What is Perplexity
Overview
Perplexity is an AI-powered search and question-answering service that provides conversational, sourced responses using large language models.
The service offers free access and paid subscription tiers for enhanced features, including faster or higher-capacity AI models and integrations.
Who uses it
Individuals and teams use Perplexity for research, quick summarisation, and task assistance across web, mobile, and browser-based products.
Paid tiers aim at users who need more capacity, priority features, or the Comet browser integration.
How to cancel Perplexity
Cancel on iOS (App Store)
- Open the App Store app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your profile icon, choose Subscriptions, select "Perplexity - Ask Anything" and tap Cancel subscription.
- See Perplexity's official cancellation guidance: Perplexity cancellation help.
Cancel on Android (Google Play) and Web
- Android: Open Google Play, tap your profile or settings, go to Payments & Subscriptions, select "Perplexity - Ask Anything", then Cancel subscription.
- Web: Go to Settings → Subscription (under Perplexity Pro) → Manage Subscription → Cancel subscription. Cancellation stops auto-renewal; access remains until the period ends.
- Web cancellation instructions are also summarised here: Cancel via web (third-party overview).
What happens when you cancel
Access and billing
Cancelling stops auto-renewal; you retain access to paid features until the end of your current billing period.
After the billing period ends, your account reverts to the free tier and paid features are disabled.
Data and account state
Cancellation does not automatically delete your account or data; your account remains active under the free plan unless you request deletion.
If you want account deletion, contact support directly and keep records of requests and confirmations.
Will I get a refund?
General refund policy
Perplexity’s official refund policy varies by region. EU, UK and Turkey customers are eligible for refunds within 14 days of purchase for monthly and annual plans.
South Africa (All other customers)
- Monthly subscriptions: You may request a refund within 24 hours of purchase; include a reason when contacting support.
- Annual subscriptions: Full refund only if requested within 72 hours of purchase (stated as no exceptions).
- Official refund details: Perplexity refunds help.
Perplexity plans and pricing
Confirmed pricing
Official ZAR pricing is limited. Only Perplexity Max via Comet shows an official South African Rand amount.
Other ZAR-listed items come from third-party resellers or companion apps and are not official Perplexity main-subscription prices.
Price table
| Plan | Price | 期間 | Features |
| Perplexity Max (Comet) | R3 450.00 | 月額 | Includes full access to Comet AI browser (Max tier) |
| Perplexity Pro - unofficial 1‑year voucher | R599.00 | 年間 | Third-party voucher claiming to unlock Perplexity Pro; not an official Perplexity sales channel |
| Perplexity AI Guide Pro (App Store) | R99.99 | 年間 | One‑off in-app purchase for a guide app; not the main Perplexity Pro subscription |
Your consumer rights in South Africa
Applicable local law
Perplexity’s policy treats South African customers under its "All other customers" rules; no separate local exceptions are listed in official policy.
Under the South African Consumer Protection Act (CPA), consumers have rights to fair practice and reasonable remedies for defective or misrepresented services.
Practical steps and limitations
- Document purchases, cancellation attempts, and communications to support potential CPA claims.
- If Perplexity refuses a refund within stated windows, you may explore dispute options with your payment provider or local consumer protection agencies.
Customer experiences
Positive feedback
Some South African users praise Perplexity for speed and usefulness, reporting large time savings and positive experiences with document uploads in expert Spaces.
GetApp South Africa reviews describe Perplexity as an effective daily research tool for certain users: GetApp South Africa reviews.
Negative feedback
Global reviews on Trustpilot report recurring issues: unexpected charges after cancellation, difficulty obtaining refunds, and limited or inaccurate AI responses.
Users commonly note short refund windows and challenges with support responsiveness: Trustpilot overview.
Documentation checklist
Essential items to collect
- Proof of purchase (receipt or bank/card statement showing the charge).
- Subscription confirmation emails and any in-app purchase receipts.
- Screenshot of subscription page showing plan name and renewal date.
Support and dispute evidence
- Saved cancellation confirmation or cancellation screenshot.
- Email copies to [email protected] and replies (if any).
- Transaction IDs and app-store order numbers for App Store/Google Play purchases.
Common mistakes
Cancelling the wrong place
Users often cancel on the website but forget the App Store or Google Play subscription, which results in continued charges.
Always check which platform billed you (App Store, Google Play, or Perplexity direct) before cancelling.
Missing refund windows and confirmations
Assuming a refund after cancelling, or missing the short South African refund windows (24 hours monthly, 72 hours annual), are frequent issues.
Always save cancellation confirmations and act quickly if you need to request a refund.
Comparative recap
Quick comparison
| Platform | How to cancel | Refund window (South Africa) | Typical issues |
| iOS (App Store) | App Store → Profile → Subscriptions → Select Perplexity → Cancel | Monthly: 24 hours; Annual: 72 hours | Forgetting App Store subscription leaves charges active |
| Android (Google Play) | Google Play → Profile/Settings → Payments & Subscriptions → Select Perplexity → Cancel | Monthly: 24 hours; Annual: 72 hours | Cancelling in-app but not via Google Play can fail to stop renewals |
| Web (Perplexity account) | Settings → Subscription → Manage Subscription → Cancel | Monthly: 24 hours; Annual: 72 hours | Assuming immediate downgrade instead of waiting for period end |
After cancelling
Immediate next steps
Confirm you received a cancellation confirmation or screenshot the subscription status showing "cancelled" or "no auto-renewal".
Retain receipts and transaction IDs in case you need to request a refund or dispute a charge.
Helpful links and contacts
Address
Support contact
Primary support email: [email protected]. Use this address to request cancellations before renewal or to ask about refunds.
Official help pages
For step‑by‑step cancellation and refund policy, use Perplexity’s official help centre pages linked above.