How to cancel Botim and protect your money in south africa
What is Botim and why you might want to cancel
Botim is a mobile communication platform that lets you make voice and video calls, send messages, and share files using your internet connection on Android or iOS devices. The app provides basic features at no cost, but also offers VIP subscription tiers that remove advertisements and unlock premium functionality.
You may be considering cancellation because you have switched to another communication app, your budget has tightened, or you want to stop receiving monthly charges. Yafee specialises in helping South African consumers navigate subscription cancellations with confidence and clarity. This guide walks you through every step of the cancellation process and ensures you understand your legal protections under South African consumer law.
Where Botim charges you
Botim subscriptions are billed through your device's app store - either Google Play for Android devices or the Apple App Store for iOS. Your charges appear on your Google or Apple account, not on your bank statement directly. When you cancel, you must do so through the same platform where you subscribed. This is a critical point: deleting the app does not cancel your subscription, and you will continue to be charged if you do not follow the correct cancellation process.
Common reasons to cancel Botim
- You no longer use the app or have switched to another communication platform
- The monthly subscription cost (starting from R19.99 per month) does not match your actual usage
- You want to prevent unexpected auto-renewal charges from continuing
- You are consolidating your apps and reducing your monthly subscription commitments
Your consumer rights in south africa before you cancel
South African law provides you with concrete protections when you manage subscription services, and understanding these rights strengthens your position if disputes arise.
Legal protections under the consumer protection act
The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 is the primary legal framework protecting you as a consumer in South Africa. Under this Act, you have the right to fair and honest trading practices, access to clear information about what you are paying for, and remedies if a service is defective or misrepresented to you. If Botim continues to charge you after you have cancelled, or if you discover unauthorised charges, this Act provides you with legal grounds to dispute them and claim redress.
Furthermore, the Act requires service providers to disclose material information - including subscription costs, renewal terms, and cancellation procedures - in plain language before you commit to payment. If Botim fails to provide this information clearly, you may have grounds to cancel without penalty.
Your right to cancel and dispute charges
You have the statutory right to cancel any subscription at any time. If Botim continues to bill you after you have formally cancelled, or if you spot charges you did not authorise, you can dispute them through your bank or payment provider under your card's chargeback policy. You can also escalate unresolved payment disputes to the National Credit Regulator (NCR) - the official consumer authority responsible for investigating credit and subscription complaints in South Africa.
Your legal position: Under the Consumer Protection Act, the burden is on Botim to prove that you authorised any charge. If you have cancelled and are still charged, you can demand a refund. The NCR has the power to investigate and compel refunds on your behalf.
Pricing and subscription tiers
Understanding what you are paying for helps you decide whether to keep or cancel your Botim subscription. The table below outlines the most common subscription options available to South African users.
| Subscription tier |
Monthly cost (ZAR) |
Key features |
Renewal |
| Botim basic (free) |
Free |
Voice calls, video calls, messaging, file sharing |
No charge |
| Botim VIP |
R19.99 |
Ad-free experience, premium call quality, priority support |
Auto-renews monthly |
| Botim VIP plus (if available) |
R49.99 |
All VIP features plus extended cloud storage, advanced filters |
Auto-renews monthly |
| Annual plans (if available) |
R179.99 per year |
Same as monthly VIP but billed annually |
Auto-renews annually |
All paid tiers auto-renew at the end of each billing period unless you cancel. You are charged on the date your subscription renews, so timing your cancellation correctly ensures you are not overcharged.
Your cancellation method depends entirely on which platform you used to subscribe - Google Play, Apple App Store, or account deletion within the app itself. Yafee recommends following the steps for your specific platform to ensure your cancellation is recorded correctly and cannot be disputed.
Cancel your Botim subscription on google play (Android)
If you subscribed through Google Play on an Android device, you must cancel through Google Play. This is the only method that stops future charges.
- Open the Google Play app on your Android device
- Tap the profile icon in the top right corner of the home screen
- Select "Payments and subscriptions" from the menu
- Navigate to your active subscriptions
- Tap "Subscriptions" to see all active payment plans
- Locate "Botim VIP" or the tier you are subscribed to
- Tap on it to open the subscription details
- Initiate the cancellation
- Tap "Cancel subscription" on the subscription details page
- Read the information Google Play displays about your access period
- Confirm your cancellation decision
- Select the reason for cancellation (optional but recorded by Google)
- Tap "Cancel subscription" again to confirm
- Google Play will display a confirmation message
- Verify cancellation and save proof
- Take a screenshot of the confirmation screen immediately
- Return to your subscriptions list and verify that Botim is no longer listed as active
- Store the screenshot safely in case you need to dispute future charges
Critical warning: Uninstalling the Botim app does not cancel your subscription. You must complete the steps above through Google Play itself, otherwise your subscription will auto-renew and you will be charged again.
Cancel your Botim subscription on the 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. Google Play and Apple App Store operate independently, so cancellation on one platform does not affect the other.
