Cancel Preply: The Right Way to Protect Your Credits

How to cancel Preply and protect your learning credits in the UAE

What Preply is and why you might need to cancel

Preply is an online tutoring marketplace that connects you with qualified language tutors and subject specialists worldwide. You book lessons directly through their platform, manage your schedule, and pay through their secure billing system. Lessons can be one-off bookings or recurring subscriptions, and you retain full control over your learning pace and frequency.

You might cancel Preply for legitimate reasons: your learning goals have shifted, you've found an alternative tutor, your budget has changed, or the service no longer meets your needs. Whatever your situation, your right to cancel without unnecessary friction is protected under UAE consumer law. Tocancel has built this guide to walk you through every step, ensure you understand your legal protections, and help you close your account safely.

Core features of Preply

Preply offers verified tutor profiles with qualifications and student reviews, flexible lesson scheduling around your timezone, lesson credits that roll over between sessions, and access via both web and mobile app. You can message tutors directly before booking, reschedule lessons without penalty if you provide at least 12 hours' notice, and track your learning progress through an in-app dashboard. The platform also provides 24/7 customer support via live chat and email.

Why understanding your cancellation options matters

Preply operates through multiple sales channels, and this directly affects how you cancel. If you purchased your subscription through the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Preply's web portal, you must cancel through that same channel. Attempting to cancel through the wrong method leaves your account active and exposes you to unexpected charges. Tocancel has identified this channel-mismatch issue as a leading source of cancellation frustration, so we'll show you exactly which method applies to your situation.

Your consumer rights under UAE law

The UAE Consumer Protection Law grants you clear, enforceable rights when cancelling paid digital services like Preply. Your legal position is strong: you have the right to receive transparent information about cancellation terms before purchase, and you can pursue refunds for services that fail to meet their advertised standard.

Key protections in the UAE

Federal Law No. 24 of 2006 (UAE Consumer Protection Law) mandates that Preply provide clear, accessible terms for cancellation and refunds before you complete your purchase. If Preply advertises a lesson but fails to deliver it through no fault of yours, you have legal grounds to demand a refund. If you cancel within 14 calendar days of purchase and the service (lesson) has not yet begun, you are entitled to a full refund under the law. This "cooling-off period" is your statutory right as a consumer in the UAE.

If Preply refuses to honour a legitimate cancellation request or refund claim, escalate your complaint to the Federal Authority for Consumer Protection (FACP) in the UAE. Tocancel recommends documenting all communication with Preply support-including dates, times, and exact responses-before filing a formal complaint with the FACP. This documentation strengthens your case significantly.

Distance selling and online purchase safeguards

Because Preply is a digital platform, UAE distance selling regulations apply in full. You have the statutory right to cancel a lesson subscription or single lesson within 14 calendar days from the date you enrol, provided the lesson has not yet started. Automatic renewals are only legal if you have explicitly confirmed them in writing before they take effect. Preply cannot charge you for automatic renewals without your prior written consent.

How to cancel Preply: step-by-step methods

Your cancellation path depends on whether you purchased a subscription or are cancelling a single lesson, and which platform you used to buy it.

Cancel a single lesson or reschedule for free

If you booked a one-off lesson or wish to reschedule an upcoming session, you can do both at no cost if you act within 12 hours before the lesson start time. After that 12-hour window, Preply charges the full lesson fee to your account.

1. Log into your Preply account on the web platform or open the mobile app
   • Navigate to your Dashboard or Lessons tab
   • Locate the upcoming lesson you wish to cancel or reschedule
2. Click on the lesson card to open its details
   • You will see options labelled "Reschedule" or "Cancel lesson"
3. Select your preferred action
   • If you cancel within the 12-hour window, no charge is applied
   • If you reschedule, select a new date and time that suits you
4. Confirm your cancellation or reschedule request
   • You receive an instant confirmation via email and in-app notification
   • Your lesson credit (if prepaid) remains in your account balance

Your lesson credit does not expire and rolls over indefinitely until you use it or formally cancel your subscription. Keep this confirmation email for your records as proof of cancellation.

Cancel your subscription via the Preply web portal

If you purchased your Preply subscription directly through Preply's website (preply.com) and you wish to cancel your entire subscription account, follow this method.

1. Log into your Preply account at preply.com
   • Use your registered email and password
   • If you cannot remember your password, click "Forgot password" and reset it
2. Click the account icon in the top-right corner
   • Select "Account settings" or "Settings" from the dropdown menu
3. Navigate to the "Subscription" or "Billing" section
   • Look for a button or link labelled "Cancel subscription" or "Manage subscription"
4. Click the cancellation option
   • Preply may ask you why you're cancelling-this is optional feedback, not required
   • You may be offered a discount or pause option; decline if you wish to fully cancel
5. Confirm your cancellation request
   • You will receive an instant on-screen confirmation and a confirmation email within minutes
   • Your subscription ends at the end of your current billing cycle
6. Verify your cancellation by checking your email and account settings
   • Return to "Subscription" or "Billing" to confirm the status shows "Cancelled" or "Inactive"

Tocancel advises saving your cancellation confirmation email and taking a screenshot of your account settings showing cancellation status as proof of your action.

