Manage Freepik

How to cancel freepik and get your money back in south africa

What freepik is and why you might want to leave

Freepik is a subscription-based creative platform offering vectors, illustrations, photos and AI-powered design tools. You subscribe through the Apple App Store in South Africa and pay in ZAR for access to different tiers of assets and features.

Whether you signed up for the Essential, Premium or Premium+ plan, you have the right to cancel whenever the service no longer serves your needs. Many users find they overestimated their usage, discovered free alternatives or simply ran out of budget. That's completely normal, and Stopee is here to walk you through your cancellation options step by step.

Who uses freepik and what they pay for

Designers, marketers, students and small businesses typically use Freepik to access ready-made creative assets and speed up their workflow. The platform attracts users who value convenience over building assets from scratch.

Freepik's appeal lies in its breadth: thousands of templates, stock images and AI tools in one app. However, not everyone needs all three tiers, and some subscribers realise they're paying for features they never touch.

The real cost of staying subscribed

If you're on an annual plan, you might have committed R1,399 to R6,299 upfront. If you're on a monthly plan, charges of R200 to R839 recur every billing cycle. Over time, unused subscriptions drain your budget faster than you realise.

Cancelling stops the auto-renewal, which means you reclaim control of your spending. That's why Stopee encourages you to act now if you've decided the subscription doesn't deliver value.

Your consumer rights when cancelling freepik

South Africa's Consumer Protection Act gives you specific rights when you buy goods or services, including digital subscriptions.

What the consumer protection act says

Under the Consumer Protection Act, you have the right to cancel a distance transaction (including app subscriptions) within 14 calendar days of purchase without penalty or reason. This applies to your first purchase or any new subscription period.

If Freepik or Apple refuses your cancellation request within the 14-day window, you can escalate to the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The NCC investigates unfair contract terms and trading practices, and they have power to order refunds and impose penalties on non-compliant companies.

Your right to accurate billing and transparency

You have the right to receive clear information about renewal dates, billing amounts and cancellation terms before you're charged. If Freepik's terms are hidden, confusing or misleading, the NCC can take action on your behalf.

Keep your Apple App Store receipts and any Freepik communication as evidence. These documents strengthen your case if you need to file a complaint with the NCC later.

Freepik pricing in south africa

Freepik offers six main plans billed through the Apple App Store in South African Rand. All prices listed below are current as of the latest App Store data for South Africa.

Monthly and annual plans

Annual plans cost more upfront but offer better per-month value. If you're unsure whether you'll use Freepik long-term, monthly billing gives you flexibility, even if it's slightly more expensive over time.

How to cancel freepik on your apple device

Cancelling Freepik is straightforward because you manage the subscription directly through Apple's App Store. Stopee recommends this method as your first step because Apple handles refunds and billing separately from Freepik itself.

Step-by-step cancellation via the app store

1. Open the App Store app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
   • Make sure you're signed in with the Apple ID that purchased the Freepik subscription.
   • If you're unsure which Apple ID you used, check your App Store receipts in your email or Apple ID settings.
2. Tap or click your profile photo or avatar in the top right corner.
   • On iPhone and iPad, this appears in the top right of the App Store tab.
   • On Mac, it appears in the top right of the App Store window.
3. Select "Subscriptions" from the menu that appears.
   • You'll see a list of all active and expired subscriptions linked to this Apple ID.
4. Find and tap "Freepik" in your subscriptions list.
   • If you don't see Freepik here, it may have already been cancelled or linked to a different Apple ID.
5. Tap "Cancel Subscription" or "Cancel Free Trial" (whichever option appears).
   • Apple will ask you to confirm your cancellation and may offer a discount to keep you subscribed. You can ignore this offer.
6. Confirm the cancellation by following the final prompt.
   • You'll receive an email confirmation from Apple within minutes. Save this for your records.

Pro tip: Cancellation takes effect immediately, but you keep access to Freepik's paid features until the end of your current billing period. Apple doesn't charge you at the next renewal date.

Cancelling through freepik support (if app store doesn't work)

If you cannot find the subscription in your App Store settings or if Apple's cancellation option isn't appearing, contact Freepik support directly from within the app or via your Freepik account settings.

