How to cancel your Unity subscription in south africa: a complete legal guide
Why you need to cancel your Unity subscription now
Unity is a real-time development platform you use to create interactive 2D and 3D content, from games and films to augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications. The platform operates as a subscription service, supported by digital assets through the Asset Store and cloud services including DevOps and Plastic SCM for version control. Consequently, if you no longer need access to premium features or have moved to another development environment, cancelling your subscription stops future billing and protects your payment method from recurring charges.
In South Africa, your right to cancel is protected by law. The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) of 2008 mandates that traders-including software companies like Unity-must provide you with clear cancellation procedures and refund eligibility before you purchase. Furthermore, you have specific cooling-off rights and remedies if Unity fails to honour those obligations. At Yafee, we have helped thousands of developers and studios understand their legal position and execute cancellations without unnecessary delays or costs.
What happens when you cancel
Cancelling your subscription stops all future recurring charges on your payment method. Nevertheless, you retain access to your projects and downloaded content for the remainder of your paid billing period. If you cancel mid-cycle, you do not receive a pro-rata refund unless you fall within the 14-day cooling-off period or Unity has breached its contractual obligations. Yafee recommends documenting your cancellation confirmation immediately, as proof of cancellation is essential if a dispute arises later.
Multiple subscriptions require multiple cancellations
If you purchased Unity through the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or the web-based Unity Dashboard, you must cancel each subscription separately. Leaving one subscription active will continue to charge your payment method every billing cycle, even if you have cancelled the others. In accordance with Yafee's best-practice approach, audit all your active subscriptions across all platforms before you begin the cancellation process.
Your consumer rights under south african law
South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (CPA) of 2008 grants you enforceable rights when cancelling digital services and subscriptions.
The 14-day cooling-off period and your refund entitlement
The CPA mandates a 14-day cooling-off period for distance sales-that is, purchases made online without face-to-face interaction. This means you have 14 calendar days from the date of purchase to cancel and request a full refund, provided you have not significantly downloaded or used the asset or service. Unity's Asset Store complies with this requirement, allowing automatic refunds within 14 days for unopened purchases paid by PayPal or credit card.
After the 14-day period expires, you retain the right to cancel at any time, but you are not entitled to a refund for the remainder of your billing cycle. However, if Unity has breached the terms of your contract-for example, by failing to deliver the service, experiencing persistent downtime, or misrepresenting the features available to your account-you may be entitled to a refund or damages even after 14 days. Yafee advises keeping all communications with Unity as evidence of any breach.
Your legal position under the CPA
You have the right to: Cancel your subscription at any time and receive a full refund within 14 days of purchase if you have not significantly used the service. After 14 days, you may cancel without penalty, but future charges cease immediately. You are entitled to clear, transparent information about all cancellation procedures, renewal dates, and fees before you purchase. You can lodge a formal complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) if Unity refuses to honour your cancellation rights or provide a lawful refund.
Unity must: Provide cancellation mechanisms that are as easy and accessible as the purchase method you used. Honour your cancellation request within five working days. Process refunds to your original payment method within a reasonable timeframe, typically 5 to 10 business days. Respond to your complaints and provide written reasons if they deny a refund you believe you are entitled to.
Escalation to the national consumer commission
If Unity refuses a refund you believe you are entitled to under the CPA, you can escalate your complaint to the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The NCC investigates breaches of the Consumer Protection Act and can compel traders to comply with their legal obligations. To lodge a complaint with the NCC, you must first attempt to resolve the dispute directly with Unity in writing. Document all communications-emails, support tickets, cancellation confirmations, and payment receipts-and retain this evidence for at least two years.
Contact the NCC through their website (www.nccsa.org.za) or submit a formal complaint in writing. Include copies of your purchase confirmation, proof of cancellation attempts, and any correspondence with Unity. The NCC will investigate and may issue a compliance notice, demand a refund, or refer your case for litigation if the breach is serious.
How to cancel Unity through the web dashboard
The Unity Dashboard is the direct cancellation method for subscriptions purchased directly from Unity, outside of app stores.
Step 1: sign in to your Unity account
- Navigate to id.unity.com in your web browser.
- Enter your email address and password.
- If you have two-factor authentication enabled, complete the verification step.
