How to cancel Preply in South Africa and protect your rights
How to cancel Preply in south africa and protect your rights
What is Preply and why cancellation matters in south africa
Preply is an online tutoring marketplace that connects you with private tutors across languages and academic subjects. You can book individual lessons or subscribe to lesson credits at rates your chosen tutor sets. The platform handles scheduling, messaging and payments, making it convenient to learn on your own schedule.
However, tutoring subscriptions do not work out for everyone. Your tutor may not be the right fit, your schedule may have changed, or the subscription cost may no longer align with your budget. Whatever your reason, Yafee is here to guide you through cancelling Preply efficiently and understanding your legal rights as a South African consumer under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008.
When you should consider cancelling Preply
You may want to cancel Preply if you have accumulated unused lesson credits, if you are not making measurable progress with your current tutor, or if the monthly subscription no longer fits your household budget. South African consumer law protects you in specific, enforceable ways that many learners do not know about. Yafee specialises in helping South African consumers understand and exercise those protections.
How your purchase method determines your cancellation route
Cancelling your Preply subscription depends entirely on how you purchased it. If you subscribed directly through Preply's website, you follow one cancellation path. If you purchased through Apple's App Store or Google Play, you must cancel through those platforms instead. Getting this detail right the first time prevents unwanted recurring charges and frustration.
Your legal position as a south african consumer
The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 gives you specific rights when you cancel a subscription service like Preply.
Your right to cancel under south african law
Section 18 of the Consumer Protection Act gives you the right to cancel a distance contract (any contract concluded at a distance, including online) within 14 calendar days of conclusion without penalty or reason. This period is called your "cooling-off period". If Preply does not clearly display this right before you enter into the contract, the cooling-off period extends to 3 months.
After the cooling-off period expires, you may still cancel, but Preply can impose reasonable notice and may retain charges for services already delivered up to the point of cancellation.
Your legal position
You have the right to cancel within 14 days of purchase with no penalty whatsoever. If Preply fails to inform you of this right in writing before you pay, your cooling-off period extends to 3 months. After that period, you can still cancel, but Preply may charge you for lessons already completed and may require written notice. If Preply refuses to honour your cancellation or continues charging you after you cancel, you can escalate to the National Consumer Commission or your provincial consumer protection office.
How to cancel Preply depending on your subscription method
Preply uses different cancellation routes depending on where you made your purchase and what device you use. You must use the correct route to ensure your cancellation is processed immediately.
Cancel directly through the Preply website
If you subscribed through Preply's website on desktop or mobile web, follow these steps to cancel your subscription immediately.
- Log in to your Preply account at preply.com using your email address and password.
- If you have forgotten your password, select "Forgot password" on the login screen and follow the email recovery link.
- Navigate to your account settings by clicking your profile picture or menu icon in the top right corner.
- Select "Account" or "Settings" from the dropdown menu.
- Find the "Billing" or "Subscriptions" section within your account settings.
- Look for a section titled "Active Subscriptions" or "Your Plans".
- Locate your active Preply subscription in the list and select the "Cancel Subscription" button next to it.
- Do not click "Pause" - select "Cancel" only.
- Confirm your cancellation when Preply prompts you to do so. You will see a confirmation message on screen.
- Check the box confirming you want to cancel, even if Preply offers you a discount to stay.
- Watch for a confirmation email in your inbox within 5 minutes. Check your spam folder if you do not see it in your main inbox.
- Save or screenshot this email - it is your proof that you cancelled on a specific date.
Pro tip: Screenshot or download your cancellation confirmation immediately. This evidence protects you if Preply charges you again in error, and you will need it if you need to dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company.
Cancel an apple app store subscription
If you purchased Preply lesson credits through Apple's App Store on your iPhone or iPad, you must cancel through Apple's billing system, not through Preply itself. Apple controls the subscription on their platform.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the built-in "Settings" app.
- Do not open the App Store or Preply app; you must use Settings.
- Tap your name or Apple ID at the very top of the Settings screen.
- You will see your name, email and a profile photo.
- Select "Subscriptions" from the menu.
