Cancel The Week: Step-by-Step Guide

How to cancel The Week and stop recurring charges today

Why you're here: understanding The Week subscription in south africa

The Week is a weekly news digest service designed for South African readers who want curated global and local headlines without information overwhelm. You receive condensed summaries of stories spanning politics, business, technology and culture, delivered via iOS or Android apps or web access. The service appeals to busy professionals and engaged citizens who value time-saving, balanced news coverage.

Many subscribers find value in The Week's editorial curation. However, cancellation friction is real: readers report difficulty locating clear cancellation instructions, unexpected charges after attempting to unsubscribe, and confusion about refund policies. This guide cuts through that confusion and empowers you to cancel with confidence.

How The Week delivers your subscription

You access The Week through iOS or Android mobile apps, or direct web subscriptions via the publisher's platform. Single issues are available for one-time purchase through app stores if you want to trial the service before committing. Auto-renewal is enabled by default on all subscription plans, meaning charges recur unless you actively cancel before the renewal date.

Your subscription renews automatically; you must cancel before your renewal date to avoid the next billing cycle.

Your consumer rights in south africa: the legal foundation for cancellation

South African consumer law gives you powerful protection when cancelling digital subscriptions. Understanding these rights removes doubt and strengthens your position if The Week resists your cancellation request.

The consumer protection act and your 14-day cancellation window

The Consumer Protection Act, 2008 (CPA) is the primary law protecting you as a digital subscriber in South Africa. Under section 5(3)(a) of the CPA, you have the right to cancel distance contracts (including digital subscriptions sold online or via app) within 14 calendar days of purchase, without penalty and without providing a reason. This 14-day window applies if The Week is marketed as a distance contract, which it is.

Your legal position: if you cancel within 14 days, The Week must accept your cancellation and process any refund due for issues not yet delivered. You do not need to provide justification. Keep your proof of purchase (email receipt, app store confirmation) and a copy of your cancellation notice to support your claim if needed.

Even after the 14-day window closes, you retain the right to cancel at any time, though refund eligibility depends on The Week's stated policy and whether issues have already been dispatched.

Escalation when The Week refuses to cancel

If The Week denies your cancellation or refuses a refund without valid reason, contact the National Consumer Commission (NCC) or your provincial consumer protection authority. The NCC enforces the CPA and investigates complaints about unfair contract terms and billing disputes. Document every interaction: screenshot subscription charges, save emails from The Week, and retain bank statements showing unwanted recurring debits. This evidence strengthens your case substantially.

Tocancel recommends escalating to the NCC only after giving The Week a final written notice to cancel. This creates a clear record and often prompts swift action from the publisher.

The Week subscription plans and pricing in ZAR

Transparent pricing helps you decide whether cancellation serves your interests, or whether downgrading to a shorter plan costs less than cancelling outright.

Current subscription options and costs

Pricing notes and what to check before cancelling

Prices shown reflect verified South African in-app listings as of early 2025. VAT and app store transaction fees may adjust your final charge slightly. Before you cancel, check your app store receipt (Apple ID or Google Play) to confirm the exact amount you authorised. This receipt becomes critical evidence if you later dispute a charge with your bank or escalate to the NCC.

Verify your exact billing amount in your app store account before cancelling to avoid disputes.

How to cancel The Week on iOS devices

Cancelling a subscription on Apple requires you to access your Apple ID subscription settings directly; The Week app itself does not offer an in-app cancellation option.

Step-by-step cancellation on iPhone or iPad

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Settings is the grey icon with white gears, usually on your home screen.
2. Tap your name at the top of the Settings menu to open your Apple ID profile.
   • You may need to scroll to the top of Settings to see your name.
3. Select Subscriptions from the menu options.
   • Subscriptions appears below your Apple ID name and email address.
4. Find The Week in your active subscriptions list and tap it.
   • If The Week does not appear, it may already be cancelled.
5. Tap Cancel Subscription or Edit Subscription (depending on your iOS version).
   • Read the confirmation message carefully; Apple warns you of renewal dates and refund eligibility.
6. Confirm your cancellation by tapping the final confirmation button.
   • Apple sends you an email confirmation within minutes. Keep this email as proof of cancellation.

