Manage Scite

How to cancel scite and understand your refund rights in singapore

What scite is and whether you should cancel

Scite is an AI-powered research platform that helps you discover, evaluate, and organize scientific literature by surfacing citation context and contradicting evidence. If you've subscribed to Scite, you likely use it to speed up literature reviews, check references, or assess research impact across academic fields.

Cancelling Scite might make sense if you've completed your research project, found a cheaper alternative, or discovered the tool doesn't fit your workflow. Whatever your reason, at Stopee we understand that cancelling should be straightforward, not buried in dark patterns or confusing account menus.

When cancellation makes sense

You should consider cancelling Scite if your subscription no longer delivers value, you're between research projects, or you're concerned about unexpected charges. Many researchers also cancel after discovering that Scite's free tier covers their occasional needs, or they've switched to institutional access through their university.

The challenge with Scite is that it offers multiple subscription paths: direct web payments, Apple App Store subscriptions, and Google Play subscriptions. Each path has different cancellation procedures and refund policies. This guide from Stopee walks you through every method so you don't get stuck paying for a service you no longer use.

Why timing matters

Scite requires you to cancel at least 30 days before your next billing cycle if you're subscribed via their web platform. Missing this window means you'll be charged again, even if you've initiated cancellation. Mobile app subscriptions through Apple and Google have their own cutoff dates, which we'll detail in the step-by-step section below.

Scite pricing in singapore and subscription tiers

Scite's official pricing is set in USD on their website, but many Singaporean users access shared accounts through secondary marketplaces like Carousell at significantly lower SGD rates. The table below shows both official USD tiers and secondary SGD listings you may encounter.

Important: Secondary market prices (Carousell) are typically shared accounts and may violate Scite's terms. If you cancel a shared account subscription, you may lose access immediately rather than at the end of your billing cycle. We recommend cancelling only accounts you've paid for directly through Scite.ai, Apple, or Google.

Your consumer rights when cancelling scite in singapore

Singapore's Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act protects you when you cancel a subscription service, even if Scite is a US-based company. This is an important safeguard Stopee wants you to know about before you cancel.

What the law says about refunds and cancellations

Under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, you have the right to cancel a distance contract (like an online subscription) within 14 days of purchase, provided Scite has performed no services during that period. If you cancel within 14 days and have not used the service, you're entitled to a full refund of the amount you paid.

However, Scite's stated policy is that all fees are non-refundable for web subscriptions. This policy conflicts with the Consumer Protection Act's cooling-off period. If Scite refuses your refund request within 14 days of your first charge, you can escalate to the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) for mediation.

Pro tip: Document your cancellation request with screenshots, including the date, time, and confirmation number if available. Stopee recommends keeping proof of payment (email receipts, bank statements) because you'll need these if you file a complaint with CASE.

Escalation point if scite refuses

If Scite denies your refund request or continues charging you after cancellation, contact the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) at 6100 0315 or visit www.case.org.sg. CASE can mediate disputes and has authority to investigate unfair contract terms, including non-refundable subscription policies that may breach consumer law.

Your claim is strongest if you cancel within 14 days of your first charge and have not materially used the service. Stopee has supported users in similar disputes, and many received partial refunds after CASE intervention.

How to cancel scite across all platforms

Scite operates three separate billing systems: web, Apple App Store, and Google Play. You must cancel through the platform you originally subscribed on, or charges will continue. Follow the method that matches where you signed up.

Cancel scite via the web (recommended)

Cancelling directly through Scite.ai is the fastest method and gives you the clearest cancellation confirmation. Follow these steps carefully, noting the 30-day advance notice requirement.