Cancel your subscription via the Preply mobile app

If you access Preply primarily through the mobile app (iOS or Android), you can cancel your subscription directly within the app using the same steps as the web portal.

1. Open the Preply app and log in with your credentials
   • Ensure you are on the home screen or dashboard
2. Tap the profile or account icon (usually in the bottom-right corner)
   • Look for an icon that resembles a person silhouette or "Me" tab
3. Scroll down to find "Settings" or "Account settings"
   • Tap to open your account preferences
4. Locate the "Subscription," "Billing," or "Payments" section
   • Tap on it to view your current subscription status
5. Tap "Cancel subscription" or "Manage subscription"
   • You may see a retention offer or pause option; ignore it if you want to cancel
6. Confirm your cancellation request
   • You receive an immediate notification and a confirmation email
   • Your subscription ends at the end of your current billing period

The mobile app process mirrors the web experience; either method will cancel your subscription account successfully.

Cancel an app store or google play subscription

If you purchased a Preply subscription through Apple App Store or Google Play Store, you must cancel through that same channel. Cancelling within the app alone will not stop the subscription; you must cancel through the app store itself.

For Apple App Store (iOS):

1. Open the Settings app on your iOS device
   • Scroll down and tap "App Store"
2. Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner
   • Select "Subscriptions"
3. Find "Preply" in your active subscriptions list
   • Tap on it to view subscription details
4. Tap "Cancel subscription"
   • You may see a retention offer; tap "Confirm" to complete cancellation
5. You will see "Cancelled" status with an expiration date
   • Your subscription ends on that date; no further charges apply
   • A confirmation email is sent to your Apple ID email address

For Google Play Store (Android):

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device
   • Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner
2. Tap "Payments and subscriptions"
   • Select "Subscriptions"
3. Find and tap "Preply"
   • Review your subscription details
4. Tap "Cancel subscription"
   • Google Play may offer a retention discount; decline if you wish to proceed
5. Confirm your cancellation by tapping "Yes, cancel"
   • You receive a confirmation screen and confirmation email
   • Your subscription ends at the end of your current billing period

App Store and Google Play subscriptions are independent of Preply's web account system, so cancelling through the app store is the only effective method for these purchases.

Cancel via Preply live chat or email support

If you encounter difficulty cancelling through the methods above, or if you prefer human assistance, Preply's 24/7 support team can help you cancel your subscription.

1. Access Preply's live chat support
   • Log into your Preply account on preply.com or the app
   • Click the question-mark icon (?) in the bottom-right corner of the screen
   • Select "Contact support" or "Chat with us"
2. Alternatively, email Preply support directly
   • Use the contact form on Preply's website or email [email protected]
   • Include your account email and a clear cancellation request
3. State your intent clearly
   • Write: "I would like to cancel my Preply subscription effective immediately"
   • Provide your registered email address and account details
4. Provide a reason if prompted, but do not feel obliged
   • Your reason is not a legal prerequisite for cancellation
5. Request written confirmation of your cancellation
   • Ask the support agent to send you a confirmation email with a cancellation reference number
6. Save all correspondence
   • Keep screenshots and emails as proof of your cancellation request

Live chat is available 24/7 and typically resolves cancellation requests within minutes, making it the fastest support method if you encounter problems.

Preply pricing and subscription plans

Understanding Preply's pricing structure helps you calculate refunds and confirm what you should receive upon cancellation. Tocancel has compiled the typical pricing tiers below.

Prices are approximate and vary by tutor qualifications and subject speciality. All prices shown are in UAE Dirhams (AED) for reference only; your actual charge depends on your specific tutor and lesson type.

Refunds and what to expect after cancellation

Your refund eligibility depends on when you cancel and whether you've used any lessons. Tocancel breaks down your refund timeline clearly below.

Your refund eligibility

If you cancel within 14 calendar days of your initial purchase and have not yet attended any lessons, you are entitled to a full refund under UAE consumer protection law. This is your statutory "cooling-off period" and Preply cannot impose cancellation fees or penalties during this window.

If you cancel after the 14-day period, you are entitled to a prorated refund for unused lessons or credit. For example, if you paid 1,600 AED for a 4-lesson monthly subscription and attended only 1 lesson, you receive a refund for 3 lessons proportional to what you paid.

If you cancel your subscription and have already used all prepaid lessons or credits, no refund applies. However, your subscription account closes immediately, and no further charges occur.

