Manage Highlights

How to cancel highlights subscription in UAE: step-by-step guide and refund rights

Understanding highlights and why you might cancel

Highlights is a monthly subscription service designed for children, delivering age-tailored educational activities, books, games and crafts straight to your home. The service runs on a recurring billing model, charged either monthly or annually through your Highlights account at shop.highlights.com or via app store platforms depending on how you signed up.

You may decide to cancel for many reasons: your child has outgrown the content, budget constraints, or simply discovering the subscription doesn't fit your family's needs anymore. Whatever your reason, understanding your cancellation options and consumer rights in the UAE puts you in control. Stopee is here to guide you through every step of this process.

When cancellation makes sense

Cancel Highlights if you find your child isn't engaging with the materials, if the monthly cost (typically 40-90 AED depending on age tier) no longer fits your budget, or if you prefer sourcing educational content elsewhere. Many parents also cancel when their child transitions to school-based learning programs that reduce their need for subscription boxes.

What you need before you start

Gather your account login credentials for shop.highlights.com, your order confirmation email, and your billing statement. Keep these handy because you'll need them to verify your identity and confirm cancellation. Having this information ready speeds up the entire process.

Your consumer rights under UAE law

As a consumer in the UAE, you're protected by Federal Law No. 24 of 2006 (the Consumer Protection Law), which guarantees your right to cancel subscriptions and pursue refunds for services not delivered or unsuitable for their purpose.

Key protections for subscription cancellations

UAE consumer law grants you the right to cancel a subscription within 14 calendar days from the date of purchase, provided you notify the merchant in writing. This applies to online purchases, including digital and physical subscription boxes. You can request a full refund of any charges incurred during this cooling-off period without penalty.

If Highlights fails to deliver promised content, delivers materials unsuitable for your child's age group, or charges you after cancellation, you have grounds to dispute the charge and escalate to the General Authority for Consumer Protection (GACP) if the company refuses to cooperate.

Escalation through official channels

If Highlights doesn't honour your cancellation request or refuses a legitimate refund, contact the General Authority for Consumer Protection (GACP) via their website at www.consumerprotection.ae or phone 800-4224. File a formal complaint with your cancellation confirmation, billing statements and correspondence with the company.

How to cancel highlights: step-by-step methods

You have four accepted ways to cancel your Highlights subscription; the online method is fastest and leaves you with instant proof.

Cancel online through your highlights account (recommended)

Logging into your account and cancelling directly is the quickest and most reliable method. You'll receive immediate confirmation and can take a screenshot for your records.

1. Visit shop.highlights.com in your web browser.
   • If you're using a mobile device, you can also access the Highlights app if you installed it.
2. Enter your email address and password in the login fields and tap or click "Sign In."
   • If you've forgotten your password, click "Forgot Password" and follow the reset link sent to your email.
3. Once logged in, navigate to your account dashboard by clicking your profile icon or "Account" in the menu.
   • Look for a section labelled "Subscriptions," "Manage Subscriptions," or "Active Plans."
4. Select the Highlights subscription you wish to cancel and click "Manage" or "View Details."
   • If you have multiple subscriptions (e.g., for different children), make sure you're cancelling the correct one.
5. Click the "Cancel Subscription" or "Cancel Membership" button.
   • The system may ask you why you're cancelling; you can skip this or provide feedback (this won't affect your cancellation).
6. Confirm your cancellation by clicking "Yes, Cancel" or a similar confirmation button.
   • Read any final offer or retention message, but proceed only if you're certain about cancelling.
7. Take a screenshot of your cancellation confirmation page or note the confirmation number displayed.
   • This proof is essential if you need to dispute a charge later or file a complaint.
8. Check your email within 5-10 minutes for a cancellation confirmation email from Highlights.
   • If you don't receive this email, log back in and verify that your subscription status now shows "Cancelled."

Pro tip: Cancellations processed online typically take effect immediately, stopping any future renewals at the next billing date. Your current paid period remains active unless you request an immediate refund.

Cancel by phone

If you prefer speaking to a customer service representative, calling Highlights customer service is reliable and allows you to ask questions in real time.