- You are now logged into your Unity account dashboard.
Step 2: access your subscription settings
- Click your profile icon or account name in the top right corner of the dashboard.
- Select Account Settings or Billing from the dropdown menu.
- Look for the section labelled "Subscriptions" or "Active Plans".
- You will see a list of all active subscriptions linked to your account.
Step 3: select the subscription you wish to cancel
- Locate the Unity subscription plan you want to cancel (for example, Unity Plus, Unity Pro, or a cloud services subscription).
- Click on the subscription entry to expand its details.
- You will see the plan name, renewal date, and current price.
Step 4: initiate cancellation
- Look for a button or link labelled Cancel Subscription, Manage Subscription, or End Plan.
- Click this button to begin the cancellation process.
- Unity may ask you to confirm your decision and provide optional feedback about why you are cancelling.
- You are not obligated to provide feedback, but doing so may help Unity improve their service.
Step 5: confirm your cancellation
- Unity will display a final confirmation screen asking you to verify your cancellation request.
- Click Confirm Cancellation or Yes, Cancel My Subscription to complete the process.
- You will receive an on-screen confirmation message and a confirmation email at your registered email address.
- Save or print this confirmation for your records.
Step 6: verify your cancellation in your account
- Return to your Account Settings and navigate to Subscriptions again.
- The cancelled subscription should now appear as Inactive or be removed from your active subscriptions list.
- If the subscription still appears active, contact Unity support immediately with your confirmation email as evidence.
How to cancel Unity through the apple app store
If you subscribed to Unity via Apple's App Store on your iPhone or iPad, you manage cancellation directly through Apple's subscription settings rather than through Unity itself. Apple handles billing and refund processing.
Step 1: open the app store on your iOS device
- Unlock your iPhone or iPad and locate the App Store application.
- Tap the App Store icon to open the application.
Step 2: navigate to your subscriptions
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner of the App Store screen.
- This icon typically appears as a small photograph or silhouette.
- Select Subscriptions from the menu that appears.
Step 3: find your Unity subscription
- You will see a list of all active subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
- Scroll through the list and locate the Unity subscription entry.
Step 4: cancel the subscription
- Tap the Unity subscription to view its details and renewal date.
- Tap Cancel Subscription at the bottom of the screen.
- Apple will ask you to confirm your decision; select Confirm or Yes, Cancel.
Step 5: verify cancellation
- After cancellation, the Unity subscription will change status to Expired or Cancelled.
- You will receive a confirmation email from Apple at your registered Apple ID email address.
- Save this email as proof of cancellation.
How to cancel Unity through the google play store
If you subscribed to Unity via Google's Play Store on your Android device, Google handles billing and refund processing, not Unity.
Step 1: open the google play store app
- Unlock your Android device and open the Google Play Store application.
Step 2: navigate to your account menu
- Tap the profile icon in the top right corner of the Play Store screen.
- Select Manage your Google Account or Settings from the menu.
Step 3: access subscriptions
- Tap the Subscriptions tab or menu option.
- You will see a list of all active subscriptions.
Step 4: select and cancel Unity
- Find the Unity subscription in the list and tap it.
- Tap Cancel Subscription.
- Google will ask you to confirm your decision and may ask why you are cancelling; select Continue Cancelling or Yes, Cancel.
Step 5: verify cancellation and refund eligibility
- After you confirm, the subscription will change to Cancelled status.
- You will receive a confirmation email from Google Play at your registered email address.
- If you cancelled within 48 hours of purchase, you are eligible for a full refund; Google will process this automatically.
- After 48 hours, no refund is issued, but your access continues until the end of your current billing cycle.
Refunds and your cancellation timeline
Your entitlement to a refund depends on when you cancel relative to your purchase date and the payment method you used.