Refund processing timeline

Preply typically processes refunds within 5 to 10 business days after you cancel. If you paid via credit card, the refund appears back on your card within 7 to 14 business days (depending on your bank). If you used another payment method, check your bank or payment provider's processing time.

If you do not see a refund within 14 business days, contact Preply support again with your cancellation confirmation email and ask for a refund status update. Tocancel recommends following up in writing (email) so you have a dated record of your request.

What happens to your account after cancellation

Once you cancel your subscription, your Preply account remains in your name but becomes inactive. You can still log in and view your lesson history and past messages with tutors, but you cannot book new lessons unless you re-subscribe. Your chat history and tutor connections are preserved for your reference.

If you wish to delete your entire account (not just cancel your subscription), you must request this separately through Preply support. Data deletion may take up to 30 days to complete across all systems.

Common mistakes when cancelling Preply

Cancellation mistakes often stem from confusion about which method to use or a misunderstanding of your refund rights. Here are the pitfalls to avoid.

Cancelling through the wrong channel

The most frequent error is cancelling through one channel while your subscription exists on another. For example, you cancel within the Preply app but your subscription is actually active through Google Play Store. Your subscription continues, and you are charged again at the next billing date.

How to avoid it: Log into your account and note exactly where you purchased your subscription (Preply web, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store). Cancel only through that channel. If you are unsure, ask Preply support to confirm which platform holds your active subscription before you attempt to cancel.

Not requesting written confirmation

If you cancel via live chat and do not save the confirmation message, you have no proof that you cancelled if a charge appears later. Support chat sessions sometimes expire or disappear from your message history.

How to avoid it: Always request a follow-up confirmation email with a reference number. Ask the support agent to email you a written cancellation confirmation immediately after you cancel. Save this email in a dedicated folder for your records.

Confusing "pause" with "cancel"

Preply sometimes offers a "pause" option during the cancellation flow. Pausing your subscription temporarily stops billing but does not fully cancel your account, meaning you may resume automatically if you forget to complete cancellation.

How to avoid it: When prompted with cancellation options, explicitly select "Cancel subscription" and not "Pause." If you see only a pause option, complete the pause and then formally cancel your account in a follow-up step.

Cancelling after the billing date without confirming your next charge

If you cancel just after your billing date, you have already been charged for the next billing cycle. Your cancellation takes effect at the end of that cycle, and your refund claim must be processed separately.

How to avoid it: Check your account at least 2 or 3 days before your monthly billing date. If you decide to cancel, do so before the billing date so you are not charged for a cycle you do not intend to use. If you are charged after cancellation, contact Preply support immediately and request a refund of that erroneous charge.

When to escalate to the federal authority for consumer protection

If Preply refuses to honour your cancellation request or denies you a refund you believe you are entitled to, you have the right to escalate to the UAE's regulatory body. Your legal position is protected by federal law, and Tocancel encourages you to pursue this route if needed.

Signs you should file a complaint

File a formal complaint with the Federal Authority for Consumer Protection if Preply continues to charge you after you cancel, refuses to process your refund within the stated timeframe, or denies your cancellation request without legal justification. You should also escalate if Preply's support team becomes unresponsive or dismissive of your rights.

How to file a complaint

Contact the Federal Authority for Consumer Protection (FACP) in your emirate. You can file a complaint online through the FACP website, by phone, or by visiting a local office. Provide your account number, cancellation confirmation, email correspondence, and proof of payment. The FACP will investigate your complaint at no cost to you and may require Preply to provide a formal response.

Tocancel recommends keeping a complete file of all documentation before you file: cancellation emails, support chat transcripts, payment receipts, and screenshots of your account status. This evidence significantly strengthens your case.

Preply cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you have completed every step of the cancellation process correctly and have protected your consumer rights.

Work through this checklist step-by-step to ensure you have not missed anything and your cancellation is final.

Why tocancel recommends acting now

Delaying your cancellation means you face another billing cycle, forfeiting money you did not intend to spend. Many users report that they meant to cancel but postponed the task, only to be charged again. The longer you wait, the more complex your refund claim becomes, especially if multiple billing cycles pass.

Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and reclaim refunds that companies initially denied. By following the clear, step-by-step methods outlined above, you take control of your account and protect your rights under UAE consumer law. Your cancellation can be completed in under 5 minutes using the web or app method, or within 15 minutes via live chat support if you prefer guidance.

Your next step

Open your Preply account now, identify which purchase channel holds your subscription, and cancel using the method that matches that channel. Save your confirmation email. If you are entitled to a refund, monitor your account for the refund within 14 business days. If you encounter any resistance from Preply or your refund does not arrive, Tocancel's guidance on escalating to the Federal Authority for Consumer Protection ensures your rights are upheld.

Cancelling Preply is your legal right, and you do not need permission or a reason. Act with confidence: document everything, follow the correct channel for your purchase type, and hold Preply accountable to UAE consumer protection law. Tocancel is here to empower you every step of the way.