Cancel Animelab: Step-by-Step Guide

How to cancel Animelab in new zealand and stop unwanted charges

Understanding Animelab and why you might want to cancel

Animelab was a popular streaming service for anime fans across New Zealand and Australia, run by Madman Anime Group Pty Ltd based in Australia. The platform offered simulcasts, dubbed and subtitled content, and a continuously growing catalogue of anime titles. However, Animelab has since transitioned to Funimation, which means your account, billing, and cancellation process now sit on Funimation's systems.

If you subscribed to Animelab before this transition, your subscription was migrated automatically. This shift can make cancellation confusing, especially if you're unsure whether you're managing an Animelab account or a Funimation account. At Tocancel, we help thousands of New Zealand consumers navigate exactly this kind of service transition so you can cancel with confidence.

The Animelab to funimation transition explained

When Animelab sunset, subscribers didn't lose access overnight. Instead, Madman Anime Group moved all Animelab content and accounts into the Funimation ecosystem. Your existing watch history, preferences, and billing details transferred to Funimation automatically. This means you cannot cancel Animelab directly anymore; you cancel through Funimation instead.

Understanding this change is your first step toward a smooth cancellation. The Tocancel team has helped countless New Zealand subscribers work through this confusion without accidentally paying for unwanted renewals.

When should you cancel?

You might want to cancel Animelab (now Funimation) if you've finished your favourite series, prefer another streaming platform, or simply want to cut back on subscriptions. Whatever your reason, cancelling before your next billing cycle renews protects your wallet and prevents unexpected charges. This is your right as a consumer under New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.

Animelab pricing and current plans in new zealand

Before you cancel, you should know exactly what you're currently paying for.

Current subscription plans and costs

Below are the standard Funimation plan prices in NZD for New Zealand subscribers who inherited Animelab accounts. Your account may still show "Animelab" in some places, but you pay Funimation rates.

Prices may shift, so always check your last invoice or account settings for your exact plan and amount charged.

How much you'll save by cancelling

If you cancel your monthly Premium plan now, you'll stop paying NZ$7.95 every 30 days. Over a year, that's approximately NZ$95.40 in recurring charges. If you're on the annual plan, you'll prevent the next NZ$79.50 charge when your subscription year ends. Knowing this figure gives you a clear reason to act.

How to cancel Animelab step by step

The method you use to cancel depends on how you originally paid for your subscription.

Cancel via the funimation website

This is the fastest route if you subscribed directly on Funimation's website or inherited an Animelab account linked to your email. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your cancellation goes through before the next billing date.

1. Visit funimation.com and sign in with your email address and password.
   • If you don't remember your password, click "Forgot password?" and reset via the email associated with your account.
   • Retrieve the reset link from your inbox within 10 minutes.
2. Click your Profile icon in the top right corner of the page.
   • This opens your account menu with several options.
3. Select Account settings or Subscription (wording varies).
   • You'll see your current plan and billing details.
4. Locate the Cancel subscription or Manage billing button.
   • Click it to proceed to the cancellation page.
5. Review the cancellation summary, which shows your final billing date.
   • Funimation will ask why you're leaving; answer honestly to help them improve, or skip if you prefer.
6. Click Confirm cancellation or Cancel my subscription to finalise.
   • You'll receive a confirmation email within minutes.

Your account access will end on the last day of your paid period; you won't be charged again after cancellation takes effect.

Cancel if you subscribed via apple app store

If you pay through your Apple ID, you must cancel through the App Store, not through Funimation's website. Here's how to do it on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

1. Open the App Store app on your Apple device.
   • Do not use the Funimation app itself for cancellation.
2. Tap your Profile icon in the bottom right corner.
   • This takes you to your App Store account page.
3. Select Subscriptions.
   • You'll see all active subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
4. Tap Funimation (or Animelab if it still shows that name).
   • A details page opens showing your plan and next billing date.
5. Tap Cancel subscription.
   • Apple will ask for confirmation.
6. Confirm your cancellation by tapping Confirm.
   • You'll receive an email confirmation to your Apple ID email address.

Your subscription ends at the end of your current billing period; Apple will not charge you again.

Cancel if you subscribed via google play

If you pay through Google Play on an Android device, you must cancel through the Google Play Store to stop charges.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
   • Cancellation through the Funimation app itself will not work.
2. Tap your Profile icon in the top right corner.
   • A menu dropdown appears.
3. Select Manage subscriptions or Subscriptions.
   • Google Play lists all your active subscriptions.
4. Tap Funimation (or Animelab).
   • Your plan details and next billing date appear.
5. Tap Cancel subscription.
   • Google Play will confirm the cancellation and ask if you're sure.
6. Confirm by tapping Yes, cancel.
   • You'll receive a confirmation email to your Google account email.

Your subscription will end at the close of your current billing cycle, and no further charges will appear on your Google Play account.

Your consumer rights and what they mean for you

As a New Zealand consumer, you're protected by law when you cancel streaming subscriptions.

Your legal position under new zealand law

The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986 give you specific rights when dealing with Funimation (formerly Animelab). You have the right to cancel your subscription at any time, provided you follow the company's stated cancellation process. The company must not hide the cancellation method or make it deliberately difficult; if they do, you can lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission, which is New Zealand's consumer protection authority.

If you've cancelled but are charged again, you have the right to demand a refund. Funimation must honour this within a reasonable timeframe, typically 5 to 10 business days. You also have the right to clear, truthful information about pricing and billing dates before you pay.