- Open the Settings app on your iOS device
- Scroll down and tap "App Store"
- Access your subscriptions menu
- Tap your Apple ID profile picture at the top right
- Select "Subscriptions" from the menu that appears
- Find and select Botim
- Locate "Botim VIP" in your list of active subscriptions
- Tap on it to open the subscription details page
- Cancel the subscription
- Tap "Cancel subscription" at the bottom of the screen
- Confirm your cancellation by tapping "Confirm" on the pop-up dialog
- Document your cancellation
- Take a screenshot of the confirmation screen
- Verify that the subscription status now shows "Cancelled" or "Expires on [date]"
- Save the screenshot securely for your records
Your access to Botim VIP continues until the end of your current billing cycle. No further charges will be applied after that date.
Delete your Botim account directly
If you want to remove your presence from Botim entirely rather than simply cancelling the subscription, you can delete your account. This removes your profile, messages, and associated data from Botim's servers. Nevertheless, you must also cancel your subscription through Google Play or Apple App Store - account deletion does not automatically stop billing.
- Open the Botim app on your device
- Navigate to account settings
- Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) at the bottom or top of the screen
- Select "Settings" or "Account"
- Locate the delete or close account option
- Scroll to the bottom of the settings menu
- Tap "Delete account" or "Close account"
- Confirm the deletion
- Botim will ask you to confirm and may request your password
- Tap "Delete" or "Confirm" to proceed
- Cancel your subscription separately through Google Play or Apple App Store
- Follow the steps outlined in the sections above
- This is a separate and essential step
Yafee strongly recommends taking screenshots of both your account deletion confirmation and your subscription cancellation. This documentation protects you if Botim or your payment provider disputes whether you cancelled.
If you have followed the steps above but continue to be charged, or if you encounter an error during cancellation, contact Botim support directly to escalate the issue.
How to reach Botim customer service
Botim does not publish an official postal address, but you can reach their support team via email:
Email: [email protected]
In your email to Botim, include the following information:
- Your Botim username or account email address
- The date you attempted to cancel your subscription
- Screenshots of your cancellation confirmation from Google Play or Apple App Store
- A list of any charges that occurred after your cancellation date
- Your phone number and the best time to contact you
Request a written confirmation that your subscription has been cancelled and ask for a refund of any charges incurred after your cancellation date. Keep a copy of your email and Botim's response for your records. If Botim does not respond within 10 business days or refuses to process your refund, escalate to the NCR or your bank.
Refunds and recovering overcharged fees
If you have been charged after cancelling, or if you were charged without your consent, you have several avenues to recover your money under South African law.
Dispute charges through your bank or payment provider
If Botim continues to charge you after cancellation, contact your bank or card provider immediately. Most banks in South Africa offer chargeback protection for unauthorised or duplicate charges. Provide your bank with:
- Your cancellation confirmation screenshots
- Statements showing the disputed charges
- Email correspondence with Botim (if any)
- The dates of each disputed charge
Your bank can reverse charges and initiate a dispute process on your behalf. This typically takes 7-14 business days, and most banks rule in your favour if you have proof of cancellation.
Escalate to the national credit regulator (NCR)
If your bank declines your dispute or Botim refuses to refund overcharged fees, escalate to the NCR. The NCR is South Africa's official authority for investigating complaints about credit providers and subscription services. You can lodge a complaint online at the NCR's website or in writing:
National Credit Regulator
Physical address: 1st Floor, Pinmill Farm, 164 Katherine Street, Sandton, Johannesburg
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0860 846 846 (toll-free)
The NCR investigates complaints at no cost to you and has the power to compel Botim to refund fees and pay penalties. Include your cancellation evidence, bank statements, and all correspondence with Botim in your complaint.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancelling a subscription is straightforward if you follow the correct steps, but small mistakes can leave you exposed to continued charges. Below are the pitfalls Yafee has identified to help you avoid them.
Mistake 1: deleting the app instead of cancelling the subscription
The most common cancellation error is uninstalling Botim without cancelling through Google Play or Apple App Store. Deleting the app removes it from your device but leaves your subscription active and your billing arrangement intact. You will continue to be charged every month until you explicitly cancel through the app store where you subscribed.
Mistake 2: cancelling at the wrong time in your billing cycle
If you cancel on the same day your subscription renews, you may be charged before your cancellation takes effect. Google Play and Apple App Store typically process cancellations immediately, but charges that have already been processed cannot be reversed automatically. Cancel at least one week before your billing date to ensure no further charges are processed. You can check your billing date in your subscription settings.
Mistake 3: failing to document your cancellation
Do not rely on memory or verbal confirmation from Botim. Take a screenshot of your cancellation confirmation on the date you cancel. Store this image securely on your phone, computer, or cloud storage. If Botim charges you again and disputes that you cancelled, this screenshot is your proof and is admissible in any dispute with your bank or the NCR.
Mistake 4: cancelling on the app instead of the app store
Cancelling within the Botim app itself does not cancel your subscription if you subscribed through Google Play or Apple App Store. The app may allow you to delete your account or adjust settings, but these actions do not stop your app store subscription. You must follow the steps in the "Cancellation methods" section above to cancel billing properly.
Mistake 5: ignoring charges after you have cancelled
If you notice a charge on your bank statement after cancelling, act immediately. Do not assume the charge is an error that will resolve itself. Contact Botim and your bank within 7 days of the charge. The sooner you report the issue, the easier it is for your bank to investigate and reverse the charge.
