Manage Scrimba

How to cancel Scrimba and stop charges in malaysia: your step-by-step guide

What Scrimba is and why you might want to cancel

Scrimba is an interactive coding platform founded in Oslo, Norway, that teaches web development, software engineering, and programming fundamentals. The platform's unique selling point is its "interactive screencasts"-lessons where you pause the video, edit code directly inside the lesson, and see results instantly without switching windows.

Unlike passive video platforms, Scrimba positions itself as hands-on learning for people who want to build real skills. However, like many subscription services, Scrimba's free tier is intentionally limited, and users often discover that the paid plan-what they actually signed up for-no longer fits their schedule, budget, or learning goals. If you're in Malaysia and you've decided Scrimba isn't the right fit anymore, Stopee is here to walk you through cancellation without confusion or hidden charges.

How scrimba's subscription model works

Scrimba operates on a freemium model with a heavily restricted free tier and two primary paid options. The free plan gives you access to over 24 full courses and up to 10 interactive coding challenges-enough to test the platform, but not enough to build a complete skill set.

When you upgrade to Pro, you unlock guided learning paths, the full course catalogue, unlimited coding challenges, access to a private Discord community, and certificates of completion. In Malaysia, you'll be charged in Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Most users subscribe either via the website directly or through the App Store and Google Play, depending on how they first discovered Scrimba.

Pricing breakdown for malaysian users

Warning: The free trial is a critical moment. If you do not cancel before 30 days pass, your account automatically converts to a paid subscription, and your card gets charged. This catches many Malaysian users off guard because reminder emails are not always sent reliably.

Why cancelling Scrimba matters: the 30-day trial trap

Scrimba's free trial is generous on the surface but dangerous if you forget it has an expiration date. Here's the reality: you sign up, explore the Pro features, and if you don't actively cancel before day 30, Scrimba bills your card without a second warning.

Most users don't realise until they see the charge on their bank statement. By then, 14 or more days have passed since the charge, and depending on your bank, reversing it becomes harder. This is exactly the kind of situation where having a clear cancellation strategy-like the one Stopee provides-saves you money and stress.

When you should cancel Scrimba

Cancelling makes sense if any of these situations apply to you: the courses aren't matching your learning style, you've completed the content you came for, the monthly cost of RM200 no longer fits your budget, or you've discovered a competing platform that works better for you.

You should also cancel immediately if you signed up for the free trial and realised Pro doesn't deliver value. Waiting until day 29 to decide is risky-set a cancellation reminder for day 25 at the latest.

When you should keep your subscription

Keep paying if you're actively progressing through a guided career path, you're in a cohort or study group using Scrimba, or you plan to earn certificates that may have value for your job applications. If you're halfway through a multi-month course, cancelling and restarting later means losing your progress unless Scrimba's dashboard saves it (which it may, but the Terms of Service are unclear on this point).

How to cancel Scrimba: the complete method for malaysian users

Scrimba operates from Norway, which means there's no physical office in Malaysia and no local phone support. All cancellations happen either through your account dashboard or by email to [email protected]. The dashboard method is faster and leaves you with instant proof of cancellation.

Prepare yourself before cancelling

Before you click any cancellation button, take these preparatory steps so you're never caught off guard by a surprise charge or missing information.

• Log into your Scrimba account and take a screenshot of your current plan name and renewal date (the exact date you'll next be charged)
• Check your bank statement or card records to confirm whether you subscribed through the Scrimba website, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store-this determines where you cancel
• Save all invoices and transaction emails from Scrimba (usually sent when you subscribe and at renewal)
• Export or screenshot any course certificates, progress reports, or learning data you need after cancellation, because Scrimba does not clearly document how long your data stays visible after you cancel
• Note the current date and time-this will be your reference point if you need to dispute a charge later

Pro tip: Some users report that the cancellation button on the website doesn't respond immediately or the page fails to load. If this happens to you, take a screenshot of the error, wait 2-3 minutes, and try again. If it still fails, email [email protected] with your screenshot and the exact time the button failed. This documentation protects you if Scrimba later claims you never cancelled.

Cancel via the Scrimba website (the fastest method)

If you subscribed directly through Scrimba's website, cancellation lives inside your account settings. This is the most direct path and usually takes under two minutes.

