Cancel GoodNotes: The Right Way

How to cancel your GoodNotes subscription and protect your notes safely

Why you need to understand GoodNotes cancellation

GoodNotes transformed digital note-taking for millions across the UK. The app lets you handwrite naturally on your iPad, annotate PDFs with precision, and organise your work seamlessly across Apple devices through iCloud. For years, you could purchase GoodNotes 5 outright as a one-time buy. Then came GoodNotes 6-a subscription-based shift that angered many loyal users who now face annual costs for features they once owned.

If you're frustrated by the subscription model or you've found a better alternative, you have every right to cancel. Understanding how to do this correctly-and knowing your legal protections-puts you back in control. At Tocancel, we help thousands of UK consumers navigate subscription cancellations each month, and we're here to walk you through GoodNotes step by step.

What GoodNotes is and how it works

GoodNotes is a note-taking and PDF annotation app developed by Time Base Technology Limited. It syncs across iPad, Mac, and iPhone through iCloud, so your notes follow you everywhere. The app uses handwriting recognition, mathematical expression detection, and AI-powered tools to make digital note-taking feel natural and productive.

The app operates on three pricing tiers: the free version with basic features, the annual subscription at £9.99 per year for unlimited notebooks and advanced tools, and the legacy GoodNotes 5, which was a permanent one-time purchase.

Common reasons UK users cancel GoodNotes

You might cancel because you switched to OneNote, Notability, or Apple Notes. You could be a student who no longer needs the app after graduation. Perhaps the £9.99 annual fee no longer justifies your usage, or you resent paying for features you once owned in version 5. You may have accidentally subscribed and want to stop recurring charges immediately. Whatever your reason, Tocancel understands that cancelling should be simple and hassle-free.

Your consumer rights and legal protections

Before you cancel, know what the law guarantees you.

Your legal position under UK consumer law

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects you when you buy digital content and services online. This law gives you the right to cancel subscriptions within 14 days of purchase if you haven't used the service significantly. After 14 days, you can still cancel at any time, but the company may not be obliged to refund your money unless they have breached their terms or you've identified a fault.

In practice, this means: if you cancel within 14 days of your first payment and haven't used the app extensively, you should receive a full refund. After 14 days, cancellation removes future charges, but you forfeit the current payment. GoodNotes must honour cancellation requests submitted through their official channels within a reasonable timeframe-typically within 30 days.

What happens to your data when you cancel

Cancelling your subscription does not delete your notes. Your data remains in iCloud indefinitely if you use an iPhone or iPad. However, if you cancel and don't maintain an Apple ID or iCloud account, you may lose access to cloud-synced notes. Download or export your notes before cancelling to ensure you keep them safely. Use GoodNotes' export function to save your notebooks as PDF files to your Mac or cloud storage.

Your legal right here is straightforward: the company cannot delete your data without explicit written consent. If GoodNotes threatens to delete your notes upon cancellation, contact the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) or escalate through Tocancel for guidance on your data rights.

Current GoodNotes pricing and subscription breakdown

Identify your current plan before you proceed with cancellation.

Most UK users hold the annual subscription at £9.99. If you fall into this category, follow the step-by-step cancellation process in the next section. If you own GoodNotes 5 outright or use the free version, no cancellation is necessary-you already own your copy permanently or have no active charges.

How to cancel your GoodNotes subscription

Cancelling takes less than five minutes across any device.

Cancel GoodNotes on iPad or iPhone

Most UK users manage their GoodNotes subscription directly through the Apple App Store on their iPad or iPhone. Follow these steps to cancel immediately:

1. Open the App Store app on your iPad or iPhone.
   • Tap the profile icon in the top-right corner (your face or initials in a circle).
2. Select "Subscriptions" from the menu.
   • You'll see all active subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
3. Find GoodNotes in the list and tap it.
   • You'll see your renewal date, price, and payment method.
4. Tap "Cancel subscription" or "Cancel [plan name]".
   • Apple will ask you to confirm; select "Confirm cancellation".
5. You'll receive an on-screen confirmation and an email to your Apple ID address within minutes.
   • Save this email as proof of cancellation for your records.

Your subscription ends immediately, and you won't be charged at the next renewal date. You retain access to GoodNotes until your current paid period expires. After cancellation, your notes stay in iCloud indefinitely-they are not deleted.

