Cancel Highlights: Step-by-Step Guide

How to cancel Highlights and take control of your child's subscriptions

Understanding Highlights and how it works

Highlights is a children's digital magazine and app designed for kids aged 6 to 12, offering stories, puzzles, and interactive activities that engage young minds. You can access Highlights through the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or the Highlights website, with subscription plans ranging from weekly to yearly options, plus one-time premium content purchases. Understanding how your subscription renews is the foundation of managing your account with confidence.

The service operates on an automatic renewal model by default, which means your subscription charges you at the end of each billing cycle unless you actively cancel. This auto-renewal feature is legal under South African consumer law, but you have a clear right to stop it at any time. Tocancel is here to walk you through every cancellation method available to you and help you avoid unexpected charges.

How your Highlights subscription renews

Your subscription automatically renews based on your chosen plan period, whether weekly, monthly, or yearly. The platform where you made your purchase-Apple App Store, Google Play, or the Highlights website-is where you manage your renewal settings and cancellation options. This means your cancellation method depends entirely on where you signed up.

Free trials commonly come with Highlights. However, any unused trial time disappears once you upgrade to a paid subscription. If you have seven days remaining on a free trial and decide to purchase a monthly plan, you forfeit that remaining week without any credit toward your paid subscription.

Highlights pricing and subscription plans

Highlights offers multiple subscription tiers to suit different family budgets and commitment levels. The following table shows the main plans available in South Africa.

The yearly plan offers the best value if you commit long-term, but also carries the highest financial risk if you cancel partway through. The monthly plan gives you flexibility to reassess each month without overcommitting.

When to cancel Highlights

Your decision to cancel Highlights is entirely yours, and valid reasons for cancellation are common and legitimate.

Common reasons families cancel

Your child has outgrown the content or lost interest in the puzzles and stories. Perhaps you are consolidating subscriptions to tighten household spending, or you found a competing service that suits your child better. You may have signed up for a free trial, forgotten about the auto-renewal, and now want to stop charges before they start. Whatever your reason, Tocancel empowers you to cancel on your own terms without guilt or pressure.

If you enrolled in a free trial and realised Highlights is not right for your family, cancelling before the trial converts to a paid subscription is critical. This prevents an unwanted charge and protects your payment method from recurring deductions.

Why cancel sooner rather than later

Cancelling immediately when you know you no longer want the service protects you from surprise charges. Waiting "a few more days" often results in an unexpected renewal that triggers unwanted costs and frustration. The longer you delay, the greater the risk of being charged for another billing period you did not intend to purchase. Take action now, and you avoid that stress entirely.

Your consumer rights and south african law

South African consumer law gives you clear protection when dealing with auto-renewal subscriptions like Highlights.

What the consumer protection act says

The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) of 2008 protects your right to cancel subscription services and governs how companies handle automatic renewals. Under the CPA, you have the right to cancel any subscription at any time, and cancellation must be as easy as the signup process. This means Highlights cannot force you to use phone calls, postal mail, or lengthy forms to cancel if they allowed you to sign up online in seconds.

Your legal position is strong: you are the consumer, Highlights is the supplier, and the law is on your side. If Highlights refuses to cancel your subscription or makes the process unreasonably difficult, you can lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC), which enforces the CPA.

Your right to refunds

Refund eligibility depends on your cancellation timing and the service terms. If you cancel within a free trial period, you should receive no charge. If you cancel within 30 days of being charged (in some cases), you may qualify for a refund under the CPA's cooling-off period, though Highlights may apply service-use deductions. Always ask Highlights for a refund when you cancel, and document their response. If they refuse unreasonably, escalate to the NCC.

How to cancel Highlights step-by-step

Cancellation steps depend on where you purchased your subscription, so follow the method that matches your signup platform.

Cancel via apple app store (iOS)

If you subscribed to Highlights through the Apple App Store on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, follow these steps:

1. Open the Apple App Store app on your device
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner
3. Select "Subscriptions"
4. Find "Highlights" in your active subscriptions list
5. Tap "Highlights" to view your subscription details
6. Tap "Cancel Subscription" or "Edit Subscription"
7. Confirm the cancellation when prompted
   • Apple will ask you to confirm-select "Confirm Cancellation"
   • You will see a confirmation screen confirming your subscription has ended
8. Check your email for an Apple cancellation confirmation receipt

Your access to Highlights continues until the end of your current billing cycle, after which it stops. You will not be charged for the next renewal period.