What happens after you cancel
Understanding what occurs in the days and weeks following your cancellation prevents confusion and helps you verify that your cancellation was successful.
Immediate effects of cancellation
When you complete the cancellation steps through Google Play or Apple App Store, your cancellation takes effect immediately. However, your access to Botim VIP features continues until the end of your current billing period. For example, if your subscription renews on the 15th of each month and you cancel on the 5th, you retain VIP access until the 15th, at which point your account reverts to the free Botim tier.
No charge will be applied on the next renewal date. You will receive no reminder emails or notifications from Botim about your cancellation - the absence of a charge is your confirmation.
Verification steps
To verify that your cancellation was successful, return to your subscription management page in Google Play or Apple App Store approximately 24 hours after you cancelled. Botim should no longer appear in your list of active subscriptions. If it still shows as active, repeat the cancellation steps or contact Botim support immediately.
Additionally, check your bank statement or card account on your next billing date to confirm that no charge was applied. Most banks allow you to view pending transactions in real-time through their app or website.
Reverting to the free tier
After your VIP access expires, you can continue using Botim's free features (calls, messages, file sharing) without paying. No action is required on your part - your account automatically downgrades to the free tier. You will see advertisements and may have limitations on certain features, but you will not be charged unless you manually subscribe to a new tier.
Comparing Botim to other communication apps
Before you finalise your cancellation, you may want to review how Botim compares to other popular communication apps available in South Africa. The table below outlines key features and pricing so you can make an informed decision.
| App |
Free tier availability |
Premium cost (monthly) |
Key features |
Cancellation difficulty |
| Botim |
Yes |
R19.99 |
Voice, video, messaging, file sharing |
Simple (app store only) |
| WhatsApp |
Yes (no ads) |
No premium tier |
Messaging, calls, groups, media sharing |
No subscription to cancel |
| Telegram |
Yes (no ads) |
No premium tier (optional Telegram Premium) |
Messaging, calls, channels, bots |
No subscription to cancel |
| Google Meet |
Yes (limited) |
Included in Google One (R99/month) |
Video conferencing, group calls |
Moderate (through Google account) |
| Viber |
Yes |
Optional Viber Out (pay-per-use) |
Voice, video, messaging |
Simple (app store only) |
Yafee has found that many South African users cancel Botim because they consolidate their communication onto WhatsApp or Telegram, both of which offer feature-rich free alternatives without mandatory premium tiers. If cost is your primary reason for cancelling, switching to one of these apps eliminates subscription charges altogether.
Your summary checklist before cancelling
Use this checklist to ensure you have completed all necessary steps before you consider your cancellation finalised. Tick off each item as you go.
- You have identified which platform you subscribed through (Google Play or Apple App Store)
- You have navigated to your subscriptions in the correct app store
- You have located Botim VIP in your active subscriptions list
- You have tapped "Cancel subscription" and confirmed the cancellation
- You have taken a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation page
- You have verified that Botim no longer appears in your active subscriptions (check 24 hours later)
- You have noted the date your current billing period ends (your last date of access to VIP features)
- You have set a reminder to check your bank statement on your next billing date to confirm no charge was applied
- You have saved your cancellation screenshot and any confirmation emails securely
- You understand your rights under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008
If you require formal channels to escalate a cancellation dispute or lodge a complaint, use the contact details below. Yafee recommends sending formal correspondence via email when possible, as it creates a digital record and arrives instantly.
Botim support channels
Customer service email: [email protected]
Formal cancellation and refund requests can be sent to this email address. Include your full name, account email, subscription details, and the action you are requesting. Request a written confirmation within 10 business days. If you do not receive a response, escalate to the National Credit Regulator.
National credit regulator (NCR) - south africa's consumer authority
Email: [email protected]
Toll-free telephone: 0860 846 846
Physical address: 1st Floor, Pinmill Farm, 164 Katherine Street, Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa
Website: www.ncr.org.za
The NCR handles complaints about subscription services, unauthorised charges, and disputes with service providers. Lodge a complaint if Botim refuses to cancel or refund you. The NCR investigation is free and typically concludes within 30 days.
Your financial institution
Contact your bank's dispute or chargeback team directly. Most South African banks operate dispute lines during business hours. Provide your bank with cancellation screenshots and disputed transaction details. Your bank can reverse charges provisionally within 5-7 business days while they investigate.
Final thoughts on cancelling Botim safely
Cancelling a subscription in South Africa is a straightforward process when you know which steps to follow and understand your consumer rights. The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 ensures you have the power to cancel at any time and dispute unauthorised charges. By taking screenshots, noting your cancellation date, and monitoring your bank statement, you protect yourself from continued billing and can confidently escalate disputes if they arise.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and recover overcharged fees by providing clear guidance on legal rights and practical procedures. If you have cancelled Botim and encountered issues, or if you need support understanding your options, Yafee's team of contract law specialists is ready to assist. Visit yafee.com to learn more about how Yafee can help you manage your subscriptions, understand your rights, and resolve billing disputes with confidence and clarity.