Cancel Envato Elements: The Right Way

How to cancel Envato Elements in south africa and get your money back

What you need to know about Envato Elements

Envato Elements is a subscription service that gives you unlimited downloads of digital creative assets - graphics, templates, fonts, stock photos and video - all licensed for commercial use. You pay a monthly fee in USD, plus 15% VAT for South African subscribers, and gain instant access to Envato's entire library while your subscription remains active.

Designers, marketers, video creators and small businesses use Envato Elements to save time hunting for individual licences. The appeal is straightforward: one subscription, unlimited downloads, no per-download fees. However, the critical catch is this - you only keep access to what you download while your subscription is active. Once you cancel, new downloads require either a fresh subscription or a separate licence purchase.

How Envato Elements charges south african subscribers

Envato invoices you in USD. From 1 May 2024, the company applies 15% VAT on top for all South African users. Your actual ZAR amount at checkout depends on the current exchange rate and your payment method. This means your monthly cost typically falls between R200 and R350, depending on which plan you choose and currency fluctuations at the time of billing.

All payments are processed through Envato's system, and you receive an invoice email after each transaction. Understanding your invoicing structure helps you spot unexpected charges and dispute them if they breach South Africa's consumer protection laws.

Who relies on Envato Elements

Individual designers, freelance marketers, video production teams and mid-sized agencies are the primary users. Envato also offers discounted student plans if you have a valid student ID. If you create digital content professionally or semi-professionally and need fast, reliable access to a broad asset library, Envato Elements can reduce your production costs and timeline.

However, if your niche is narrow, your download frequency is low, or you have switched to a competitor like Shutterstock, Adobe Creative Cloud or Canva, cancellation makes sense.

Common reasons you might want to cancel Envato Elements

Your reason for cancelling is entirely yours, but understanding your choices helps you act with confidence.

You may cancel because the monthly cost no longer fits your budget. You might find the asset library does not match your specific niche or creative workflow. You could have switched to a competitor or discovered a free alternative that suits your needs. You might realise you download so few assets each month that the subscription does not justify its cost. Or you simply want to pause your subscription while you focus on other priorities.

Whatever your reason, Tocancel is here to walk you through the process step by step and flag any traps that could delay or complicate your cancellation. Your right to cancel a subscription at any time is protected under South Africa's Consumer Protection Act, and this guide ensures you exercise that right effectively.

How to cancel Envato Elements across all platforms

Your cancellation method depends on where you subscribed - Envato's website, Apple App Store or Google Play. Each platform requires a different approach, and cancelling in the wrong place could leave your subscription active and your card charged.

Method 1: cancel via envato's website (fastest option)

If you subscribed directly on elements.envato.com, this is your quickest route to cancellation. Follow these steps in order:

1. Visit elements.envato.com and log in with your email address and password.
   • If you have forgotten your password, click "Forgotten your password?" and reset it via email.
2. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select My Account from the dropdown menu.
   • Your profile icon typically shows your initials or a small avatar photo.
3. Navigate to the Subscriptions or Manage subscription section.
   • This appears in the left sidebar or account menu, depending on your dashboard layout.
4. Locate your Envato Elements subscription in the list and click Cancel subscription.
   • Read any confirmation message - Envato will show your final billing date and what access you lose.
5. Confirm the cancellation by clicking the final button (wording varies: "Yes, cancel" or "Confirm cancellation").
   • Do not close the page until you see the final confirmation message.
6. Screenshot the confirmation page immediately and save it to your phone or computer.
   • Envato sends a confirmation email, but a screenshot gives you a timestamped record if disputes arise later.

Your subscription will end on your next billing date. You retain access to all downloads you made during your subscription until that date. After cancellation, you cannot download new assets unless you resubscribe or purchase individual licences.

Method 2: cancel via apple app store (iOS devices)

If you subscribed through your iPhone or iPad, you must manage the cancellation through Apple's system. Cancelling on the Envato website alone will not stop Apple from charging your card.

1. Open the Apple App Store app on your iOS device (iPhone or iPad).
   • Do not open the Envato Elements app itself - use the App Store app.
2. Tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
   • This shows your Apple ID initials or profile photo.
3. Select Subscriptions from the menu.
   • You will see a list of all active subscriptions tied to your Apple ID.
4. Find Envato Elements in the list and tap on it.
   • If you have multiple subscriptions, scroll to locate Envato Elements specifically.
5. Tap Manage or the subscription name itself to open the subscription details.
   • Review your renewal date and the amount Apple charges.
6. Tap Cancel subscription at the bottom of the screen.
   • Apple may offer you a discount to stay - you can decline and proceed with cancellation.
7. Confirm your cancellation by selecting Stop subscription or Confirm.
   • Apple will send you a confirmation email within minutes.

