Manage Todoist

How to cancel todoist and reclaim your productivity: a step-by-step guide for south african users

What is todoist and why you might want to cancel

Todoist is a cloud-based task management platform that helps you organise work, projects and daily tasks across all your devices. It syncs seamlessly between web, iOS, macOS, Android and browser extensions, making it popular with students, freelancers, small teams and businesses who need lightweight task tracking without complexity.

You might find yourself wanting to cancel for several reasons: you've migrated to another tool, the subscription cost no longer fits your budget, you prefer a simpler system, or you simply don't use it enough to justify the monthly expense. Whatever your reason, Stopee is here to walk you through the cancellation process with clarity and confidence.

Who typically uses todoist

Todoist appeals to solo users managing personal projects, students juggling coursework and deadlines, remote workers coordinating tasks across teams, and small businesses tracking workflows. The platform offers a Free plan with basic features and paid tiers (Pro and Business) that unlock advanced functionality like labels, recurring tasks, reminders and team collaboration.

Pricing in south africa

Todoist offers flexible billing options. You can purchase directly through the Todoist website or via your device's app store (Apple App Store for iOS and macOS, Google Play for Android). Pricing in South African Rand (ZAR) varies depending on your chosen plan and billing frequency. Check your Todoist account or the app store listing for current local pricing before you cancel.

Your consumer rights when cancelling todoist in south africa

South Africa's consumer protection framework gives you clear rights when you buy digital services. Understanding these protections ensures you're treated fairly throughout the cancellation process.

The consumer protection act and your cancellation rights

The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) of South Africa protects you as a consumer of digital goods and services. Under the CPA, suppliers must be honest about their terms, provide clear cancellation and refund information upfront, and act in good faith. If Todoist's terms are unclear or if cancellation is deliberately made difficult, you have grounds to lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC).

Key protections include the right to cancel within a reasonable timeframe, clarity about whether you're buying a subscription (recurring charge) or a once-off purchase, and access to dispute resolution if the company refuses a legitimate refund claim. Todoist's 30-day refund window on yearly subscriptions aligns with consumer best practice, but the CPA ensures you have recourse if you're treated unfairly.

Escalation options if todoist refuses to help

If you cancel Todoist and the company denies your refund request without valid reason, you have two escalation paths. First, contact Todoist support with written evidence (screenshots of your cancellation, email confirmation, proof of payment) and request a formal response within 7 business days. If they ignore you or reject your claim unfairly, lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) at ncc.org.za or contact the Communications and Digital Technologies sector regulator, ICASA, if billing disputes are involved.

Stopee recommends keeping all documentation: order confirmations, bank statements showing the charge, cancellation screenshots and any email correspondence. This evidence is invaluable if you need to escalate beyond Todoist's support team.

Cancellation methods: choose your path based on how you pay

Your cancellation process depends entirely on where you bought your Todoist subscription. Each payment channel (Todoist website, Apple App Store, Google Play) has different cancellation steps and refund rules. Choosing the right method saves you time and confusion.

Cancel a todoist subscription bought directly from todoist.com

If you signed up and paid through Todoist's own website, you cancel directly in your account settings. This is the simplest path and gives you the most control over refunds.

1. Visit todoist.com and log in with your email and password.
   • If you've forgotten your password, select "Forgot your password" on the login page and follow the reset link sent to your email.
2. Click your avatar or profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.
   • On mobile web, the menu may appear as three horizontal lines (hamburger icon) in the top left.
3. Navigate to Settings from the dropdown menu.
   • Look for the gear icon or "Preferences" label if the layout differs slightly.
4. Select Subscription or Billing from the left sidebar.
   • You'll see your current plan (Pro or Business) and your next billing date.
5. Locate the Cancel plan button and click it.
   • Read the confirmation message carefully; it will explain what happens to your features after cancellation.
6. Confirm your cancellation in the popup or new screen.
   • You may be offered a discount to stay; ignore this if you're certain you want to cancel.

