Manage Preply

How to cancel preply and protect your learning credits in the UAE

What preply is and why you might need to cancel

Preply is an online tutoring marketplace that connects you with private language tutors and subject specialists around the world. You book lessons directly through their platform, manage your schedule, and pay via their secure billing system. Lessons can be one-off or recurring, and you control how often you learn.

You might cancel Preply for several reasons: your learning goals have shifted, you've found a tutor elsewhere, or the subscription no longer fits your budget. Whatever your reason, Stopee understands that cancelling should be straightforward and transparent. That's why we've built this guide to walk you through every step and protect your interests as a consumer in the UAE.

Core features of preply

Preply offers tutor profiles with qualifications and reviews, flexible lesson scheduling, lesson credits that roll over between sessions, and both web and mobile app access. You can message tutors directly, reschedule lessons without penalty (if you give 12 hours' notice), and track your progress through an in-app dashboard. The platform also provides 24/7 customer support via live chat and email.

Why understanding your cancellation options matters

Preply operates differently depending on how you purchased your subscription. If you bought through the App Store, Google Play, or Preply's web portal, you must cancel through the same channel. Cancelling through the wrong method leaves you exposed to unexpected charges. Stopee has identified this as a leading cause of frustration for learners, so we'll show you exactly how to close your account safely.

Your consumer rights under UAE law

The UAE Consumer Protection Law gives you clear rights when cancelling paid services. You have the right to receive accurate information about Preply's cancellation policy before you buy, and you can request a refund for defective services within reasonable timeframes.

Key protections in the UAE

The Consumer Protection Law (Federal Law No. 24 of 2006) requires that Preply provide transparent terms for cancellation and refunds. If Preply advertises a lesson but fails to deliver it through no fault of yours, you have grounds to demand a refund. If you cancel within 14 days of purchase and the service has not yet begun, you may be entitled to a full refund under consumer protection statutes.

If Preply refuses to honour a legitimate cancellation request or refund claim, you can escalate to the Federal Authority for Consumer Protection in the UAE. Stopee recommends documenting all communication with Preply support before filing a formal complaint.

Distance selling and online purchase safeguards

Because Preply is an online platform, UAE distance selling regulations apply. You have the right to cancel a lesson or subscription within 14 calendar days from the date you enrol, provided the lesson has not yet started. Any automatic renewals must be explicitly confirmed by you in writing before they take effect.

How to cancel preply: step-by-step methods

Your cancellation path depends on whether you purchased a subscription or are cancelling a single lesson, and where you bought it.

Cancel a single lesson or reschedule

If you booked a one-off lesson or are unhappy with an upcoming session, you can cancel or reschedule at no cost if you act within 12 hours of the lesson start time. After that window, Preply charges the full lesson fee to your account.

1. Log into your Preply account on the web or open the app.
   • Go to your Dashboard or Lessons tab.
   • Find the upcoming lesson you wish to cancel.
2. Click on the lesson.
   • You'll see options to "Reschedule" or "Cancel lesson".
3. Select your action.
   • If you cancel with more than 12 hours' notice, the lesson credit returns to your balance with that tutor.
   • If you cancel with less than 12 hours' notice, you are charged and the credit is not refunded.
4. Confirm the cancellation.
   • A confirmation message will appear; keep this for your records.

Pro tip: If you cancel a lesson that was part of a weekly auto-schedule, it may be charged even if you cancel within 12 hours. Contact Preply support immediately if this happens - they can manually restore the credit.

Cancel a preply subscription purchased via the web

If you bought a lesson package or subscription credit directly through Preply's website, you cancel through their web billing portal.

1. Log into your Preply account at preply.com.
   • Use your email and password.
2. Click your profile icon in the top right.
   • Select "Billing" or "Account settings".
3. Find "Active subscriptions" or "Recurring payments".
   • You'll see all active renewals tied to your account.
4. Click "Cancel subscription" or "Manage" next to the subscription you want to stop.
   • A confirmation prompt will appear.
5. Confirm the cancellation.
   • You should receive an email confirmation within minutes.

Warning: Cancelling through Preply's web portal stops future renewals but does not issue a refund for unused credits. Your existing balance remains until it expires (180 days after purchase).

