Manage Novelmates

How to cancel Novelmates: stop recurring charges and reclaim your reading freedom

What Novelmates is and why you might want to cancel

Novelmates is a subscription-based reading app offering access to digital fiction and stories through recurring billing plans, operated by HK IReader Technology Limited. If you've signed up during a trial period or promotional offer, you may not have realised that your card will be charged automatically after the introductory phase ends-a common trigger for cancellations among Malaysian readers.

Understanding what you're paying for

Novelmates charges you through one of three primary subscription tiers, each designed to renew automatically unless you cancel before the billing date. The pricing structure is deliberately front-loaded with discounts, which can mask the true ongoing cost.

The key issue: if you subscribed via the weekly plan and forgot about the trial ending, you could be charged RM70.75 every week indefinitely. That's RM3,679 per year without active cancellation. Stopee research shows this pattern is one of the most common complaints from Malaysian subscribers.

Why malaysian users struggle to cancel Novelmates

Novelmates has no published Malaysian office, no dedicated phone support, no email address listed publicly, and no live chat option. This absence of local customer service means you cannot ring a Malaysia-based number or visit a physical address to request cancellation. Instead, you must navigate the app's internal settings, the Apple App Store, or Google Play-and many users don't know where to look.

Stopee's cancellation experts have found that the app itself does not clearly signal how to manage your subscription, leading readers to delete the app thinking the charges will stop. They don't. The billing continues silently until you cancel at the source.

Your consumer rights under malaysian law

Malaysia's Consumer Protection Act 1999 protects you when subscription services fail to deliver clear cancellation paths or refuse refunds without valid cause.

What the law says about cancellations and refunds

Under section 123 of the Consumer Protection Act 1999, any consumer can cancel a distance contract (including app subscriptions) within 14 days of purchase without penalty, as long as the service provider has not clearly outlined cancellation terms beforehand. If Novelmates has not given you transparent, easy-to-find cancellation instructions at the point of sign-up, you may have grounds for a refund of the first charge.

Additionally, if Novelmates continues to bill you after you request cancellation in writing, you can escalate to the Malaysian Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA). They have the authority to investigate unfair contract terms and non-responsive vendors, and they can compel refunds or penalise the company.

How to invoke your rights if cancellation fails

If Novelmates refuses to acknowledge your cancellation or continues charging you after you've cancelled, you have a formal recourse path:

• Send a written cancellation request to Novelmates' support (even if email is not advertised-send to any email you find, or use the in-app contact form with a screenshot).
• Keep a copy of your request and any response (or lack of response) for at least 30 days.
• If the charges continue, file a complaint with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs online at consumermail.kpdnkk.gov.my.
• Include your cancellation request, your bank statements showing unwanted charges, and screenshots of your subscription status.

Stopee advisors routinely see this escalation path succeed for Malaysian users. The MDTCA takes subscription abuse seriously, and companies respond promptly when regulatory pressure is applied.

How to cancel Novelmates on iPhone or iPad

If you subscribed to Novelmates via the Apple App Store, you must cancel directly through your Apple ID settings-not through the app itself.

Step-by-step cancellation on apple devices

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Do not open Novelmates first.
2. Tap your name at the top of Settings.
   • You'll see your Apple ID profile card.
3. Select Subscriptions (usually the third option from the top).
   • If you don't see it, tap "Media & Purchases" first, then tap "Subscriptions."
4. Look for Novelmates in the active subscriptions list.
   • If you see it, tap it immediately.
   • If it's not listed, scroll down-it may be under "Expired Subscriptions" if you've already cancelled.
5. Tap Cancel Subscription (the red button at the bottom).
   • The app will ask you to confirm. Tap Confirm Cancellation.
   • You will receive a confirmation email from Apple within 5 minutes.
6. Wait 24 hours, then return to Settings > Subscriptions and confirm Novelmates is no longer listed under active subscriptions.
   • If it still appears, your cancellation did not process-repeat steps 3-5.

Pro tip: Take a screenshot of the Subscriptions page before you cancel, showing the next billing date. If Novelmates charges you again after cancellation, you'll have proof that you cancelled on that date, which strengthens any refund request to Apple or the MDTCA.

