Manage Duolingo

How to cancel duolingo in new zealand and reclaim your money

Understanding what duolingo is and why you might want to leave

Duolingo is a mobile-first language-learning platform that offers bite-sized lessons across dozens of languages. You can use it free with ads, or you can pay for Super Duolingo, which removes advertisements, grants unlimited hearts for mistakes, and adds AI conversation features.

The service operates globally and attracts millions of New Zealand users who enjoy the gamified approach to learning. However, if you've found the app isn't delivering the results you hoped for, or you've simply run out of time to use it, cancelling is straightforward once you know the right steps.

At Stopee, we've helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel subscriptions they no longer need. Duolingo is no exception. The key to a smooth cancellation is understanding where you subscribed and acting quickly if you want a refund.

How duolingo's subscription model works

Duolingo charges you automatically each month or year, depending on which plan you selected. Your subscription renews until you actively cancel it. Crucially, you must cancel through the exact platform where you originally paid. If you subscribed on your iPhone, you cancel on your iPhone. If you bought it via the website, you cancel on the website.

This multi-platform structure confuses many users. Stopee recommends checking your email receipt or your device's payment history first to confirm where your subscription began.

Why cancellation matters now

If you're not using Duolingo regularly, each day you delay costs you money. A year-long subscription at NZ$150 is roughly NZ$0.41 per day. Even a few extra weeks of unused access adds up.

Your consumer rights when cancelling duolingo in new zealand

New Zealand consumer law protects you when you subscribe to digital services, and Duolingo must comply with these rules.

The consumer guarantees act and your refund rights

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, you have the right to expect that services (including digital subscriptions) are of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and delivered in a timely manner. If Duolingo fails on any of these fronts, you may be entitled to a refund or remedy.

For example, if the app crashes constantly, if promised features don't work, or if you were misled about what you'd receive, these breaches give you grounds to request a refund from Duolingo directly. You can also escalate to the Commerce Commission if Duolingo refuses to cooperate.

Additionally, if you cancel within 14 days of purchase and can show you haven't substantially used the service, platform refund policies (Apple and Google) often favour you. Stopee recommends documenting your usage (or lack thereof) in screenshots before requesting a refund.

The commerce commission as your escalation point

If Duolingo denies your refund request and you believe you have a valid claim under the Consumer Guarantees Act, you can lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission (ComCom). The ComCom investigates breaches of consumer law and can compel refunds if warranted.

Visit www.comcom.govt.nz to file a complaint. Include your receipt, cancellation confirmation, and details of why you believe the service failed to meet acceptable standards.

How to cancel duolingo depending on where you subscribed

Your cancellation process depends entirely on which platform holds your subscription. Follow the correct steps for your situation below.

Cancelling duolingo on iPhone or iPad via apple app store

If you subscribed through your Apple device, you must cancel there. Apple processes the cancellation and issues any refunds directly.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your name at the top of the screen, then select Subscriptions.
3. Look for Duolingo or Super Duolingo in your active subscriptions list and tap it.
4. Tap Cancel Subscription at the bottom of the screen.
5. Follow Apple's prompts to confirm. You'll see a message confirming your cancellation date and when your access ends.
6. Apple will email you a confirmation receipt immediately.
   • Pro tip: Screenshot the cancellation confirmation screen. Apple's records are thorough, but a screenshot protects you if you later need to dispute a charge.

Warning: Do not delete the Duolingo app from your device. Deleting the app does not cancel your subscription. You must use Settings to cancel the subscription itself.

Cancelling duolingo on android via google play store

Android users subscribed through Google Play follow a similar but slightly different path.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Select Payments and Subscriptions, then Subscriptions.
4. Find Duolingo in your list and tap it.
5. Tap Cancel Subscription.
6. Google will ask you to confirm and may offer a discount to stay. Decline any offers and proceed with cancellation.
   • Pro tip: Google sends a confirmation email to the address linked to your Play Store account within minutes. Check your email immediately to verify the cancellation processed.

Warning: Uninstalling the app does not cancel your subscription. Always use the Play Store method.

Cancelling duolingo on the web via duolingo.com

If you subscribed directly through Duolingo's website using a credit or debit card, you cancel from the website.

1. Visit duolingo.com and log into your account.
2. Click your profile picture or name in the top right corner.
3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
4. Look for the Super Duolingo section and click Manage or Subscription.
5. Click Cancel Subscription and confirm your choice.
   • Pro tip: Before you cancel, take a screenshot of your subscription status page. Duolingo sometimes sends confirmation emails to spam folders, and a screenshot proves you cancelled on a specific date.
6. Duolingo will email a confirmation to your account email address.

