Manage Prequel

How to cancel prequel and stop unwanted charges in new zealand

What is prequel and why you might want to cancel

Prequel is a mobile photo and video editing app that delivers aesthetic filters, real-time effects, and AI-powered tools for content creators. You can use the free version with basic features, but Prequel Gold-the paid subscription tier-unlocks premium effects and advanced editing capabilities.

The app processes payments through Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android), depending on your device. If you've signed up for Prequel Gold and now want to stop the charges, you're in the right place. Stopee is here to guide you through the cancellation process step by step, with no confusion or hidden traps.

Why new zealand users cancel prequel

You might cancel Prequel for several reasons: the subscription cost (ranging from NZ$4.99 weekly to NZ$105.99 annually) adds up quickly, you've found a better editing app, or you simply don't use the premium features enough to justify the recurring charge. Whatever your reason, cancelling quickly prevents future billing and protects your budget.

Key features of prequel

Prequel offers stylised filters, real-time video effects, and export options designed for social media creators. The paid tier removes watermarks, grants access to exclusive effect packs, and provides faster processing. However, if you're not actively creating content or the free version meets your needs, keeping the subscription active is an unnecessary expense.

Prequel pricing in new zealand

Understanding Prequel's pricing structure helps you decide whether the subscription justifies the cost and when to cancel before your next billing date.

Notice that weekly and monthly plans auto-renew unless you cancel actively. A yearly plan locks in a lower per-month cost but commits you to a full year of charges. If you're cancelling, the sooner you act, the sooner you stop the automatic renewals.

How to cancel prequel on iOS (App store)

If you use an iPhone or iPad and subscribed to Prequel Gold through Apple's App Store, follow these steps to cancel your subscription before the next billing date.

1. Open the App Store app on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Do not open Prequel itself; you must use the App Store app.
2. Tap your account icon in the top-right corner.
   • This opens your Apple ID profile menu.
3. Select "Subscriptions" from the menu.
   • You'll see a list of all active subscriptions tied to your Apple ID.
4. Find Prequel in the list and tap it.
   • If you don't see Prequel, swipe left to check "Expired" subscriptions (you may have already cancelled).
5. Tap "Cancel subscription" or "Edit" and then select "Cancel".
   • Apple will ask you to confirm; tap again to complete the cancellation.
6. Wait for a confirmation screen and check your email for a cancellation receipt from Apple.
   • Pro tip: Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation in case you need proof later.

Warning: Uninstalling the Prequel app from your device does NOT cancel your subscription. You must cancel through the App Store itself, or Apple will continue to charge you monthly.

Important timing: Cancel at least 24 hours before your next billing date to avoid an unwanted renewal charge. If your next billing date is tomorrow, you may still be charged-contact Apple Support immediately if that happens.

How to cancel prequel on android (Google play)

Android users who subscribed via Google Play Store need to cancel through their Google Play account, not within the Prequel app itself.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
   • Ensure you're logged into the Google account that owns the Prequel subscription.
2. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
   • This opens the Google Play navigation menu.
3. Select "Manage subscriptions" or "Subscriptions".
   • You'll see all active subscriptions linked to your Google account.
4. Locate Prequel in the list and tap it.
   • Prequel should show your current billing status and next renewal date.
5. Tap "Cancel subscription".
   • Google may prompt you to provide feedback on why you're cancelling; you can skip this step.
6. Confirm the cancellation by tapping "Yes, cancel" or similar.
   • Pro tip: Note the exact date Google confirms your cancellation in case you need to dispute a charge later.

Warning: Deleting the Prequel app does not cancel your Google Play subscription. You must cancel through the Google Play Store subscriptions menu, or Google will continue to charge your payment method.

After you cancel, Google sends a confirmation email to your registered Gmail address. Check your inbox and spam folder to confirm the cancellation went through. If you don't receive an email within an hour, return to the Google Play subscriptions screen to verify the status has changed to "Cancelled".

How to cancel prequel web subscriptions

If you purchased Prequel Gold directly through the Prequel website (rather than App Store or Google Play), you must cancel on the web platform where you subscribed.