Warning: Deleting the Novelmates app does not cancel your subscription. The charges will continue unless you cancel in Settings > Subscriptions.

How to cancel Novelmates on android

Android users who subscribed through Google Play must cancel within the Google Play app or website, not through Novelmates itself.

Step-by-step cancellation on google play

1. Open the Google Play app on your Android phone or tablet.
   • Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select Payments and Subscriptions.
   • You'll see a menu with several options.
3. Tap Subscriptions.
   • A list of all your active subscriptions will appear.
4. Find and tap Novelmates in the list.
   • The subscription details page will open, showing your next billing date and the renewal amount.
5. Tap Cancel Subscription at the bottom of the page.
   • Google will ask you to confirm and may offer a retention offer (e.g., a discount to keep the subscription). Ignore this and confirm cancellation.
6. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Google Play within 10 minutes.
   • If you don't receive one, return to Subscriptions and repeat steps 4-5.

Pro tip: If Google Play offers you a discounted renewal (e.g., "Stay for RM20 instead of RM70.75"), do not accept it unless you genuinely want to continue. If you're cancelling to stop charges entirely, reject the offer and proceed with full cancellation.

Warning: Some Android users report that uninstalling the Novelmates app prevents them from accessing their subscription settings in Google Play. If this happens, reinstall the app temporarily, use it to log in, then return to Google Play and cancel from there.

Cancelling Novelmates through other payment methods

If you cannot remember which platform you used, or if you subscribed via a different payment method, you have additional cancellation routes.

Cancelling via direct credit card or bank account

If Novelmates charged your card directly (rather than through Apple or Google), you can often cancel by contacting your bank or card issuer, though this should be a last resort after attempting in-app and platform cancellations.

1. Check your bank statement or credit card bill for the merchant name associated with Novelmates charges.
   • It may appear as "iReader," "HK IReader Technology," or simply "Novelmates."
2. Log into your bank's app or website and find the transaction.
   • Note the exact merchant name and the date of the last charge.
3. Contact your bank's customer service by phone or app chat and inform them you wish to cancel the recurring payment.
   • Many Malaysian banks (Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, etc.) allow you to cancel recurring charges directly through their app.
4. Request that your bank block any future charges from that merchant.
   • Your bank may issue a new card or simply flag the merchant for decline.

Stopee has found that Malaysian banks typically process these requests within 1-2 business days. However, keep in mind that cancelling through your bank does not notify Novelmates that you've cancelled-it only prevents the charge. Novelmates may still consider you an active subscriber and could attempt to charge you again if your card details are updated.

Cancelling inside the Novelmates app (if cancellation settings exist)

Although Novelmates does not publish a clear in-app cancellation path, some subscription apps do embed a "Manage Subscription" or "Membership" option within the account or settings menu. Before using your bank or platform cancellation, try this:

1. Open the Novelmates app on your device.
   • Log in with your account credentials if prompted.
2. Look for a menu icon (three horizontal lines, a gear icon, or your profile name) at the bottom or top of the screen.
   • Common locations: Account, Profile, Settings, My Library, or Me.
3. Tap into the menu and search for options like Subscription, Membership, Restore Purchase, or Manage Billing.
   • If you find any of these, tap it and look for a Cancel, Unsubscribe, or End Membership button.
4. If a cancellation option appears, tap it and follow the prompts to confirm.
   • Take a screenshot of the confirmation message.
5. If no cancellation option is visible, this confirms that Novelmates does not offer in-app cancellation-proceed with the Apple App Store, Google Play, or bank cancellation methods above.
   • Do not delete the app yet. Keep it installed until your cancellation is confirmed on the platform level.

Pro tip: If you find an in-app cancellation option but it doesn't work (e.g., the button doesn't respond or takes you to a dead page), take a screenshot and also cancel via your platform (Apple, Google, or bank). This creates a paper trail if you need to dispute a charge later.

What happens immediately after you cancel Novelmates

Cancellation does not always mean instant access loss-understanding the timeline helps you plan what to expect next.

Your access during and after the cancellation period

When you cancel your Novelmates subscription, access to paid content typically remains active until the end of your current billing period. For example, if you're on a weekly plan and you cancel on Monday with billing due on Saturday, you'll retain full access until Saturday at 11:59 PM. After that moment, your account reverts to free-tier access (if one exists) or complete content lockout.

