Manage Envato Elements
What you don't know !
Silent Waste
84%
of people lose money every month on unused services
Lack of Transparency
60%
of users feel lost facing cancellation terms
Budget Illusion
82%
of consumers underestimate the cost of their automatic withdrawals
Fear of Commitment
44%
of subscribers have experienced a 'commercial trap' experience
Legal Validation
All our letters are written by legal experts to guarantee their compliance.
Legal Commitment
We generate legally binding documents that your provider is obligated to honor.
Immediate Efficiency
Free yourself from your commitments in less than 2 minutes, directly online.
Budget Optimization
Regain control of your finances by stopping superfluous withdrawals.
Cancel Envato Elements: The Right Way
How to cancel envato elements in south africa and claim your refund
What is envato elements and who should use it
Envato Elements is a subscription service that gives you unlimited downloads of digital creative assets - graphics, templates, fonts, stock photos and video - all licensed for commercial use.
Designers, marketers, video creators and small businesses rely on Envato Elements for fast access to large libraries without hunting for individual licences. You download assets while your subscription is active and can use them in projects according to Envato's licence terms.
How envato elements works in south africa
Envato invoices you in USD, and from 1 May 2024, applies 15% VAT on top for South African subscribers. Your payment method determines the final ZAR amount at checkout. Once you subscribe, you gain instant access to the entire library - no per-download fees, no hidden charges.
The catch: you only keep access to what you download while your subscription is active. After cancellation, new downloads require either a new subscription or a separate licence purchase.
Who uses envato elements
Individual designers, freelance marketers, video production teams and mid-sized agencies are the primary users. Envato also offers student plans at a discount. If you create digital content professionally or semi-professionally, Envato Elements can save time and cost.
Why you might want to cancel envato elements
Cancellation reasons are personal, but we hear them often at Stopee.
You may cancel if the monthly cost (roughly R200-R350 depending on your plan and exchange rates) no longer fits your budget. You might find the asset library doesn't match your niche or workflow. You could have switched to a competitor like Shutterstock, Adobe Creative Cloud, or Canva. Or you simply realised you're not downloading enough to justify the subscription.
Whatever your reason, Stopee is here to guide you through the process step by step and flag any traps that could delay your cancellation.
How to cancel envato elements in three methods
Your cancellation method depends on how you subscribed - through Envato's website, Apple App Store, or Google Play. Each requires a different action.
Method 1: cancel via the envato website (recommended)
This is the fastest route if you subscribed directly on Envato's site. Follow these steps:
- Visit elements.envato.com and log in with your email and password.
- Click on your profile icon (top right) and select My Account.
- Navigate to Subscriptions or Manage subscription.
- Find your Envato Elements subscription and click Cancel subscription.
- Read the confirmation message - Envato will show your final billing date.
- Confirm the cancellation by clicking the button (wording varies: "Yes, cancel" or "Confirm cancellation").
Pro tip: Screenshot the confirmation page immediately. Envato sends a confirmation email, but having a screenshot protects you if disputes arise later.
Warning: If you subscribed via Apple App Store or Google Play, cancelling on the Envato website will not cancel your app store subscription. You must cancel through the app store itself (see Method 2 or 3 below).
Method 2: cancel via apple app store (for iOS subscribers)
If you subscribed to Envato Elements through your iPhone or iPad, you must manage the subscription through Apple's system.
- Open the Apple App Store app on your iOS device.
- Tap your profile icon (bottom right).
- Select Subscriptions.
- Find Envato Elements in the list.
- Tap Manage or the subscription name itself.
- Select Cancel Subscription and confirm.
Apple will inform you when your access ends. The cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle, not immediately.
Method 3: cancel via google play (for android subscribers)
Android users who subscribed through the Google Play Store must cancel in the same place.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap your profile icon (top right).
- Select Payments and subscriptions.
- Choose Subscriptions.
- Tap Envato Elements.
- Select Cancel subscription and confirm.
Google Play processes the cancellation immediately, though your access extends to the end of your paid period.
Warning: Do not delete the Envato Elements app from your phone thinking it will cancel your subscription. It will not. You must cancel through the app store's subscription settings.
What happens after you cancel envato elements
Cancellation does not mean instant loss of access - understanding the timeline protects you from panic.
Your access timeline after cancellation
When you cancel, your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing cycle. You keep full download and usage rights during this grace period. Only after your final billing date expires does your access downgrade.
If you cancelled on 15 June and your next billing date was 1 July, you retain full access until 30 June. On 1 July, your account converts to a free (limited) view.
What you keep and what you lose
Downloaded assets remain yours to use according to their licence terms - even after subscription ends. Envato cannot revoke the licence for items you already downloaded and used.
New downloads require either a new subscription or a separate licence purchase. Your account and download history stay visible (though in reduced form) after expiry, so you can always reference what you downloaded.
Auto-renewal and future charges
Cancellation automatically disables auto-renewal. Envato will not charge you after your final billing date ends. No recurring payments, no surprise charges.
