Manage Novelmates

How to cancel novelmates in nigeria and avoid hidden charges

Understanding novelmates and why you might want to cancel

Novelmates is a mobile app that offers paid access to serialized novels and exclusive VIP reading features across iOS and Android devices. You subscribe to unlock unlimited content or gain access to premium stories on time-limited plans, with billing typically handled through the App Store, Google Play, or the app's internal payment system depending on how you purchased.

Many Nigerian users find themselves paying weekly or monthly renewal fees without realising how easy it is to accumulate charges. At Stopee, we've helped thousands of Nigerians understand their subscription rights and take control of unwanted recurring payments. If you've decided Novelmates no longer fits your reading habits or budget, this guide will walk you through every step to cancel safely and recover any money you're owed.

Common reasons nigerians cancel novelmates

You might cancel because you've finished the novels you wanted to read, you're uncomfortable with the weekly billing cycle, you prefer free reading alternatives, or you simply forgot the subscription was active on your payment method. Whatever your reason, Stopee is here to ensure you understand your options before you take action.

Your consumer rights under nigerian law

Nigeria's Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2019 gives you specific protections when you purchase digital services, even from international companies like HK IReader Technology Limited (the developer behind Novelmates).

Cooling-off period and refund rights

Under the FCCPA, you have the right to cancel within 14 days of purchase and request a full refund if the service does not match what was advertised or if you change your mind. This applies to subscription services, including Novelmates. The cooling-off clock starts from the date you made your first payment, not the date you first tried to cancel.

If Novelmates continues to charge you after you've cancelled, or if billing charges appear without your explicit consent, the FCCPA protects you. You can file a complaint with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) or escalate through your bank if the company refuses to refund you.

Protection against unauthorized billing

You have the right to be informed clearly about the total cost, billing frequency, and cancellation method before you complete a purchase. If Novelmates buried this information in small print or made cancellation deliberately difficult, that's a breach of the FCCPA. Keep screenshots and email records of everything as evidence.

How to cancel novelmates step by step

Cancellation works differently depending on whether you subscribed through Apple's App Store, Google Play, or directly within the Novelmates app.

Cancelling through apple app store (iOS)

If you're using an iPhone or iPad and subscribed via the App Store, follow these steps to stop future charges immediately.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your Apple ID name at the very top of the screen.
   • You may see your email address or phone number instead of a name.
3. Select "Subscriptions" from the menu that appears.
   • This shows all active and recently cancelled subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
4. Find and tap "Novelmates" in the list of subscriptions.
   • If you have multiple subscriptions, scroll down to locate it.
5. Tap "Cancel Subscription" (or "Edit Subscription" followed by a cancellation option).
   • Apple will ask you to confirm your reason for cancelling.
   • Select any reason; it does not affect your eligibility for a refund.
6. When the cancellation is confirmed, you'll see "Expires on [date]" instead of "Renews on [date]".

Pro tip: Take a screenshot of the "Expires on" message. This is your proof of cancellation. Keep it for your records in case Apple later disputes whether you cancelled.

Warning: If Novelmates does not appear in your Subscriptions list, you may have subscribed through Google Play or directly in the app, not through Apple. Skip to the next section.

Cancelling through google play store (Android)

Android users who subscribed via Google Play follow a similar but slightly different process.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
   • Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
2. Select "Payments and subscriptions" from the menu.
   • This takes you to your billing and subscription management page.
3. Tap "Subscriptions" to see all active plans.
   • You may need to scroll to find Novelmates if you have multiple subscriptions.
4. Tap "Novelmates" and then select "Cancel subscription".
5. Confirm your cancellation by following the on-screen prompts.
   • Google will ask if you want to keep the app installed; choosing "Keep" lets you read without new charges.
6. Look for a message saying your subscription will end on a specific date.

Pro tip: Many users report that Novelmates mysteriously disappears from the Google Play subscriptions list even after they've paid. This often means the app uses an in-app payment system instead of Google's billing. Try the in-app cancellation method below.

Cancelling directly through the novelmates app

If you cannot find Novelmates in your App Store or Google Play subscriptions, you likely subscribed through the app's own payment system. Here's how to cancel inside the app itself.

