Cancel Freemake: The Right Way

How to cancel your Freemake subscription and get a refund in new zealand

What is Freemake and why you might use it

Freemake is a Windows-based software suite that helps you convert videos, download online content, and edit audio files. The platform appeals to hobbyists, students, and casual creators who need straightforward tools without complex interfaces or steep learning curves. If you've been using Freemake to handle media projects but now find yourself ready to move on, you have clear rights to cancel-and Tocancel is here to walk you through the exact process.

Core features and subscription options

Freemake offers both flexible short-term trials and long-term licenses. You can choose a one-week trial to test features, a monthly subscription that renews automatically, or a one-time lifetime license. Premium features include watermark removal, faster video conversion speeds, subtitle editing, DVD menu creation, and Full HD output quality. Most users start with a trial, then decide whether to upgrade or move to a different tool.

Common reasons people cancel Freemake

You might cancel because your video project is complete, you've found free alternatives like HandBrake or VLC that meet your needs, or you realise the premium features aren't worth the monthly cost. Others cancel after discovering the free version provides everything they actually use. Whatever your reason, cancelling is straightforward once you know where to look.

Freemake pricing in new zealand dollars

Freemake displays prices in USD on its website, so costs fluctuate with exchange rates. We've converted approximate NZD values below to help you compare plans, but always check Freemake's checkout page for exact current pricing before you commit.

Subscription plans and their costs

Why lifetime might be smarter than monthly

If you're on a monthly plan and think you'll use Freemake for more than 18 months, you've already paid more than the NZ$96 lifetime cost. In that case, cancelling your subscription and buying a lifetime license once saves you money long-term. Run the maths for your own usage pattern.

Your consumer rights before you cancel

In New Zealand, the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 protects your rights as a buyer of digital services. This law gives you the right to cancel certain subscriptions within a cooling-off period, and it requires that services perform as described.

Your legal position on refunds

If you cancel a monthly subscription within 14 days of purchase (or before your first billing cycle), you have the right to a full refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act. After that period, Freemake's own refund policy applies-which typically limits refunds on subscriptions. If Freemake fails to deliver the service as advertised, or if you discover it doesn't work on your device, you can escalate your complaint to the Commerce Commission, New Zealand's consumer protection authority. Tocancel recommends checking Freemake's exact refund terms on its website before you cancel, because the 14-day cooling-off window closes quickly.

What to do if Freemake refuses your refund

If Freemake denies a refund you believe you're entitled to, contact the Commerce Commission (www.comcom.govt.nz) or file a complaint with Citizens Advice Bureau. Keep records of your purchase confirmation, cancellation request, and all correspondence with Freemake. The Commerce Commission can investigate whether the company violated your consumer rights.

How to cancel your Freemake subscription

Your cancellation method depends on where you bought your subscription: directly from Freemake's website, through PayPal, or via a mobile app store. Follow the correct path to avoid delays or missed refund deadlines.

Cancel a Freemake web subscription

If you subscribed directly on Freemake's website using a credit card or PayPal account, cancel through your account settings on their site.

1. Go to Freemake's website and log in with your email and password.
   • If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page.
2. Navigate to your account settings or billing section.
   • Look for "My subscriptions", "Billing", "Account", or "Purchases" in the menu or user dropdown (usually a profile icon in the top right).
3. Locate your active Freemake subscription in the list.
   • It will display your plan name, next renewal date, and payment method.
4. Click the "Cancel subscription" or "Unsubscribe" button next to your plan.
   • Freemake may ask why you're cancelling; this feedback is optional and doesn't affect your cancellation.
5. Confirm your cancellation when prompted.
   • You'll receive a confirmation email within minutes. Save this email as proof of your cancellation date.
6. Verify the cancellation on your next billing date.
   • Check your credit card or PayPal statement 2-3 days after the renewal date to confirm no new charge appears.

Cancel a Freemake subscription via PayPal

If you used PayPal to pay for your Freemake subscription, you can cancel directly from your PayPal account without logging into Freemake.

1. Log into your PayPal account at www.paypal.com/nz.
   • Use your email address and password.
2. Click "Settings" or "Account settings" (gear icon, usually top right).
   • Then select "Payments" or "Subscriptions and billing".
3. Find "Recurring payments" or "Subscriptions".
   • Scroll down to find Freemake in your active subscriptions list.
4. Click "Cancel" next to the Freemake subscription.
   • PayPal will confirm the cancellation instantly.
5. Request a refund if you're within 14 days of your first payment.
   • Contact PayPal customer service with your cancellation confirmation and ask for a refund; they'll process it within 5 business days.

Cancel a Freemake subscription from mobile app stores

If you subscribed through Apple App Store or Google Play, cancel through the app store, not through Freemake directly.

Apple App Store (iPhone/iPad):

1. Open the App Store app on your device.
   • Tap the profile icon (top right corner).
2. Select "Subscriptions".
   • You'll see all your active subscriptions.
3. Tap "Freemake".
   • Select your subscription plan.
4. Tap "Cancel subscription" or "Delete".
   • Confirm when prompted.

