What is Duolingo
Overview
Duolingo is a language-learning platform offering interactive lessons on mobile apps and the web. It operates a freemium model with a free tier and a paid subscription called Super Duolingo.
Free vs paid features
The paid plan removes ads, provides unlimited hearts and other premium features. The free tier remains available with limited features and ads.
How to cancel Duolingo
Cancel depending on how you subscribed
- If you subscribed on iOS, cancel in the Apple App Store subscription settings.
- If you subscribed on Android, cancel in Google Play subscriptions.
- If you subscribed on the web, cancel at duolingo.com via Settings → Manage Subscription.
Step-by-step links and guidance
- Web cancellation: log in at duolingo.com, go to Settings → Manage Subscription and cancel there; see a walk‑through at postclic.
- App cancellations redirect to your store: guidance for managing subscriptions is summarised at chargesum.
What happens when you cancel
Access and billing
After cancellation, paid access typically remains until the end of the current billing period. Your subscription will not renew at the next cycle.
Account data and progress
Your Duolingo account and learning progress are preserved when the subscription ends; your account reverts to the free tier. Saved progress, lessons and streaks normally remain available.
Will I get a refund?
General refund policy
Duolingo generally does not provide refunds for direct payments made to them via the web or app; refund requests are often denied under their terms as reported in third‑party guidance.
Store refunds and exceptions
- Apple App Store or Google Play subscriptions: request refunds via Apple’s Report a Problem or Google Play’s refund flow.
- Some third‑party guidance notes a possible 14‑day grace period for refunds, but this is not confirmed as an official Duolingo policy.
- Processing times reported in third‑party guidance: Apple may take ~2 days and Google up to ~4 days for their refund review flows.
Duolingo plans and pricing
Summary of common South Africa App Store prices
Prices observed in the South Africa (ZA) App Store include several Super Duolingo options. Billing period labels were not explicit in the in‑app listing; confirm the period inside the app before purchasing.
Pricing table
| Plan | Price | 期間 | Features |
| Super Duolingo | R149.99 | Unknown (check in‑app) | Ad‑free, unlimited hearts, streak repair, etc. |
| Super Duolingo | R599.99 | Unknown (check in‑app) | Ad‑free, unlimited hearts, streak repair, etc. |
| Super Duolingo | R689.99 | Unknown (check in‑app) | Ad‑free, unlimited hearts, streak repair, etc. |
Your consumer rights in South Africa
Consumer Protection Act (CPA)
South African consumers are covered by the Consumer Protection Act, which provides certain rights for online purchases and services purchased in South Africa by South African consumers.
Practical steps under South African rights
- Document all cancellation attempts and confirmations (screenshots, receipts, emails).
- If charged after documented cancellation, escalate with your bank or card issuer and consider lodging a complaint with the National Consumer Commission or applicable ombud services.
Customer experiences
Positive feedback
Some users value Duolingo for daily, short practice sessions and basic vocabulary reinforcement. Others find the spaced‑repetition elements useful for intermediate learners when the app functions smoothly.
Negative feedback
Many reviews cite aggressive upselling, frequent ads on the free tier, difficulties with cancellations, and limited or automated support. Reports include unexpected charges after trials and issues with refunds.
For user review examples, see aggregated reviews at Trustpilot.
Documentation checklist
What to keep
- Subscription confirmation or receipt showing plan and date.
- Screenshots of subscription settings and cancellation confirmation.
- Bank or card statements showing charges and dates.
What to prepare if disputing a charge
- Copies of any correspondence with Duolingo or app stores.
- Dates and steps you followed to cancel, with screenshots.
- Reference numbers from bank or merchant where available.
Common mistakes
Canceling in the wrong place
Many users try to cancel inside the Duolingo app but subscribed via Apple or Google. If you subscribed through a store, you must cancel through that store’s subscription settings.
Not keeping confirmation records
Failing to save cancellation confirmations or screenshots often makes disputes harder. Always capture confirmation screens or emails immediately after cancelling.
Comparative recap
Quick comparison
| Method | Refund route | Access after cancel | Ease | Period (期間) |
| Web (duolingo.com) | Direct requests to Duolingo (generally no) | Access until end of billing cycle | Moderate | Billing cycle |
| Apple App Store | Request via Apple Report a Problem | Access until end of billing cycle | Easy if you use Apple settings | Billing cycle |
| Google Play | Request via Google Play refund flow | Access until end of billing cycle | Easy if you use Google Play settings | Billing cycle |
After cancelling
Immediate checks
- Save any confirmation message or screenshot showing the cancellation.
- Monitor your bank or card for any further charges in the next billing period.
Further help and resources
Address
Corporate address
Duolingo corporate address (used for correspondence):
5900 Penn Ave, Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, United States of America
Notes about sending correspondence
If you plan to send formal cancellation or refund requests by post, include all supporting documentation and request proof of delivery. Keep copies of everything you send.