Apple will not charge you further, and your Envato Elements access ends on your next renewal date. You keep all assets downloaded during the active subscription period.

Method 3: cancel via google play (Android devices)

If you subscribed through the Google Play Store on your Android phone or tablet, you must cancel through Google's system. Cancelling on the Envato website will not affect your Google Play subscription.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
   • Tap the profile icon in the top right corner.
2. Select Manage subscriptions or Subscriptions from the menu.
   • You will see all subscriptions linked to your Google account.
3. Tap Envato Elements to view your subscription details.
   • Check your renewal date and the ZAR amount charged each cycle.
4. Tap Cancel subscription at the bottom of the screen.
   • Google Play may show a retention offer or discount - you can skip this and proceed.
5. Confirm your cancellation by tapping Yes, cancel or similar.
   • Google will send a confirmation email to your Google account address.

Google Play stops charging your payment method immediately. Your Envato Elements access ends on your next renewal date, and you retain all assets downloaded during the active period.

Your consumer rights when cancelling in south africa

South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (CPA) gives you strong legal protection when cancelling a subscription. Understanding these rights ensures you push back if Envato refuses your cancellation or charges you after you cancel.

What the law says about subscriptions and cancellation

The CPA states that you have the right to cancel any subscription agreement at any time, and any clause that prevents or penalises cancellation is illegal. This means Envato cannot lock you into a contract or charge an early exit fee. You can cancel immediately without justifying your reason or waiting for a "cooling-off period" to elapse.

Your legal position is simple: once you initiate cancellation and receive written confirmation from Envato, the company must stop charging you on or before your next billing date. If Envato continues to charge your card after you cancel, that is a breach of the CPA, and you have the right to dispute the charge and claim a refund.

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is the enforcement body responsible for upholding the CPA. If Envato refuses to refund you or disputes your cancellation, you can lodge a complaint with the NCC at [email protected] or via their website at nccc.org.za.

Your refund rights under south african law

The CPA does not automatically entitle you to a refund for the month in which you cancel. However, if you cancel before your next billing date, Envato must not charge you again. If the company charges you after you cancel, you have the right to claim that amount as a refund.

In practice, this means you should aim to cancel at least 2-3 days before your renewal date to avoid being charged. If you miss this window and are charged, keep your cancellation confirmation email and screenshot - these are evidence that you cancelled before being charged, and they support your refund claim.

Document everything: cancellation date, confirmation email, payment receipts, and any communications with Envato support. If Envato refuses to refund you, supply this evidence to the NCC, which has the power to force the company to repay you plus interest.

What happens after you cancel Envato Elements

Cancellation does not mean instant loss of access - understanding the timeline helps you plan your asset downloads and avoid panic.

Your access timeline after cancellation

Once you cancel, you retain full access to Envato Elements and all its assets until your next scheduled billing date. This is your window to download any remaining assets you need. After your renewal date passes, Envato locks you out of new downloads, but you keep permanent access to everything you downloaded during your active subscription.

The licences you received for those assets remain valid indefinitely. You can use them in future projects without paying anything further, as long as you comply with Envato's licence terms (for example, not reselling assets as-is or claiming them as your own original work).

Resubscribing if you change your mind

If you cancel and later decide you want Envato Elements back, you can resubscribe at any time without penalty. There is no reactivation fee, and you start a fresh billing cycle. However, you do not regain access to your previous library - Envato treats a new subscription as a fresh account in terms of your download history.

If you think you might want to pause rather than permanently cancel, contact Envato support and ask about account suspension. Some SaaS providers offer this option to keep your account active without billing.

Pricing and cost breakdown for south african subscribers

Understanding what Envato charges helps you decide whether cancellation is right for you and what to expect on your final invoice.

Exchange rates fluctuate daily, so your actual ZAR amount may vary from these estimates. Check your invoice email to confirm the exact amount Envato charges you. If you see unexpected charges, screenshot your invoice and compare it against these rates - an outlier could indicate fraud or a billing error worth disputing.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling Envato Elements

Cancellation feels simple, but small mistakes can leave you charged or without proof of your action. Here is where most people stumble, and how to sidestep each trap.

Mistake 1: cancelling on the wrong platform

The biggest trap is cancelling on the Envato website when you subscribed via Apple App Store or Google Play. Your website cancellation does not touch your app store subscription, so Apple or Google continues to charge your card. You must cancel on the platform where you subscribed, period. If you are unsure where you signed up, check your email for payment receipts - they come from Apple, Google or Envato depending on your subscription source.

Mistake 2: cancelling too close to your renewal date

If you cancel on the same day as your billing date, Envato may process your renewal charge before your cancellation takes effect. Always cancel at least 2-3 days before your renewal date to build in a safety buffer. You can find your next billing date in your account settings or on your most recent invoice.