Refund eligibility by timing and platform
| Cancellation timing |
Web dashboard refund |
Apple App Store refund |
Google Play Store refund |
| Within 14 days of purchase |
Full refund (unopened asset) |
Full refund via Apple |
Full refund via Google |
| 15 to 30 days after purchase |
No refund; cancels at renewal |
No refund; cancels at renewal |
No refund; cancels at renewal |
| 31 days or later |
No refund; cancels at renewal |
No refund; cancels at renewal |
No refund; cancels at renewal |
| Breach of service by Unity |
Potential refund plus damages |
Escalate to Apple |
Escalate to Google |
How long refunds take to appear
If you are eligible for a refund, the money will be returned to your original payment method. Bank transfers typically appear within 5 to 10 working days. Credit or debit card refunds may take 10 to 15 business days, as your bank processes the reversal. PayPal refunds appear within 2 to 3 working days. Yafee recommends checking your payment method's transaction history rather than your email, as refunds do not always trigger a confirmation email.
Requesting a refund if Unity denies one
If you believe you are entitled to a refund and Unity refuses, contact their support team in writing and clearly cite the Consumer Protection Act and the reason you are entitled to a refund. Include your original purchase confirmation, cancellation confirmation, and any evidence that you did not significantly use the service. If Unity continues to refuse, escalate the matter to the National Consumer Commission as described in the "Your consumer rights under South African law" section above.
What happens after you cancel
Cancellation is immediate, but your access to paid features continues until the end of your current billing cycle.
Your access during the remainder of your billing cycle
After you cancel, you retain full access to all features and projects you purchased for the remainder of your current billing period. For example, if your subscription renews on the 15th of next month and you cancel on the 1st, you keep your access until the 14th. After that date, your account will downgrade to the free tier and you will lose access to premium features, cloud storage, and collaboration tools unless you reactivate a paid subscription.
Preserving your projects and data
Before your access expires, download all your project files, custom assets, and important data. Log into your Unity Dashboard, navigate to your projects, and export or backup your work to your computer or an external storage device. After your access expires, you will not be able to download files stored exclusively in Unity's cloud services. Yafee advises completing this download process at least one week before your access expires.
Reactivating your subscription if you change your mind
If you cancel and then change your mind, you can reactivate your subscription at any time through the same platform where you cancelled (the Unity Dashboard, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store). Your account information, projects, and settings will be preserved. Nevertheless, you will be charged the full subscription price for a new billing cycle immediately upon reactivation, with no pro-rata adjustment.
Common mistakes to avoid during cancellation
Cancellation is straightforward, but a few common errors can lead to unexpected charges or lost data. Take care to avoid these pitfalls.
Mistake 1: cancelling only one subscription and leaving others active
If you purchased Unity through multiple platforms, each subscription will continue to charge you independently. Cancelling your web dashboard subscription does not automatically cancel your Apple App Store or Google Play Store subscription. Consequently, audit all your subscriptions across all platforms and cancel each one separately.
Mistake 2: assuming cancellation means immediate refund
Cancelling your subscription stops future charges, but it does not automatically entitle you to a refund for the current billing cycle. The 14-day cooling-off period applies only if you cancel within 14 days of purchase and have not significantly used the service. After 14 days, no refund is issued unless Unity has breached its contract.
Mistake 3: not saving your cancellation confirmation
After you cancel, save or print the confirmation email and on-screen confirmation message. If a dispute arises later-for example, if you are charged again despite cancelling-this confirmation is your proof that you completed the cancellation process. Without it, you may struggle to convince your bank or payment provider to reverse the charge.
Mistake 4: deleting your projects immediately after cancellation
Your access to projects does not end immediately; it continues until the end of your billing cycle. However, after that date, you lose access to cloud-stored files. Consequently, do not delete your project files from Unity's servers before you have downloaded and backed up all your work to your own device.
Mistake 5: not contacting support if you encounter errors
If the cancellation button fails to appear, the process freezes, or you receive an error message, do not assume your cancellation has failed. Contact Unity support immediately with a screenshot of the error and explain your situation. In accordance with the CPA, Unity must provide you with accessible and functioning cancellation mechanisms. If the web dashboard fails, they must offer an alternative method (email, phone, or support ticket).
Pricing and subscription plans overview
Understanding your current plan helps you decide whether cancellation is the right choice.