1. Visit the Prequel web subscription management page at start.prequel.app/alreadymissingu.
   • Log in using the email and password associated with your Prequel account.
2. Locate your active subscription and tap "Cancel subscription" or similar.
   • Prequel will ask you to confirm; tap again to finalize the cancellation.
3. You should receive a confirmation email from Prequel's support team.
   • Keep this email as proof of cancellation.
4. Monitor your payment method (credit card or PayPal) to ensure no further charges appear.
   • Check your bank or card statement 3-5 days after cancellation to verify.

Important: If you subscribed through the web, cancelling via App Store or Google Play will NOT stop web-based charges. You must cancel on the exact platform where you purchased. Stopee recommends checking both your app store subscription AND the Prequel website to ensure you've cancelled everywhere.

Your consumer rights under new zealand law

New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act protect you when cancelling digital subscriptions. Understanding these rights gives you leverage if Prequel refuses to cancel or tries to keep charging you illegally.

Right to cancel without penalty

The Consumer Guarantees Act applies to digital services, including subscription apps. You have the right to cancel a subscription service without unreasonable penalty, especially if Prequel fails to deliver the service as described. If the app crashes frequently, filters don't work, or premium features are missing, you may qualify for a refund or cancellation without losing your money.

Right to accurate billing information

Prequel must clearly disclose the subscription cost, billing cycle, and auto-renewal terms BEFORE you purchase. If Prequel's pricing was unclear or the app failed to warn you about renewal 24 hours before charging, you have grounds to dispute the charge with your bank or payment provider.

Right to dispute unauthorised charges

If Prequel continues to charge you after you've cancelled, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately. Most New Zealand banks allow you to dispute digital charges within 60-120 days of the transaction. Request a chargeback and provide evidence of your cancellation (screenshots, confirmation emails) to strengthen your case.

Escalation to the commerce commission

If Prequel ignores your cancellation request or refuses to refund a disputed charge, you can lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz). The Commission investigates breaches of the Fair Trading Act, including misleading subscription practices. Stopee recommends keeping all cancellation confirmations and correspondence with Prequel for at least 12 months in case you need to escalate.

Will you get a refund when you cancel prequel?

Prequel's standard refund policy states that subscription fees are non-refundable once paid, even if you cancel immediately. However, exceptions exist under New Zealand consumer law and technical circumstances.

When prequel will NOT refund

Regular cancellations-where you change your mind or stop using the app-do not qualify for refunds under Prequel's terms. Once you've paid for a week, month, or year, that payment is considered consumed, even if you cancel on day one. This is Prequel's standard policy and applies whether you cancel early or on the renewal date.

When prequel MAY refund (exceptions)

You may request a refund if a technical error caused an incorrect charge. For example, if you were charged twice in one day or Prequel charged you after you'd already cancelled, these qualify as billing errors. Prequel permits refund requests for the most recent billing period only, and you must request the refund within 3 calendar days of the erroneous charge. Keep proof of the charge (receipt screenshots, bank statement) and any error messages Prequel displayed.

Refunds processed through app store or google play

Payments made through Apple App Store or Google Play Store cannot be refunded directly by Prequel. You must request the refund from Apple or Google themselves. Contact Apple Support (via Settings > [Your Name] > iTunes & App Stores > scroll to Purchase History) or Google Play Support (via the Play Store app > Account > Order History) and submit your refund request within 48 hours of the charge. Provide evidence of cancellation and explain why you believe the charge was unauthorised or erroneous.

Pro tip: If Prequel's refund policy conflicts with New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act, the law takes precedence. If the app was faulty or the service wasn't delivered as promised, you have stronger grounds for a refund than Prequel's terms suggest.

What happens after you cancel prequel

Cancelling Prequel doesn't immediately remove access to premium features-here's what you can expect after you submit your cancellation request.

Your access during the final billing period

When you cancel, Prequel grants you continued access to all Gold features (premium filters, advanced tools, watermark removal) until your current paid period expires. If you cancel mid-month on a monthly plan, you keep Gold access until the end of that month. This means you're not losing immediate access-you're simply preventing future charges.

What happens when your period ends

After your paid period expires, Prequel reverts your account to the free tier automatically. Premium filters and effects disappear; you'll only see free editing tools. Any projects you've created remain accessible, but you cannot apply premium effects to new edits. The app will prompt you to re-subscribe when you try to use a Gold feature.