- This shows all active subscriptions on your Apple ID account.
- Find and tap "Preply" in your active subscriptions list.
- If you do not see Preply, scroll down - you may have cancelled it already.
- Tap "Cancel Subscription" and confirm your choice when prompted.
- Apple may offer you a discount to stay subscribed - decline it if you want to cancel.
- Apple will send you a cancellation confirmation email to the address linked to your Apple ID within seconds.
- Save this email as proof of cancellation.
If you use macOS on a Mac computer, follow this alternative path: open "System Preferences", tap your Apple ID at the top left, select "Media and Purchases", then click "Manage" next to Subscriptions, find Preply and select "Cancel Subscription".
Critical warning: Cancelling Preply on the Preply website does not cancel your App Store subscription, and cancelling on App Store does not cancel your website subscription. If you subscribed in both places, you must cancel both separately.
Cancel a google play subscription
Android users who purchased Preply through Google Play must cancel via Google's billing system. Google, not Preply, controls the subscription on their platform.
- Open the "Google Play Store" app on your Android device.
- Do not use a web browser - open the app on your phone or tablet.
- Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.
- This opens the main navigation menu for Google Play.
- Select "Subscriptions" from the menu options.
- You will see a list of all active subscriptions on your Google account.
- Find and tap "Preply" in your active subscriptions list.
- If Preply is not listed, you may have already cancelled it.
- Tap "Cancel Subscription" and confirm when Google asks you to do so.
- Google may ask why you are cancelling - you do not need to answer, but you can select a reason if you wish.
- Google will send you a confirmation email to your Gmail account within seconds.
- Keep this email as proof that you cancelled on a specific date.
Your access to Preply will stop at the end of your current billing cycle. You will not be charged again after cancellation takes effect.
Understanding preply's pricing and subscription tiers
Preply's cost structure varies by tutor and course, but understanding the pricing model helps you make an informed cancellation decision.
| Subscription type |
Typical monthly cost (ZAR) |
Billing cycle |
Cancellation deadline |
| Pay-as-you-go (no subscription) |
R 0 upfront (pay per lesson) |
Per lesson |
Cancel anytime; you only pay for booked lessons |
| Monthly lesson package |
R 800 to R 3 500 |
Monthly (recurring) |
14 days from purchase; then end of month with notice |
| 3-month plan (best value) |
R 2 000 to R 9 000 total |
3 months (recurring) |
14 days from purchase; then 30 days' written notice |
| Annual plan (full-year discount) |
R 6 000 to R 30 000 total |
12 months (recurring) |
14 days from purchase; then 60 days' written notice |
| Prepaid credits (one-time purchase) |
R 500 to R 5 000 per batch |
One-time; no recurrence |
14 days for refund; after that, credits do not expire but are non-refundable |
| Trial lessons (introductory) |
Usually free or discounted |
Single session |
Cancel before lesson time; no cancellation needed |
Prices vary by tutor and subject. Yafee recommends checking your last Preply invoice to confirm your exact subscription type and monthly charge before you cancel.
What happens after you cancel your Preply subscription
Understanding the timeline and what to expect after cancellation protects you from accidental charges and helps you plan your learning continuity.
Your access after cancellation
When you cancel, your access to future lessons stops at the end of your current billing cycle. If your subscription renews on the 15th of each month and you cancel on the 10th, you keep access until the 15th. After that date, you cannot book new lessons. Any lesson credits you have already paid for remain in your account for 12 months, and you can use them by reactivating your subscription or booking lessons as a guest (if Preply permits).
What to check after cancellation
After you cancel, you should monitor your bank account or credit card statement for the next two billing cycles to ensure Preply does not charge you again. Preply should stop all charges immediately, but errors happen. If you see a charge after cancellation, contact your bank within 30 days to dispute it and request a chargeback. Keep your cancellation confirmation email as supporting evidence.
How to reactivate if you change your mind
If you cancel and then decide you want to resume lessons within 30 days, you can usually reactivate your subscription through your Preply account without losing your lesson history or tutor connection. After 30 days, you may need to rebook your tutor and set up a new subscription.