Unity subscription plans and south african pricing
| Plan name |
Monthly price (ZAR) |
Annual price (ZAR) |
Best for |
| Unity Personal |
Free |
Free |
Individual hobbyists and students |
| Unity Plus |
~R649 |
~R6,490 |
Small teams and freelancers |
| Unity Pro |
~R2,229 |
~R22,290 |
Professional studios and enterprises |
| Cloud Build |
~R449 |
Billed monthly |
Automated build and deployment |
| Plastic SCM |
~R449 |
Billed monthly |
Advanced version control |
| DevOps tools |
Variable |
Variable |
Large teams and pipelines |
Prices listed are approximate and subject to currency fluctuation. Check your billing statement or the Unity Dashboard for your exact ZAR amount. If you are unsure which plan you currently pay for, log into your account and navigate to Subscriptions or Billing; the plan name and price will be displayed alongside your renewal date.
When you should cancel versus when you should keep your subscription
Before you proceed with cancellation, consider whether your subscription still serves your needs.
Strong reasons to cancel your Unity subscription
- You have switched to a competing development platform (Unreal Engine, Godot, or another framework).
- You have completed your project and have no plans to develop further content with Unity.
- Your studio has downsized and no longer requires premium features or cloud services.
- You are a student and have graduated; the free personal plan now meets your needs.
- You are experiencing persistent service issues (downtime, feature failures, or poor performance) and Unity has not resolved them within a reasonable timeframe.
- Unity has altered its terms of service in a way that negatively impacts your work or data security.
- Your financial circumstances have changed and the subscription cost strains your budget.
Reasons you might want to keep your subscription active
- You are in the early stages of a long-term project and need access to premium features and collaboration tools.
- Your team relies on cloud services such as Plastic SCM or DevOps integration for continuous deployment.
- You use the Asset Store regularly and benefit from the discounts and priority support available to subscribers.
- You are evaluating Unity as a potential primary platform and want to continue testing its capabilities.
- You generate revenue from content created with Unity (games, VR experiences, or AR applications) and the subscription cost is a legitimate business expense with tax deductibility.
Common questions about Unity cancellation
Do i lose access to my projects after i cancel?
No. You retain access to all your projects and work until the end of your current billing cycle. After that date, your account downgrades to the free personal tier, which has limitations on project complexity and collaboration tools, but your files remain accessible. If you purchased assets from the Asset Store, you keep those permanently. Cloud-stored files may become inaccessible if they exceed the free tier's storage limit.
Can i get a refund if i cancel after the 14-day cooling-off period?
Only if Unity has breached the terms of your contract-for example, by providing a service that does not work as advertised or by failing to deliver promised features. Otherwise, cancellation after 14 days does not entitle you to a refund. Your subscription fee for the current billing cycle is non-refundable once the cooling-off period expires. Nevertheless, future recurring charges cease immediately upon cancellation.
What if i cancel by mistake or change my mind?
You can reactivate your subscription at any time through the same platform (web dashboard, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store). Your account information and projects are preserved. You will be charged the full subscription price for a new billing cycle at the current rate, with no retroactive refund for the time your subscription was inactive.
Will i be charged again if the cancellation fails?
If your cancellation request fails due to a technical error on Unity's platform, you may still be charged at your next renewal date. Consequently, if you do not receive a cancellation confirmation email within 24 hours of initiating cancellation, contact Unity support in writing with details of your cancellation attempt. Ask them to confirm your cancellation status and, if necessary, process your cancellation manually. Keep all correspondence as evidence.
How do i cancel if i no longer have access to my email or Apple/Google account?
Contact Unity support directly through their website or phone line. Explain that you have lost access to your registered email or associated app store account and provide alternative proof of identity and ownership (such as your billing address or payment method). Unity support can manually process your cancellation request and confirm completion via an alternative contact method. This process may take 5 to 10 working days.
Different platforms have different cancellation steps and timelines. This table summarises the key differences.
| Platform |
Cancellation method |
Processing time |
Refund timeline |
Recommended for |
| Unity Dashboard (web) |
Self-service via account settings |
Immediate |
5-10 business days (eligible refunds only) |
Direct purchases from Unity |
| Apple App Store (iOS) |
Self-service via App Store app |
Immediate |
5-10 business days (eligible refunds only) |
iPhone and iPad users |
| Google Play Store (Android) |
Self-service via Play Store app |
Immediate (within 48 hours for refund eligibility) |
2-3 business days (eligible refunds only) |
Android users |
| Email or support ticket |
Written request to support team |
5-10 working days |
5-10 business days (after processing) |
Backup if self-service fails |
Your next steps and final checklist
Before you submit your cancellation, use this checklist to ensure you have prepared properly.