To be doubly sure, check your payment method's transaction history 2-3 weeks after your final billing date. If a charge appears after cancellation, report it immediately using the refund process below.
Do you qualify for a refund on envato elements
Envato's default policy is strict: no refunds for change of mind, accidental subscriptions or dissatisfaction. However, South African consumer law may override this in specific cases.
When envato will not refund
Envato does not offer pro-rata (partial) refunds if you cancel mid-billing cycle. You keep access until the end of that cycle, but you cannot reclaim the unused portion of your payment.
Refunds are also not granted for:
- Change of mind or buyer's remorse
- Accidental double-billing or mistaken subscription
- Inability to use the service or find suitable assets
- Asset quality complaints (unless the asset is genuinely broken)
This is Envato's published position, but it is not absolute.
When south african law may entitle you to a refund
South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (CPA) 2008 protects you if Envato breaches its obligations. You may claim a refund if:
- The service was misrepresented (e.g., you were promised access that was not delivered).
- Assets or the platform were defective or unfit for purpose.
- You cancelled within 14 calendar days of purchase (the cooling-off period under CPA section 16).
- Billing errors occurred (e.g., you were charged twice for one subscription).
Pro tip: The 14-day cooling-off period is your strongest legal lever. If you subscribed recently and are not satisfied, you have a statutory right to cancel and receive a refund. Envato's website may not advertise this, but the law is clear.
How to request a refund from envato
If you believe you qualify for a refund, contact Envato support in writing.
- Gather evidence: screenshots of charges, billing statements, emails from Envato, proof of defects or misrepresentation.
- Visit Envato Elements Help Center and use the Contact Us form, or email support@envato.com.
- State your refund reason clearly. Reference the CPA if applicable (e.g., "I purchased this subscription on [date] and exercised my cooling-off right under CPA section 16").
- Attach your evidence and request a refund within 30 days of the charge (or immediately if within the 14-day cooling-off window).
- Allow 5-10 working days for Envato to respond. Document all communication.
If Envato refuses and you believe your refund is valid under the CPA, you can escalate to the National Consumer Commission (NCC) at complaints@thencc.org.za. Stopee recommends this step if you have evidence supporting your claim.
Envato elements pricing in south africa
Envato's pricing structure affects how much you are owed if a refund is due, so understanding it matters.
| Plan | Billing | USD (approx.) | ZAR (approx., with 15% VAT) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Billed monthly | $19.50 | R340-R380 | Testing or low-volume creators |
| Annual (pay monthly) | 12 months | ~$14.58/month | R280-R310/month | Regular users on a budget |
| Annual (pay upfront) | Once per year | $174.75 | R3,050-R3,350 | Committed professionals (cheapest option) |
Exchange rates fluctuate daily. Your final ZAR amount at checkout depends on your payment method's conversion rate, not Envato's published figures. Always confirm the ZAR total before you click "Subscribe."
Common mistakes when cancelling envato elements
Cancellation sounds simple, but small errors create confusion and unnecessary delays - and we have seen them before at Stopee.
Mistake 1: cancelling on the website when you subscribed via app store
This is the most common trap. Cancelling on Envato's website does nothing if your subscription is linked to Apple or Google. You must cancel through the app store itself. Check your original receipt or account to confirm where you subscribed, then cancel in the correct location.
Mistake 2: assuming deletion of the app cancels your subscription
Deleting the Envato Elements app from your phone or device is not a cancellation. The subscription remains active and will continue to charge you. Always cancel through the app store's subscription settings, not by deleting the app.
Mistake 3: not screenshotting the confirmation
Envato sends confirmation emails, but they sometimes land in spam or are delayed. Screenshot the cancellation confirmation page immediately. This is your proof if a dispute arises.
Mistake 4: cancelling without checking your cooling-off rights
If you subscribed within the last 14 days and are unhappy, you have a legal right to cancel and claim a full refund under South African law. Do not accept Envato's "no refund" response without first invoking your cooling-off rights. At Stopee, we recommend mentioning this explicitly in any support request.
Mistake 5: ignoring unexpected charges after cancellation
Watch your bank or payment app for 3-4 weeks after cancellation. If Envato charges you again, report it immediately. Take a screenshot of the unexpected charge and contact both your bank and Envato support in writing. The faster you act, the faster you recover the money.
Your consumer rights and what they mean for you
South African law gives you specific protections when dealing with subscription services like Envato Elements.
The consumer protection act and your cooling-off period
Section 16 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) grants you a 14-day cooling-off period from the date you purchase any subscription service. During this window, you can cancel and receive a full refund, no questions asked - even if Envato's terms say otherwise.
The law overrides Envato's policy. If Envato refuses a refund within the 14-day window, they are breaking the law.
Misrepresentation and defective services
If Envato misrepresented the service (e.g., promised "unlimited commercial use" but later restricted it) or if the platform or assets are genuinely broken, you may claim a refund beyond the 14-day window. Document all evidence and contact Envato in writing with clear references to what was misrepresented or how the service failed.
