Manage Botan

How to cancel botan: your complete step-by-step guide for south africa

What botan is and why you might cancel

Botan is a subscription-based mobile app that helps you identify plants and detect plant diseases using AI-powered chatbot features. The app is available on both iOS and Android, and it offers flexible payment options including monthly, quarterly, and annual subscription plans, as well as one-time in-app purchases for specific identification tools.

Whether you're a casual gardener, a professional grower, or simply someone who tried the app and decided it wasn't right for you, cancelling your Botan subscription is straightforward once you know where to go. At Stopee, we help thousands of South African consumers navigate cancellations every month, and we're here to ensure you understand your options and your rights.

Who uses botan and when cancellation makes sense

Botan attracts hobby gardeners, professional growers, agricultural enthusiasts, and anyone seeking quick plant identification on their phone. If you've outgrown the service, found a cheaper alternative, or simply don't use it regularly enough to justify the cost, cancelling protects your bank account from unwanted recurring charges.

The good news: you can cancel anytime without penalty. Your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing period, so you won't lose access mid-month.

Your consumer rights under south african law

The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) protects your right to cancel any service within a reasonable timeframe. For direct agreements with app developers, you have the right to cancel without penalty if you change your mind. Additionally, if you cancel through an app store (Apple or Google), those platforms have their own refund policies that you can leverage if Botan fails to deliver as advertised.

Stopee recommends keeping all receipts and cancellation confirmations. If Botan disputes your cancellation or continues billing you, you have grounds to escalate to the National Consumer Commission (NCC).

Botan pricing and subscription plans

Before you cancel, it helps to understand what you're paying for and whether a different plan might suit you better.

Current subscription tiers in south africa

Botan offers three main subscription levels, each billed automatically on your chosen payment method. Prices are shown in South African Rand (ZAR) as of early 2026.

One-time purchases and in-app options

Beyond subscriptions, Botan offers one-time purchases for specific plant and disease identifiers. These don't renew automatically, so you pay once and own that feature permanently. Check the in-app purchase menu for current pricing and available tools, as these may change.

If you're only using Botan occasionally, switching to one-time purchases instead of cancelling entirely might save you money over time.

How to cancel botan on iOS (Apple app store)

If you subscribed via Apple's App Store on your iPhone or iPad, follow these clear steps to stop your recurring payments.

Step-by-step cancellation for iPhone and iPad users

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Tap your name or Apple ID at the top of the screen.
2. Select Subscriptions from the menu.
   • You'll see a list of all active subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
3. Find and tap Botan in the subscriptions list.
   • If you don't see it, scroll down; it may be under "Manage Subscriptions" rather than "Upcoming Renewals".
4. Tap Cancel Subscription or Unsubscribe.
   • Apple will ask you to confirm your reason for cancelling (optional but helpful for improving the app).
5. Confirm the cancellation.
   • Your subscription will remain active until the end of your current billing cycle.
   • No new charge will appear after that date.

Pro tip: Apple often offers a retention discount when you try to cancel. If Botan prompts you with a discounted plan, only accept it if you genuinely want to keep using the app.

Warning: Deleting the Botan app from your phone does NOT cancel your subscription. You must complete these steps in Settings to stop recurring charges.

How to cancel botan on android (Google play store)

Android users subscribe through Google Play, and cancellation happens in a similar but slightly different location.

Step-by-step cancellation for google play users

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.
   • You may need to tap "Manage subscriptions" or "Manage your Google Play subscriptions".
3. Find Botan in your active subscriptions list.
   • Scroll if necessary to locate it.
4. Tap Cancel subscription.
   • Google Play will display your cancellation details and final billing date.
5. Confirm your cancellation.
   • Your subscription remains active until the end of the current billing period.
   • No further charges will be applied after that date.

Pro tip: Google Play, like Apple, may offer a discounted plan or temporary pause option before finalising your cancellation. Review these offers, but cancel if you're certain you don't want Botan.

Cancelling direct or non-store purchases

If you purchased Botan directly through the developer's website or via another payment method not linked to Apple or Google, you'll need to cancel differently.

