does not guarantee reactivation is always possible, so do not assume it if you think you might return later.
Data and account retention
After cancellation, Mubi retains your account data, watch history, and ratings. If you reactivate, these are restored. Mubi does not delete your account automatically after cancellation unless you request account closure separately. If you wish your account deleted entirely (including all personal data), send a separate request to Mubi's support team specifying "Account deletion requested under the Privacy Act 2020." Yafee notes that account deletion is permanent and differs from cancellation; once deleted, you cannot recover your watch history or ratings.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancellation is straightforward, but missteps can leave you charged unexpectedly or without proof of your cancellation request.
Assuming cancellation happened automatically
The most common mistake is stopping payment or assuming that unsubscribing from marketing emails equals subscription cancellation. It does not. You must actively cancel through your account settings, email, or post. Marketing emails and subscription are separate systems. Mubi continues charging unless you explicitly cancel the subscription itself. Always follow the cancellation steps outlined in this guide and save confirmation proof.
Cancelling too close to your renewal date
If you cancel on your renewal date (the day your next charge is due), Mubi may process the charge before your cancellation request takes effect. If this happens, contact Mubi within 48 hours and request a refund for the erroneous charge by referencing your cancellation request date. Keep your cancellation confirmation email as evidence. Yafee recommends cancelling at least three to five business days before your renewal date to avoid this scenario.
Not saving cancellation confirmation
Failing to take a screenshot of your web cancellation confirmation or save your cancellation email leaves you without proof if Mubi continues charging you. If a dispute arises, you have no record to present to your bank or the Commerce Commission. Always save cancellation confirmations indefinitely.
Forgetting to cancel app-based subscriptions separately
If you subscribed through the Apple App Store or Google Play, cancelling your web account does not cancel your app subscription. You must cancel app subscriptions separately through Apple or Google settings. Yafee advises checking all payment methods you used to subscribe and cancelling each one independently.
After cancellation: what to do if you are charged again
If Mubi charges you after cancellation, you have clear options under New Zealand law.
Contact Mubi immediately
Email Mubi support with the subject "Disputed charge after cancellation" and include: (1) your cancellation confirmation email or screenshot; (2) the erroneous charge date and amount; and (3) a request for an immediate refund. Keep a copy of this email. Set a deadline of 14 days for Mubi to respond.
Dispute the charge with your bank
If Mubi does not refund the erroneous charge within 14 days, contact your bank and request a chargeback or reversal. Provide your bank with: (1) your cancellation confirmation; (2) your original payment authorisation; and (3) Mubi's unresponsive or denial email. Your bank has the authority to reverse charges for services not provided. Most banks process chargebacks within 10 to 20 business days.
Escalate to the commerce commission
If your bank's chargeback fails or Mubi disputes it, lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission. Reference the Fair Trading Act 1986 and state that Mubi charged you after you cancelled, contrary to your cancellation request. The Commerce Commission investigates unfair billing practices and can compel refunds. Include all supporting evidence.
Deciding whether to cancel or keep your Mubi subscription
Before you cancel, weigh the service's value against your actual viewing habits and budget.
Reasons to keep your subscription
Keep Mubi if: (1) you regularly watch films (at least three to five per month); (2) you value curated, independent cinema over on-demand blockbusters; (3) you are interested in film criticism and festival discoveries; or (4) the monthly cost (NZ$12.99-14.99) fits comfortably in your entertainment budget without compromising other spending. Mubi's rotating catalogue is its strength if you are a serious film viewer.
Reasons to cancel
Cancel Mubi if: (1) the rotating catalogue no longer appeals to you; (2) you have watched most films you were interested in; (3) you prefer on-demand access to specific titles over curation; (4) you are consolidating subscriptions to reduce costs; (5) the monthly fee is straining your budget; or (6) you are not watching films regularly (less than twice per month). Cancelling costs nothing in penalties, so cancelling and resubscribing later is risk-free.
| Factor |
Keep subscription |
Cancel subscription |
| Film viewing frequency |
Three or more films per month |
Fewer than two films per month |
| Budget impact |
NZ$12.99-14.99 fits comfortably |
Monthly fee strains discretionary spending |
| Catalogue preference |
Curated, rotating selections appeal to you |
You prefer unlimited on-demand catalogues |
| Viewing patterns |
You seek film discovery and recommendations |
You search for specific titles you already know |
| Alternative options |
Mubi is your primary film streaming service |
You have similar services or use other platforms |
Summary and next steps
Cancelling your Mubi subscription in New Zealand is straightforward if you follow the correct cancellation method, act before your renewal date, and retain proof of your cancellation request. Your consumer rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and Fair Trading Act 1986 protect you if Mubi fails to deliver service or misleads you about charges. Yafee has guided thousands of New Zealand consumers through subscription cancellation, ensuring they avoid unwanted charges and understand their legal position when disputes arise.
Use the web cancellation method (mubi.com account settings) as your first option, as it is instant and provides immediate confirmation. If online cancellation fails, email Mubi's support team or escalate to the Commerce Commission if Mubi refuses your refund request. Keep all cancellation confirmations, charge statements, and correspondence for at least twelve months. Yafee remains your trusted resource for cancellation guidance, and our team is here to help you understand your rights and take action. Whether you are temporarily pausing or permanently leaving Mubi, you now have the knowledge and legal backing to cancel confidently and protect your wallet from unexpected charges.