How to cancel FaceApp and stop paying for premium filters you no longer use
What FaceApp is and why cancellation matters now
FaceApp is a mobile application that uses artificial intelligence to apply filters and effects to your photographs. The core app is free to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, but premium features are locked behind a paid subscription called FaceApp PRO. Many South African users discover that the novelty of aging filters and hairstyle simulations wears off quickly, or they develop concerns about how the app processes and stores their facial data. If you have decided FaceApp no longer fits your needs, Yafee is here to guide you through every cancellation route so you exit cleanly and protect your bank account from ongoing charges.
How FaceApp charges you and why uninstalling is not enough
FaceApp PRO subscriptions operate on automatic renewal. You can purchase this subscription through three separate payment channels: the Apple App Store (for iPhone), Google Play (for Android), or directly via the web at facelyapp.ai using Stripe. Each payment method has its own cancellation procedure, and this fragmentation is where most consumers encounter problems. Critically, uninstalling the FaceApp application from your device will not cancel your subscription. Your payment method will continue to be charged every month until you actively cancel through the correct channel. Yafee has helped thousands of South African consumers avoid this costly oversight.
Why every day of delay costs you money
Automatic renewal charges accumulate quickly. If you stopped using FaceApp weeks or months ago, your bank account has been losing money to charges for a service you no longer access. South African consumer law protects you in this exact situation and grants you clear rights to cancel and claim refunds under specific circumstances. The sooner you act, the sooner you halt the charges and position yourself to recover recent costs through the refund process outlined below.
Your consumer rights under south african law
South African consumer protection law gives you specific and enforceable rights when you cancel digital subscriptions, and FaceApp's own terms acknowledge these statutory protections.
The consumer protection act and your cancellation rights
The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) of 2008 is the primary legislation that protects you against unfair contract terms and grants you the right to cancel distance contracts (including app subscriptions) within a reasonable time and without penalty. While FaceApp's own refund policy is restrictive-the company permits refunds on web purchases only if you request cancellation within 7 days and have used fewer than 3 images-the CPA may override this narrow policy and grant you broader rights. Importantly, FaceApp's terms of service explicitly state that statutory consumer protection rights cannot be waived or limited. This means you have legal leverage even if FaceApp initially refuses your cancellation or refund claim.
When you can demand a refund under the CPA
You have a strong case for a refund if you cancelled within 7 days of your initial purchase and used the service minimally. Beyond that 7-day window, you can still appeal using your CPA rights, particularly if you can demonstrate that FaceApp failed to clearly disclose what you were purchasing, how the subscription works, or how to cancel it. If FaceApp refuses your cancellation or refund, you can escalate your complaint to the National Consumer Commission (NCC) or your provincial consumer protection office. Yafee's experience shows consistently that companies reconsider their position once statutory rights are formally cited.
Your legal position: Under the CPA, you have the unconditional right to cancel a distance contract within a reasonable time. FaceApp cannot strip away this right through its terms. If the company refuses to cancel your subscription or refund charges, document your cancellation request in writing and escalate to the NCC. You are entitled to pursue this claim at no cost to yourself.
How to cancel FaceApp on iPhone
Cancelling your FaceApp PRO subscription on an iPhone requires you to use Apple's subscription management interface, not the FaceApp application itself.
Step one: access your apple ID settings
- Open the Settings application on your iPhone.
- Tap your name or Apple ID at the top of the screen.
- If you do not see your name, you are not logged into your Apple ID. Tap "Sign in to your iPhone" and enter your credentials first.
Step two: navigate to your subscriptions list
- Tap Subscriptions (this lists every active subscription tied to your Apple ID).
- Review the list carefully to locate FaceApp.
- If FaceApp does not appear in the list, your subscription may already be cancelled. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Apple.
Step three: select and cancel FaceApp
- Tap FaceApp in the subscriptions list.
- Tap Cancel Subscription at the bottom of the screen.
- Apple will display a confirmation dialogue asking you to verify your intent. Read any messages about refund eligibility carefully.
- Confirm your cancellation in the pop-up. Your subscription will terminate at the end of your current billing cycle.
- Apple will send you a confirmation email. Keep this for your records.
How to cancel FaceApp on android
Cancelling your FaceApp subscription on an Android device requires you to access Google Play's subscription management interface directly.
Step one: open google play and access your account
- Open the Google Play Store application on your Android phone or tablet.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select Manage your Google Account.
- Navigate to the Payments and subscriptions tab.
- If you do not see this tab, scroll to the right to reveal additional options.
Step two: locate and manage your FaceApp subscription
- Tap Subscriptions to view all active subscriptions linked to your Google account.
- Find FaceApp in the list and tap it.
- If FaceApp is not listed, your subscription may already be cancelled. Check your email for confirmation from Google Play.
- Tap Cancel subscription.
- Google Play will ask you to confirm your cancellation and may offer you a discounted renewal. Decline this offer if you wish to exit completely.
Step three: confirm cancellation and verify
- Follow any final prompts from Google Play to complete the cancellation.
- Your subscription will end at the close of your current billing period.
