How to cancel Boomplay in south africa and stop charges before your next renewal
What Boomplay is and why cancellation matters now
Boomplay is a music streaming service operated by Transsnet Music Limited, a Lagos-based company serving millions of listeners across Africa, including South Africa. The platform offers both free and paid subscription tiers, with access to African and international music catalogues, offline downloads, and premium audio quality on its paid plans.
If you've signed up for a paid subscription and no longer use the service, you need to cancel before your next billing date to avoid unwanted charges. Your cancellation method depends entirely on where you started your subscription - whether through the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or third-party platforms like Carry1st. Yafee has compiled this guide to help you navigate each cancellation route with precision and avoid the common traps that leave consumers paying longer than necessary.
Common reasons subscribers cancel Boomplay
You might be ready to cancel if you've switched to another streaming service, discovered you prefer free-tier access, or simply aren't using the premium features enough to justify the monthly cost. Boomplay charges range from R4.99 for a single-day pass to R29.99 per month via the App Store, costs that accumulate if the service isn't delivering value for your listening habits.
Whatever your reason, understanding your subscription tier and purchase channel is the first step toward a clean exit.
How subscription channels affect your cancellation route
Boomplay operates through multiple purchasing channels in South Africa: the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Carry1st (via gift cards and top-ups). Your subscription type and billing method determine whether you cancel directly within Boomplay, through your device's app store settings, or via a third-party platform. Identifying your purchase channel before attempting to cancel ensures you target the correct cancellation method and avoid the frustration of cancelling the wrong subscription type.
Boomplay subscription pricing in south africa
Understanding your current plan helps you decide whether to downgrade to free access or cancel entirely, and ensures you cancel the correct subscription type before your next billing cycle.
| Plan name |
Price (ZAR) |
Billing period |
Key features |
Best for |
| Monthly subscription (App Store) |
R29.99 |
Monthly |
Unlimited downloads, ad-free streaming, 320kbps audio |
Regular listeners |
| Weekly subscription (App Store) |
R14.99 |
Weekly |
Ad-free streaming, premium audio |
Occasional users |
| One-day subscription (App Store) |
R4.99 |
Daily |
24-hour ad-free access |
Trial users |
| Monthly plan (Carry1st voucher) |
R59.00 |
Monthly |
Premium access via pre-paid top-up |
Users avoiding app store billing |
| Weekly plan (Carry1st voucher) |
R19.00 |
Weekly |
Premium access via pre-paid top-up |
Short-term access seekers |
| Daily plan (Carry1st voucher) |
R6.00 |
Daily |
24-hour premium access via voucher |
Trial users |
Why pricing differs between platforms
App Store subscriptions are billed automatically to your linked Apple account on a recurring cycle. Carry1st vouchers, by contrast, are pre-paid and do not auto-renew; you purchase a code and redeem it for a fixed access period. If you're unsure which platform you used, check your email for recent receipts. Apple will confirm an App Store charge, while Carry1st will confirm a voucher purchase. This distinction determines your cancellation procedure entirely.
Your consumer rights when cancelling Boomplay
South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (CPA) grants you specific rights when dealing with subscription services, and understanding these protections strengthens your position if Boomplay refuses to cancel or disputes a charge.
What the consumer protection act says about automatic renewals
The Consumer Protection Act (Act 68 of 2008) requires that all material information about automatic renewal subscriptions be clearly disclosed before you pay. This includes the cancellation method, the billing frequency, and the amount you will be charged. Section 6 of the CPA also prohibits suppliers from misleading you about the terms of renewal or making cancellation deliberately difficult. Consequently, if Boomplay fails to provide clear cancellation instructions or refuses to honour a valid cancellation request, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) - South Africa's primary consumer protection authority - can investigate and enforce compliance on your behalf.
Your legal position
You have the right to cancel your Boomplay subscription at any time, provided you follow the correct procedure for your subscription type. If Boomplay charges you after you have submitted a valid cancellation request, you can request a refund under the CPA. If the company refuses, you can lodge a formal complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) at [email protected] or visit their website at www.thencc.org.za. The NCC has the authority to compel Boomplay to refund disputed charges and to take corrective action if the company's cancellation process is unfair or obscured. Yafee advises you to retain copies of all cancellation requests, confirmation emails, and payment records to support any dispute.
Your cancellation procedure depends on your subscription channel. Follow the steps for your specific platform to ensure your subscription ends before the next billing date.
Cancelling an app store subscription (iOS)
If you subscribed through the Apple App Store on an iPhone or iPad, you cancel directly through your Apple ID settings.
- Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
- Tap your Apple ID name at the top of the screen.
- Select Subscriptions.
- Find and tap Boomplay from the active subscriptions list.
- Tap Cancel Subscription.
- Select your reason for cancellation from the menu (optional).