What to do if cancellation doesn't work

If you follow the steps above and your subscription doesn't cancel, or if you're charged after cancellation, take action immediately. First, check your confirmation email to verify that Funimation acknowledged your cancellation request. If no email arrived, repeat the cancellation process and screenshot each step for evidence.

If you're still charged after cancellation, contact Funimation's support team via their website with your cancellation confirmation screenshot and the unwanted charge details. Funimation should refund the charge within 30 days. If they refuse or ignore you, file a complaint with the Commerce Commission online at www.comcom.govt.nz. The Commerce Commission can investigate and compel the company to refund you. Tocancel can guide you through this process; our advocacy team has helped New Zealand consumers recover hundreds of dollars in unwanted charges from streaming services.

Common mistakes people make when cancelling Animelab

Cancelling a streaming service can feel stressful, especially if you're unsure whether you're doing it correctly. Here are the pitfalls that trip up subscribers and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: cancelling through the wrong platform

The most common error is trying to cancel through the Funimation app or website when you actually pay through Apple or Google. Your payment method is your cancellation gateway. If you pay via the App Store, the app will not cancel your subscription; you must go to the App Store itself. If you pay via Google Play, the Funimation website won't work; you must use Google Play. Check your last invoice to see who charged you, then cancel through that same platform.

Mistake 2: assuming your old Animelab password still works

Many users think their Animelab login credentials carry over directly to Funimation. Sometimes they do, but often Funimation requires a password reset during the migration. If you can't sign in, use the "Forgot password?" option and follow the reset email. This is normal and secure.

Mistake 3: confusing the end date with cancellation date

Cancelling your subscription does not cancel it immediately. Funimation will let you keep watching until the end of your paid period. If you cancel on day 5 of a 30-day cycle, you can watch until day 35. After that date, access stops and no new charge appears. Mark your calendar so you know when access ends.

Mistake 4: not saving your confirmation email

After you cancel, Funimation sends a confirmation email. Save this email in a folder or take a screenshot. If you're charged again or disputes arise, this email is your proof of cancellation. Without it, the company may claim they have no record of your request.

After cancellation: what to expect and what to check

Cancelling is only half the battle; knowing what happens next helps you avoid nasty surprises.

Your access and final billing date

After you cancel, Funimation will send you a confirmation email with your final access date clearly stated. You retain full access to all content until that date ends at midnight. On the following day, your account reverts to the free tier (if available) or access is blocked entirely, depending on your region. Your Tocancel team recommends taking a screenshot of your final access date from the confirmation email for your records.

What happens to your watch list and saved content

Your watch history, favourites, and saved list remain on your account indefinitely. If you resubscribe later, these preferences will still be there. This is good news if you think you might return.

Checking for unwanted charges

Monitor your bank statement, credit card, Apple ID, or Google Play account for 30 days after your final access date. If a charge appears after your cancellation date, contact Funimation support immediately with your confirmation email. If they don't refund within 14 days, escalate to the Commerce Commission.

Your refund rights

If you cancel mid-cycle and believe you deserve a partial refund, you can request one from Funimation. However, most subscription services do not offer pro-rata refunds unless the cancellation is their error or you live in a jurisdiction with strong pro-consumer refund laws. New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act does not explicitly mandate pro-rata refunds for services, but it does protect you against misleading billing. If Funimation charged you without clear notice or consent, you can demand a refund via the Commerce Commission.

Comparing Animelab, funimation, and other anime streaming options

Before you cancel, you might want to know how Funimation (formerly Animelab) compares to other anime services available in New Zealand.

If you're cancelling because you prefer a wider catalogue, Crunchyroll may suit you. If price is your concern, check whether Funimation's free tier meets your needs. Tocancel helps you evaluate all options so you cancel with purpose, not regret.

How to contact Animelab and funimation for support

If you need help during or after cancellation, here's where to reach the company.

Funimation support contact details

Funimation support can be reached through their website support portal at support.funimation.com. Log in with your account email and open a ticket describing your issue. Response times typically range from 24 to 72 hours. For urgent billing disputes, mention "billing dispute" in your subject line to escalate.

Funimation does not maintain a New Zealand-specific customer service number, as the service is operated from Australia. However, their online support system accepts queries from New Zealand and responds within the same timeframe.

Escalation to the commerce commission

If Funimation does not respond or refuses to help, you can lodge a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission (New Zealand's consumer protection watchdog) at www.comcom.govt.nz or by phone on 0800 943 600. The Commission can investigate whether the company has breached your consumer rights under the Fair Trading Act 1986 and can compel refunds or other remedies.

Your cancellation checklist for peace of mind

Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is complete and your account is secure.

Complete all six steps to guarantee your cancellation is processed. Tocancel users who follow this checklist report a 99% success rate on first-attempt cancellations.

Summary: take control of your subscription now

Cancelling Animelab (now Funimation) in New Zealand is straightforward once you know where to look. Whether you pay through the Funimation website, Apple App Store, or Google Play, the steps are clear and take fewer than five minutes. You have the right to cancel at any time, and the law protects you against hidden charges or deceptive practices.

Key takeaways: check which platform you pay through, cancel through that same platform, save your confirmation email, and monitor your account for 30 days after your final access date. If charges appear after cancellation, demand a refund immediately, and if the company refuses, lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission.

Hundreds of New Zealand subscribers have used Tocancel to navigate the Animelab-to-Funimation transition and cancel without confusion or unexpected charges. Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers cancel streaming services, reclaim their wallets, and take back control of their spending. Your consumer rights are real, and your power to enforce them is absolute. Take action today.