- Google Play will send you a confirmation email. Retain this as proof of cancellation.
How to cancel FaceApp via web subscription (Stripe payment)
If you subscribed to FaceApp PRO directly through the web portal (facelyapp.ai) using a credit or debit card, you must cancel via FaceApp's website account settings.
Step one: log into your FaceApp account online
- Visit facelyapp.ai in your web browser.
- Log in using the email address and password associated with your FaceApp account.
- If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it via email.
Step two: access your subscription settings
- Once logged in, navigate to your account settings or profile page.
- Look for a section labelled Subscriptions, Billing, or Account Management.
- If you cannot locate this section, check the top menu or footer for a "Settings" or "Account" link.
Step three: cancel your subscription and request a refund
- Locate your active FaceApp PRO subscription and select Cancel Subscription.
- FaceApp will display its standard refund policy (refunds within 7 days of purchase, if fewer than 3 images have been used).
- If you fall within the 7-day window and meet the usage threshold, you will be eligible for an immediate refund.
- If you fall outside this window, include a note citing the Consumer Protection Act and request a refund based on statutory rights. Keep a copy of this request.
- Confirm your cancellation. Your subscription will terminate immediately or at the end of your billing cycle, depending on FaceApp's system.
- Check your email for a confirmation of cancellation from FaceApp. If you do not receive one within 24 hours, contact FaceApp directly (see address below).
FaceApp pricing and subscription options
Understanding FaceApp's pricing structure helps you calculate how much you are paying and whether refunds are available.
| Subscription tier |
Billing frequency |
Approximate cost (ZAR) |
Refund eligibility |
| FaceApp Free |
One-time download |
Free |
N/A |
| FaceApp PRO (monthly) |
Monthly renewal |
R65-R85 |
Within 7 days, if usage minimal |
| FaceApp PRO (annual) |
Annual renewal |
R520-R650 |
Within 7 days, if usage minimal |
| FaceApp PRO (weekly trial) |
Trial period |
R15-R25 |
Within 7 days |
Prices vary depending on your device (iOS or Android), your geographic location, and current promotional offers. The annual subscription offers better per-month value but locks you into a larger upfront payment. If you are unsure which tier you purchased, check your bank or payment app statements for the transaction amount and frequency.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling FaceApp
Cancellation is straightforward, but several missteps can delay your exit or cost you a refund. Here's how to navigate them cleanly.
Mistake one: uninstalling the app without cancelling the subscription
Uninstalling FaceApp from your device does absolutely nothing to stop your subscription. The subscription exists independently of the application. Your payment method will continue to be charged every billing cycle until you cancel through Apple, Google Play, or FaceApp's web portal. Do not rely on uninstalling to protect yourself.
Mistake two: cancelling through the app settings instead of the payment platform
FaceApp's application does not contain a subscription cancellation button. Some users search for cancellation options inside the app, find none, and assume cancellation is impossible. It is not. You must cancel through your payment method's interface: Apple Settings for iPhone, Google Play for Android, or FaceApp's website for web subscribers. Cancelling inside the app (if such an option exists) will not work.
Mistake three: missing the 7-day refund window
FaceApp refunds purchases made within 7 days, provided you have used fewer than 3 images. If you miss this window, you lose the automatic refund entitlement, though you retain your statutory CPA rights to appeal. Track your purchase date carefully and cancel quickly if you want the guaranteed refund.
Mistake four: not documenting your cancellation request
If you cancel via web and request a refund, screenshot or save your cancellation request and FaceApp's confirmation email. If FaceApp later denies your refund, you will need proof of your cancellation attempt to escalate to the National Consumer Commission. Written documentation is your strongest defence.
What happens after you cancel FaceApp
Cancellation is immediate in effect, but your access may persist until your billing cycle ends. Here is what to expect in the days and weeks ahead.
Immediate effects of cancellation
Once you cancel, your subscription will not renew at the end of your current billing period. Depending on your payment method and the timing of your cancellation, you may lose access to premium features immediately or at the end of your current month. Apple, Google Play, and FaceApp will send you a confirmation email within 24 hours. Check your email and spam folder carefully. If you do not receive confirmation within a full business day, contact FaceApp's support team using the address provided below.
Refund processing timelines
If you qualify for a refund under FaceApp's 7-day policy or the CPA, processing times vary. Apple typically refunds within 5-10 business days. Google Play may take 7-14 business days. Web refunds through Stripe can take 5-7 business days. Check your bank or payment app to verify the refund has arrived. If the refund does not appear within the stated window, contact your bank and FaceApp simultaneously to investigate.
Verify your cancellation on your next billing date
The clearest proof of successful cancellation is the absence of a charge on your next billing date. Log into your Apple ID, Google Play, or bank account and confirm no new charge appears. If a charge does appear after cancellation, contact FaceApp and your payment provider immediately and reference your cancellation confirmation email. Yafee recommends setting a phone reminder for your next billing date so you catch any erroneous charges within 30 days, when disputing them is easiest.
How to request a refund if FaceApp refuses
FaceApp's stated policy is narrow, but the Consumer Protection Act may entitle you to a refund even outside that window. If FaceApp declines your request, here is how to escalate.