- Confirm the cancellation by tapping Cancel Subscription again.
- You will receive an immediate confirmation email from Apple; retain this for your records.
Your access to Boomplay Premium will end at the end of your current billing cycle. You will automatically revert to free-tier access after that date, and no further charges will be applied to your Apple account. Yafee recommends verifying your cancellation within 48 hours by checking your Settings > Subscriptions menu again to confirm Boomplay no longer appears under active subscriptions.
Cancelling a google play store subscription (Android)
If you subscribed through the Google Play Store on an Android device, you cancel through your Google Play account settings.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select Payments and subscriptions.
- Tap Subscriptions.
- Find and tap Boomplay.
- Tap Cancel subscription.
- Select your reason for cancellation (optional).
- Tap Yes, cancel to confirm.
- Google will send a confirmation email to your registered Google account email address.
Your Boomplay Premium access will end at the conclusion of your current billing period. Free-tier access will remain active. No additional charges will appear on your Google Play billing account after cancellation is processed. Yafee suggests checking your Google Play subscriptions list after 24 hours to verify that Boomplay no longer appears as active.
Cancelling a carry1st voucher subscription
If you purchased a Carry1st gift card or top-up code, your subscription is pre-paid and does not auto-renew. Your access will end automatically when the voucher period expires. You do not need to cancel. However, if you purchased the voucher and have not yet redeemed it, you can request a refund directly from Carry1st by contacting their support team at [email protected] with your original receipt or order confirmation number.
Cancelling directly via the Boomplay app
Some users may have subscriptions managed through a direct Boomplay account (separate from app store billing). To check if this applies to you:
- Open the Boomplay app on your device.
- Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left or bottom navigation.
- Select Account or Settings.
- Look for Subscriptions or Billing Information.
- If your subscription is listed here (not through Apple or Google), tap Manage Subscription and select Cancel.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm cancellation.
- Boomplay will send a confirmation email to the address associated with your account.
If you do not see a subscription management option in the Boomplay app, your subscription is almost certainly billed through App Store or Google Play, and you should follow the platform-specific steps outlined above.
What happens after you cancel Boomplay
Understanding the post-cancellation timeline ensures you know what to expect and can verify that your cancellation has taken effect.
Your access during the notice period
After you submit your cancellation request, Boomplay does not immediately revoke your Premium access. Instead, your current subscription remains active until the end of your current billing cycle. If you cancel on day 15 of a monthly subscription, you retain Premium features until the end of that month. On the final day of your cycle, your account automatically downgrades to free-tier access. You can continue using Boomplay with limited features (advertisements, lower audio quality, no offline downloads) at no charge.
Refunds and billing disputes
In South Africa, refunds for subscription services are not automatic after cancellation. You are entitled to a refund only if you cancel within a reasonable timeframe before your next charge or if Boomplay has failed to deliver the service as described under the Consumer Protection Act. If you are charged after cancellation, you must contact Boomplay's support team immediately with your cancellation confirmation email and the disputed charge details. Yafee advises sending this communication via email to ensure you have a written record. If Boomplay refuses the refund, you can escalate your dispute to the National Consumer Commission (NCC) at [email protected], providing copies of your cancellation confirmation, payment receipts, and all correspondence with Boomplay.
Retention of your data and listening history
Cancelling your paid subscription does not delete your Boomplay account or listening history. Your account remains active on the free tier, and you can log back in at any time with your existing username and password. Your playlists, saved songs, and follow lists are preserved. If you wish to completely delete your account and data, you must contact Boomplay's support team directly with a separate data deletion request.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling Boomplay
Cancellation missteps can leave you paying longer than intended. Be aware of these frequent errors, and you will sidestep unnecessary charges and frustration.
Cancelling the wrong subscription or platform
The most common error is attempting to cancel through one platform when your subscription runs through another. For example, cancelling your App Store subscription will not affect a Google Play subscription tied to the same Boomplay account. If you have subscribed on multiple platforms or devices, verify which one is currently charging you by checking your bank or credit card statement. Yafee recommends cross-referencing your most recent charge with the platform it came from, then cancelling only that subscription.
Confusing cancellation with deletion
Uninstalling the Boomplay app from your device does not cancel your subscription. Your subscription continues to charge whether or not the app is installed. You must explicitly follow the cancellation steps for your platform to stop the recurring charge. Reinstalling the app later will not restart a cancelled subscription, but any active subscription will continue to function as normal.
Failing to verify cancellation before the next billing date
After you submit your cancellation request, Boomplay may take up to 48 hours to process it. If your next billing date falls within 48 hours of cancellation, your final charge may still process before the system reflects the cancellation. Log back into your subscription settings 48 hours after cancellation to confirm that Boomplay no longer appears as an active subscription. If you are charged after this verification, contact Boomplay and the National Consumer Commission (NCC) with proof of your cancellation request and demand a refund under the Consumer Protection Act.
