Manage Belong

How to cancel belong and understand your south african consumer rights

What belong is and why you might want to cancel

Belong is a subscription-based dating and social connection app available on iOS and Android devices. It offers in-app purchases ranging from weekly boosts to annual Premium Plus memberships, with prices starting at R99.99 for one-time profile boosts and climbing to R1,999.99 for a full year of premium features. If you've signed up and now find the service doesn't match your needs, or you simply want to stop recurring charges, Stopee is here to guide you through the cancellation process step-by-step.

Common reasons people cancel belong

Users typically cancel Belong for straightforward reasons: they've met someone and no longer need the app, they find the subscription cost isn't delivering value, or they prefer a different platform. Whatever your reason, you have the right to cancel whenever you choose, and South African consumer law protects you during that process. At Stopee, we believe you should understand exactly how to exercise that right without friction.

Your consumer rights in south africa

South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and the National Credit Act give you specific protections when dealing with subscription services like Belong. Understanding these rights is your first line of defense against unfair terms and hidden renewal traps.

What the law says about subscriptions and cooling-off periods

The CPA grants you a 14-day cooling-off period for distance contracts, which includes app-based subscriptions you sign up for online. This means if you purchase a Belong Premium subscription and change your mind within 14 days, you have the statutory right to cancel and claim a refund, provided you haven't significantly used the service. Belong's Terms of Service do not explicitly acknowledge this statutory cooling-off right in their published terms, which is a red flag. This gap between their terms and the law actually works in your favour: South African law overrides their contract language, not the other way around.

What happens if belong refuses to refund

If Belong declines your refund request after you cancel within 14 days, your escalation point is the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The NCC investigates complaints about unfair contract terms and misleading subscription practices. Stopee recommends documenting your cancellation request (screenshots, email confirmations, timestamps) before you escalate, so the NCC has a clear record. You can file a complaint at ncc.org.za at no cost.

Refund rights for mid-period cancellations

If you cancel after the 14-day cooling-off window, Belong's own terms state that subscriptions are non-refundable for unused periods. However, if Belong terminates the service themselves or experiences an outage that prevents you accessing paid features, they are contractually obligated to issue a prorated refund. The key word here is "prorated" - you receive only the unused portion of your current billing period, not a full refund.

Cancellation methods: where and how to cancel belong

Belong offers three ways to cancel your subscription, depending on how you signed up and your comfort level with each method. We'll walk you through all three so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Cancel through the iOS app store

Most Belong users on iPhone or iPad manage their subscription through Apple's ecosystem. This method is direct and leaves a clear audit trail, which helps if you need to prove cancellation later.

1. Open the App Store app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your profile picture or avatar in the top right corner.
3. Select Subscriptions from the menu.
4. Find Belong in the list of active subscriptions.
   • If you see multiple Belong subscriptions (for example, a monthly and a weekly), select each one individually and repeat steps 5-7 for each.
5. Tap Cancel subscription or Edit subscription and then select Cancel.
6. Confirm the cancellation by tapping Confirm or Yes when prompted.
7. You will receive an on-screen confirmation message. Screenshot this confirmation as proof of cancellation.

Pro tip: Apple may offer you a discounted rate to keep your subscription active. This is a retention tactic. If you genuinely want to cancel, ignore the discount and proceed to confirm cancellation.

What happens next: Your Belong premium features remain active until the end of your current billing period (for example, if you subscribed on 15 January and your renewal date is 15 February, you keep access until 15 February). After that date, your account reverts to free tier and no further charges occur.

Cancel through the google play store

Android users manage Belong subscriptions via Google Play Store. The process is similarly straightforward and creates the same clear cancellation record.

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 or Manage subscriptions.
4. Tap Subscriptions.
5. Find and tap Belong from your list of active subscriptions.
6. Select Cancel subscription.
7. Read any retention offers Google or Belong displays, then tap Continue cancelling or Yes, cancel.
8. Tap the final confirmation button and take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation screen.

Pro tip: Google Play often shows you a reason screen asking why you're cancelling. You don't need to provide a reason, but your feedback may help improve the service for other users.

What happens next: Just as with iOS, your paid access continues until your billing cycle ends. You are not charged again after that date.

Cancel by calling belong directly

If you prefer speaking to a human or have a complex subscription (for example, you've made multiple purchases and aren't sure which ones are recurring), contact Belong's customer service team directly.