Cancel a preply subscription purchased via iOS app store

Apple manages subscriptions on iOS devices. You must cancel through your Apple ID settings, not through Preply, or the subscription will auto-renew.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Do not open Preply itself.
2. Tap your Apple ID profile at the top.
   • Select "Subscriptions".
3. Find Preply in the list.
   • Tap it to see the subscription details.
4. Tap "Cancel subscription".
   • Apple will ask you to confirm and may offer a retention discount.
5. Confirm the cancellation.
   • Your subscription ends at the end of the current billing cycle. You keep access to lessons until then.

Pro tip: Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation. Apple sometimes fails to process cancellations on the first attempt, and a screenshot proves you acted in time.

Cancel a preply subscription purchased via google play

Android users must cancel through Google Play, not Preply's app, to stop recurring charges.

1. Open Google Play Store on your Android device.
   • Do not open Preply.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right.
   • Select "Manage subscriptions".
3. Find Preply in the subscriptions list.
   • Tap it.
4. Tap "Cancel subscription".
   • Google Play will show you your cancellation options and end date.
5. Confirm the cancellation.
   • You retain access until the billing cycle ends.

Contact preply support for cancellation help

If you're unsure which platform you used to purchase, or if the above steps don't work, Preply's support team can help. Use their live chat first - it's faster than email.

1. Log into your Preply account.
   • On the web or in the app.
2. Click the question mark icon (?) in the bottom right corner.
   • This opens Preply's live chat.
3. Select "Cancel my subscription" or describe your issue.
   • A support agent will respond within minutes.
4. Provide your account email and the subscription details.
   • Tell them which platform you used to purchase (iOS, Android, or web).
5. Follow their instructions to cancel.
   • They will confirm when the cancellation is complete.

Pro tip: Preply's 24/7 live chat is available in English and other languages. If you're cancelling from the UAE, chat support is typically faster than email, which can take 2-3 business days.

Preply pricing and subscription plans

Preply's pricing is not fixed - it varies by tutor, lesson duration, and the package you choose. Here's what you can expect.

Pricing overview

Prices vary significantly by tutor expertise and language. Contact individual tutors or Stopee for a quote specific to your learning goals. Many tutors offer introductory discounts for first-time students, so ask before you commit.

What happens after you cancel preply

Cancelling a lesson or subscription has different outcomes depending on what you're cancelling and whether refunds apply.

Your account and access after cancellation

Your Preply account remains active after you cancel a lesson or subscription. You can still browse tutors, view your lesson history, and contact previous tutors. Your cancellation does not delete your account - it only stops automatic renewals or removes the upcoming lesson from your schedule.

If you wish to delete your account entirely, you can do so through Account Settings, but this action is permanent and cannot be undone. Before you delete, download any lesson recordings or notes you want to keep.

Unused credits and lesson balances

When you cancel a lesson with more than 12 hours' notice, the credit returns to your account. You can use this credit to book another lesson with the same tutor or book with a different tutor later. Credits do not expire immediately - Preply allows 180 days from the date of purchase before credits are forfeited.

Warning: Preply's expiry rules are strict. If you do not use your credits within 180 days, they expire and become non-refundable. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to use credits before they lapse.

Subscription renewal and billing after cancellation

If you cancel a subscription through Preply's web portal or your device settings, Preply stops billing immediately. However, you retain access to any lessons you paid for until the current billing period ends. For example, if you cancel on the 15th of a monthly subscription, you keep access until the end of that month.

Stopee recommends checking your bank or payment app one week after cancellation to confirm that no further charges appear. If Preply charges you after you've cancelled, contact your bank and initiate a chargeback as a last resort.

Refunds and what you're entitled to

Preply's refund policy is restrictive, but UAE consumer law offers protections if Preply breaches its obligations.

When preply issues refunds

Preply only issues refunds for unconfirmed (cancelled) lessons or remaining subscription credit within 90 days of payment. Refunds are issued at Preply's discretion, not as a guaranteed right. Once refunds are issued, you cannot claim a second refund for the same lesson or credit.