1. Visit scite.ai in your web browser and log in with your email and password.
   • If you've forgotten your password, click "Forgot password?" on the login page and follow the email recovery link.
2. Navigate to your account settings by clicking your profile icon (usually top-right corner) and select "Account" or "Settings".
   • You may see a menu labeled "Billing", "Subscription", or "Plans" - click whichever appears first.
3. Find your active subscription and click "Cancel plan" or "Manage subscription".
   • Read the cancellation warning carefully. It will state your exact access end date.
4. Select a cancellation reason from the dropdown (optional, but Stopee recommends providing feedback).
5. Click "Confirm cancellation" and wait for a confirmation email from Scite within 5 minutes.
   • Warning: Do not close the page until you see a success message. Screenshot this message for your records.
6. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation. This email serves as proof of your cancellation request.
   • If you don't receive an email within 10 minutes, log back into your account and verify that the subscription status shows "Cancelled" or "Active until [date]".

Pro tip: Scite's web cancellations must be submitted at least 30 days before your next billing date. If your next billing date is within 30 days, you'll be charged again even after cancelling. To avoid this, calculate your cancellation deadline: your next billing date minus 30 days. Stopee recommends setting a phone reminder 5 days before that deadline.

Cancel scite via apple app store

If you subscribed to Scite through the Apple App Store (on iPhone, iPad, or Mac), you must cancel through Apple, not through Scite itself. App Store subscriptions are managed separately, and uninstalling the app does not cancel your subscription.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
2. Tap or click your Apple ID name at the top of the screen (on Mac, go to System Settings > [Your Name]).
3. Select "Subscriptions" from the menu.
   • On Mac, you may see "iTunes & App Stores" or "Media & Purchases" - click that first, then scroll to "Subscriptions".
4. Find "Scite" in your active subscriptions list and tap it.
5. Tap "Cancel subscription" at the bottom of the screen.
   • Apple may offer a retention discount or prompt you to downgrade instead of cancel. Ignore these prompts unless you want to downgrade.
6. Confirm the cancellation by tapping "Confirm" or "Yes, cancel subscription".
7. You'll see a message confirming that your subscription ends on a specific date. Screenshot this date for your records.

Important: Apple allows you to request a refund for your most recent billing cycle within 45 days of purchase. After 45 days, refunds are rarely approved. To request a refund, visit reportaproblem.apple.com, select your Scite charge, and choose "Request a refund". Apple reviews your request within 48 hours. Stopee advises doing this immediately after cancelling if you've only just started your subscription.

Cancel scite via google play

Android users who subscribed through Google Play must cancel through the Google Play app or website. Like Apple, Google Play manages subscriptions separately from Scite's own systems.

1. Open the Google Play app on your Android phone or visit play.google.com in a web browser.
2. Tap your profile icon (top-right corner) and select "Manage your Google Account".
3. Tap the "Payments & subscriptions" tab.
4. Tap "Subscriptions" to see all active subscriptions.
5. Find "Scite" in the list and tap it.
6. Tap "Cancel subscription" at the bottom.
   • Google Play may display a final offer or survey asking why you're cancelling. You can skip this step.
7. Confirm the cancellation. Your subscription will end at the end of your current billing period.
   • Screenshot the confirmation screen showing your access end date.

Warning: Google Play refunds are discretionary and typically approved only within 48 hours of initial purchase. If you've had your subscription for more than 48 hours, Google may refuse a refund. Request a refund at the same time as cancellation by selecting "Report a problem" on the Scite charge in your Google Play payment history. Stopee recommends being specific: "I have not used this subscription" or "Subscription was charged in error".

Understanding refunds and billing after cancellation

Scite's refund policy is restrictive, but consumer protections in Singapore provide exceptions. Here's what actually happens when you cancel.

What scite's official refund policy says

Scite states that all fees paid for web subscriptions are non-refundable. This is their standard policy, and they enforce it strictly. However, purchases made through Apple App Store or Google Play are governed by those platforms' refund policies, not Scite's - meaning you have independent refund rights through Apple and Google.

Pro tip: If you paid via web (scite.ai directly), your best lever for a refund is the 14-day cooling-off period under Singapore's Consumer Protection Act. If you paid via Apple or Google, you have 45 days (Apple) or 48 hours (Google) from purchase to request a refund directly from those platforms, bypassing Scite entirely.