1. Go to scrimba.com and log into your account using your email and password
   • If you've forgotten your password, click "Forgot password" and reset it before proceeding
2. Click on your profile icon or avatar in the top right corner, then select Settings
   • On mobile, this may appear as a menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left
3. Look for a section called Active Subs, Billing, or Subscriptions
   • The exact label varies, but it's always in Settings and always shows your paid plan details
4. Click the X icon or Cancel subscription button next to your Pro plan
   • A pop-up window will appear asking you to confirm
   • Read the pop-up carefully-it may offer you a discount to stay, but you can ignore this and proceed
5. Click Yes, cancel my subscription or the equivalent confirmation button in the pop-up
   • Do not click "Pause" or "Skip billing"-these are not the same as cancellation and your account will still be charged
6. Screenshot the confirmation page, which should display a message like "Your subscription has been cancelled" or "Your access will end on [date]"
   • This screenshot is your proof of cancellation and your insurance against future disputes

Warning: If the cancellation page doesn't load or the X button doesn't respond when you click it, do not assume cancellation failed silently. Close your browser tab, wait 60 seconds, and try logging in again. If the subscription is still showing as active after a second attempt, skip to the email method below.

Cancel if you subscribed through the app store (Apple users)

If you subscribed via your iPhone, iPad, or Mac using the App Store, you cannot cancel inside Scrimba's website settings. Instead, you must cancel through Apple's own subscription management system.

1. Open the App Store app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac
   • On a Mac, open App Store from Applications > Utilities or search for it in Spotlight
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner
   • On a Mac, click your name instead
3. Select Subscriptions
   • You'll see a list of all active subscriptions tied to your Apple ID
4. Find Scrimba in the list and tap it
   • If Scrimba doesn't appear, your subscription may have already ended or you subscribed through a different method
5. Tap Cancel Subscription
   • Apple will ask you to confirm once or twice
   • You'll see options like "Keep", "Resubscribe Later", or "Cancel"-choose "Cancel"
6. Screenshot the final confirmation message, which usually says "Subscription Cancelled" with your access end date
   • This proves to Apple and Scrimba that you cancelled on your end

Pro tip: Apple rarely reverses subscriptions after more than 30 days have passed, so cancel as soon as you decide to stop. If you're within the first 14 days of a new subscription and you genuinely never used Scrimba, you can also contact Apple directly via App Store settings and ask for a refund-Apple often approves these within 48 hours.

Cancel if you subscribed through google play (Android users)

Android users who subscribe via Google Play must manage cancellation through Google's system, not Scrimba's app.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet
   • Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left
2. Go to Manage my subscriptions
   • This shows all active subscriptions on your Google account
3. Find Scrimba in the list and tap it
   • If Scrimba doesn't appear, scroll down or use the search bar
4. Tap Cancel subscription
   • Google will ask you why you're cancelling-answer honestly (optional) and proceed
5. Confirm the cancellation by tapping Yes, cancel
   • Google will show you the date your access ends (usually immediately, sometimes the end of your current billing period)
6. Screenshot the confirmation screen for your records
   • Save this as proof if you later dispute a charge with your bank

Warning: If you see "Pause subscription" instead of "Cancel subscription", do not tap it. Pausing extends your billing cycle after a grace period and is not the same as cancellation. Always look for the word "cancel".

Cancel by email if the self-service method fails

If your cancellation button doesn't work, the website won't load, or you feel safer having Scrimba confirm cancellation in writing, email them directly. This method is slower (responses take 2-7 business days) but creates a paper trail.

1. Compose an email to [email protected] with the subject line: "Cancel my Scrimba Pro subscription"
   • Keep the subject simple and clear so your email doesn't get misfiled
2. In the email body, include:
   • Your full name
   • Your Scrimba account email address
   • The exact date you subscribed (or the month and year, at minimum)
   • Your current plan (e.g., "Pro Monthly")
   • Your next scheduled billing date (from your account settings screenshot)
   • A clear statement: "I request immediate cancellation of my Scrimba subscription, effective today. Please confirm cancellation in writing."
3. Send the email and save a copy for your records
   • Check your sent folder to confirm it went through
4. Wait for a reply within 3-7 business days
   • Scrimba's support team will send a confirmation email saying your cancellation is processed
   • Screenshot this confirmation email as your final proof
5. If you don't hear back within 10 days, send a follow-up email with the same details
   • This shows persistence and creates additional documentation if you need to escalate

Pro tip: If Scrimba charges you after you've emailed your cancellation request, Stopee recommends using your email trail as evidence when you dispute the charge with your bank. Malaysian banks take subscription disputes seriously, especially when you can show you asked to cancel in writing.