1. Open the Botan app and navigate to Account or Settings.
   • Look for a subscription management or billing section.
2. Check for a Cancel subscription or Manage billing option.
   • Some apps redirect you back to their website for this.
3. If you cannot find a self-service cancellation option, contact Botan support directly.
   • Use the in-app "Help" or "Contact us" button.
   • Include your subscription email, order number, and a clear statement that you wish to cancel.

What happens after you cancel botan

Understanding what to expect after cancellation helps you avoid surprises and keeps you in control of your account and data.

Your access and feature availability

Once you cancel, your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing period. This means you retain full access to all premium features you paid for until that date arrives. After the billing period ends, Botan downgraded your account to a free or limited tier (if available).

No new recurring charges will appear on your bank statement after your cancellation takes effect. Stopee recommends checking your bank statements for the next two billing cycles just to be certain Botan honoured your cancellation.

Account deletion and data retention

Cancelling your subscription does not delete your account. Your profile, saved plant data, and chat history remain stored unless you request deletion. If you want Botan to erase all your personal data, you must contact their support team and specifically request account deletion.

Botan must respond to data deletion requests within 30 days under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Request this in writing and keep a copy for your records.

Refund eligibility and how to claim

The refund process depends on when you cancelled and which platform processed your payment.

When you're eligible for a refund

Apple and Google both offer refund windows, though they're shorter than many people expect. You're typically eligible for a refund if you request one within 48 hours of your purchase, though both platforms review refund requests on a case-by-case basis. If Botan failed to deliver advertised features or you were charged in error, your claim is stronger.

Stopee finds that app store refund requests succeed more often when you clearly explain what went wrong (e.g., "App crashes constantly," "Plant identification is inaccurate," "I was charged twice").

How to request a refund through apple app store

1. On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings and tap your Apple ID.
   • Navigate to Subscriptions and select Botan.
2. Tap Report a problem or Request refund (if visible).
   • Alternatively, visit reportaproblem.apple.com on a web browser and sign in with your Apple ID.
3. Select the Botan charge you want to dispute.
   • Apple groups multiple charges together; pick the specific one if you're refunding only part of your subscription.
4. Choose a reason from the dropdown (e.g., "I no longer need this subscription" or "The app doesn't work as described").
   • Be specific if the app malfunctioned.
5. Submit your request and wait for Apple's response.
   • Most decisions arrive within 48 hours.

How to request a refund through google play

1. Open the Google Play Store app and tap your profile icon.
   • Select Payments and subscriptions.
2. Find the Botan charge in your Purchase history.
   • Tap the charge to open its details.
3. Look for Request a refund or Report a problem.
   • If you don't see this option, the refund window may have closed (typically 48 hours).
4. Explain your reason and submit your request.
   • Google reviews the request and notifies you within a few days.

If botan itself should refund you

In rare cases, Botan may owe you a refund directly (e.g., you were double-charged, or they failed to deliver a promised feature). Gather your evidence and contact Botan support with:

• Screenshots of the charge on your statement.
• The date and amount of each charge.
• A clear description of the problem (e.g., "I was charged twice on 5 January 2026").
• Your preferred refund method (the same payment method you used to subscribe).

Give Botan 14 days to respond. If they refuse without good reason, you can escalate to the National Consumer Commission or your bank's dispute team.

Common mistakes people make when cancelling botan

We understand the frustration of unwanted charges, and we want you to avoid the pitfalls that catch many Botan users off guard.

Mistakes that lead to continued charges

The single biggest mistake is deleting the Botan app without cancelling the subscription. Your subscription lives in Apple or Google's servers, not on your phone. Uninstalling the app leaves your subscription active and keeps your card being charged.

Another common error is cancelling only to forget about it. Three months later, you notice a charge and assume you cancelled incorrectly. The truth: you likely cancelled for one billing period, and it auto-renewed. Check the renewal date when you cancel and set a phone reminder one week before it arrives.

Some users cancel in the App Store settings but continue to authorize charges through the app's own settings. Double-check that the app itself doesn't have a separate "Manage my subscription" option that needs cancelling independently.

Timing traps and renewal dates

Cancelling on the day before your renewal is safer than cancelling a week early. If there's any delay in the system processing your cancellation, you might end up charged for another cycle. Stopee recommends cancelling no more than 3 days before your renewal date.

Also note that cancellations typically take effect immediately at the app store level, but the final billing date remains unchanged. Your subscription ends at the end of your paid period, not the moment you press "cancel".