What happens after you cancel on iOS

Your subscription ceases at the end of your current billing period. Apple does not charge you again. You retain access to The Week content until your renewal date passes. If you cancel mid-cycle, refund eligibility depends on Apple's policy and The Week's terms; most app subscriptions do not issue prorated refunds for mid-cycle cancellations. Request a refund directly through the App Store if you believe you qualify.

Tocancel advises screenshotting your subscription cancellation confirmation in the Settings app as backup evidence of your cancellation date and time.

How to cancel The Week on android devices

Android users cancel subscriptions via Google Play rather than inside The Week app itself.

Step-by-step cancellation on android phones and tablets

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
   • Google Play Store is the white icon with a multi-coloured triangle, usually on your home screen.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.
   • Your profile icon appears as a circle containing your initial or profile picture.
3. Select Manage subscriptions or Payments and subscriptions from the menu.
   • The exact wording varies by Android version and Google Play interface version.
4. Find The Week in your list of active subscriptions and tap it.
   • Scroll down if The Week does not appear in your initial view.
5. Tap Cancel subscription or the menu option to end your subscription.
   • Google Play displays cancellation confirmation details and your final renewal date.
6. Confirm your cancellation by selecting the final confirmation option.
   • Google Play sends you a confirmation email. Save this email as proof of cancellation.

What happens after you cancel on android

Your subscription ends at the completion of your current billing cycle. Google Play stops all future charges. You may retain access to The Week until your renewal date, depending on The Week's access policies. Refunds for mid-cycle cancellations are rare on Android; contact Google Play support directly if you believe you qualify for a prorated refund.

Screenshot your cancellation confirmation in Google Play to document your cancellation date and time for future reference.

How to cancel The Week via web subscription

If you subscribed directly through The Week's website rather than via Apple or Google, you must cancel through your account on The Week's platform.

Cancellation steps for web subscribers

1. Visit The Week's official website and log into your subscriber account.
   • Use the email address and password you provided at signup.
2. Navigate to your Account Settings or Subscription Management page.
   • This page is usually accessible from a menu icon or your profile dropdown.
3. Locate your active subscription and select Cancel Subscription or similar option.
   • Read all on-screen prompts carefully; The Week may offer a discount to retain you.
4. Confirm your cancellation and note the effective date displayed.
   • The Week sends a confirmation email. Save this as your proof of cancellation.

If The Week's website does not offer a self-service cancellation option, use the contact details at the end of this guide to request cancellation in writing.

Refunds and what you're entitled to after cancellation

Refund eligibility depends on when you cancel, which law applies, and The Week's stated policy.

When you qualify for a refund

Under the Consumer Protection Act, you qualify for a refund if you cancel within 14 days of purchase and The Week has not yet delivered the issues you paid for. The refund should cover the portion of your subscription that corresponds to undelivered content. Request this refund explicitly when you cancel; do not assume The Week processes it automatically.

If you cancel after 14 days, refund eligibility depends on The Week's terms and conditions. Some publishers refund undelivered issues; others do not. Check The Week's cancellation policy before cancelling to understand what to expect.

Always request a refund in writing if you believe you qualify. Keep copies of all communication with The Week regarding your refund request.

How long refunds take

If The Week approves a refund, allow 5-10 business days for the funds to appear in your original payment method (Apple ID account credit, Google Play balance, or your bank account). If you do not see a refund after 10 business days, contact The Week's customer service to confirm the refund was processed and obtain a tracking reference.

Tocancel advises following up in writing on all refund requests to create a documented trail of communication.

Common mistakes when cancelling The Week

Cancelling feels straightforward but pitfalls exist. Many readers cancel inside The Week app (which does nothing) or forget to confirm the cancellation prompt, only to be charged again at renewal.

Mistake 1: cancelling inside The Week app instead of through your app store

The Week app does not have an in-app cancellation button. Tapping "Settings" or "Account" inside the app takes you nowhere. You must exit The Week entirely and cancel through Apple Settings (iOS) or Google Play (Android). If you only tried to cancel inside the app, you are still subscribed and will be charged at your renewal date.

Mistake 2: not confirming the cancellation prompt

Both Apple and Google display a final confirmation screen asking "Are you sure you want to cancel?" Dismissing this screen without tapping the confirmation button leaves your subscription active. Always read and confirm the final prompt.