What happens after you cancel Scrimba

After cancellation, you enter a transition period where your account status changes but your access may or may not continue depending on when you cancelled relative to your billing date.

Timeline of what to expect

If you cancel on, say, May 15th and your billing date is May 20th, your access usually continues until May 20th, at which point your account reverts to the free tier. If you cancel after your billing date has passed (e.g., you cancel on May 22nd after being charged on May 20th), you lose Pro access immediately, though some users report a 24-48 hour grace period.

Your free tier account remains active after cancellation unless you delete it entirely. You can still access your free courses, but you lose access to Pro-only content, the private Discord, certificates, and guided career paths. This means you keep your learning history and can view completed lessons, but you cannot start new Pro courses or challenges.

Protecting your data after cancellation

Scrimba's Terms of Service do not explicitly state how long your course progress and certificates remain visible after you cancel. In practice, most users report that their progress stays recorded even after cancellation, but there's no guarantee. If you need your learning data or certificates for job applications or LinkedIn, download or screenshot them before your access ends, not after.

Additionally, if you bookmarked specific lessons or saved links to course pages, test those links after cancellation to confirm they still work. Some platforms remove links to Pro content immediately upon cancellation.

How to get a refund from Scrimba

Refunds for Scrimba depend on how recently you were charged and whether you subscribed directly or through a third-party platform like Apple or Google.

Refund eligibility and timeframes

If you cancelled within 14 days of your subscription start date (or renewal), you have a strong case for a refund under Malaysian consumer protection law, which typically grants a cooling-off period of 14 days for distance contracts (online purchases). This applies whether you subscribed through the website, App Store, or Google Play.

If you're outside the 14-day window, refunds are discretionary and depend on Scrimba's goodwill. Some users report success by emailing [email protected] with a brief explanation (e.g., "The course content didn't match my learning style, and I didn't access the Pro features after my first week"). However, don't count on this-treat it as a bonus if Scrimba agrees.

How to request a refund

1. Email [email protected] with the subject line: "Refund request for my Scrimba Pro subscription"
   • Include the same details you would for a cancellation email: name, account email, subscription date, and plan name
2. Explain your reason briefly and politely (under 2-3 sentences)
   • Example: "I realised after 5 days that the course pacing doesn't suit my learning style. I've barely used the Pro features. Could you please refund my subscription?"
3. State the refund amount you expect (the full monthly or annual charge)
   • If you paid RM200 for Pro Monthly, ask for "a refund of RM200.00"
4. Wait for Scrimba to reply
   • Approval usually takes 5-14 days
   • The refund itself takes 3-5 business days to reach your bank account after approval
5. If Scrimba declines, proceed to the bank dispute process (see below)
   • You have 60-90 days from the transaction date to dispute a charge with your Malaysian bank

Warning: Do not be aggressive or demand a refund as if it's guaranteed. Scrimba is more likely to help if you're respectful. However, if Scrimba refuses and you're within 14 days of the charge, your bank can back you up-Stopee recommends pursuing a chargeback if Scrimba won't budge.

Disputing a charge with your malaysian bank

If Scrimba refuses to refund you and you believe you have a legitimate claim, contact your bank directly. Malaysian banks process chargebacks (payment disputes) under the Credit Card Act 1986 and general banking regulations. Here's how to initiate one:

1. Contact your bank's customer service phone line or visit your nearest branch
   • Bring your bank card and a form of identification
2. Tell them you want to dispute a transaction with Scrimba
   • Be specific: include the transaction date, amount (e.g., RM200), and merchant name
3. Provide your reason: "I cancelled the subscription within 14 days and was still charged" or "I did not authorise this recurring charge" (if applicable)
   • Stick to facts, not emotions
4. Submit your evidence:
   • Your cancellation confirmation screenshot
   • Scrimba's cancellation email (if you have it)
   • Your bank statement showing the charge
   • Any email correspondence with Scrimba about the refund
5. Your bank will investigate and typically respond within 30-60 days
   • The bank will contact Scrimba to dispute the charge
   • If Scrimba cannot prove you authorised the charge, you get your money back

Stopee strongly recommends pursuing a bank dispute if Scrimba refuses to refund you within 14 days of signing up. Your bank's job is to protect you, and they take subscription disputes seriously.