Preply does not refund payment processing fees, so if you paid a 5% credit card fee, that fee is kept by Preply. If you dispute a charge through your bank, Preply may close your account.

Credits that expire and become non-refundable

This is where many learners lose money. Preply credits expire 180 days after purchase. Once 180 days pass, your balance becomes permanently non-refundable and non-usable. There are no exceptions, even if you were unaware of the deadline.

Additionally, some users report that after they cancel a subscription, Preply converts their remaining paid balance into non-refundable credits rather than issuing a cash refund. This is within Preply's terms but limits your consumer options. If you believe this is unfair, you can file a complaint with the Federal Authority for Consumer Protection.

How to request a refund from preply

1. Log into your Preply account and gather your order details.
   • Note the date of purchase, amount paid, lesson dates, and which lessons you're requesting a refund for.
2. Open Preply's live chat or go to Support Center.
   • Click the "?" icon in your account.
3. Request a refund in writing.
   • Explain why you believe you're entitled to a refund (e.g., lesson was not delivered, tutor cancelled, or you cancelled within 14 days of purchase).
4. Provide evidence.
   • Attach screenshots of your payment, the cancelled lesson, or communication with the tutor.
5. Wait for Preply's response.
   • They typically respond within 3-5 business days. If they refuse, escalate to the Federal Authority for Consumer Protection in the UAE.

Pro tip: Always request refunds in writing through the live chat (which creates a ticket) rather than via direct email. A support ticket is easier to escalate if Preply refuses.

Common cancellation mistakes to avoid

We know cancelling can feel frustrating, especially if you've been disappointed with a tutor or are facing unexpected costs. Here are the traps Stopee has seen thousands of learners fall into - and how you can avoid them.

Mistake 1: cancelling through the wrong platform

The number one error is cancelling a subscription in the wrong place. If you bought Preply via iOS but you cancel through Google Play (or vice versa), your subscription keeps auto-renewing. Three months later, you realise you've been charged for lessons you never took.

How to avoid it: Check your original receipt or the email Preply sent when you first subscribed. It will state "Purchased through App Store" or "Purchased on Preply.com". Cancel through that exact channel.

Mistake 2: not confirming cancellation in writing

Preply's live chat is convenient, but if a support agent says "your subscription is cancelled" verbally, you have no proof if you're charged again. Always ask for a confirmation email or screenshot.

How to avoid it: After cancelling via live chat, ask the support agent to send you a written confirmation email. If they refuse, end the chat and contact support again via email to request formal confirmation.

Mistake 3: ignoring the 180-day credit expiry

You paid AED 500 for a subscription, cancelled it, and received AED 300 in remaining credits. You think you'll use them later. Six months pass. You try to book a lesson and discover your credits expired three months ago. Preply keeps the money.

How to avoid it: Use your remaining credits immediately after cancelling, or book a lesson 150 days after your purchase date at the latest. Set a phone reminder so you don't forget.

Mistake 4: cancelling without checking for auto-scheduled lessons

Some tutors set up weekly auto-schedules, and these continue even after you cancel a subscription. You're charged for lessons you thought were cancelled.

How to avoid it: Before cancelling, review your Lessons or Schedule tab. If a tutor has set up recurring weekly lessons, cancel those individually (with 12 hours' notice) before you cancel the subscription itself.

Mistake 5: waiting until the last moment to cancel

You want to cancel but put it off. By the time you act, your next billing date is only 5 days away. You've already been charged for another month.

How to avoid it: Cancel at least 48 hours before your next billing date. If your renewal date is listed as the 20th and today is the 18th, cancel immediately.

Cancellation timeline and what to expect

Your cancellation timeline depends on the method and platform you use.

Cancellation timelines by method

If you cancel via live chat or the web portal, Preply processes your request on the same day. However, your access doesn't stop immediately - it continues until the end of your current billing period. For example, if you cancel on the 10th of a monthly plan that renews on the 20th, you keep access until the 20th.

Stopee's checklist before and after cancellation

Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation goes smoothly and you don't lose money.