1. Locate the Highlights customer service phone number from your order confirmation email or on the shop.highlights.com website.
   • Note the UAE-specific hours; Highlights operates on US Eastern Time, so call during business hours to reach a live agent.
2. Call the number and wait to be connected to a representative.
   • Expect a brief hold; have your account email and order number ready.
3. Tell the representative you want to cancel your Highlights subscription and provide your account email or order number.
   • They will verify your account and confirm the subscription details.
4. Ask the representative to process the cancellation immediately and email you a confirmation.
   • Note the representative's name, call timestamp, and confirmation number for your records.
5. Request that they clarify whether your current billing cycle remains active or if charges stop immediately.
   • Ask about refund eligibility if you've been billed recently.

Warning: If the representative tries to convince you to keep the subscription or switch to a lower tier instead of cancelling, politely but firmly repeat your request: "I would like to cancel my subscription, please."

Cancel by email

Sending a written cancellation request creates a paper trail, which is valuable if you later need to dispute a charge or file a formal complaint.

1. Find the Highlights customer service email address on the website or in your order confirmation email.
   • Look for addresses like "customerservice@highlights.com" or similar.
2. Compose a new email with the subject line: "Subscription Cancellation Request."
   • Keep your tone professional and clear.
3. In the email body, include:
   • Your full name and account email address.
   • Your order or subscription ID (found in your confirmation email or account).
   • A clear statement: "I request immediate cancellation of my Highlights subscription effective today. Please confirm this cancellation in writing."
   • Your preferred refund method (original payment method or account credit) if applicable.
4. Send the email and keep a copy for your records.
   • Note the time and date you sent it.
5. Expect a response within 3-5 business days.
   • If you don't hear back within this timeframe, send a follow-up email marked "Follow-up Cancellation Request."

Cancel by postal mail

Mailing a cancellation request is the slowest method but creates official documentation that Highlights cannot dispute.

1. Write a letter on plain paper or your company letterhead (if cancelling a family account) that includes:
   • Your name, home address and email address.
   • Your Highlights account email and subscription ID.
   • The date you're sending the letter.
   • A clear statement: "I request cancellation of my Highlights subscription, effective immediately. Please send a written confirmation to the address above."
2. Sign the letter and make a photocopy for your records.
   • Keep this copy with the envelope's tracking number.
3. Mail the letter via a trackable service (such as registered mail or DHL) to:
   • Highlights for Children Customer Service
     P.O. Box 269
     Columbus, OH 43216
     USA
4. Request a delivery confirmation from the postal service and save the tracking number.
   • This proves you sent the cancellation request on a specific date.
5. Allow 10-15 business days for your letter to arrive and for Highlights to process and respond.
   • If you don't receive confirmation after 20 days, follow up by email or phone.

Pro tip: Always use tracked mail for postal cancellations so you have proof of delivery.

Highlights pricing and subscription plans

Understanding what you're paying for helps you decide whether cancellation is the right choice or if switching to a different tier makes more sense.

Current subscription tiers (AED approximations)

All prices are billed in USD on the Highlights website; your bank or payment provider will convert to AED at the current exchange rate. If you subscribed via Apple App Store or Google Play, prices may be listed directly in AED and may vary due to regional pricing adjustments.

What happens after you cancel highlights

Cancellation doesn't mean instant loss of access; understanding the timeline helps you manage expectations and avoid surprise charges.

Your access and deliveries after cancellation

Once you cancel, Highlights stops processing new boxes and charges for future billing cycles. Your current subscription period remains active until the end of that billing cycle. If you were charged on the 15th of the month and cancel on the 20th, you retain access to that month's content and will not be charged again on the 15th of the following month.

Previously delivered boxes remain yours; Highlights cannot and will not retrieve them. Digital content you've accessed through your account may remain available depending on the service, but new content will not be added after your final billing cycle ends.

Stopping recurring charges and updating your payment method

Your payment method stops being charged at the next renewal date after cancellation. If you cancelled mid-cycle, you won't see the charge deducted. If you want to remove your payment details from the Highlights system entirely, log into your account, navigate to "Payment Methods" or "Billing," and delete the card or account linked to your subscription.