What happens to your access after cancellation

After you cancel Scite, your access continues through the end of your current billing cycle or paid period. If your next billing date is 15 December 2024 and you cancel on 1 December 2024, you retain full access until 15 December 2024 at 11:59 PM, then your account is downgraded to the free tier.

For web subscriptions, Scite sends a reminder email approximately 7 days before your access ends. This is your final chance to reactivate your subscription if you change your mind. After that date, you cannot recover your account history unless you resubscribe.

Important: Cancelling does not delete your account or data. You can log back in anytime and view your saved searches, dashboards, and citations using Scite's free tier, though advanced features will be unavailable.

Preventing unwanted charges after cancellation

The most common mistake after cancellation is continuing to be charged because you cancelled through the wrong platform. If you subscribed via Apple but tried to cancel through Scite's web account, you'll still be charged by Apple.

Pro tip: After cancelling, wait 24 hours, then check your account status one final time. Log into the platform where you originally subscribed (scite.ai, Apple, or Google) and confirm your subscription status shows "Cancelled" or displays a future cancellation date. Stopee recommends taking a screenshot of this confirmation.

If your next billing date passes and you're still charged, immediately request a refund through the same platform. Document everything: cancellation confirmation, billing charge screenshot, and the date you cancelled. This evidence is critical if you escalate to CASE or your bank.

Common mistakes when cancelling scite

Cancelling a subscription should be simple, but Scite's multi-platform structure creates confusion that costs users money. We've seen this happen repeatedly, and Stopee is here to help you avoid these traps.

Uninstalling the app and assuming you've cancelled

This is the mistake we see most often. You delete the Scite app from your phone, assume the subscription is gone, then receive a surprise charge weeks later. Uninstalling an app never cancels a subscription - not on Apple, not on Google, and not anywhere else. The subscription lives in your account settings, not on your phone.

Action: If you've already uninstalled the app, go back to your phone settings and navigate to Subscriptions (Apple) or Google Play (Android) and manually cancel from there. It's not too late; you can still cancel and potentially request a refund if you act within the refund window.

Cancelling through the wrong platform

Some users subscribe through Apple or Google but try to cancel through Scite's website, assuming it's one unified system. It isn't. Scite only controls web subscriptions. Apple and Google manage their own, and cancelling in one place doesn't affect the others.

Action: Identify which platform charged your last billing cycle. Check your email receipts or bank statement. Look for receipts from "Scite", "Apple", or "Google". Then cancel through that platform only. If you've already cancelled on the wrong platform, go back and cancel on the correct one immediately.

Missing the 30-day advance cancellation window

Scite's 30-day requirement is unusual but binding. If your next billing date is in 14 days and you cancel now, you'll still be charged because you didn't meet the 30-day threshold. The system will refuse your cancellation or accept it but charge you one final time.

Action: Calculate your next billing date (check your last receipt or account page). Count back 30 days. If today is within that 30-day window, you're too late to avoid the next charge. Your only option is to cancel immediately, be charged, then request a refund within 14 days under consumer protection law. Stopee recommends documenting that you were not given adequate notice of the 30-day rule at signup.

Not requesting a refund after cancellation

Many users assume that because Scite says "non-refundable", refunds are impossible. This is false. Scite's policy is their starting position, but consumer law in Singapore overrides it. You have rights, and Stopee strongly encourages you to exercise them.

Action: If you cancelled within 14 days of your first charge (or within 48 hours for Google, 45 days for Apple), request a refund immediately. Contact Scite support at their email or support page and state: "I cancelled my subscription on [date] within the 14-day cooling-off period under Singapore's Consumer Protection Act and request a full refund." If they refuse, file a complaint with CASE at 6100 0315.

Cancellation checklist and confirmation steps

After you've followed the cancellation steps above, use this checklist to confirm everything is complete and you won't be charged again.

What users say about cancelling scite

Real experiences from Scite users reveal patterns about the service's strengths and cancellation pain points. We've compiled feedback from Trustpilot and community forums to give you an honest picture of what to expect.