Before you cancel

• Identify which platform you used to purchase (App Store, Google Play, or Preply.com).
• Check if you have any unused lesson credits or trial sessions remaining.
• Review your lesson schedule for any auto-scheduled lessons that need to be cancelled individually.
• Note the date of your next billing renewal.
• Screenshot your account balance and any active subscriptions.
• If requesting a refund, gather receipts, payment confirmations, and lesson records.

During cancellation

• Use live chat (fastest) or the web portal (most reliable).
• Follow the exact steps for your platform (iOS, Android, or web).
• Do not close the chat or browser until you see a confirmation message.
• Request a written confirmation email from support.
• Screenshot or photograph the confirmation screen.

After cancellation

• Wait 5-10 minutes, then log out and log back in to verify the cancellation went through.
• Check your email for a cancellation confirmation within 24 hours.
• Monitor your bank account one week later to confirm no further charges appear.
• If you have remaining credits, use them before the 180-day expiry date.
• If Preply charges you after cancellation, contact your bank immediately.

Reviews and real experiences from preply users

Preply has a 4.5 out of 5 rating from thousands of learners, but cancellation experiences vary widely. Here's what users report.

What learners like about preply

Users praise the tutor selection, flexible scheduling, and quality of instruction. Many report that lessons genuinely improved their language skills within 3-6 months. The 12-hour cancellation window and ability to reschedule are also appreciated.

Common complaints about cancellation and refunds

Negative reviews often mention unexpected charges after cancellation, difficulty reaching support, and the strict 180-day credit expiry policy. Several users report that Preply converted their remaining balance into non-refundable credits instead of issuing cash refunds. A few learners also complained about auto-renewal happening despite believing they had cancelled.

Stopee has reviewed these complaints and identified a pattern: most issues arise because users cancel through the wrong platform or do not follow up with written confirmation. These are avoidable with the steps outlined above.

Comparing preply to other online tutoring platforms

If you're considering cancelling Preply to switch to a competitor, here's how Preply stacks up.

Preply vs. other tutoring platforms

If cancellation flexibility is your priority, Chegg Tutors offers better refund terms. If you want a larger tutor pool and lower prices, Italki is competitive, though its 60-day credit expiry is tighter than Preply's. For structured learning with academic support, Coursera is a solid alternative.

Escalation options if preply refuses to help

If Preply's support team refuses your cancellation request or refund claim, you have legal remedies under UAE consumer law.

Step 1: request escalation within preply

Reply to Preply's refusal in writing and ask to escalate to a manager. Reference the UAE Consumer Protection Law and the fact that your request aligns with distance selling regulations. Sometimes a manager will approve what a front-line agent denied.

Step 2: file a complaint with the federal authority for consumer protection

If Preply still refuses, file a formal complaint with the Federal Authority for Consumer Protection (FACP). The FACP investigates unfair commercial practices and can compel refunds. You can file a complaint online at the FACP website or visit your nearest consumer protection office in your emirate.

Step 3: initiate a bank chargeback

Contact your bank and request a chargeback if you paid by credit card or debit card. Explain that you cancelled the service but Preply continued to charge you. Your bank will investigate and reverse the charges if your claim is valid. Be aware that Preply may close your account in response to a chargeback.

Step 4: seek legal advice

If the disputed amount is significant, consult a consumer law attorney in the UAE. Many offer free initial consultations and can write a formal demand letter to Preply.

Final summary and how stopee can help

Cancelling Preply is simple if you follow the right steps and use the correct platform. Whether you're cancelling a single lesson, a subscription, or requesting a refund, the key is to confirm everything in writing, act before credit expiry dates, and know your consumer rights under UAE law.

Your action plan: First, identify which platform you used (App Store, Google Play, or Preply.com). Next, use live chat to confirm your cancellation method, then execute the cancellation through that platform. Finally, screenshot the confirmation and monitor your bank account for one week to ensure no further charges appear.

If Preply refuses to honour your cancellation or refund request, escalate to the Federal Authority for Consumer Protection. You have rights, and they will be upheld.

Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and recover lost fees. Our step-by-step guides, checklists, and escalation advice empower you to take control of your spending. Whether you're cancelling Preply or any other online service, Stopee provides the practical knowledge you need to act quickly and avoid hidden charges. Visit Stopee.com to explore more cancellation guides for services you use today.