Checklist before cancelling botan

Use this checklist to ensure you're not losing anything valuable and that your cancellation is processed correctly.

• Write down your Botan account email address and any saved data you want to preserve.
• Screenshot your current subscription plan and renewal date from the app store.
• Check if Botan has any free export feature for your plant identification history (some do).
• Confirm your bank account details are up to date in case you need to pursue a refund.
• Note the exact date and time you cancel, plus take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation.
• Set a phone reminder for the renewal date to verify the final charge and that no new charge appears.
• Review your bank statement 7-14 days after cancellation to confirm the last charge matched your plan price.

When to keep botan instead of cancelling

Before you cancel, consider whether a different plan might be better value or if you're just going through a busy period.

Reasons to stay subscribed

If you garden regularly or work with plants professionally, Botan's plant and disease identification genuinely saves time. The R259.99 monthly plan works out to roughly R8.50 per day, which is less than a cup of coffee. If Botan helps you identify a disease early or save a plant, that's often worth the cost.

Consider downgrading to a cheaper plan instead of cancelling entirely. If you're on annual billing at R1 199.99, switching to monthly at R259.99 lets you pause without losing your account data. You can always cancel later if your circumstances change.

Reasons to cancel

Cancel if you've found a free alternative, if you don't use the app more than once a month, or if Botan consistently gives you inaccurate identifications. Cancel if you're moving abroad, if your financial situation has tightened, or if you simply want to be more selective about subscriptions. There's no shame in it.

Your consumer rights and escalation options

South Africa's consumer protection framework gives you real power if Botan refuses to honour your cancellation or continues billing you after you've clearly cancelled.

The consumer protection act protects you

Under the CPA, Botan must:

• Process your cancellation within a reasonable timeframe (typically within 48 hours for app store subscriptions).
• Stop charging your card immediately once your cancellation is confirmed by the app store.
• Respond to complaints within 20 days if you escalate a dispute.

If Botan breaches these obligations, you have grounds to lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) at ncc.org.za.

If botan continues charging after cancellation

1. Contact Botan support directly with proof of your cancellation (a screenshot of the confirmation from Apple or Google).
   • Give them 5 business days to respond.
2. If they don't respond or refuse to refund the unwanted charge, contact your bank and open a dispute.
   • Your bank can reverse unauthorised charges and protect you from further charges.
3. Report Botan to the National Consumer Commission.
   • The NCC can investigate and compel Botan to refund you plus penalties if they find a breach.

Pro tip: Always respond to app store or bank inquiries with evidence. The more documentation you provide, the faster your refund claim moves.

Botan contact details and support information

If you need to contact Botan directly for account issues, refunds, or data deletion, use the support channels within the app first.

How to reach botan support

Open the Botan app and look for a Help, Contact us, or Settings menu. Most modern apps link to an in-app chat or email form. For serious issues like continued billing after cancellation, send an email if available, as it creates a documented record.

Include:

• Your full name and email address linked to your Botan account.
• Your subscription method (Apple or Google).
• The exact date you cancelled and a screenshot of the confirmation.
• A clear description of the issue (e.g., "I cancelled on 10 January but was charged again on 10 February").
• A request for the specific resolution you seek (refund, account deletion, etc.).

Botan has a legal address in South Africa, and App Limit Limited (the parent company) maintains support channels through their registered office. If Botan fails to respond within 14 days, escalate to the NCC.

Summary: take control of your botan subscription today

Cancelling Botan is simple once you know where to look. Whether you subscribe through Apple, Google, or directly, the process takes less than five minutes and requires no phone calls or emails unless something goes wrong.

Remember: your subscription remains active until the end of your billing period, so you won't lose access mid-month. No new charges will appear after you cancel, and your account data stays secure unless you request deletion.

At Stopee, we've guided thousands of South African consumers through subscription cancellations. We understand the frustration of unwanted recurring charges, and our mission is to empower you with clear, actionable steps and your legal rights. If you're unsure about anything, our guides and tools are free and always available at stopee.com.

Take action today: cancel now if you've decided Botan isn't for you, or downgrade to a cheaper plan if you want to keep the app. Either way, you're in control. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions and reclaim their money. Visit stopee.com now to explore more guides and tools designed to protect your wallet.