Warning: If you subscribed via the web but can no longer log in (forgotten password, account locked), contact Duolingo support at support@duolingo.com immediately. Include your email address and the date you subscribed. They can cancel manually.

What happens to your account after you cancel

Cancelling feels final, but Duolingo's process is gentler than you might expect.

Your access and what you keep

You retain all Super Duolingo features (ad-free lessons, unlimited hearts, offline downloads) until the end of your current paid period. If your subscription renews on 20 March and you cancel today, you have access until 20 March at no extra cost.

Your account and all your learning progress remain on Duolingo's servers indefinitely. You can log back in anytime, reactivate a subscription, and resume where you left off. Nothing is deleted when you cancel.

There are no cancellation fees, penalties, or surprise charges. Once cancelled, the only charge you might see is the one you've already paid for the current period.

Stopping auto-renewal without closing your account

Cancelling a subscription is different from deleting your account. Cancellation stops the recurring charge but keeps your account active. This is ideal if you think you might return to Duolingo later.

If you want Duolingo completely removed from your life, you can request account deletion from your Settings page on the website. Be aware that deletion is permanent, and you cannot recover your learning data afterward. Stopee only recommends deletion if you're certain you won't return.

Refund policy and how to claim money back

Understanding Duolingo's refund position now saves you frustration and money later.

Duolingo's official refund stance

Duolingo's published policy states that refunds are not provided after a subscription is purchased, even if you cancel immediately. However, this policy is not absolute, and exceptions exist under consumer law and platform policies.

Stopee recommends treating Duolingo's "no refund" claim as a starting point for negotiation, not a final answer, especially if you have grounds under the Consumer Guarantees Act.

When you can request a refund from duolingo directly

Contact Duolingo's support team at support@duolingo.com with your request if any of the following apply:

• You subscribed fewer than 14 days ago and have not used Super features significantly.
• You were charged during a free trial period without clear consent.
• You were charged twice for the same subscription (a billing error).
• The service has been unavailable or broken since you subscribed (breach of Consumer Guarantees Act).

Include your receipt, subscription dates, and a clear explanation of why you deserve a refund. Be polite but direct. Duolingo support often approves partial or full refunds when the case is justified.

Refunds from apple (App store)

Apple maintains a 14-day refund window for subscriptions purchased through the App Store. You don't need Duolingo's permission to claim this.

1. Visit reportaproblem.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
2. Find your Duolingo subscription purchase in your order history.
3. Click the three dots next to the purchase and select Report a Problem.
4. Select I would like a refund and explain your reason (e.g., "I did not use the service" or "I did not authorize this charge").
5. Apple reviews your request and typically responds within 2 business days.

Pro tip: Apple approves refunds more readily if you submit within 14 days of purchase. Beyond 14 days, your chances drop significantly, but they are not zero if you have a strong reason (service failure, duplicate charge, etc.).

Refunds from google (Play store)

Google Play also honours a 14-day refund window for subscriptions and apps.

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device or visit play.google.com in your browser.
2. Navigate to your Account menu and select Order History.
3. Find the Duolingo subscription charge and tap it.
4. Tap Report a problem or Request a refund.
5. Select your reason and submit. Google typically processes refunds within 4 business days.

Warning: If you request a refund from Google within 48 hours of purchase, it is usually automatic. Beyond that window, Google reviews your reason more carefully. Vague reasons like "I changed my mind" are often rejected after 48 hours; specific reasons like "I was charged incorrectly" or "the service is broken" perform better.

When consumer law overrides duolingo's policy

If Duolingo and the platforms reject your refund request, but you have a legitimate claim under the Consumer Guarantees Act, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission. Keep all evidence: receipts, screenshots of the cancellation, emails between you and Duolingo support, and documentation of any service failure.

Duolingo pricing in new zealand and plan comparison

Pricing helps you decide whether Duolingo is worth keeping or whether cancelling is the right move.

Current super duolingo pricing reported by new zealand users

Important note: Prices reported by users may not reflect current official pricing. Always check your App Store, Play Store, or Duolingo account for the exact price before you subscribe or renew. Currency conversion and regional variations can affect your final charge.

Is the annual plan worth it versus monthly?

The annual plan saves you money if you use Duolingo consistently. However, if you're uncertain about commitment, the monthly plan gives you flexibility. Cancel after one month if Duolingo isn't working for you, and you'll have spent only NZ$16.99 instead of NZ$150.00.

Stopee recommends starting with monthly, and only switching to annual once you've used Super Duolingo for at least two months and confirmed you'll use it regularly.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling duolingo

Cancelling sounds simple, but small oversights cost you money and frustration. We see these mistakes again and again.