1. Open the Freepik app on your Apple device.
   • Log in with the email address linked to your subscription.
2. Navigate to your account settings or profile page.
   • This is usually found in a menu icon (three horizontal lines) or a "Settings" tab.
3. Look for a "Help", "Support" or "Contact Us" option.
   • Freepik's support team can investigate your subscription status and assist with cancellation or refund requests.
4. Provide Freepik support with:
   • Your Freepik account email address
   • Your Apple ID email (if different)
   • Your Apple App Store receipt
   • The date you purchased the subscription
   • The reason you want to cancel (optional but helpful)
5. Wait for Freepik's response within 2-5 business days.
   • If support doesn't respond or refuses your request, escalate to the National Consumer Commission with your email chain as evidence.

Warning: Do not delete the Freepik app from your device without first cancelling the subscription. Deleting the app does not stop auto-renewal; you must cancel through the App Store or Freepik support.

What happens after you cancel freepik

Cancelling can feel uncertain, especially if you've relied on Freepik for your work. Here's exactly what you'll experience in the days and weeks after you press that cancellation button.

Your access during the notice period

After you cancel, you retain full access to all Freepik features you've paid for until your current billing period ends. If your billing date is the 15th of next month and you cancel today, you can download and use premium assets until the 15th.

This grace period is built into Apple's subscription system. You're not losing access; you're simply not being charged again after this period expires.

What happens on your renewal date

On the date you would normally be charged, Apple will not attempt to collect payment. Your subscription status changes from "Active" to "Expired" in the App Store. Freepik's app will continue to work, but you'll only access the free version (if one exists) or be prompted to re-subscribe.

You will receive an email confirmation from Apple stating that your subscription has ended and will not renew. Save this email as proof of cancellation.

Your account, downloads and files

Your Freepik account itself does not automatically delete when your subscription expires. Your account data, profile and any assets you've downloaded remain available according to Freepik's data retention policy.

If you're planning a long absence or want to protect your files, download and back up any designs, templates or assets you've created or plan to use again. Freepik's retention terms may change, so holding your own copy is the safest approach.

Will you get a refund from freepik or apple?

Refunds depend on timing, your reason for cancellation and whether you fall within Apple's refund window. Stopee breaks down your options below.

Refunds within 14 days of purchase

If you purchased your Freepik subscription fewer than 14 days ago and have changed your mind, South Africa's Consumer Protection Act entitles you to a refund under the cooling-off period. You do not need to provide a reason.

To request this refund, contact Apple directly via the App Store's "Report a Problem" feature on your receipt or email Apple Support. Include your Apple ID, the subscription purchase date and a request for a full refund citing the Consumer Protection Act.

Pro tip: Apple processes these refunds within 5-10 business days. You'll see the money back in your original payment method (credit card, Apple balance or debit order account).

Refunds after 14 days (exceptions only)

After 14 days, Apple and Freepik can refuse refund requests unless you have a valid reason such as accidental purchase, duplicate charges, billing errors or service failures.

Document your reason clearly. For accidental purchases, show proof you attempted to cancel immediately. For duplicate charges, provide evidence (two identical receipts with the same date and amount). For service failures, include screenshots or descriptions of what went wrong.

How to request a refund

1. Gather your evidence:
   • Your Apple receipt (email from Apple or found in App Store settings)
   • The purchase date and subscription plan name
   • A clear explanation of why you deserve a refund
2. Visit Apple's "Report a Problem" page or open your receipt in the App Store.
   • Click or tap "Report a Problem" next to the Freepik charge.
3. Select "I would like a refund for this purchase" and choose your reason from Apple's menu.
   • Be honest but specific. "It was an accident" carries more weight than "I changed my mind".
4. Submit your request and wait for Apple's decision.
   • Apple reviews refund requests within 2-5 business days and emails you the outcome.
5. If Apple denies your request and you believe you're within the 14-day window, escalate to the National Consumer Commission (NCC) with your email chain and proof of purchase date.
   • The NCC can override Apple's decision if they find a violation of the Consumer Protection Act.

Warning: Do not request a refund from Freepik directly if you purchased through the App Store. Apple controls all billing and refunds for in-app purchases; Freepik cannot issue refunds. Contacting Freepik separately may confuse your case or delay the process.

Common mistakes that delay or block your cancellation

Many cancellations fail not because of policy but because of simple oversights. You're not alone in making these mistakes, and Stopee wants you to avoid them.

Signing in with the wrong apple ID

If you bought your Freepik subscription with one Apple ID but you're trying to cancel with a different one, the subscription won't appear in your subscriptions list. You must sign in to the App Store with the exact Apple ID used at purchase.

Check your old email inboxes for Apple purchase receipts to confirm which Apple ID you used. If you can't remember, contact Apple Support with your name and old email address; they can look it up for you.