Forgetting to update saved payment methods
If you cancelled Boomplay but a fraudulent charge appears on your card weeks later, contact your bank immediately to dispute the charge and request a chargeback. Simultaneously, contact the NCC to lodge a formal complaint against Boomplay, as repeated billing after cancellation breaches the Consumer Protection Act. Yafee advises keeping all cancellation confirmation emails indefinitely to support any dispute.
Before you cancel: comparing Boomplay to alternatives
If you are considering cancellation, consider whether downgrading or switching platforms might better suit your needs. This comparison can help you make a final decision.
| Streaming service |
Monthly cost (ZAR) |
Music focus |
Offline downloads |
Best for |
| Boomplay Premium |
R29.99 |
African and international |
Yes |
African music discovery |
| Spotify Premium |
R119.99 |
Global catalogue |
Yes |
Discovery and podcasts |
| YouTube Music Premium |
R69.99 |
Global catalogue |
Yes |
Music videos and audio |
| Apple Music |
R79.99 |
Global catalogue |
Yes |
Apple ecosystem users |
| Boomplay Free |
R0.00 |
African and international |
No |
Casual listeners |
| Deezer Premium |
R99.99 |
Global and African |
Yes |
Sound quality enthusiasts |
Downgrading instead of cancelling
If you enjoy Boomplay's focus on African music but find the monthly cost prohibitive, consider downgrading to the free tier instead of cancelling entirely. Free access provides ad-supported streaming and a full music library, but without offline downloads or ad-free playback. You can upgrade or downgrade at any time by managing your subscription through your device's app store settings. This preserves your account and listening history while reducing your monthly charge to zero.
If you encounter technical issues during cancellation or your subscription does not terminate after following the steps above, contact Boomplay's support team directly. In South Africa, Boomplay's parent company, Transsnet Music Limited, operates its corporate headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. For billing and cancellation inquiries, Yafee recommends sending a written request to the company's registered office.
Boomplay contact information for cancellation disputes
Send cancellation-related queries and billing disputes to:
Transsnet Music Limited (Boomplay)
Plot 287B Ajose Adeogun Street
Victoria Island
Lagos 106104
Nigeria
Email your cancellation request to any official Boomplay email address listed on their website or app. Include your Boomplay username, registered email address, the date your subscription started, and your current payment method. Request a written confirmation of cancellation within 7 business days. Retain this confirmation for your records and as evidence if you later dispute a charge with your bank or the NCC.
Escalating to the national consumer commission
If Boomplay does not respond to your cancellation request within 14 days or continues to charge you after cancellation, lodge a formal complaint with South Africa's National Consumer Commission (NCC). The NCC investigates violations of the Consumer Protection Act and can compel businesses to refund disputed charges and implement corrective measures. File your complaint at:
National Consumer Commission
Complaint Email: [email protected]
Website: www.thencc.org.za
Postal Address: 1 Thistle Place, Private Bag X84, Pretoria 0001
Attach copies of your cancellation confirmation email, payment receipts, and all correspondence with Boomplay. The NCC will investigate at no cost to you and will communicate its findings and any enforcement action directly.
Summary: your cancellation checklist for Boomplay
Use this checklist to ensure you complete every step correctly and avoid the traps that delay cancellation.
- Identify your subscription platform (App Store, Google Play, Carry1st, or direct Boomplay account).
- Check your most recent payment receipt or bank statement to confirm which platform is charging you.
- Follow the cancellation steps for your specific platform (see section above for detailed instructions).
- Save the cancellation confirmation email or screenshot from your app store account.
- Verify cancellation 48 hours later by checking your subscription settings; Boomplay should no longer appear as active.
- Note the date your current subscription period ends; your Premium access will remain active until that date.
- Confirm that no charge appears on your card on or after your next expected billing date.
- If an unexpected charge occurs after cancellation, contact your bank to dispute it and lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) at [email protected].
- Keep all cancellation confirmations and correspondence for at least 2 years in case of future disputes.
Final steps: how yafee helps you finish strong
Cancelling Boomplay is straightforward when you follow the correct procedure for your subscription platform and verify your cancellation within 48 hours. The key is identifying where you subscribed, cancelling through that exact channel, and retaining proof of your cancellation request.
If Boomplay continues to charge you after a valid cancellation, you have strong legal protections under South Africa's Consumer Protection Act. The National Consumer Commission (NCC) exists to enforce these rights on your behalf at no cost. Yafee has guided thousands of South African consumers through subscription cancellations and disputes, ensuring they stop unwanted charges quickly and recover disputed funds when necessary. By following this guide, documenting every step, and escalating to the NCC if needed, you will exit Boomplay cleanly and protect yourself from recurring charges. Your consumer rights are backed by law, and Yafee is here to help you exercise them confidently.