Pro tip: After you cancel, your paid features remain active until the end of your current billing cycle. You won't lose access mid-month. Once that cycle ends, your account reverts to the Free plan automatically.

Cancel an apple app store subscription (iOS or macOS)

If you subscribed to Todoist through Apple's App Store on an iPhone, iPad or Mac, Apple controls the billing and cancellation. Todoist cannot cancel it for you directly. You must manage the subscription through your Apple ID settings.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
   • On Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
2. Tap or click your name at the top of the screen to access your Apple ID account.
   • If you see "iCloud" instead, tap that first, then your name.
3. Select Subscription or Media & Purchases.
   • The exact label varies by device and iOS version.
4. Tap Subscriptions or Manage Subscriptions.
   • You'll see a list of all active subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
5. Find Todoist Pro in the list and tap it.
   • The subscription shows your renewal date and plan details.
6. Tap Cancel Subscription at the bottom of the screen.
   • A confirmation window appears; confirm your choice.

Warning: Simply deleting the Todoist app from your device does not cancel your subscription. The charge will continue until you cancel through Apple ID settings. Check your Apple account regularly to confirm the subscription has stopped.

Cancel a google play subscription (Android)

Android users who subscribed via Google Play manage cancellations through the Google Play app or website. Like Apple, Google controls the billing; Todoist cannot process the cancellation itself.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
   • Alternatively, visit play.google.com in a browser and log in with your Google account.
2. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner.
   • On the website, click your profile image in the top right.
3. Select Payments and subscriptions or Manage subscriptions.
   • The menu label may vary slightly depending on your device and app version.
4. Tap Subscriptions to view all active subscriptions.
   • You'll see Todoist listed with the renewal date and current plan.
5. Tap Todoist to open the subscription details.
   • Review the next billing date and any pending charges.
6. Tap Cancel subscription and follow the confirmation prompts.
   • Google may offer a retention discount; decline it if you're set on cancelling.

Pro tip: Uninstalling Todoist from your Android phone does not cancel the subscription. You must cancel through Google Play. Check your subscription status weekly after cancellation to confirm it's gone.

What happens after you cancel todoist

Cancellation feels uncertain until you understand exactly what changes. Knowing what to expect removes anxiety and helps you plan your next steps.

Your access to paid features during and after the billing cycle

When you cancel a Todoist subscription purchased directly from Todoist.com, your Pro or Business features remain active until the end of your current billing cycle. If you're billed on the 15th of each month and you cancel on the 1st, you keep full Pro access through the 14th. On the 15th, when the next charge would normally occur, it doesn't-and your account downgrades to the Free plan.

If you cancel a subscription managed by Apple or Google Play, the same principle applies: paid features stay active until the current billing period expires. After that date passes, the account reverts to Free automatically.

Your data, tasks and projects remain intact

Cancelling Todoist does not delete your tasks, projects or account data. All your work stays in your account. When you downgrade to the Free plan, you lose access to paid features (like custom labels, recurring tasks, and team collaboration), but your data is preserved. You can log in anytime and view your tasks on the Free plan, or upgrade again if you change your mind.

Pro tip: If you want a local backup of your tasks before downgrading, export your data while you still have Pro access. Todoist allows you to export tasks as a CSV or JSON file through Settings. This gives you a permanent copy if you ever need it.

Platform-specific differences after cancellation

Subscriptions bought through Apple or Google are controlled by those companies, not Todoist. This means Apple and Google handle all billing, renewal notifications and refund decisions. If you cancel through Apple or Google and later dispute the final charge, Apple or Google must resolve the issue-not Todoist directly. Keep this in mind if you need to request a refund after cancellation.

Refund eligibility and how to claim a refund

Refunds are not automatic; you may need to request one depending on your subscription type and how long you've owned it. Understanding your refund window prevents disappointment and keeps money in your pocket.

Yearly subscriptions: your 30-day refund window

Todoist offers a 30-day refund guarantee on yearly Pro and Business subscriptions purchased directly from Todoist.com. If you cancel within 30 days of your purchase or renewal date, you're eligible for a full refund. This is Todoist's most consumer-friendly policy and aligns with South African consumer best practice.