Cancellation preparation checklist
- Identify all platforms: Do you have subscriptions active on the web dashboard, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store? List each one.
- Check your billing cycle: Log into each platform and note the next renewal date. If you are within 14 days of purchase, you may be eligible for a refund.
- Back up your work: Download all project files, custom assets, and important data from the Unity Dashboard to your computer. Do not rely on cloud storage after your access expires.
- Review your refund eligibility: Determine whether you fall within the 14-day cooling-off period or have grounds for a refund based on a breach of service.
- Document your current plan: Take a screenshot of your subscription details (plan name, price, renewal date) and save it as proof of your current status.
- Gather support evidence: If you are cancelling due to a service failure or breach, collect all relevant emails, support tickets, and screenshots demonstrating the issue.
- Prepare your cancellation request: If you plan to cancel by email or support ticket, draft a clear message stating your full name, account email, subscription plan, and cancellation request.
During cancellation
- Complete each platform separately: Do not assume cancelling one platform cancels all your subscriptions. Repeat the cancellation process for each active subscription.
- Save your confirmation: Screenshot or print the on-screen confirmation message and save the confirmation email to a folder on your computer.
- Verify cancellation status: Within 24 hours, log back into each platform and confirm that your subscription now appears as "Inactive," "Cancelled," or "Expired." If it still shows as active, contact support immediately.
After cancellation
- Monitor your payment method: For the next two billing cycles, check your bank or credit card statement to confirm that you are no longer being charged.
- Check your refund: If you are eligible for a refund, verify that the funds appear in your account within the stated timeline (5-15 business days depending on your payment method).
- Download remaining data: Before your access expires at the end of your billing cycle, download any remaining files or assets from the Unity Dashboard.
- Retain your evidence: Keep your cancellation confirmation, billing statements, and refund receipts for at least two years in case a dispute arises.
If Unity refuses to honour your cancellation rights or denies a refund you believe you are entitled to, escalate your complaint to the National Consumer Commission (NCC).
National consumer commission (NCC) contact details
Website: www.nccsa.org.za
Postal address: National Consumer Commission, P.O. Box 13337, Hatfield 0028, Gauteng, South Africa
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +27 (0)12 428 7000
Before lodging a formal complaint with the NCC, attempt to resolve the matter directly with Unity in writing. Send a formal letter or email to Unity's support team outlining your dispute, the law you believe they have breached, and the remedy you are seeking (cancellation, refund, or damages). Allow 14 days for a response. If Unity refuses or fails to respond, lodge a complaint with the NCC and provide copies of all correspondence.
Unity support contact (for south african users)
Unity does not advertise a dedicated postal address for South African users. For email or support ticket inquiries, log into your Unity Dashboard and navigate to the Help or Support section. Alternatively, visit support.unity.com to submit a support ticket. For formal legal notices related to cancellation disputes, use Unity Technologies Inc.'s registered office address: 184 Prahran Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States. Send registered or certified mail to ensure delivery and obtain proof of receipt.
However, in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act, you may also send a formal cancellation notice to Unity at any address they have provided in their terms of service or on their website. Keep a copy of your notice and proof of delivery (such as a registered mail receipt) as evidence of your cancellation request.
Conclusion: take control of your subscriptions with yafee
Cancelling your Unity subscription is a straightforward process when you understand your rights under South African law and follow the correct procedural steps. The Consumer Protection Act grants you a 14-day cooling-off period, clear cancellation mechanisms, and recourse through the National Consumer Commission if Unity fails to honour those rights. In accordance with Yafee's legal framework, you should cancel through the same platform where you subscribed (the web dashboard, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store), document your confirmation immediately, and verify cancellation status within 24 hours.
If you are owed a refund, follow up with your payment provider if the funds do not appear within the stated timeline. If Unity refuses a refund you believe you are entitled to, escalate the matter to the National Consumer Commission with your supporting evidence. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers and developers cancel their subscriptions confidently, secure in the knowledge that they have complied with the law and protected their financial and legal interests. Use this guide as your reference, and do not hesitate to contact the NCC or seek independent legal advice if you encounter resistance from Unity.