Cancel GoodNotes through the app store website on mac

If you prefer to cancel on a computer, you can manage your subscription via the App Store website:

1. Visit appleid.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
   • Use the same Apple ID linked to your GoodNotes subscription.
2. Click "Media and Purchases" in the left-hand menu.
   • Select "Subscriptions".
3. Find GoodNotes and click the "Edit" button next to it.
   • A dropdown menu will appear with subscription details.
4. Click "Cancel subscription".
   • Confirm your cancellation when prompted.
5. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from Apple within 10 minutes.
   • Screenshot this confirmation as evidence.

This method works equally well and leaves you with a digital paper trail for your records. At Tocancel, we recommend keeping all cancellation confirmations for at least 12 months in case billing disputes arise.

Cancel if you subscribed through GoodNotes' website directly

Some UK users purchase directly through GoodNotes' website rather than the App Store. If this applies to you, follow this process:

1. Visit the GoodNotes website and log in to your account.
   • Use the email address linked to your subscription.
2. Navigate to "Account Settings" or "Subscription Management".
   • Look for a section labelled "Billing" or "Active Subscriptions".
3. Select your active GoodNotes 6 subscription.
   • You'll see your renewal date and payment method displayed.
4. Click "Cancel subscription" or "Manage subscription" and then "Cancel".
   • You may be offered a discount or extended trial to retain you-decline these if you're certain.
5. Confirm your cancellation and request a confirmation email be sent to you immediately.
   • If the website doesn't send one automatically, use the contact form to request written confirmation.

Direct website cancellations should be processed instantly, though some companies take up to 2 business days to reflect the change. Request written confirmation via email so you have proof for disputing any unexpected charges later.

What to do after you cancel your GoodNotes subscription

Cancellation is only the first step-protecting your data and confirming the cancellation matters equally.

Export and secure your notes before access expires

Although your notes won't be deleted, your access to them depends on your iCloud account remaining active. Export your notebooks to PDF or another format to guarantee you keep them forever:

1. Open GoodNotes and select a notebook you want to save.
   • You can export one notebook at a time or all of them in sequence.
2. Tap the "Share" or "Export" button (look for an arrow pointing out of a box).
   • Select "PDF" as your export format.
3. Choose "Save to Files" or "Save to iCloud Drive".
   • This copies a permanent, non-editable version of your notes.
4. Repeat for all notebooks you want to keep.
   • Alternatively, email PDFs to yourself as a backup.
5. Download the PDFs to your computer or external storage device.
   • A physical backup protects you against iCloud account loss.

Once your current billing period expires (typically 30 days after cancellation), you'll revert to the free tier with 3 editable notebooks. Your exported PDFs remain accessible and editable in any PDF reader forever.

Verify the cancellation was processed

Within 24 hours of cancellation, verify that your request went through:

1. Check your email for cancellation confirmation.
   • Search for emails from Apple, GoodNotes, or your payment provider containing "cancel" or "subscription".
2. Log back into your Apple ID or GoodNotes account and confirm GoodNotes is no longer listed as active.
   • It may still show as "Expires on [date]" until your current period ends-this is normal.
3. Check your payment method (debit or credit card) to ensure no charge appears for the next renewal.
   • Watch for charges in the week before your old renewal date.

If you don't receive a confirmation email, or your subscription still shows as active after 48 hours, contact Apple Support or GoodNotes directly via their website and request written confirmation of cancellation.

Refunds and when you're entitled to get your money back

Your refund eligibility depends on timing and usage.

Refunds within 14 days of first purchase

If you cancel within 14 days of your initial GoodNotes subscription charge and have not used the app significantly, you have a legal right to a full refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. To claim this:

1. Confirm the purchase date of your first GoodNotes subscription charge.
   • Check your Apple ID email or payment statement-the date you were charged is the start date.
2. Cancel immediately through the App Store or website (see steps above).
   • Do this within 14 calendar days of that first charge.
3. If a refund is not processed automatically within 7 days, contact Apple Support or GoodNotes directly.
   • Cite the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and request your refund in writing via email.
4. Keep all correspondence and proof of cancellation.
   • You may need this if you escalate your complaint to Tocancel or the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

Apple typically processes refunds within 5 to 10 business days. If you don't see the money back after this period, follow up with proof of cancellation and your Consumer Rights Act claim.

Refunds after 14 days

After 14 days, refund eligibility is limited. You can request your money back only if GoodNotes fails to deliver the service as promised-for example, if the app crashes repeatedly, doesn't sync properly, or becomes completely unusable. Standard cancellation after 14 days ends future charges but does not entitle you to a refund of the amount you've already paid, unless there is a fault.

If you believe GoodNotes is faulty or misrepresented, email their support team with screenshots or details of the problem. Reference the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and ask for a refund or service credit. Tocancel can advise you further if the company refuses.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling

Cancelling feels straightforward, but small oversights can create problems down the line.