To claim your refund within the 30-day window, log into your account, cancel your plan, and then contact Todoist support with your order ID or purchase receipt. Include a brief note: "I purchased a yearly Pro subscription on [date] and cancelled within 30 days. I request a refund of [amount] ZAR." Todoist typically processes refunds within 5-10 business days to your original payment method.

Monthly subscriptions: generally non-refundable

Monthly Pro and Business subscriptions are non-refundable once purchased, unless you have a very specific reason (billing error, failed charge recovery, or regional consumer law override). This aligns with most software-as-a-service providers globally. If you've been charged twice in one month or suspect a billing error, contact Todoist support with proof-bank statements, invoice screenshots, or email confirmations-and they may offer a one-time courtesy refund.

Refunds via apple app store or google play

If you subscribed through Apple or Google, refunds work differently. Apple and Google manage all refund decisions independently of Todoist. If you cancel your Apple subscription and request a refund within 30 days, Apple may approve it, but the decision is theirs alone. Similarly, Google Play has its own refund policies and timelines.

To request a refund from Apple, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iTunes & App Store > Purchase History, find the Todoist charge, and tap "Report a Problem." For Google Play refunds, open the Google Play app, go to your subscription, and select "Cancel subscription." Google typically offers a brief refund window (often 24-48 hours); act quickly.

Warning: Todoist cannot process refunds for App Store or Google Play subscriptions. The refund must come directly from Apple or Google. If they deny your request, you can appeal to them, not to Todoist.

Todoist pricing and plan comparison

Pricing helps you decide whether cancellation or downgrading makes sense for your needs. South African pricing varies by plan and billing cycle.

Pro tip: If you're unsure about committing to Todoist, start with the Free plan or choose monthly billing. Monthly plans are non-refundable, but the shorter commitment reduces financial risk. Once you're certain Todoist fits your workflow, switch to yearly billing to save money and unlock the 30-day refund guarantee.

Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them

Cancelling a subscription feels simple until something goes wrong. Learning from others' mistakes keeps your cancellation smooth and refund-friendly.

Uninstalling the app without cancelling the subscription

This is the most common trap. You delete Todoist from your phone, assume you're done, and the charges keep coming. App uninstallation and subscription cancellation are completely separate actions. The app is just a window into your account; removing it doesn't touch the underlying subscription. Cancel first through your payment method (Todoist.com, Apple ID, or Google Play), then uninstall if you like.

Cancelling in the wrong place

Users often contact Todoist support and ask them to cancel an Apple App Store or Google Play subscription. Todoist's support team has no ability to cancel those subscriptions-only Apple and Google can. Don't waste time on back-and-forth emails. Go directly to your Apple ID or Google Play settings and cancel there yourself in minutes.

Not keeping cancellation proof

After cancelling, take a screenshot of your confirmation page or save the confirmation email. If you need to dispute a charge later or claim your 30-day refund, you'll have instant proof of the cancellation date. One screenshot now saves hours of frustration later.

Cancelling outside the 30-day refund window

If you bought a yearly subscription and want a refund, act within 30 days of purchase or renewal. After 30 days, Todoist is under no obligation to refund you, and South Africa's consumer law supports this timeframe for digital services. Mark your renewal date in your calendar as a reminder. If you're near the end of your 30-day window, contact support before it closes.

Missing the renewal notification

Todoist sends renewal reminders, but they sometimes land in your spam folder or are easily overlooked. If you want to cancel before the next charge, act a week before your renewal date to be safe. Don't assume you have until midnight on the renewal date; process it early to be certain.

Keeping your data safe: export before you downgrade

Downgrades and cancellations are permanent decisions in terms of features. Before you finalize your exit, protect your work by exporting a backup.

While your tasks and projects remain in your account after you downgrade to Free, some features are restricted on the Free plan. To ensure you have a permanent, offline copy of all your tasks, export your data while you still have Pro access. Todoist lets you export to CSV (spreadsheet format) or JSON (data format) through your Settings menu.