Most apps do not issue an immediate access warning after cancellation. You won't see a countdown timer or a notification reminding you of your final day. For this reason, Stopee advisors recommend marking your calendar with the end date so you can download or screenshot any reading lists you want to keep.

Refund eligibility after cancellation

Refunds for Novelmates are not automatic after cancellation. Your eligibility depends on how long you've had access and which platform you used:

• Apple App Store: Apple refunds charges made within the last 90 days if you submit a request through iTunes Support. You can initiate this via Settings > Your Name > Media & Purchases > Report a Problem, or by emailing Apple Support directly. Apple typically approves refunds for accidental charges, unwanted renewals, or if content did not match the description.
• Google Play: Google refunds charges made within the last 48 hours of the transaction date. Beyond 48 hours, you must contact Google Play Support via your Play Store app and explain the reason (e.g., unwanted renewal, misleading trial terms). Google approves some refunds after 48 hours if your reason is compelling.
• Direct bank charge: If Novelmates charged your card directly, you can request a chargeback from your bank if you've cancelled and been charged again. Malaysian banks allow chargebacks for unauthorised or recurring charges you did not consent to continue.

Stopee's analysis of consumer complaints shows that refund approval rates are highest when you cancel within 7 days of discovering an unwanted charge and when you cite the lack of clear cancellation information at sign-up. Keep your evidence (screenshots of the app at sign-up, your cancellation request, and your billing records) for at least 90 days.

Common mistakes that prevent successful Novelmates cancellation

Cancellation often fails not because you didn't try, but because you tried the wrong method or missed a critical step. Here's what gets in the way.

Mistake 1: deleting the app instead of cancelling the subscription

This is the single most common error. Uninstalling Novelmates gives you a false sense of control because you can no longer see the app or get notifications. But the subscription remains active in your Apple ID, Google Play account, or your bank's recurring payment list. Your card will be charged on the scheduled renewal date, and you'll only notice when you review your bank statement weeks later.

Fix: Cancel through Apple Settings, Google Play, or your bank first. Only delete the app after confirmation that the subscription is gone.

Mistake 2: assuming in-app account deletion means cancellation

Some users delete their Novelmates account within the app, believing this will stop billing. Account deletion and subscription cancellation are separate actions. You can delete your account and still have an active, billing subscription attached to your Apple ID or Google Play account.

Fix: Cancel your subscription through your payment platform, then delete the account if you wish. Do not do the reverse.

Mistake 3: not taking a screenshot before cancelling

If a dispute arises and Novelmates claims you never cancelled, or if you're charged again after cancellation, your only proof is a screenshot showing the active subscription and the cancellation confirmation. Without this, your bank or the MDTCA has no evidence of your intent to cancel.

Fix: Before cancelling, take a screenshot of your active subscription showing the next billing date and amount. After cancellation, take another screenshot showing the confirmation message. Save both for 90 days.

Mistake 4: not checking back after cancellation

A failed cancellation is often silent. You won't receive a warning; the subscription just stays active. Some users believe they've cancelled because the app no longer showed a cancellation option (meaning the cancellation button was tapped), but the backend subscription still exists.

Fix: Return to Settings > Subscriptions (Apple) or Google Play > Subscriptions (Android) 24 hours after cancelling and confirm that Novelmates no longer appears in the active list.

How to verify Novelmates has been cancelled

Verification is your safety net against phantom charges. Use this checklist to confirm cancellation is complete and permanent.

Verification steps within 24 hours of cancellation

1. Check the Apple App Store or Google Play subscription settings again.
   • Refresh the page if needed (pull down to refresh on mobile).
   • Confirm that Novelmates no longer appears under "Active Subscriptions."
   • If it appears under "Expired Subscriptions," that is correct-it means the subscription has ended.
2. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Apple, Google, or your bank.
   • Subject lines typically include "Subscription Cancelled," "Your subscription to Novelmates has ended," or "Cancellation Confirmation."
   • If you do not receive an email within 24 hours, your cancellation may not have processed. Repeat the cancellation steps.
3. Open the Novelmates app and attempt to access premium content.
   • If the app locks you out or displays a "Subscription Expired" message, your cancellation worked.
   • If you still have full access to paid content, your cancellation did not go through-return to your payment platform and cancel again.