Forgetting to download your notes before cancellation

You won't lose your notes immediately, but failing to export them means you're relying entirely on iCloud for long-term storage. If your Apple ID is ever compromised, deleted, or you switch to Android, your notes vanish. Download PDFs of every important notebook as soon as you cancel. This takes 15 minutes and guarantees lifetime access to your work.

Cancelling through the wrong account or payment method

If you've changed your Apple ID or payment method since you first subscribed, make sure you cancel through the account that actually holds the subscription. Cancelling through a different Apple ID leaves your original subscription active and you'll be charged at renewal. Verify which account holds your GoodNotes subscription by checking your most recent invoice before you cancel.

Not confirming cancellation in writing

Screenshot your on-screen cancellation confirmation and save the confirmation email. If a surprise charge appears after cancellation, you'll need evidence that you cancelled. Without proof, disputing the charge with your bank becomes harder. At Tocancel, we advise keeping cancellation records for one full year after your billing cycle ends.

Assuming cancellation means immediate data deletion

Your notes are not deleted when you cancel. They stay in iCloud unless you explicitly delete them yourself. However, don't delay exporting them-cloud storage can be lost due to account issues, hacking, or company changes. Assume nothing; download your data now as insurance.

Comparison: GoodNotes versus alternative note-taking apps

Before you cancel, consider whether another app better suits your needs and budget.

If cost is your main concern, Notability offers permanent ownership instead of annual fees-you pay once and own the app forever. OneNote is free and syncs across all devices. Apple Notes is built into your phone and costs nothing. Consider switching if your workflow doesn't require GoodNotes' advanced AI tools or specific handwriting features. However, if you love GoodNotes' functionality and can afford £9.99 annually, keeping it is simpler than migrating your notebooks elsewhere.

Your next steps: confirm your cancellation with tocancel

You now understand your rights, your pricing, and exactly how to cancel. The final step is action: cancel today if you're certain, or reach out to Tocancel if you need clarification on your rights or encounter pushback from GoodNotes.

Checklist: before you hit the cancel button

1. Identify which subscription tier you hold (annual, free, or legacy GoodNotes 5).
   • Check your last invoice or Apple ID email for proof.
2. Confirm which platform holds your subscription (Apple App Store or GoodNotes website).
   • Log in to verify it's active and note the renewal date.
3. Export all important notebooks to PDF format and save them locally.
   • Spend 15 minutes doing this-it's non-negotiable.
4. Set a phone reminder for the renewal date (typically one month after cancellation).
   • Verify no charge appears on that date.
5. Screenshot the confirmation page and save the confirmation email in a dedicated folder.
   • Label it "GoodNotes Cancellation [date]" for easy reference.

If you encounter resistance or unexpected charges

If GoodNotes or Apple refuses to process your cancellation, or if a charge appears after you've cancelled, Tocancel is here to help. Document everything: dates, confirmation emails, screenshots, and correspondence with support staff. Contact Tocancel directly-our team has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions and dispute unexpected charges. We'll guide you through an escalation with Apple Support or lodge a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if necessary, at no cost to you.

Contact details for escalation

If cancellation fails or charges persist after you've cancelled, contact GoodNotes directly:

Time Base Technology Limited (GoodNotes developer)
Address: Unit 3, 27 Argyle Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong

You can also file a complaint with Apple at appleid.apple.com/contact or contact Apple Support directly through your device settings.

For broader consumer protection, contact:

Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Phone: 0808 223 1133 (free)
Web: citizensadvice.org.uk

Financial Ombudsman Service (for payment disputes)
Phone: 0800 023 4567
Web: financial-ombudsman.org.uk

Summary: take control of your GoodNotes subscription today

GoodNotes is a powerful app, but only you decide whether it's worth £9.99 per year. If it isn't, cancellation is simple: open the App Store, select Subscriptions, find GoodNotes, and tap Cancel. You'll have proof within minutes. Your notes stay safe in iCloud. No charge will appear at renewal.

Remember your legal rights. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects you for 14 days if you want a full refund. After 14 days, you can still cancel freely-future charges stop immediately. Download your notes to PDF today so you keep them forever, regardless of what happens to your iCloud account.

Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions across dozens of platforms. If you run into trouble-unexpected charges, failed cancellations, or confusing responses from support-Tocancel is ready to step in and help you escalate. Your consumer rights are real, backed by law, and enforceable. Use them confidently.

Cancel now, export your notes, and move forward. You're in control.