Cancel via google play store (Android)

If you subscribed through Google Play on an Android device, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Play Store app
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner
3. Select "Payments and subscriptions"
4. Tap "Subscriptions"
5. Find and tap "Highlights"
6. Tap "Cancel subscription"
7. Follow the prompts to confirm your cancellation
   • Google will ask for a reason (optional, but helpful feedback)
   • Confirm the final cancellation
8. Look for a confirmation email from Google Play

Your subscription ends at the close of your current billing period. No further charges will occur.

Cancel via the Highlights website or email

If you subscribed directly through the Highlights website or prefer to cancel by email or WhatsApp, follow these steps:

1. Log into your Highlights account on their website
   • Go to the Highlights homepage
   • Click "Account" or "Sign In" (location varies by browser)
   • Enter your login credentials
2. Navigate to your "Subscription" or "Billing" settings
3. Look for a "Cancel Subscription" button or link
4. If no online cancellation option is visible, send an email or WhatsApp to Highlights support with the following details:
   • Your full name and email address associated with the account
   • Your subscription plan type and billing period
   • A clear request: "I want to cancel my Highlights subscription effective immediately"
   • Request written confirmation of cancellation
5. Keep a copy of your email or screenshot of your WhatsApp message as proof
6. Wait for a confirmation email from Highlights confirming the cancellation

If Highlights does not reply within 5 business days or refuses your online cancellation request, document everything and contact Tocancel for guidance on your next escalation steps.

What happens after you cancel Highlights

Understanding what occurs after you press "cancel" removes uncertainty and helps you plan accordingly.

Your access timeline after cancellation

You retain access to Highlights until the end of your current billing cycle. If you cancelled on day 5 of a 30-day month, you enjoy full access until day 30, then the app restricts you from day 31 onwards. No charge occurs on day 31. If you cancelled during a free trial, your access stops immediately (or at the end of the trial, depending on Highlights' terms).

Take a screenshot or note of any content your child likes before access ends, in case you want to reference it later or remember specific puzzles and stories.

Confirmation and record-keeping

Always keep cancellation confirmations for your records. Save the email confirmation from Highlights or a screenshot of the app confirmation screen. This protects you if a charge appears on your next bank statement-you have proof of cancellation and can dispute the charge with your bank and the NCC if needed.

Check your bank or credit card statement 5-7 days after your billing cycle ends to confirm no charge appears. If an unexpected charge does appear, contact Highlights immediately with your cancellation proof, and if they do not refund within 10 days, escalate to your bank's dispute resolution team.

Refund policy and how to claim

Refund eligibility depends on when you cancel and Highlights' specific terms.

When you can claim a refund

You may qualify for a refund if you cancel within 30 days of being charged (South Africa's cooling-off period under the CPA). However, Highlights may deduct a service-use fee if you accessed content during that period. Free trial cancellations typically incur no charge, so no refund is needed. Yearly subscriptions cancelled mid-term have the strongest refund case, as you paid a large upfront sum for unused months.

To claim a refund, email or WhatsApp Highlights support immediately after cancelling, stating: "I cancelled my subscription on [date]. I request a refund of [amount] under my cooling-off rights. Please confirm the refund within 10 days." Provide your subscription details and cancellation confirmation.

Refund timelines

Highlights should process refunds within 10-15 business days. The refund returns to your original payment method-the bank account or credit card you used to subscribe. Check your bank statement 15-20 business days after requesting the refund. If the refund does not appear, contact Highlights for a tracking reference, and if they cannot provide one, escalate to the NCC or your bank.

Common cancellation mistakes to avoid

Cancellation feels straightforward until a mistake costs you money or access. Recognising these pitfalls now protects you from frustration.