Refunds and what you are entitled to under south african law
Your refund entitlement depends on when you cancel and what you have already used.
Refunds within the 14-day cooling-off period
If you cancel within 14 calendar days of your original purchase and have not used any lessons, you are entitled to a full refund of all fees paid under the Consumer Protection Act. Preply must refund you within 15 business days of receiving your cancellation notice. If Preply has already charged you and you cancel within 14 days, request the refund explicitly in writing to their billing team.
Refunds after the cooling-off period
After 14 days, Preply may charge you for lessons already delivered and may retain an administrative fee. However, if you have prepaid for lessons you have not yet taken, you are entitled to a pro-rata refund for unused lessons. For example, if you paid R 3 000 for a 3-month plan and cancel after 1 month, Preply must refund you approximately R 2 000 for the unused 2 months, minus any administration charge (which must be reasonable and transparent).
Non-refundable items
Preply may not refund discounts or promotional credits you received but did not use. However, Yafee advises you to challenge this in writing if you believe the discount was conditional and you did not fully accept its terms. If Preply refuses a reasonable refund, escalate to the National Consumer Commission.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling Preply
Cancelling a subscription should be straightforward, and you have the law on your side. Here are the pitfalls that catch many learners off guard.
Mistake 1: confusing cancellation with pause
Some users pause their subscription thinking it will stop charges. Pausing temporarily freezes your lessons but your subscription remains active. After the pause period ends, Preply will resume charging you. If you want to stop all charges immediately, you must cancel, not pause.
Mistake 2: cancelling the wrong subscription
If you subscribed through both the Preply website and Apple App Store, cancelling one does not cancel the other. Preply's systems on different platforms are separate. You must cancel each subscription individually or you will be charged on both platforms.
Mistake 3: not saving your cancellation confirmation
Preply's cancellation confirmation email is your legal proof. If the company disputes your cancellation or charges you again, you need this email to prove you cancelled on a specific date. Without it, disputing the charge with your bank becomes much harder. Screenshot or download the confirmation as soon as you see it.
Mistake 4: cancelling without requesting your refund in writing
If you are entitled to a refund, do not assume Preply will automatically process it. In writing, email Preply's billing team, state your cancellation date, explain which lessons you did not use, and request a specific refund amount with the calculation. Attach your cancellation confirmation. This creates a paper trail that protects you if Preply refuses or delays the refund.
Mistake 5: waiting longer than 30 days to dispute a post-cancellation charge
If Preply charges you after you cancel, dispute it with your bank within 30 calendar days. After 30 days, most South African banks cannot process a chargeback. Act fast and include your cancellation confirmation email as evidence.
Cancellation timeline and what to expect
Understanding the timeline removes uncertainty and helps you plan when your lessons will actually stop.
When you cancel directly on preply's website
Your cancellation takes effect immediately. You will see a confirmation message on screen within seconds. You receive an email confirmation within 5 minutes. Your next scheduled lesson is cancelled and your tutor is notified. You are not charged again.
When you cancel via apple app store
Apple processes your cancellation within seconds. Your Apple App Store subscription ends at the end of your current billing period (for example, if you are billed on the 15th of each month, your subscription ends on the 15th of next month). You can use Preply until that date. After that date, you cannot book new lessons.
When you cancel via google play
Google processes your cancellation instantly. Your subscription ends at the end of your current billing period. You retain access until that date. After that, you are not charged again.
Processing refunds
If you are entitled to a refund, Preply aims to process it within 15 business days. However, your bank may take an additional 5 to 10 business days to credit the money to your account. So expect 20 to 25 business days from cancellation to seeing the refund in your bank account. If you do not see it after 25 business days, contact Preply's billing team in writing.