Mistake 3: not saving proof of cancellation

Envato's confirmation email can get lost or filtered into spam. Screenshot your final confirmation page and save the confirmation email to a dedicated folder on your phone or computer. If Envato charges you after you cancel and denies receiving your cancellation request, these timestamps are your only evidence.

Mistake 4: assuming you lose all your downloads

You do not lose access to assets you downloaded during your active subscription. Your licence to use those assets is permanent. Many users panic and resubscribe thinking they will lose their work - they do not. You only lose the ability to download new assets after your subscription ends.

Mistake 5: ignoring duplicate charges

If Envato charges you twice in one month or charges you after you cancel, do not ignore it. Contact your bank or payment provider immediately and dispute the charge as unauthorised. Supply your cancellation confirmation as evidence. If your bank refunds you, follow up with Envato to close the issue and prevent future disputes. Tocancel recommends documenting all communication in case you need to escalate to the NCC.

What to do if Envato refuses to refund you

If Envato ignores your refund request or denies that you cancelled, you have legal recourse. South Africa's dispute resolution system exists precisely for this scenario.

Step 1: request a refund in writing

Email Envato support at [email protected] with your cancellation confirmation, invoice, and a clear request for a refund. Keep this email and any response. If Envato does not reply within 10 business days, move to Step 2.

Step 2: escalate to the national consumer commission

Lodge a formal complaint with the NCC by visiting nccc.org.za or emailing [email protected]. Include your name, contact details, order number, cancellation proof and a description of the dispute. The NCC investigates complaints at no cost to you and has the power to order Envato to refund you plus interest and costs.

Step 3: dispute the charge with your bank

Contact your bank and report the charge as fraudulent or unauthorised. Provide your cancellation confirmation as evidence. Your bank can reverse the charge while the dispute is being investigated. This step does not replace the NCC complaint but works alongside it.

Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers navigate similar disputes with SaaS providers, and the combination of NCC involvement and bank-level dispute resolution almost always results in a refund. Do not accept silence or denial from Envato - your rights are clear and enforceable.

Checklist: what to do before and after cancelling

Use this checklist to ensure you cancel cleanly and retain proof of everything.

• Note your next billing date (found in your account settings or invoice email).
• List all assets you still need to download before your subscription ends.
• Download any assets you use regularly as backup files in case Envato changes its terms.
• Check your payment method on file - is it current and correct?
• Confirm where you subscribed: website, Apple App Store or Google Play.
• Log in and navigate to your subscription settings.
• Click cancel and confirm your action.
• Screenshot the final confirmation page immediately.
• Save the confirmation email Envato sends (check spam if needed).
• Check your bank or payment app 2-3 days after cancellation to confirm no charge appears.
• If charged after cancellation, dispute the charge with your bank and contact Envato within 30 days.

Comparing Envato Elements to alternatives

Before you cancel, consider whether a competitor might suit you better. Tocancel recommends comparing costs and features across platforms, especially if you are cancelling because your current plan does not meet your needs.

If cost is your primary reason for cancelling, free alternatives like Pixabay and Unsplash cover basic stock photography. If you need broader asset variety at lower cost, Canva Pro offers excellent value. If you use Adobe software already, bundling Creative Cloud might make sense. Tocancel recommends testing one alternative for a month before permanently cancelling Envato Elements.

Contact information for Envato support and escalation

If you need to reach Envato directly or escalate your cancellation dispute, here are the official contact methods.

Envato support contact details

Email: [email protected]

Website support portal: help.envato.com

Mailing address: Envato Pty Ltd, 13-15 Goodwood Street, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia

Envato does not list a direct South African phone line, so email is your most reliable contact method. Allow 5-7 business days for a response. If you do not receive a reply within 10 business days, escalate your case to the NCC.

National consumer commission escalation

Email: [email protected]

Website: nccc.org.za

Postal address: National Consumer Commission, The Pinnacle, 420c Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa

Lodge an NCC complaint if Envato refuses your refund or denies your cancellation after you have attempted to resolve the issue directly. The NCC has legal authority to investigate and enforce your consumer rights under the CPA.

Take control of your subscription today

Cancelling Envato Elements is straightforward when you follow the right steps on the right platform and keep proof of your action. You have clear legal rights under South Africa's Consumer Protection Act, and you can enforce them if Envato refuses to comply. Whether you are cancelling because the cost no longer fits your budget, you have found a better alternative, or you simply want to pause your downloads, Tocancel is here to guide you through the process and protect your interests.

Review your account settings today, identify your subscription platform, and use the method that matches where you signed up. Screenshot your confirmation, save your email, and check your bank statement within a few days. If Envato charges you after you cancel, you now know exactly how to dispute it and escalate to the NCC. Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions with confidence, and you can too. Take action now and reclaim control of your recurring payments.