Pro tip: Keep your cancellation confirmation email for at least 6 months. If Highlights charges you after cancellation, you'll need this proof to dispute the charge with your bank.

Refunds: can you get your money back?

Your refund eligibility depends on where you purchased the subscription, how long ago you bought it, and Highlights' specific refund policy.

Refund eligibility under UAE law and company policy

Under UAE Consumer Protection Law, you can request a full refund within 14 days of purchase. After 14 days, refund eligibility depends on the reason for cancellation and Highlights' policy, which typically states that refunds are not automatic but may be granted for undelivered boxes or billing errors.

If you cancel on the Highlights website directly, contact their customer service within 7 days and explain your reason (e.g., "My child did not engage with this month's materials" or "I was charged twice"). Highlights may issue a partial refund as a one-time courtesy, especially if this is your first cancellation.

Refunds for app store purchases

If you subscribed through Apple App Store, Google Play or a carrier billing service, refund requests go through that platform, not directly to Highlights.

Apple app store refunds

Visit reportaproblem.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID, select the Highlights charge, and choose "I'd like a refund." Apple processes most refunds within 24-48 hours. You can request refunds up to 90 days after purchase, though Apple is more likely to approve refunds within 14 days.

Google play refunds

Open the Google Play app, navigate to "Account," select "Payments and subscriptions," then "Subscriptions," find Highlights, and choose "Cancel subscription." Google's refund window is typically 48 hours for most subscriptions, though some media content allows up to 7 days. Learn more at support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2479637.

Carrier-billed subscriptions

If you're charged through Etisalat or e& (formerly Emirates Telecom), contact Google Play or Apple directly; these carriers cannot reverse charges, only the payment platform can.

How to request a refund from highlights

1. Log into your Highlights account and navigate to "Order History" or "Billing."
   • Find the charge you want refunded and note its date and amount.
2. Email Highlights customer service with the subject "Refund Request" and include:
   • Your account email and order or subscription ID.
   • The date and amount of the charge you want refunded.
   • A clear, brief reason (e.g., "Undelivered box" or "Duplicate charge").
   • A screenshot of the charge from your bank statement or app store account.
3. Expect a response within 5-7 business days.
   • Highlights will either approve, deny, or request more information.
4. If Highlights denies your refund, ask for an explanation in writing.
   • Keep this email; you'll need it if you escalate to the General Authority for Consumer Protection.
5. If your refund is approved, it will be credited to your original payment method within 5-10 business days.
   • Allow extra time if your bank is processing the credit.

Warning: Highlights does not process refunds automatically after cancellation; you must request one within 7-14 days of the charge. After this window closes, refund requests become much harder to justify.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling highlights

Cancellation seems straightforward, but small oversights can leave you confused, unprotected, or still charged after you think you've quit.

Mistake 1: not saving your cancellation confirmation

Screenshots and confirmation emails are your only proof that you cancelled. Without them, if Highlights charges you again, you cannot prove when you requested cancellation, making it harder to dispute the charge. Take a screenshot the moment you see the cancellation confirmation, and save the confirmation email to a folder.

Mistake 2: assuming cancellation stops billing immediately

Most subscriptions, including Highlights, allow you to keep your current billing cycle after cancellation. If you were charged on the 1st and cancel on the 20th, you're still paid through the end of that month. Expect the final box to arrive and no charge to appear on the next billing date. If you see a charge 30 days after cancelling, contact Highlights immediately with your cancellation proof.

Mistake 3: cancelling only via email and not following up

Email is documented but slow. If you send a cancellation email and don't receive a confirmation within 5 days, send a polite follow-up or call customer service. Many cancellation requests get lost in email queues; a follow-up ensures yours is processed.

Mistake 4: not checking your bank statement after cancellation

Set a reminder on your phone to check your bank or credit card statement 35-40 days after your intended cancellation date. This is when the next billing cycle would occur if cancellation failed. If you spot a charge, contact Highlights immediately and file a dispute with your bank if needed.