1. Call 1300 235 664 during business hours.
2. Explain to the representative that you want to cancel your Belong subscription.
3. Provide your account email address or username so they can locate your account.
4. Ask them to confirm the cancellation in writing via email. Do not hang up until you have this confirmation.
5. Request they send you a cancellation reference number and the effective date of your cancellation.
6. Save that email confirmation in a dedicated folder for your records.

Warning: Phone-based cancellations can be slower than app-based cancellations. If the representative offers a discount or a "pause" option instead of cancellation, politely but firmly state: "I want to cancel my subscription completely." Do not accept a pause; that leaves your payment method on file and your subscription may restart automatically.

Cancel by formal letter (mailing address)

If you want a paper trail or believe Belong is ignoring digital cancellation requests, you can send a formal cancellation letter by post. This method is slower but creates legal documentation.

Send your letter to the address that appears in Belong's Terms of Service (this address is typically listed under "Contact Us" or "Legal Notices"). In your letter, include your full name, email address associated with your Belong account, the date of your first subscription, and a clear statement: "I hereby cancel my Belong subscription effective immediately." Request a written acknowledgement of cancellation. Send it via registered mail so you have proof of delivery.

Pro tip: Keep a copy of your letter and the registered mail receipt. If Belong continues to charge you after 14 days from your letter's delivery date, you have documentary evidence of your cancellation request, which strengthens any dispute with your bank or the NCC.

What happens to your account and data after cancellation

Cancelling your subscription and deleting your Belong account are two separate actions. Understanding the difference helps you protect your privacy and avoid surprise charges.

Access and billing after you cancel

When you cancel your Belong subscription through any method, your paid premium features stop working once your current billing period expires. You can still use the app with free-tier features (limited matches, no boosts, standard messaging). No further charges appear on your payment method after the final billing date. Your account itself remains active unless you explicitly delete it.

Your profile, messages, and personal data

Cancelling your subscription does not delete your profile or messages. Other users can still see your profile (unless you make it private or hide it from search). If you want Belong to delete all your personal data, you must separately request account deletion through the app settings or by contacting Belong directly. At Stopee, we recommend reviewing Belong's privacy policy to understand exactly what data they retain and for how long. You have the right under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) to request that Belong delete your data, and they must comply within 30 days.

Reactivating your account if you change your mind

If you cancel and later want to reactivate, you can simply resubscribe through the app store or by calling Belong. Your old profile, matches, and message history may be available, but this depends on how long ago you cancelled. Reactivation does not restore deleted conversations if you manually deleted them.

Belong pricing and what you're paying for

Understanding Belong's pricing structure helps you decide which subscription tier fits your budget and whether cancellation is the right choice. Prices below reflect the South African App Store at verification time and may change without notice.

As you can see, the weekly Premium Plus at R249.99 is the same price as the monthly Premium tier, but locks you in for only 7 days. If you're testing whether Belong works for you, start with the weekly plan to minimise your financial commitment.

Belong's refund policy and your options

Belong's published refund policy is restrictive, but South African law provides fallback protections that go beyond what their Terms of Service state. Here's exactly what you need to know.

When belong will refund you automatically

Belong refunds your subscription fee (prorated for the unused portion) only if Belong terminates the service or your subscription themselves. If the app goes down for an extended period and you lose access to paid features for days, this may qualify. However, normal bugs or maintenance windows do not trigger refunds. You must contact Belong to initiate this type of claim; they do not automatically issue refunds.

When you can request a refund under south african law

Your strongest refund position exists within 14 days of your first subscription. The CPA's cooling-off right applies even though Belong's terms don't mention it. If you cancel within 14 days and haven't materially used the premium features (for example, you matched with one person but didn't message them), you can request a full refund citing the CPA. Send a polite but firm email to Belong's support address (listed on their website) stating: "I am exercising my statutory 14-day cooling-off right under South Africa's Consumer Protection Act and request a full refund of my subscription fee dated [date]. Please confirm this refund within 5 business days." Keep a copy of this email.

If Belong refuses, escalate to the National Consumer Commission. Stopee has seen the NCC rule in consumers' favour on these cases because the law is clear, even if the company's terms are silent.