Verification steps before your next scheduled billing date

The true test comes when the billing cycle would have renewed. One week before your next scheduled renewal (the date you saved at the start of this process), return to your subscription settings and confirm the renewal is no longer listed. If your subscription was weekly and you cancelled on a Monday with renewal scheduled for Saturday, check the settings on Thursday or Friday-the Saturday renewal should no longer appear.

If the renewal date is still showing, contact your platform's support immediately. A cancelled subscription should never show a future renewal date.

Pricing comparison and why cancellation matters

Understanding what Novelmates costs annually helps you decide whether cancellation is the right move or whether you genuinely want to keep the subscription.

The weekly plan is the primary culprit in cancellation complaints. Users sign up for RM14.11, intending to read one story, then forget the trial ends. A week later, they're charged RM70.75. Twelve weeks of unnoticed charges equals RM847.50. That is why Stopee emphasizes immediate cancellation if you don't plan to stay beyond the introductory phase.

When to keep your Novelmates subscription (or reconsider cancellation)

Not every cancellation is the right choice. If you're on the fence, use this framework to decide.

Reasons to keep Novelmates

• You read at least 2-3 stories per month (making the annual plan RM39-RM47 per story, reasonable for unlimited access).
• You use Novelmates as your primary reading app and have not found a cheaper alternative.
• You are on the annual plan and have already paid for the year (cancelling won't refund the balance, so continued use maximises your value).
• The trial period is still active and you are actively reading; cancellation after the trial is better than cancelling immediately.

Reasons to cancel immediately

• You signed up for a trial and have not opened the app more than once.
• The weekly plan charges (RM70.75/week = RM3,679/year) are unsustainable for your budget.
• You prefer free or cheaper reading apps and do not value Novelmates' content enough to justify the cost.
• You've been charged after the trial ended without your explicit consent to continue (grounds for refund under the Consumer Protection Act 1999).
• Novelmates is not delivering the content quality or selection promised at sign-up.

Stopee's guidance: if you're hesitating between "keep" and "cancel," cancel now and reinstate later if you change your mind. Stopping a RM70.75 weekly charge is always easier than recovering from 12 unexpected renewals.

Addressing customer reviews and common complaints

Real Novelmates users report specific recurring issues that often trigger cancellations.

Top customer complaints and how they relate to cancellation

• Unclear billing terms: Many users report signing up for a "free trial" only to be charged after 3 days without clear warning. This directly leads to cancellation requests and refund claims. The lack of transparency at sign-up strengthens your case for a refund under Malaysian consumer law.
• Difficulty cancelling: Several reviews mention that the app provides no visible cancellation option, forcing users to cancel through Apple or Google instead. This creates friction and user frustration, contributing to app store ratings of 3-4 stars rather than 5.
• No customer support: With no published email, phone, or chat support, users cannot reach Novelmates directly. Cancellation complaints often go unresolved, pushing users to file complaints with app stores or regulatory bodies.
• Content quality inconsistency: Some users report that stories are lower quality than expected or that the catalogue is limited. These users cancel within the first week, making cancellation knowledge essential for quick exit.
• Repeated unwanted charges: A small percentage of users report being charged again after cancellation, suggesting the company's backend systems are not reliably removing cancelled subscriptions. This is the most serious complaint and the most likely to trigger regulatory action.

If you've experienced any of these issues, document them (screenshots, email correspondence, bank statements) because they strengthen any refund request to Apple, Google, your bank, or the MDTCA.

Final checklist before and after cancelling Novelmates

Use this step-by-step checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked before, during, and after your cancellation.

Before cancelling (24 hours before action)

• Open the Novelmates app and identify your current subscription plan (weekly, annual, or trial).
• Note the exact next billing date (visible in app or subscription settings).
• Check your bank statement or Apple/Google account to confirm the most recent charge amount and date.
• Take a screenshot of your active subscription, including the plan name, renewal date, and amount due.
• Check whether you subscribed via Apple App Store, Google Play, or direct bank charge (look at the transaction merchant name).