Mistake one: deleting the app instead of cancelling the subscription

This is the most common error. Uninstalling Duolingo from your phone does not cancel your subscription. Your payment method still gets charged every month or year, and your account continues to exist on Duolingo's servers.

You must cancel through Settings (iPhone), Google Play (Android), or the website. Deletion is a separate step you take only after cancellation is complete.

Mistake two: cancelling on the wrong platform

If you subscribed on your iPhone but you try to cancel on the Android app or the website, nothing happens. Your subscription keeps running because you didn't cancel it where it lives.

Check your receipt email carefully before you start the cancellation process. The receipt will say "Apple," "Google," or "Duolingo.com" and tell you exactly where to cancel.

Mistake three: not taking screenshots as proof

Duolingo cancellation emails sometimes land in spam folders. If you later dispute a charge with your bank, Duolingo claims you never cancelled, or a refund application is rejected, a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation screen is your strongest evidence.

Stopee advises taking screenshots at two moments: right after you confirm cancellation, and again from your subscriptions page 24 hours later, showing Duolingo is no longer listed as an active subscription.

Mistake four: cancelling too late and losing the refund window

Both Apple and Google allow refunds within 14 days of purchase. After that, your chances of a refund drop dramatically. If you regret your subscription, cancel and request a refund immediately, not weeks later.

Mark your calendar the moment you subscribe. Set a phone reminder for day 10 to decide whether to keep or cancel. This window is your safety net.

What to check before and after cancelling

This checklist ensures you cancel correctly and verify the cancellation worked.

Before you cancel

• Locate your original receipt email and confirm which platform (Apple, Google, or Duolingo.com) you subscribed through.
• Check the email address linked to your subscription account.
• Note your current subscription end date (visible in your account settings).
• Take a screenshot of your current subscription status page as a baseline record.
• Decide whether you want a refund and gather any evidence of service failure or non-use if applicable.

After you cancel

• Screenshot the cancellation confirmation page immediately.
• Check your email (including spam/promotions folders) for a cancellation confirmation within 2 hours.
• Log back into your Duolingo account within 24 hours and verify that your subscription no longer appears as active.
• Return to your Settings/Subscriptions page on your device or Duolingo.com and confirm Duolingo is no longer listed.
• Mark your calendar with the date your current subscription access ends (usually visible in the cancellation email).
• If requesting a refund, submit your request within 14 days with all supporting evidence.

Why you might want to cancel duolingo

Not every subscription remains valuable forever. Recognizing the signs that Duolingo isn't right for you helps you make the cancellation decision confidently.

You're not using it consistently

Duolingo's strength is daily, short lessons. If you haven't opened the app in weeks or you're only using the free version, there's no point paying for Super. Cancel and come back if your schedule changes.

The app doesn't teach you what you need

Duolingo is excellent for casual learning and vocabulary building, but it doesn't prepare you for real conversations or professional language use. If you need to learn quickly for work or travel, you may benefit more from a tutor or intensive course. Duolingo won't help, so cancelling saves money you can invest elsewhere.

You prefer other learning apps

Alternatives like Babbel, Busuu, or Rosetta Stone exist for good reasons. If you've discovered you prefer another app's teaching style, cancel Duolingo without guilt and invest in what works for you.

The cost isn't justified by usage

NZ$150 per year is roughly NZ$12.50 per month. If you only use Duolingo two or three times per week, you're paying a lot for limited value. Cancel, use the free version, or move your money to a subscription you'll use daily.

Final steps and stopee's summary

Cancelling Duolingo is painless once you follow the right steps. The process takes fewer than five minutes, and you retain access through the end of your paid period. If you're owed a refund under consumer law, act within 14 days and don't hesitate to escalate to the Commerce Commission if Duolingo refuses.

Remember: you cancel where you subscribed. iPhone subscribers use Settings. Android users open Google Play. Web subscribers visit duolingo.com. Take screenshots as proof. Request a refund if you qualify. And don't delete the app by mistake.

Stopee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel subscriptions they no longer need, reclaim their money, and protect their rights. If you run into problems cancelling Duolingo, or if you need to escalate a refund dispute, Stopee is here to guide you through the process and ensure you're treated fairly under the Consumer Guarantees Act.

Contacting duolingo support if cancellation fails

If you've followed the correct cancellation steps and your subscription still renews, or if you need manual cancellation assistance, contact Duolingo's support team directly:

Email: support@duolingo.com

Include your account email address, the date you attempted to cancel, screenshots of the cancellation attempt, and your receipt. Duolingo typically responds within 2-3 business days and can force-cancel your subscription manually if the platform method fails.

Stopee encourages you to keep all support correspondence, as these emails strengthen a potential dispute with your bank or the Commerce Commission if Duolingo charges you after a confirmed cancellation.