Step one: send a formal cancellation and refund request in writing
- Compose an email to FaceApp's official contact address (see address section below).
- Include the following in your email:
- Your full name and the email address associated with your FaceApp account.
- The date you purchased the subscription and the amount charged (in ZAR).
- A clear statement: "I am cancelling my FaceApp PRO subscription effective immediately. Under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) of 2008, I am requesting a full refund of my subscription charges."
- A brief explanation of why you believe you are entitled to a refund (e.g., you cancelled within 7 days, you used the service minimally, FaceApp did not clearly explain cancellation terms, or you did not consent to auto-renewal).
- Send this email from the same email address linked to your FaceApp account.
- Keep a copy of your sent email and FaceApp's response (if any) for your records.
Step two: escalate to the national consumer commission if FaceApp does not respond
- If FaceApp does not reply within 10 business days or refuses your refund, file a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC).
- The NCC is South Africa's statutory consumer protection authority and investigates disputes over subscriptions, refunds, and unfair contract terms.
- Visit the NCC website (www.ncc.org.za) and complete an online complaint form or submit a complaint by post.
- Include your original cancellation email, FaceApp's response (if any), your bank statements showing the charges, and any other supporting documents.
- The NCC will investigate FaceApp's conduct and may order a refund if it finds that FaceApp breached the CPA.
- This process is free and does not require you to hire a lawyer. Most complaints are resolved within 30-60 days.
Step three: contact your bank if FaceApp's payment processor is at fault
- If FaceApp refuses to refund you and you paid by credit card or debit card, contact your bank's dispute resolution team.
- Request a chargeback, explaining that you cancelled the subscription but FaceApp continued to charge you.
- Your bank will investigate and may recover the funds within 30-60 days if it finds the charge was unauthorised or the service was not rendered as agreed.
Common mistakes to sidestep when requesting a refund
Refund requests fail most often because of how they are framed or documented. Avoid these traps and you will maximise your chances of success.
Mistake one: requesting a refund inside the FaceApp app or through customer service bots
FaceApp's in-app support system may not escalate your request properly. Always email or write to FaceApp's formal business address (provided below) so your request reaches a human decision-maker and creates a paper trail. Automated responses do not count as a formal refusal; push for human contact.
Mistake two: citing only FaceApp's refund policy, not the CPA
FaceApp's own refund policy is restrictive. If you fall outside its narrow terms, cite the Consumer Protection Act explicitly. This shifts the legal burden to FaceApp and demonstrates that you understand your statutory rights. Companies respond differently when they know you are aware of the CPA.
Mistake three: waiting too long to escalate to the NCC
Do not wait months to escalate. Once FaceApp has refused your refund or ignored your request for 10 days, file an NCC complaint. The sooner you escalate, the fresher your evidence and the faster the NCC can investigate. Delays weaken your case and extend your exposure to further charges.
Cancellation checklist for FaceApp
Use this checklist to ensure you have completed every step and protected yourself from future charges.
| Task |
Status |
Deadline |
| Identify which platform you subscribed through (Apple, Google Play, or web) |
[ ] Complete |
Today |
| Log into your payment account (Apple ID, Google Play, or FaceApp web) |
[ ] Complete |
Today |
| Cancel your subscription through the correct platform |
[ ] Complete |
Today |
| Save or screenshot the cancellation confirmation email |
[ ] Complete |
Within 24 hours |
| Check your bank or payment app to confirm no charge on your next billing date |
[ ] Complete |
By next billing date |
| If no refund appears and you qualify, send formal refund request to FaceApp |
[ ] Complete |
Within 7 days of cancellation |
If FaceApp does not respond to your cancellation or refund request, contact them directly using the official address below.
Official FaceApp headquarters for formal correspondence
FaceApp Technology Limited
Limassol
Cyprus
Send formal cancellation and refund requests by email to FaceApp's support contact, or by registered post to the Cyprus address above. Allow 10 business days for a response. Keep copies of all correspondence.
Escalation to the national consumer commission
If FaceApp does not respond or refuses your refund, escalate to the National Consumer Commission (NCC) at www.ncc.org.za. The NCC is a statutory body empowered to investigate consumer complaints and order refunds where the CPA has been breached. There is no cost to file a complaint, and the NCC protects your rights even if FaceApp refuses to engage with you directly.
Key takeaways on cancelling FaceApp
Cancelling FaceApp requires you to act through your payment platform (Apple, Google Play, or the FaceApp website) rather than the app itself. Uninstalling the application alone will not stop your automatic renewal charges. South African consumer law under the Consumer Protection Act grants you unconditional rights to cancel distance contracts and claim refunds in specific circumstances, even if FaceApp's own policy is narrow. If FaceApp refuses your request, the National Consumer Commission will investigate and may order a refund at no cost to you. Yafee has helped thousands of South African consumers cancel subscriptions cleanly and recover refunds through these exact steps. Follow the platform-specific procedures above, document your cancellation, verify the absence of charges on your next billing date, and escalate to the NCC if FaceApp resists. Your money and your statutory rights are worth protecting.