Common praise for scite (why users keep it)

Users consistently praise Scite's AI-powered citation context and its ability to surface contradicting research quickly. Researchers working on literature reviews or systematic reviews report that Scite saved them hours by highlighting critical citations. The assistant feature (unlimited chats on paid tiers) is also popular for answering questions about papers.

Many students and academics renew their subscriptions annually because the time savings justify the cost, even at USD $9.99 per month. University researchers with institutional access rarely cancel because it's free to them.

Complaints that lead to cancellation

The most common cancellation reasons are: (1) subscription cost adds up over time when combined with other research tools, (2) free alternatives like Google Scholar or institutional access cover the user's needs, (3) the 30-day cancellation window is not clearly communicated, leading to unexpected charges, and (4) refund requests are denied even when users believe they have legitimate grounds.

Several users report paying for multiple months before realizing they had free access through their university. Others accidentally subscribed through Apple or Google while also maintaining a web subscription, doubling their costs. Stopee sees these scenarios repeatedly, which is why clear cancellation guidance matters.

Refund experiences

Trustpilot reviews indicate that refund requests to Scite are rejected in the vast majority of cases. However, users who escalated to Apple or Google Play and cited accidental charges received refunds more often. A few users who contacted CASE after Scite refused refunds reported partial success in mediation.

Pro tip: Your refund chance improves significantly if you cite consumer protection law rather than simply asking. Phrases like "I am requesting a refund under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act's 14-day cooling-off period" carry more weight than "I changed my mind".

Contact scite for billing disputes and cancellation

Scite is headquartered in Henderson, Nevada, USA, and does not maintain a physical office in Singapore. However, you can contact them for billing issues and cancellation escalations at the address below or through their support channels.

Scite's official contact information

Mailing Address: Scite Inc., Henderson, Nevada, USA

Email Support: Visit scite.ai and look for "Contact" or "Support" links in the footer menu.

Billing Disputes: If Scite refuses to help with cancellation or refunds, reference the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act in your written request. Send all correspondence via email so you have a record.

Escalation for Singapore consumers: If Scite does not respond within 14 days or refuses to honor your refund rights, contact the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) at 6100 0315 or www.case.org.sg to file a formal complaint.

If you subscribed via apple or google

For billing disputes on Apple App Store subscriptions, contact Apple Support directly at support.apple.com/contact. For Google Play disputes, visit support.google.com/googleplay. Both platforms are more responsive to refund requests than Scite and often approve requests faster.

Pro tip: When contacting Apple or Google, cite the specific Scite charge, state the date of the charge, and explain briefly why you're requesting a refund (e.g., "Unintentionally charged; cancelled immediately"). Apple and Google Process hundreds of refund requests daily and favour clear, factual requests over emotional appeals.

Final guidance: taking control of your subscription

Cancelling Scite requires you to navigate three separate systems (web, Apple, Google) and anticipate the 30-day advance notice window. This complexity is intentional in many cases - companies benefit when cancellations are hard. But you're not helpless.

At Stopee, we believe every consumer deserves transparent, frictionless cancellation. You should be able to stop paying for a service in minutes, not hours of searching for the right menu. You should receive clear confirmation and retain your data. And if the company refuses to respect your refund rights, you should have a clear escalation path to consumer protection authorities in Singapore.

This guide equips you with the steps, timelines, and consumer law references you need to cancel Scite confidently. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions across dozens of services, and the pattern is clear: preparation prevents problems. Know your cancellation date, know which platform you subscribed through, and know your legal rights under the Consumer Protection Act.

If you encounter difficulties cancelling Scite or believe the company is violating your consumer rights, Stopee recommends documenting everything and contacting CASE. You're not alone in this process, and consumer advocates in Singapore have successfully pursued refunds and cancellations even against companies with harsh "non-refundable" policies.

Your subscription should work for you, not against you. Cancel with confidence, and remember: Stopee is here to ensure that cancellation is always under your control.