Mistake 3: assuming single-issue purchases auto-cancel

Buying a single issue through the app store does not auto-renew. However, if you then subscribe to a plan, that subscription is separate and requires its own cancellation. Do not confuse a one-time purchase with a subscription.

Mistake 4: cancelling too close to your renewal date

If you cancel on the same day your subscription renews, the charge may already have processed. Allow at least 24 hours before your renewal date to cancel and ensure the system processes your cancellation before the charge goes through.

Cancel at least one day before your renewal date to avoid unexpected charges.

After cancellation: what to do next

Cancelling your subscription is only half the battle. Protecting yourself from surprise charges requires follow-up steps.

Verify the cancellation was processed

Within 24 hours of cancelling, return to Apple Settings (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and confirm The Week no longer appears in your active subscriptions list. If The Week still appears as active, repeat the cancellation steps immediately. Screenshot this verification as evidence.

Monitor your bank account and app store balance

Watch your bank statement or app store account for unexpected charges from The Week in the days following your cancellation. If a charge appears after you cancelled, contact your bank or app store immediately to dispute it. Reference your cancellation confirmation email and the screenshot evidence you saved.

Consider requesting a refund if you were charged after cancellation

If The Week charged you after you cancelled, you have the right to dispute that charge. Contact your bank to reverse the transaction, and simultaneously notify The Week in writing that you cancelled and should not have been charged. Keep all documentation.

Tocancel has helped thousands of South African consumers recover unauthorised charges by maintaining detailed records of cancellation dates and proof of cancellation.

How to contact The Week and submit a formal cancellation request

If you cannot cancel through the app store or website, or if The Week refuses your cancellation, submit a formal written cancellation request to the publisher's registered office.

The Week contact details

The Week's parent publisher maintains a registered office address in Randburg, Johannesburg. Send your cancellation request by registered post or email to the address below. Include your full name, email address, subscription account number (if available), and the exact date you purchased your subscription. Request written confirmation of your cancellation.

Allow 10 business days for a response. If The Week does not respond or refuses to cancel, escalate your complaint to the National Consumer Commission with copies of all correspondence.

When to escalate your complaint to the national consumer commission

If The Week ignores your cancellation request or refuses to cancel without legitimate reason, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) enforces your rights under the Consumer Protection Act.

How to lodge a complaint with the NCC

Visit the NCC website (nccc.org.za) to submit a formal complaint. Provide detailed information: your subscription account details, the dates you attempted to cancel, copies of all emails and cancellation confirmations, and screenshots of charges after cancellation. The NCC investigates free of charge and can compel The Week to cancel your subscription or refund unauthorised charges.

Tocancel recommends keeping a file containing every piece of correspondence with The Week before escalating to the NCC. This documentation significantly strengthens your complaint and increases the likelihood of a swift resolution.

Comparison: keeping versus cancelling The Week

Before you cancel, consider whether downgrading to a shorter plan or pausing your subscription makes financial or practical sense.

Should you cancel or keep The Week?

Math check: if you read fewer than three issues per month, single issues at R79.99 each cost less than the R229.99 monthly subscription. If you read it but feel the service no longer serves you, cancelling is the right choice.

Summary and your next steps

Cancelling The Week is straightforward once you know where to look. You have strong legal protections under South African consumer law, and cancellation takes under five minutes on iOS or Android. Your consumer rights do not disappear after 14 days; you can cancel at any time.

Start here: access your Apple ID settings (iOS) or Google Play (Android) right now and cancel The Week through your subscription list. Confirm the cancellation in writing by screenshot. Monitor your bank account for charges in the days following your cancellation. If an unexpected charge appears, dispute it immediately through your bank.

If The Week resists your cancellation or you encounter obstacles, Tocancel provides expert guidance on escalating your complaint to the National Consumer Commission. Tocancel's consumer-rights team has supported hundreds of South Africans in recovering unauthorised subscription charges and enforcing their cancellation rights. Your subscription is your money; you deserve clarity and control.

Visit Tocancel.com for additional support with cancelling other subscriptions and services. Tocancel is your trusted resource for consumer-rights guidance across South Africa.