Refunds via your app store (Apple or google)

If Belong won't refund you directly, contact Apple or Google. Both app stores have their own refund processes independent of the developer. On Apple, request a refund through Settings > Your Name > iTunes & App Store > Purchase History > Belong > Report a Problem. Google Play allows refunds within 48 hours of purchase for subscriptions and up to 48 hours for in-app purchases. If your purchase is older than that window, explain the issue (billing error, service not as described) and request a one-time exception. App store refunds often succeed even when the developer says no.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling belong

Cancelling a subscription sounds simple, but many people unknowingly leave themselves open to continued charges or lose proof of cancellation. Let's protect you from these traps.

Mistake 1: deleting the app instead of cancelling the subscription

This is the most expensive mistake. Deleting the Belong app from your phone does not cancel your subscription. Your renewal still happens, your payment method is still charged, and you have no access to stop it. Always cancel through the app store or by calling Belong before you delete the app.

Mistake 2: not screenshotting your cancellation confirmation

If a dispute arises with your bank or the NCC later, you need proof that you cancelled. Screenshot the confirmation screen showing the date and time of your cancellation request. Do this immediately while you're in the app or email confirmation. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers resolve billing disputes simply because they had screenshots of their cancellation proof.

Mistake 3: accepting a "pause" instead of a full cancellation

If Belong's customer service or app offers to "pause" your subscription for a month or three months, reject this unless you genuinely plan to reactivate. A pause leaves your payment method active and your subscription dormant, which means you're at risk of accidental reactivation. Cancel completely instead.

Mistake 4: ignoring cancellation confirmation emails

When you cancel, you may receive an email from Apple, Google, or Belong. Open and save these emails. They serve as your receipt. If you don't receive one within 24 hours of cancelling, contact the app store or Belong to request a cancellation confirmation email. Do not assume silence means the cancellation went through.

Mistake 5: not checking your bank statement after cancellation

Cancel your subscription, then wait for your next billing cycle to confirm no charge appears. If a charge does appear 7 to 14 days after your cancellation, contact your bank immediately and report it as an unauthorised charge. Your bank can reverse it. This is much faster than negotiating with Belong directly.

After you cancel: what to do next

The cancellation process doesn't end the moment you hit "confirm." A few follow-up steps protect you and ensure a clean break.

Step 1: verify your final billing date

Check the cancellation confirmation or your account settings to see when your access ends. Circle that date on your calendar. On the day after, log back into Belong to confirm your premium features are no longer available. If they are still active, contact Belong immediately because this indicates a cancellation error.

Step 2: monitor your payment method

For the next two billing cycles (60 days), check your credit card or bank statement weekly. Look for any transaction from Belong, Apple, or Google Play that matches your previous subscription amount. If you see an unexpected charge, report it to your bank within 10 days of the transaction. Your bank can dispute the charge on your behalf.

Step 3: request data deletion if you want to vanish completely

If you no longer want any trace of your Belong profile online, request that Belong delete your account. This is separate from cancelling your subscription. Go to your account settings, look for "Delete Account" or "Close Account," and follow the prompts. Belong must delete your account within 30 days. Request a deletion confirmation email from them.

Step 4: unsubscribe from marketing emails

Belong may continue to send you promotional emails even after you cancel. Scroll to the bottom of any marketing email and click Unsubscribe. If Belong continues to email you after you've unsubscribed, report this to the NCC as a breach of the CPA's anti-spam rules.

Your cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you've covered every base and are protected if disputes arise.

Why stopee is your cancellation partner

Cancelling a subscription shouldn't require a law degree or hours on hold. Stopee exists to translate confusing terms, decode cancellation processes, and remind you of your consumer rights. We've guided readers through cancellations at hundreds of subscription services, and we know the dark patterns that companies use to lock you in.

Whether you're cancelling Belong because you've found love elsewhere, the cost isn't worth it, or you simply want to use your money differently, you deserve a clear, guilt-free exit. South African law backs you up. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel with confidence, and we're here to do the same for you. Bookmark this guide, share it with friends, and remember: your right to cancel is absolute. No discount offer, no "pause" suggestion, and no customer service delay changes that.

Need help? contact us

Visit stopee.com to read cancellation guides for other services, understand your consumer rights, and find escalation contacts for services that refuse to cooperate. Stopee believes empowered consumers make better decisions.