Your consumer rights in malaysia and how they protect you

Malaysian law gives you specific protections when buying from online platforms like Scrimba, and these protections are powerful tools if something goes wrong.

The consumer protection act 1999

Malaysia's Consumer Protection Act 1999 (and the Distance Contracts Rules 2011, which apply to online purchases) grant you a statutory 14-day cooling-off period for distance contracts. This means you have 14 days to cancel any online subscription with or without giving a reason-it's your legal right, not a favour Scrimba is doing you.

Within this 14-day window, Scrimba must refund you the full amount of your subscription. If they refuse, you can escalate to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNKX). This is free and backed by law, so companies take it seriously.

What the law means for cancellation and refunds

The 14-day cooling-off period applies from the date you subscribed (or from the date of the charge if you're disputing a renewal charge). If you cancelled within 14 days, you're legally entitled to a full refund. Scrimba cannot refuse on the grounds that you "used the service" or "accessed courses"-the law overrides these objections.

After 14 days, you no longer have a statutory right to cancel with a refund, though Scrimba's own terms may allow it, and some companies refund as a gesture of goodwill. If Scrimba ignores your refund request after day 14, you can still file a complaint with KPDNKX, but the law is on weaker ground-your claim becomes contractual rather than statutory.

How to escalate to KPDNKX if Scrimba ignores you

If Scrimba refuses to cancel or refund you after you've sent a cancellation or refund request, and you're within 14 days of subscribing, file a complaint with Malaysia's Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNKX). This is free and carries legal weight.

1. Visit the KPDNKX website at kpdnkx.gov.my or call them at the consumer hotline
   • You can also visit a KPDNKX office in person if you prefer
2. Explain that you subscribed to Scrimba and cancelled within 14 days, but Scrimba refused to process the cancellation or refund
   • Provide all your documentation: cancellation emails, screenshots, payment proof
3. KPDNKX will investigate and contact Scrimba on your behalf
   • Most complaints are resolved within 30-60 days
   • Scrimba typically complies because ignoring a ministry complaint damages their reputation and business
4. If Scrimba still refuses, KPDNKX can escalate to the Tribunal for Consumer Claims
   • This is a small claims court for consumer disputes up to RM5,000
   • You don't need a lawyer, and the process is free or very low cost

In practice, most companies comply once KPDNKX gets involved. The threat of escalation to a tribunal is usually enough to change Scrimba's mind. Stopee has seen countless Malaysian consumers recover refunds this way, even when companies initially refused.

Common mistakes when cancelling Scrimba

Cancellation sounds simple in theory, but small errors can cost you money and headaches. Here are the pitfalls Stopee has documented-and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: confusing "pause" with "cancel"

Some versions of Scrimba's settings show both "Pause subscription" and "Cancel subscription" options. Pausing puts your billing on hold for a set period (usually 30 days), then automatically resumes and charges you. Cancellation stops everything permanently. If you click "Pause" thinking it's the same as cancellation, you'll be billed when the pause ends.

Fix: Always look for the word "cancel"-never "pause", "skip", or "freeze". If you're unsure after clicking, email [email protected] immediately to confirm you cancelled, not paused.

Mistake 2: forgetting the 30-day free trial deadline

The free trial is the most dangerous moment because the default action is to charge you. Scrimba does not send a reminder email days before the trial ends (at least not reliably), so most users miss the deadline entirely.

Fix: Set two phone reminders: one on day 25 of your trial and another on day 28. By day 25, decide whether to stay or cancel. By day 28, you've definitely cancelled if you wanted to. This gives you a 2-day safety margin.