Mistake 1: cancelling only the app, not the subscription

Deleting the Highlights app from your phone does not cancel your subscription. The subscription lives in your app store account (Apple or Google), not on your device. You must cancel through the app store settings or Highlights' website to stop renewal. Deleting the app alone leaves your subscription active and charges you on renewal day. Always cancel the subscription first, then delete the app if you wish.

Mistake 2: forgetting the free trial end date

Free trials convert to paid subscriptions automatically on the final day unless you cancel before then. Mark the trial end date on your calendar immediately after signing up. Set a phone reminder for 2 days before the end date to cancel in time. If you forget and get charged, you have 30 days to request a refund under the cooling-off period.

Mistake 3: not saving your cancellation confirmation

Without proof of cancellation, you have no defence if Highlights claims you never cancelled or if an unexpected charge appears. Take a screenshot of the app cancellation confirmation, save cancellation emails, or keep a copy of your email cancellation request. This evidence protects you when disputing unwanted charges with your bank.

Mistake 4: assuming cancellation is instant

Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, not immediately. If you cancel on day 15 of a 30-day cycle, you are still charged on day 30, and your access continues until day 30. This is legal and correct. Plan your cancellation timing accordingly, and do not assume you stop being charged the moment you click "cancel."

How to protect yourself going forward

Preventing future subscription trouble starts with awareness and simple habits.

Subscription audit checklist

Review all active subscriptions on your devices once every three months. Check your Apple App Store subscriptions, Google Play subscriptions, and direct billing accounts. Cancel anything you no longer use or cannot justify financially. This prevents "subscription creep"-the gradual buildup of small recurring charges that grow into a significant monthly expense without your conscious awareness.

Set phone reminders for any free trials before they convert to paid subscriptions. Track your billing dates in a spreadsheet or calendar. Review your bank and credit card statements line-by-line each month to catch unexpected charges early. These habits turn subscription management from a reactive crisis into a simple monthly habit.

When to contact tocancel for help

Tocancel assists consumers who face resistance when cancelling subscriptions like Highlights. If Highlights ignores your cancellation request, refuses to cancel online, or makes the process unreasonably difficult, Tocancel guides you through escalation with the National Consumer Commission. If you believe Highlights has charged you unfairly after cancellation, Tocancel helps you document the dispute and recover your money. Tocancel specialises in exactly this scenario, and your case matters.

Comparison of cancellation methods

Different cancellation routes offer different advantages. Choose the method that matches your subscription source and comfort level.

Highlights contact and cancellation information

If you need to reach Highlights directly to cancel or ask questions, use the contact methods below.

How to contact Highlights

Highlights provides cancellation support through multiple channels. Email your cancellation request to their customer support address, or use their WhatsApp contact if available. You can also manage your subscription directly through the Highlights website account settings. For the most up-to-date contact information, visit the Highlights website or check the app's "Help" or "Support" section.

When contacting Highlights, always include your email address associated with the account, your subscription plan, and the date you wish the cancellation to take effect. Request written confirmation, and save all correspondence.

Escalation if Highlights refuses

If Highlights refuses to cancel your subscription or ignores your cancellation request, lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) at ncc.org.za or call 0860 352 942. The NCC enforces the Consumer Protection Act and can compel Highlights to cancel your subscription and issue a refund if warranted. Your complaint is free, and the NCC has authority over all South African businesses.

Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, dispute unfair charges, and recover their money when companies refused to listen. If Highlights becomes unresponsive or difficult, Tocancel provides step-by-step guidance through the escalation process and helps you build a complaint case that the NCC will take seriously. You do not have to fight alone.

Final steps and summary

Cancelling Highlights is straightforward when you follow the right steps for your subscription source. You have strong legal rights under the Consumer Protection Act, and no legitimate company can prevent you from cancelling. Act now to avoid unwanted charges, save your confirmation, and monitor your next bank statement for peace of mind.

Tocancel stands ready to support you if Highlights does not cooperate. Visit tocancel.com today to find more cancellation guides, escalation templates, and consumer rights resources. Tocancel empowers South African consumers to cancel subscriptions with confidence and protect themselves from surprise charges. Take control of your subscriptions now, and reclaim your money.