Billing errors and unauthorized charges
If you were charged twice, billed at a rate higher than advertised, or charged after cancellation, the CPA requires Envato to refund the error. Report it in writing with screenshots of your billing statements and bank records.
Escalation to the national consumer commission
If Envato refuses to acknowledge your rights or ignores your refund request for more than 30 days, escalate the matter to the National Consumer Commission (NCC). You can lodge a complaint online at www.thencc.org.za or email complaints@thencc.org.za. The NCC investigates non-compliance with the CPA at no cost to you.
Stopee recommends keeping copies of all correspondence - emails, screenshots, transaction records - before you escalate. The NCC will ask for evidence.
Cancellation checklist for envato elements
Use this checklist to ensure you cancel correctly and protect yourself:
| Task | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Confirm how you subscribed (website, Apple, or Google Play) | ☐ | Check your original receipt or account settings |
| Check the date you subscribed (within 14 days?) | ☐ | If yes, you may have cooling-off rights |
| Log in and navigate to the correct cancellation location | ☐ | Website, Apple App Store, or Google Play |
| Click "Cancel subscription" and confirm | ☐ | Do not delete the app |
| Screenshot the confirmation page immediately | ☐ | Critical for disputes |
| Monitor your email and bank account for confirmation and unexpected charges | ☐ | Check for 3-4 weeks post-cancellation |
Reviews and real user experiences with envato elements
Envato Elements holds a solid 4.5/5 rating across most platforms, but cancellation and refund experiences vary.
What users praise
The vast library (millions of assets), the commercial licence, and the simplicity of unlimited downloads appeal to active creators. Power users report excellent value if they download 20+ assets per month.
What users criticise
Common complaints centre on cancellation difficulty, refund denials, and unexpected charges after cancellation. Several users report that Envato support was slow to respond or unhelpful when disputes arose. A few mention that assets are older or lower quality than competitors.
On subscription forums and review sites, the most consistent complaint is that cancelling (especially via app stores) feels intentionally difficult. This is why Stopee has written this guide - to cut through the confusion and empower you to cancel with confidence.
Envato elements contact information and cancellation address
If you need to escalate a cancellation or refund dispute beyond the standard support channels, use the official contact details below.
How to contact envato support
Email: support@envato.com
Help Centre: help.elements.envato.com (live chat and email form available)
Mailing Address (for formal disputes):
Envato Pty Ltd
PO Box 16122
Collins Street West
Victoria 3011
Australia
For South African consumer complaints: National Consumer Commission, complaints@thencc.org.za or www.thencc.org.za
How to write a formal cancellation and refund request
If standard support does not resolve your issue, send a formal letter to Envato's mailing address. Include:
- Your full name, email address and customer ID (visible in your Envato account).
- The date you subscribed and the amount you paid.
- A clear statement: "I request cancellation of my Envato Elements subscription effective immediately and a full refund of [amount] under South African Consumer Protection Act section 16."
- Screenshots of charges, confirmation pages, and any relevant communication.
- Your preferred refund method (original payment card, bank transfer, etc.).
- A deadline: "I expect a response within 14 days. If you do not respond, I will lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission."
Send this via registered post or email (with read receipt). Keep copies for your records.
Should you keep or cancel your envato elements subscription
The decision to cancel is yours, but here is a practical framework to help you decide.
| Reason to keep | Reason to cancel |
|---|---|
| You download 10+ assets per month | You download fewer than 3 assets per month |
| The library covers your creative niche | You constantly need assets outside the library |
| The monthly cost (R280-R380) fits your budget | The monthly cost strains your cash flow |
| You value time saved over cost | You prefer free or cheaper alternatives (Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay) |
| Your projects require commercial-licensed assets regularly | Your projects are personal or non-commercial |
| You are a professional designer, marketer or video creator | You are experimenting or learning design |
If most of your reasons fall into the "cancel" column, cancelling is the right call. If you are on the fence but the cost is the sticking point, try pausing before cancelling. Some subscription services (like Adobe) allow you to pause for 3-6 months, though Envato does not currently offer this feature.
Conclusion: take control of your subscription with stopee
Cancelling Envato Elements is straightforward once you know the right steps and understand your rights. Whether you subscribed via the website, Apple App Store or Google Play, you now have the exact process to follow - and the legal backing to claim a refund if you qualify.
The key takeaways: cancel in the place you subscribed, screenshot your confirmation, monitor for unexpected charges, and invoke your 14-day cooling-off rights if you are within the window. If Envato resists, the Consumer Protection Act and the National Consumer Commission are your allies.
Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions with confidence and recover refunds they were entitled to. If you need further guidance or face resistance from Envato, Stopee's resource library and step-by-step guides are available at stopee.com. You deserve transparency, and you deserve to control your own subscriptions - not the other way around.