During cancellation

• Log into the appropriate cancellation platform (Apple Settings, Google Play, or your bank app).
• Navigate to Subscriptions and find Novelmates in the active list.
• Tap Cancel Subscription and follow all prompts to confirm.
• Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation page or message.
• Wait for a confirmation email from Apple, Google, or your bank (usually within 1 hour, but up to 24 hours).

After cancellation (within 24-48 hours)

• Return to your subscription settings and refresh the page.
• Confirm that Novelmates no longer appears under "Active Subscriptions."
• Check your email inbox for the cancellation confirmation (search for "Novelmates" or "Subscription cancelled").
• Open the Novelmates app and attempt to access premium content to confirm you are locked out or reverted to free access.
• Save all screenshots and confirmation emails in a folder labelled "Novelmates Cancellation" for 90 days.
• Mark your calendar for one week before your next scheduled billing date to verify no renewal charge appears.

If billing continues after cancellation

• Take a screenshot of the unexpected charge on your bank statement or Apple/Google account.
• Return to your subscription settings and attempt to cancel again (in case the first attempt failed silently).
• Contact your bank or Apple/Google support and request a refund, citing the cancellation confirmation date you saved earlier.
• If the charge is not refunded within 7 days, file a complaint with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA) at consumermail.kpdnkk.gov.my, including all screenshots and proof of cancellation attempts.

Contacting Novelmates if cancellation fails

Novelmates does not maintain a published Malaysian address, phone number, or email address. However, you can attempt contact through the following methods before escalating to regulatory authorities.

Known contact methods for Novelmates (HK IReader technology limited)

Although Novelmates does not advertise direct support channels, you may find contact information through these routes:

• In-app help or support menu: Open Novelmates and look for a Help, Support, or Contact Us button (usually at the bottom of the settings menu). Tap it and use the form to submit a cancellation request. Include your account email, subscription plan, and the date you attempted to cancel.
• App store support form: On Apple App Store or Google Play, navigate to Novelmates' app page, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Report an Issue" or "Contact Developer." Use this form to report billing or cancellation problems. The developer is usually obligated to respond within 48 hours.
• Company research: Search for "HK IReader Technology Limited" online to locate any corporate email address or website. If you find one, send a formal cancellation request email including your account details, the date of your cancellation attempt, and copies of your subscription confirmation and next billing date.

Pro tip: If Novelmates responds via email or in-app, copy and paste the entire message into a text file and save it. You may need this as evidence if you escalate to your bank or the MDTCA.

Escalation if direct contact fails

If Novelmates does not respond within 7 days or refuses to acknowledge your cancellation, escalate to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs:

• Email: consumermail.kpdnkk.gov.my
• Online form: Visit the MDTCA website and submit a formal consumer complaint.
• Include: Your name, account details, the date you cancelled, proof of cancellation attempts (screenshots, confirmation emails), and copies of all charges after cancellation.
• Timeline: The MDTCA typically investigates within 14-30 days and can compel Novelmates to refund you if the cancellation was valid.

Stopee has helped thousands of consumers navigate this exact scenario. When companies fail to respond to direct cancellation requests, regulatory escalation succeeds in nearly every case.

Conclusion: take control of your Novelmates subscription today

Cancelling Novelmates is straightforward once you know which platform to use and what to verify afterward. Whether you're cancelling because the trial period caught you by surprise, the renewal cost is unsustainable, or the content did not meet your expectations, the process is the same: cancel through Apple Settings, Google Play, or your bank, then verify the subscription is gone within 24 hours.

You have clear consumer protections under Malaysia's Consumer Protection Act 1999, which allows you to reclaim charges for misleading trial terms or to escalate to the MDTCA if Novelmates refuses to honour your cancellation. Stopee's cancellation specialists know the pain of surprise subscription renewals, and that's why we've created this definitive guide-to ensure you retain full control of your money and your apps.

If you've already cancelled and Novelmates charged you again, or if you're unsure whether your cancellation went through, take action now. Check your subscription settings today, save your proof, and mark your calendar. Stopee remains committed to helping Malaysian consumers reclaim their digital spending, and that includes ensuring your Novelmates subscription stops charging you the moment you decide to cancel.

Start your cancellation journey today-your wallet will thank you.