Mistake 5: forgetting about app store subscriptions

If you subscribed through Apple App Store or Google Play, cancelling on the Highlights website doesn't cancel your app store subscription. You must cancel in the app store itself. Check all three places: Highlights website, Apple App Store and Google Play. Unsubscribe from whichever platform charged you.

Cancellation checklist: what you need to do

Use this checklist to stay organized and ensure you don't miss any critical steps.

Reviews and customer experiences with highlights cancellation

Understanding how other parents have experienced Highlights cancellation helps you set realistic expectations and avoid pitfalls they encountered.

What customers say about the cancellation process

Most Highlights subscribers report that online cancellation is quick and painless; many confirm the process takes under 5 minutes and they receive email confirmation within hours. Parents appreciate that Highlights doesn't make cancellation deliberately difficult or require you to call customer service.

Some customers note that Highlights includes a brief survey asking why they're leaving, which feels slightly pushy but doesn't prevent cancellation. A small number of subscribers reported delayed response times when cancelling by email, particularly around busy seasons.

Refund requests are where experiences diverge. Parents who cancelled within the 14-day window under UAE Consumer Protection Law report successful refunds, especially if they provided clear documentation. Those requesting refunds after the 14-day window rarely receive them unless they can prove a billing error or undelivered box.

When should you cancel highlights instead of keeping it

Before you cancel, honestly assess whether the subscription still adds value to your child's month. Ask yourself these questions to decide.

Signs you should cancel

• Your child has not opened the last 2-3 boxes or shows no interest in the activities.
• The content is no longer age-appropriate; your child has outgrown it.
• You're paying for multiple subscriptions (Highlights, craft boxes, education apps) and can cut one.
• The monthly 50-65 AED cost strains your budget and is not offset by reduced spending elsewhere.
• You've discovered free or cheaper alternatives (public library activity programs, school-provided materials, free apps).

Signs you might want to keep it

• Your child looks forward to the monthly box and actively engages with at least 60% of the content.
• The age-appropriate activities align with skills you're trying to develop (reading, problem-solving, creativity).
• The cost is manageable within your monthly budget and represents less than 1% of your discretionary spending.
• You value the convenience of curated, quality content without having to research or assemble it yourself.

Contact information for cancellation and complaints

If you need to escalate your cancellation or file a formal complaint, contact these official channels.

Highlights for children customer service

Highlights for Children Customer Service
P.O. Box 269
Columbus, OH 43216
USA

Online: shop.highlights.com (log in to account to cancel or contact via form)
Email: customerservice@highlights.com (verify correct address on their website before sending)

UAE consumer protection authority

General Authority for Consumer Protection (GACP)
Website: www.consumerprotection.ae
Phone: 800-4224 (toll-free in UAE)
Email: Complaint submission available through their website portal

File a complaint if Highlights refuses to honour your cancellation or denies a legitimate refund. Provide your cancellation confirmation, billing evidence and all correspondence with Highlights. The GACP typically responds within 15-30 days.

Final summary: you're in control of your cancellation

Cancelling Highlights doesn't require special knowledge or endless back-and-forth. You have four straightforward methods-online, phone, email and postal mail-each with clear steps. The online method is fastest and gives you instant proof. Your UAE consumer rights protect you for 14 days and provide escalation options if Highlights refuses to cooperate.

The biggest threat to a smooth cancellation is inaction after submitting your request. Check your email, save your confirmation, verify your bank statement 35+ days later, and don't hesitate to follow up if you spot unexpected charges. If Highlights stalls or refuses a legitimate refund, the General Authority for Consumer Protection has your back.

Stopee has helped thousands of consumers navigate subscriptions and cancellations by providing step-by-step guidance, insider tips and documented consumer rights. Whether you're cancelling Highlights because your child has moved on to new interests or you're simply tightening your budget, Stopee ensures you know exactly what to expect. Visit Stopee at stopee.com to find guides for cancelling other subscriptions, comparing plans before you buy, and protecting yourself with UAE consumer law. Stopee is your trusted partner in taking back control-cancel with confidence today.