1. Open the Novelmates app on your phone.
2. Navigate to your profile or account area.
   • Look for a "Mine," "Profile," "Account," or "Me" tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Find the settings, help, or service menu.
   • This may be labelled "Help & Feedback," "Customer Service," "1v1 Service," or "Settings."
4. Scroll to the bottom of the menu and look for "Cancel Subscription," "Unsubscribe," or "Manage Membership".
   • The exact wording varies, but it will contain the word "cancel" or "unsubscribe."
5. Tap the cancellation option and follow the prompts.
   • The app may ask why you're leaving; provide honest feedback if you wish.
6. Confirm the cancellation and take a screenshot of the confirmation message.

Warning: Some users report that the in-app cancellation button is hidden or non-functional. If you cannot find it or it doesn't work, contact Novelmates support directly (see the address section at the end of this guide). Keep your support ticket number as evidence.

What happens after you cancel

Cancellation doesn't mean you lose access immediately. Understanding the timeline helps you avoid panic or unnecessary extra payments.

Your access during the notice period

When you cancel successfully, you retain full access to VIP features and premium content until the end of your current billing period. If your subscription renews on the 15th of each month and you cancel on the 5th, you can read freely until the 14th. After that date, Novelmates removes your VIP status unless you reactivate your subscription.

Stopping automatic renewals

Cancellation prevents future automatic charges immediately, but it does not reverse charges you've already paid. If you were charged on January 1st and cancel on January 10th, that January 1st charge is separate from cancellation and requires a refund request. Your next renewal (if one was scheduled) will not happen after cancellation takes effect.

Data and account retention

Your reading history, bookmarks, and personal data remain stored on Novelmates' servers unless you separately delete your account. If you want to erase your profile completely, look for a "Delete Account" option in the app's settings. Keep in mind that deleting your account is permanent and separate from cancelling your subscription.

Novelmates pricing and subscription plans in nigeria

Understanding what you're paying helps you decide whether Novelmates offers value or whether you're better off cancelling and exploring alternatives.

Current subscription tiers

These prices are approximate conversions based on the Euro rates shown by Novelmates internationally. Actual charges on your Nigerian payment method may be slightly higher due to currency fluctuation, payment gateway fees, or regional pricing adjustments. Always check the exact amount in NGN before confirming any purchase.

The weekly billing trap

Novelmates relies heavily on weekly billing cycles. If you forget to cancel and miss one week, you've paid ₦4,900 to ₦18,900 that you might not have intended to spend. Over a month without cancellation, weekly plans cost roughly ₦19,600 to ₦75,600. This is why many users come to Stopee looking for refunds after unexpected charges accumulate.

Will novelmates refund you after cancellation

Refunds are the most frequently asked question, and the answer is more complex than a simple yes or no.

Novelmates' official refund policy

Novelmates does not publish a clear, public refund policy on its website or within the app. This absence of transparency is itself a red flag under Nigerian consumer protection law. Without a published policy stating "No refunds after 48 hours" or "Refunds available within 14 days," you have stronger legal grounds to request one under the FCCPA.

Refund scenarios where you have the strongest case

You have the best chance of recovering money if any of these apply:

• You cancelled within 14 days of your first payment (cooling-off period under the FCCPA).
• You were charged after you successfully cancelled (unauthorised billing).
• You did not knowingly agree to recurring billing before purchase.
• The app failed to display cancellation terms clearly at the point of sale.
• You were charged in a currency or amount you did not authorise.

How to request a refund from novelmates

First, try contacting Novelmates support directly through the app's "Help & Feedback" or "Customer Service" menu. Explain clearly that you cancelled within 14 days (if applicable) and request a refund. Include your transaction ID, payment date, and the amount charged. Keep copies of all emails and support ticket numbers.

If Novelmates refuses or does not respond within 7 days, escalate to your bank or payment provider. Contact your bank's dispute team and file a chargeback, explaining that you cancelled the subscription but were still charged. Most banks in Nigeria (GTBank, Access Bank, UBA, etc.) will investigate and reverse unauthorised recurring charges.

Pro tip: Do not accept vague responses like "We're looking into it." Set a deadline: "Please respond with a resolution within 7 days, or I will file a formal complaint with the FCCPC and my bank." Most companies respond faster when they know regulatory action is coming.

Common mistakes nigerians make when cancelling

Cancellation seems simple in theory, but many users make costly errors that either fail to stop charges or prevent them from recovering refunds later. We've seen thousands of customers struggle with these issues at Stopee, and they're all preventable.