Pro tip: If you're switching to another task manager like Microsoft To Do, Asana, Monday.com or TickTick, export your Todoist data as CSV and import it into the new platform. Most modern task managers accept CSV imports. This keeps your historical data and task metadata intact during the migration.

When you should cancel versus when you should keep todoist

Cancellation isn't always the best choice. Sometimes a pause, downgrade or trial of different features makes more sense.

Pro tip: If cost is your barrier, downgrade to the Free plan instead of cancelling entirely. The Free plan includes up to 100 tasks and basic projects-enough for many users. You can always upgrade again if you need Pro features like custom labels or team collaboration. This middle path keeps your data intact and avoids the cancellation hassle.

Getting support if todoist refuses to cancel or refund

Most cancellations and refunds happen smoothly, but occasionally Todoist support doesn't respond or denies a legitimate refund claim. You have escalation options backed by South African law.

First step: written request to todoist

Email Todoist support with the subject line "Cancellation and Refund Request - Order ID [your ID]." Include your order number, purchase date, cancellation date, and a clear explanation of why you believe you're entitled to a refund (e.g., "I cancelled my yearly Pro subscription on [date], within 30 days of purchase on [date], and am requesting the full refund as per Todoist's policy"). Attach screenshots of your account, cancellation confirmation, and bank statements showing the charge. Ask for a response within 7 business days.

Escalation: national consumer commission (NCC)

If Todoist ignores your email or denies your refund unfairly, lodge a complaint with South Africa's National Consumer Commission. Visit ncc.org.za, download a complaint form, and submit it with all your supporting documentation. The NCC can pressure Todoist to honour your refund if the denial violated the Consumer Protection Act. Complaints are free and typically investigated within 30 days.

Stopee has guided thousands of South African consumers through similar disputes, and the NCC is a powerful ally when companies refuse fair treatment.

Chargeback as a last resort

If Todoist refuses to refund a charge that violates your rights, and the NCC investigation is slow, contact your bank and request a chargeback. Explain that you cancelled within the refund window and Todoist wrongfully withheld your money despite your written request. Most South African banks support chargebacks for unauthorized or disputed charges. Your bank will investigate and typically reverse the charge within 2-4 weeks.

Your cancellation checklist: step-by-step

Use this checklist to ensure you don't miss any critical steps during cancellation.

1. Decide where you're cancelling: Todoist.com, Apple App Store, or Google Play?
2. Check your renewal date and current billing cycle. (Confirm you understand when your paid access ends.)
3. Confirm whether you're within the 30-day refund window for yearly subscriptions.
4. Log into your account (Todoist, Apple ID, or Google Play) and navigate to subscription settings.
5. Review the cancellation details one final time. (Ensure you understand what features you'll lose.)
6. Click "Cancel plan" or "Cancel subscription" and confirm.
7. Take a screenshot of the confirmation page showing the cancellation date and status.
8. Save any confirmation email Todoist or your app store sends you.
9. If eligible for a refund, email Todoist support with your order ID and request within 48 hours of cancellation.
10. Check your bank statement 5-10 business days later to confirm no new charges appear.
11. Export your tasks as a CSV backup if you want to preserve your data.

Why thousands of south african users trust stopee for cancellation help

Stopee is South Africa's leading consumer guide for cancelling subscriptions fairly and on your terms. We understand the frustration of hidden renewal charges, confusing app store settings, and companies that make cancellation deliberately hard. Our mission is to empower you with clear, step-by-step guidance so you stay in control of your money and data.

Whether you're cancelling Todoist because it doesn't fit your workflow, the cost is too high, or you've found a better alternative, Stopee ensures you know your rights under South Africa's Consumer Protection Act, how to cancel without mistakes, and what to do if the company refuses to refund you fairly. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel Todoist and recover refunds they were legally entitled to claim.

Visit Stopee.com for detailed cancellation guides on hundreds of subscriptions, refund policies explained in plain language, and direct links to support teams. We're your advocate when companies try to make leaving difficult. Trust Stopee to guide you through every cancellation step, from start to finish.