Deleting the app instead of cancelling the subscription

Removing the Freepik app from your device does not cancel your subscription. Apple will continue to charge you until you manually cancel through the App Store, regardless of whether the app is installed.

Always cancel first (through App Store settings), then delete the app if you wish. Doing it in reverse will cost you extra billing cycles.

Waiting until after the renewal date

If you cancel after your renewal date has passed, Apple has already charged you for the next billing period. You'll need to request a refund separately, which may be denied if you're outside the 14-day window.

Mark your renewal date in your calendar and cancel at least three days before to avoid accidental charges.

Not keeping your cancellation proof

If you need to dispute a charge later or file a complaint with the NCC, you'll need your cancellation confirmation email from Apple. If you don't save it, Apple can take weeks to resend it, delaying your case.

Forward your cancellation email to yourself or take a screenshot the moment it arrives.

Freepik cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to confirm you've completed every step and protected yourself legally.

• I have signed in to the App Store with the correct Apple ID (the one that purchased Freepik).
• I have navigated to Subscriptions and found Freepik in my active subscriptions list.
• I have tapped "Cancel Subscription" and confirmed the cancellation prompt.
• I have received a cancellation confirmation email from Apple.
• I have saved or forwarded the cancellation email for my records.
• I have checked my calendar for the renewal date and verified it is still listed as "Expires on" (not "Renews on").
• I have not received any unexpected charges after cancellation (check your bank statement 7 days later).
• If I want a refund within 14 days of purchase, I have submitted a refund request with my Apple receipt and reason.
• If Apple denies my refund and I believe I deserve one, I have prepared a complaint for the National Consumer Commission with all supporting evidence.

Reviews and common experiences with freepik cancellation

Freepik holds a 4.5 out of 5 star rating overall, but cancellation experiences vary widely depending on whether users contact App Store support or Freepik directly.

What cancellations go smoothly

Users who cancel through the App Store report the quickest experience. Most confirmations arrive within minutes, and access expires cleanly at the end of the billing period with no surprise charges.

Where cancellations stall

Problems arise when users contact Freepik support instead of Apple. Freepik support is often slow to respond and cannot directly cancel App Store subscriptions (only Apple can). This creates a back-and-forth that delays your cancellation by days.

Users who miss the 14-day refund window and ask for money back face uniform refusals unless they can prove a billing error or fraud.

Pro tip: Always cancel through the App Store first. Only contact Freepik support if the App Store option is genuinely unavailable.

What to do if freepik or apple refuse your cancellation

If you've followed every step, cancelled on time and still face resistance, escalation is your right.

Contact the national consumer commission

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) investigates unfair trading practices and enforces the Consumer Protection Act. If Freepik or Apple refuses to cancel your subscription or refund your money without legal grounds, file a complaint with the NCC.

You can lodge a complaint online at www.ncc.org.za or by post to:

National Consumer Commission
Sandton Office: Waterfall City, Jukskei View Office Park, 78 Waterfall Drive, Waterfall, Johannesburg, 2090, South Africa

Include your Apple receipt, cancellation confirmation (or evidence you attempted to cancel), any emails from Apple or Freepik and a clear description of what went wrong. The NCC typically responds within 30 days.

Charge back through your bank

If the NCC process is taking too long and Freepik or Apple continues to charge you without consent, contact your bank. Request a chargeback or dispute for unauthorized recurring charges. Your bank can reverse unwanted charges and freeze the payment method within 10 business days.

Provide your bank with your cancellation evidence, confirmation email from Apple and any billing statements showing charges after cancellation.

When to keep your freepik subscription

Cancellation isn't always the right choice. If any of the below statements apply to you, keeping your subscription may save money in the long run.

Stopee recommends you audit your Freepik usage before cancelling. Open the app, check your download history and count how many assets you've used in the past month. If that number is zero or one, cancellation saves you money immediately.

Takeaway and next steps

Cancelling Freepik in South Africa is straightforward when you use the App Store method: open Settings, find Subscriptions, select Freepik and tap Cancel. You keep access until your renewal date, you avoid future charges and you can request a refund within 14 days if you change your mind.

If Apple or Freepik refuses your cancellation or denies a refund you believe you're entitled to, the National Consumer Commission is your escalation point. South Africa's Consumer Protection Act is on your side, and the NCC has power to force refunds and penalise non-compliant companies.

Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and recover money from companies that ignored their rights. Whether you're cancelling Freepik today or planning to in the future, return to this guide anytime you need clarity. Keep your Apple receipt and cancellation email safe, act before your renewal date and don't hesitate to escalate if support refuses you. Stopee is here to ensure your cancellation counts.