Your account and content

Cancelling your subscription does not delete your Prequel account or any photos and videos you've uploaded. Your profile, projects, and saved edits remain on Prequel's servers indefinitely. If you want to permanently delete your account and all associated data, contact Prequel Support directly-cancelling the subscription alone is not account deletion.

Re-subscribing later

You can re-subscribe to Prequel at any time through the same platform (App Store, Google Play, or web) without penalty. Prequel may offer promotional discounts to returning subscribers, so check for offers before committing to a new plan.

Common mistakes when cancelling prequel

Cancelling a digital subscription sounds simple, but small errors can leave your account charged or your cancellation incomplete. Stopee has seen these mistakes cost New Zealand users unnecessary money-here's how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: uninstalling the app instead of cancelling

The most common error is deleting Prequel from your device and assuming the subscription has stopped. Uninstalling does nothing to the actual subscription. Apple and Google maintain your subscription independently of the app itself. You can uninstall Prequel today and still be charged next month if you don't cancel through the correct subscription menu. Always cancel FIRST, then uninstall if you wish.

Mistake 2: cancelling on the wrong platform

If you subscribed through App Store, cancelling on Google Play won't help-and vice versa. Additionally, web subscriptions (via start.prequel.app) are separate from app subscriptions. You must cancel on the exact platform where you purchased. If you're unsure where you subscribed, check your email for the original Prequel receipt; it will name the payment processor (Apple, Google, or Prequel directly).

Mistake 3: cancelling too close to the renewal date

Cancelling within 12 hours of your renewal date risks a final charge. Apple and Google process renewals on a set schedule, and your cancellation request may not process in time. Aim to cancel at least 24-48 hours before your next billing date. Check your subscription screen for the exact renewal date and calculate backwards before you act.

Mistake 4: not keeping confirmation proof

After you cancel, take a screenshot of the confirmation screen and save the confirmation email Apple or Google sends. If Prequel charges you again "by mistake," you'll need proof that you cancelled. Many disputes are resolved faster when you provide this evidence immediately.

Mistake 5: ignoring unexpected charges

If you're charged after cancelling, contact your bank or payment provider within 7 days. Don't wait or assume it was an accident that won't happen again. File a dispute immediately and provide your cancellation confirmation. Stopee recommends checking your bank statement weekly for the first month after cancellation to catch any erroneous charges early.

Step-by-step cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your Prequel cancellation is complete and you won't face surprise charges.

Your next steps and how stopee can help

Cancelling Prequel is straightforward when you follow the correct platform-specific steps. Whether you're on iOS, Android, or a web subscription, the process takes fewer than 5 minutes. The key is acting at least 24 hours before your next billing date and keeping proof of your cancellation.

If Prequel continues to charge you after you've cancelled, or if you encounter any resistance from Apple or Google, escalate your dispute immediately. Contact your bank within 60 days, lodge a Commerce Commission complaint if the service provider refuses to help, and reference New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act to strengthen your case.

Stopee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, dispute erroneous charges, and recover refunds through the correct platforms and legal channels. Visit Stopee at stopee.com for step-by-step guides on cancelling other services, understanding your consumer rights, and protecting your budget from recurring charges you don't want. Stopee is your trusted resource for painless subscription cancellations and consumer empowerment.

Contact and account management

Prequel support and billing contact

Prequel does not provide a New Zealand-based postal address for customer service. The company is US-based and handles most subscription issues through the App Store, Google Play, and their website (start.prequel.app). If you need to contact Prequel directly about a billing issue or account deletion, use the in-app support feature or visit their website's support section. However, for subscription cancellation and refunds, working through Apple, Google, or your bank is more direct and legally enforceable in New Zealand.

Apple app store support (NZ)

Contact Apple Support via Settings > [Your Name] > iTunes & App Stores > Report a Problem, or visit support.apple.com. Apple responds within 24-48 hours and can refund erroneous charges or help you cancel stuck subscriptions.

Google play support (NZ)

Contact Google Play Support via the Play Store app (Account > Help & Feedback) or visit support.google.com/googleplay. Google typically responds within 24 hours for refund disputes and subscription issues.