Not taking screenshots of your cancellation confirmation

The most critical mistake is not saving proof that you cancelled. When disputes arise weeks or months later, Novelmates will claim they have no record of your cancellation request. Screenshots showing "Expires on [date]" or a cancellation confirmation message are your only defence. Take them immediately and store them in a safe folder on your phone or cloud storage.

Confusing cancellation with deletion

Cancelling your subscription is different from deleting your account. You can cancel your subscription and keep your account (with free access to basic content), or you can delete your entire profile. Choosing to delete your account does not automatically cancel an active subscription. Always cancel first, then delete if you wish.

Cancelling in the wrong place

Many users cancel on Google Play or the App Store but don't realise Novelmates uses its own billing system. The app then continues to charge them weekly through its internal payment method. Always check all three places: App Store, Google Play, and inside the Novelmates app itself.

Ignoring unexpected charges after cancellation

If you see a Novelmates charge on your statement after the cancellation date you were given, do not ignore it. This is a billing error or a system failure on Novelmates' part. Contact your bank immediately and file a dispute. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to recover the money.

Checklist: ensuring your novelmates cancellation is complete

Use this checklist after you've cancelled to verify that everything was done correctly and you're protected.

• You checked and cancelled subscriptions on all three platforms: Apple App Store, Google Play, and inside the Novelmates app.
• You took screenshots of every cancellation confirmation message showing the expiry date.
• You received a confirmation email from either Apple, Google, or Novelmates stating the cancellation is final.
• Your subscription status now shows "Expires on [date]" instead of "Renews on [date]".
• You note the exact expiry date and set a reminder to verify no charge appears on your next billing cycle.
• You have stored your support ticket number (if you contacted help) in a safe place.
• You checked your most recent bank statement to confirm the last charge was on or before the date you cancelled.

Alternatives to novelmates: other options for nigerian readers

If you're cancelling because Novelmates no longer serves your needs, several Nigerian and international reading platforms offer similar or better content.

Free and low-cost reading options

Wattpad, a global reading platform with millions of free stories, operates in Nigeria with no mandatory subscription. Inkitt offers serialized novels with occasional paid premium features. Local Nigerian platforms like Curious Writer and Libby (available in selected regions) provide free access to extensive libraries. These alternatives may not have the exact novels you want on Novelmates, but they eliminate the weekly billing surprise.

Stopee recommends comparing 2-3 reading apps side by side before committing to a paid subscription. Many users find that Novelmates' premium novels can be found elsewhere for free or purchased as one-time ebooks rather than rented through recurring subscriptions.

Contact information for novelmates support and escalation

If you need to escalate a dispute or report unauthorized charges, use these official channels.

Novelmates developer information

Novelmates is developed and operated by HK IReader Technology Limited, a company registered in Hong Kong. This is important because it means you may need to file complaints through international consumer protection channels if the app's local support is unresponsive.

Escalation path for disputes

First, contact Novelmates support through the app's help menu (usually "Customer Service" or "Help & Feedback"). If you receive no response within 7 days, or if the response is unsatisfactory, file a complaint with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) at www.fccpc.gov.ng or call their helpline. You can also contact your bank's dispute resolution team to reverse unauthorized charges.

At Stopee, we've found that escalating to the FCCPC often prompts faster responses from international app companies than simple customer service emails.

Your path to cancellation starts here with stopee

Cancelling Novelmates is straightforward once you know where to look and what rights you have under Nigerian law. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act protects your right to cancel within 14 days and to dispute unauthorized charges. Use the platform-specific steps we've outlined (App Store for iOS, Google Play for Android, or in-app cancellation), take screenshots of your confirmation, and monitor your bank statement for the next billing cycle.

If Novelmates refuses to refund you or continues charging after you've cancelled, remember that you have legal recourse. Contact the FCCPC or escalate through your bank. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers in Nigeria understand their cancellation rights and recover money owed to them from stubborn subscription services. Your cancellation matters, and you deserve clear, honest service from the apps you pay for.

Visit Stopee today to explore detailed guides on cancelling other services, compare consumer rights across different companies, and access templates for dispute letters to send to services refusing your cancellation requests. Stopee empowers you to take control of your subscriptions and protect your money.