Comparison of cancellation methods and their pros and cons
Each cancellation route has different timelines and processes. Choose the one that best fits how you subscribed.
| Cancellation method |
Time to complete |
Confirmation received |
Charges stop |
Best for |
| Preply website |
2 minutes |
Email within 5 minutes |
Immediately |
Fastest cancellation; gives you full control |
| Apple App Store |
1 minute |
Email within 1 minute |
End of current billing cycle |
iPhone or iPad users who subscribed via App Store |
| Google Play |
1 minute |
Email within 1 minute |
End of current billing cycle |
Android users who subscribed via Google Play |
| Postal letter to Preply |
5 to 10 business days |
Confirmation letter (optional) |
30 days from letter receipt (standard notice period) |
Creating a legal record if Preply disputes your cancellation |
| Email to Preply support |
24 to 48 hours |
Email response |
Depends on Preply's response |
Secondary option if website cancellation fails |
| Telephone call to Preply |
5 to 15 minutes |
Confirmation over phone (write down agent name and time) |
Depends on Preply's processing |
If you want to speak to a human or dispute a refusal |
Yafee recommends using the Preply website method first - it is fastest and gives you immediate email proof. If that method fails, follow up in writing to Preply's billing team.
What to do if Preply refuses to cancel your subscription
In rare cases, Preply may refuse your cancellation request or claim there was a technical error. The Consumer Protection Act gives you clear legal remedies.
Step 1: request cancellation in writing
Email Preply's billing team at the address listed on your invoice. State your full name, account email, subscription details and the date you wish to cancel. Include the phrase "I hereby cancel my Preply subscription effective immediately, in accordance with Section 18 of the Consumer Protection Act." Request written confirmation within 5 business days. Keep a copy of this email.
Step 2: wait for preply's response
Preply has 5 business days to respond to your cancellation request and confirm that your subscription has been cancelled. If they refuse or do not respond, move to Step 3.
Step 3: escalate to the national consumer commission
If Preply refuses to honour your cancellation after 5 business days, file a formal complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) at www.nccsa.org.za. The NCC investigates disputes between consumers and businesses and can order Preply to cancel your subscription, refund you and pay damages. You do not need a lawyer. The NCC's services are free.
Step 4: dispute the charge with your bank
If Preply continues to charge you after you have requested cancellation, contact your bank or credit card company within 30 days and request a chargeback or charge reversal. Provide your cancellation request email and any other evidence. Your bank will investigate and typically sides with the consumer in these cases.
How yafee helps you cancel with confidence
Cancelling a subscription should not require legal knowledge or guesswork. Yafee's contract-law specialists have helped thousands of South African consumers understand their cancellation rights under the Consumer Protection Act and navigate disputes with online services. Whether you need clarity on your refund entitlement, help drafting a cancellation letter or guidance on escalating to the National Consumer Commission, Yafee is here to translate the law into plain language and practical steps.
Visit Yafee.com today to explore guides on cancelling other online services, understand your consumer rights under South African law, and access templates for formal cancellation letters. Yafee empowers you to cancel on your terms, protect your money and hold companies accountable.
If you need to cancel by post or contact Preply directly, use the following address.
Preply UK Services Ltd
Registered address for formal cancellation notices:
Preply UK Services Ltd
128 City Road
London EC1V 2NX
United Kingdom
Email billing inquiries to: [email protected] (include your account email and subscription details).
If you are filing a complaint with the National Consumer Commission about Preply, reference the above address and Preply's UK registration number. Yafee recommends sending cancellation notices to Preply by email first (fastest), and by registered post second (creates a legal record). Keep copies of everything you send.
Summary and next steps
Cancelling Preply in South Africa is straightforward when you know your rights and follow the correct steps for your subscription method. You have the right to cancel within 14 days with no penalty and full refund under the Consumer Protection Act. After 14 days, you can still cancel, but Preply may charge you for lessons delivered and require 30 days' written notice for monthly subscriptions. Use the Preply website to cancel directly and screenshot your confirmation email immediately. If you subscribed via Apple App Store or Google Play, cancel through those platforms instead. Monitor your bank account after cancellation to ensure you are not charged again. If Preply refuses your cancellation, escalate to the National Consumer Commission at no cost.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions, understand their refund rights and resolve disputes with online businesses. Visit Yafee.com now for templates, sample letters and detailed guides on protecting your money when you cancel any service.