Google Play Store (Android):

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
   • Tap your profile icon (top right).
2. Select "Payments and subscriptions", then "Subscriptions".
   • You'll see all active subscriptions.
3. Tap "Freemake".
   • Select your subscription plan.
4. Tap "Cancel subscription".
   • Confirm the cancellation.

What happens after you cancel

Cancelling your subscription stops future charges, but you keep your access until the end of your current billing period. For example, if you cancel on 15 March and your monthly renewal is 20 April, you can use Freemake until 20 April at no extra cost.

Your access after cancellation

You'll revert to the free version of Freemake once your subscription period ends. This means watermarks will appear on converted videos again, conversion speeds will be slower, and advanced features like subtitle editing disappear. If you need premium features beyond your current billing date, you'll need to renew your subscription or buy a lifetime license.

Requesting a refund after cancellation

You can request a refund within 14 days of your original purchase if Freemake didn't work as described or if you simply changed your mind. Email Freemake's support team with your order number and cancellation date. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, Freemake must respond to your refund request within 20 working days. If they refuse, contact the Commerce Commission to lodge a formal complaint.

Common mistakes people make when cancelling Freemake

Cancelling feels straightforward, but small mistakes can cost you money or create confusion. Here's what to avoid.

Mistake 1: uninstalling the software instead of cancelling the subscription

Deleting the Freemake app from your computer does not cancel your subscription. Your payment method will still be charged on renewal day. Always cancel through your account settings or PayPal first, then uninstall the software.

Mistake 2: missing the 14-day refund window

You have only 14 days from purchase to claim a refund under consumer protection law. After that window, Freemake's own refund policy applies, which is usually stricter. Mark your calendar on purchase day so you don't miss this deadline.

Mistake 3: not saving your cancellation confirmation

Always screenshot or save the cancellation confirmation email Freemake sends you. If a charge appears after cancellation, you'll need this proof to dispute it with your bank or credit card company. Keep it for at least 6 months.

Mistake 4: cancelling but not checking your next billing date

Circle the renewal date on your calendar. Two to three days after that date, check your bank or PayPal account to confirm no new charge appeared. If a charge does appear, contact Freemake immediately or ask your bank to dispute it.

When to keep or cancel: a practical comparison

Before you cancel, honestly ask yourself whether Freemake still serves your needs. Tocancel helps you make this decision by laying out the maths.

After you cancel: your options

Cancelling Freemake doesn't leave you stranded. Many free and paid alternatives deliver the same results.

Free alternatives to Freemake

HandBrake is a free, open-source video converter that handles most common formats without watermarks. VLC Media Player is free and plays almost any video file you throw at it, plus handles basic conversions. DaVinci Resolve is professional-grade video editing software with a free tier that includes colour correction, editing, and audio tools. Shotcut is another free video editor with watermark-free output. If the free versions of Freemake features worked for you, any of these tools will keep you productive without monthly charges.

Paid alternatives if you need advanced features

Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro are professional editing suites with monthly subscriptions. If you need more power than Freemake, these deliver it-but they cost NZ$80+ per month. Evaluate whether you actually need that level of functionality before upgrading.

Freemake's cancellation address and contact details

If you need to escalate your cancellation or pursue a refund dispute, contact Freemake by post. Note that Freemake has no dedicated New Zealand postal address, so you'll need to use their US address.

Freemake contact address (mailing):

Freemake
Commercial Department
1900 South Norfolk Street
Suite 350
San Mateo, CA 94403
United States

If you're disputing a refund: Contact the Commerce Commission (www.comcom.govt.nz) or Citizens Advice Bureau (www.cab.org.nz). These organisations represent your interests if Freemake refuses to honour your consumer rights.

Your cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to confirm you've covered every step of cancelling Freemake and protecting your money.

• ☐ Decide whether to cancel now or wait until your current billing cycle ends
• ☐ Log into your Freemake account (or PayPal / app store account)
• ☐ Navigate to subscriptions or billing section
• ☐ Click "Cancel subscription" and confirm
• ☐ Save the cancellation confirmation email or screenshot
• ☐ Mark your next renewal date on your calendar
• ☐ Check your bank or PayPal statement 2-3 days after renewal date to confirm no charge
• ☐ If a charge appears, contact your bank to dispute it within 5 working days
• ☐ If you're within 14 days of purchase, request a refund from Freemake support
• ☐ If Freemake refuses your refund, file a complaint with the Commerce Commission

Summary: taking action on your Freemake cancellation

You have the right to cancel your Freemake subscription at any time, and you have additional consumer protections if you act within 14 days of your purchase. The cancellation process itself takes fewer than 5 minutes-whether you subscribed directly through Freemake's website, PayPal, or a mobile app store. What matters most is confirming that the next charge doesn't appear and keeping proof of your cancellation for at least 6 months.

Freemake users often feel trapped by automatic renewal, but you're not. Once you cancel, your subscription ends cleanly. If Freemake refuses a refund you're entitled to, the Commerce Commission stands behind your consumer rights. Tocancel has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel subscriptions just like yours-and we're here to make sure you know exactly where to click, what to expect, and what to do if something goes wrong. Your next step is simple: log into your account, find your subscription, and click cancel. Your money, and your peace of mind, are worth it.