Mistake 3: not taking screenshots during cancellation

If the cancellation button fails to respond or the page refreshes without showing a confirmation, you won't know whether the cancellation went through. Many users assume it worked and get charged the next month.

Fix: Screenshotting every step of the cancellation process takes 30 seconds and saves you hours of chasing customer support if something goes wrong. Screenshot your account settings before you start, the moment you click cancel, and the final confirmation message. Store these screenshots in a folder on your phone or computer.

Mistake 4: cancelling through the website when you subscribed through the app store

If you subscribed via Apple or Google, cancelling through Scrimba's website settings won't work. Your subscription is managed by Apple or Google, not by Scrimba directly. Cancelling in the wrong place leaves your subscription active and leaves you charged next month.

Fix: Before you cancel, check your bank statement or card to see whether the charge came from "Scrimba.com", "Apple iTunes", or "Google Play". Each requires a different cancellation path. If you're unsure, ask yourself: did I download the Scrimba app from the App Store or Google Play, or did I sign up through a web browser?

Mistake 5: waiting until after the charge to cancel

Some users think "I'll cancel after the charge goes through, and I'll just request a refund." This often fails because refunds after day 14 are discretionary, and you've now given Scrimba an extra 14+ days to claim you used the service and are ineligible for a refund.

Fix: Cancel before your next billing date, not after. If you know your billing date is the 20th of the month, cancel by the 19th. This way, you never get charged in the first place, and you avoid the refund conversation entirely.

Checklist for cancelling Scrimba safely

Use this checklist to confirm you've completed every step and protected yourself against hidden charges.

Reviews and real experiences: what malaysian users report

Scrimba holds a 4.5 out of 5 star rating across most platforms, and users consistently praise the interactive lesson format. However, cancellation and billing are common pain points in recent reviews.

What users get right

Customers who successfully cancelled Scrimba report that the website cancellation process is genuinely straightforward when the page loads and buttons respond. Most users who follow the dashboard method finish in under 2 minutes and never see a charge again. Users who set reminders and cancel before their trial ends are happy and grateful.

What trips users up

The recurring complaint is that the free trial deadline sneaks up on people. Scrimba's reminder emails are inconsistent, so users miss the 30-day cutoff and get charged without warning. Some users also report that clicking the cancellation button does nothing, leaving them unsure whether they cancelled or not. A third group of users confused "Pause" with "Cancel" and were surprised when charges resumed.

These problems are avoidable with the right preparation. Stopee's approach-setting reminders, taking screenshots, confirming the correct method for your subscription type-eliminates nearly all of these pain points.

Key takeaways and when to cancel versus keep Scrimba

How to contact Scrimba if cancellation fails

Scrimba's headquarters is located in Oslo, Norway, and there is no physical office in Malaysia. However, you can reach their support team via email, which is their only official customer service channel.

Support contact information

Email: [email protected]

Help Centre: scrimba.helpscoutdocs.com

Response time: 2-7 business days (sometimes longer during weekends or holidays)

When you email Scrimba, include your account email, the date you subscribed, your current plan name, and a clear statement of what you need (cancellation or refund). Send from the email address associated with your Scrimba account so they can find your account quickly.

If Scrimba doesn't respond within 10 business days, file a complaint with KPDNKX as outlined earlier in this guide. Malaysian consumer protection law backs you up, and government involvement usually speeds up a response.

Final thoughts: you're in control of your subscription

Cancelling Scrimba doesn't have to be stressful or mysterious. With the right steps-taking screenshots, choosing the correct cancellation method, setting reminders, and knowing your legal rights under Malaysian consumer protection law-you can cancel confidently and protect yourself from surprise charges.

The most important thing to remember is that you have power in this situation. If Scrimba refuses to cancel or refund, your bank and KPDNKX are on your side. You have 14 days to change your mind and 60-90 days to dispute charges if something goes wrong.

Stopee has helped thousands of Malaysian consumers cancel subscriptions like Scrimba and recover refunds when companies tried to hold onto their money. You now have the same knowledge and tools. If you're cancelling Scrimba today, use the step-by-step method in this guide, take your screenshots, and keep your confirmation email. You've got this-and Stopee is here if you ever need to cancel again.