What is Viu
Service overview
Viu is a subscription-based streaming service offering Asian dramas, movies and variety shows, plus some local South African content via partnerships. It operates a freemium model with ad-supported and paid premium tiers.
How it's offered in South Africa
Viu in South Africa is available directly via the Viu website/app and through mobile carrier billing (e.g., Vodacom). Multiple short-term and monthly plans are offered to suit low‑budget and data-conscious users.
How to cancel Viu
Cancel via Viu web or app (direct or direct‑credit‑card subscriptions)
- Open the Viu app or visit your Viu account on the web.
- Go to "My Account" or "My Subscription".
- Select the option to cancel your subscription and confirm.
- Note: cancellation via Viu app/web stops Viu renewals but will NOT stop App Store or Google Play billing.
Cancel via Apple App Store or Google Play
- Apple (iOS): Open Settings → your name → Subscriptions → select Viu → Cancel Subscription.
- Google Play (Android): Open Play Store → Profile → Payments & Subscriptions → Subscriptions → select Viu → Cancel.
- Important: cancelling in the Viu app/web will not cancel App Store or Google Play subscriptions; you must cancel in the store used for payment.
Cancel carrier‑billed subscriptions (Vodacom example)
- If subscribed via Vodacom billing, you can unsubscribe from within the Viu app under "My Account" or via Vodacom self‑service channels.
- Vodacom options include USSD, the Vodapay app, Vodacom web self‑service, or contacting Vodacom Customer Care.
- For Vodacom information see the provider page: Vodacom - Viu.
What happens when you cancel
Access after cancellation
Your access to premium features continues until the end of the current billing period. You retain the benefits of the paid plan for the time you've already paid.
Renewal and billing stops
After cancellation, automatic renewal is disabled for the service you cancelled through that specific billing channel.
Be aware that cancelling in one channel (e.g., Viu web) does not stop renewals billed through another channel (e.g., App Store or Google Play).
Data and downloads
Downloaded content typically remains on your device until app data is cleared or the subscription access period expires. Check app settings to manage downloads before cancellation.
Will I get a refund?
Viu refund policy (summary)
Viu allows refund claims only within 12 hours of subscription purchase and only if no paid content has been played or watched.
Refund approval is at Viu’s discretion and refunds are processed to the original payment method within approximately 2 to 45 days. See Viu terms for details: Viu Terms & Conditions.
Exceptions and limitations
- There is no statutory 14‑day cooling‑off period offered by Viu for these digital services; refunds beyond the 12‑hour window or for partially unused periods are generally not provided.
- If you were billed via App Store, Google Play or a carrier, refund handling may be subject to that store or carrier’s policies.
Viu plans and pricing
Pricing table
| Plan | Price | 期間 | Features |
| Premium Daily (Vodacom / Viu directly) | R7.00 | 日 | Full access to premium content, ad‑free streaming, includes 250 MB video data (Vodacom bundle) |
| Premium Monthly (Vodacom / Viu directly) | R69.00 | 月額 | Full access to premium content, ad‑free streaming, includes 3 GB video data (Vodacom bundle) |
| Premium Daily (launch pricing) | R5.00 | 日 | Premium access, ad‑free (launch promotional rate) |
| Premium Weekly (launch pricing) | R20.00 | 週 | Premium access, ad‑free (launch promotional rate) |
| Premium Monthly (launch pricing) | R69.00 | 月額 | Premium access, ad‑free (launch promotional rate) |
| Premium Yearly (Apple App Store) | R649.99 | 年間 | Auto‑renewing yearly subscription via App Store |
Notes on pricing
- Daily and monthly Vodacom bundles include specific video data as part of the package.
- Launch promotional prices may differ from ongoing offers; check the billing channel you used for the most current price.
Your consumer rights in South Africa
Cooling‑off and digital goods
Under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), there are limited cooling‑off protections for certain purchases, but immediate‑access digital services like Viu may be exempt.
Viu’s publicly stated policy does not offer a 14‑day automatic right to cancel with refund for its digital subscriptions.
Where to complain if Viu does not help
- For mobile‑carrier billed subscriptions, raise a complaint with WASPA or your mobile operator if carrier billing issues persist.
- For unresolved consumer disputes, contact the National Consumer Commission (NCC) for guidance or complaint lodging.
- Vodacom subscribers can also use Vodacom self‑service channels to manage and dispute carrier billing: Vodacom - Viu.
Customer experiences
Positive feedback
Users praise Viu for free local content and strong partnerships with South African broadcasters, plus affordable short‑term plans that suit data‑conscious viewers.
Coverage of local-content partnerships and value options has been noted in local tech press: mybroadband, itweb.
Negative feedback
Aggregated reviews show common complaints about difficult cancellations, unexpected auto‑renewals, slow or non‑responsive customer support, and ads appearing for some paid users.
Consumer complaint pages and review platforms reflect these issues: see examples at Trustpilot and a complaint summary at 19pine.
Documentation checklist
What to have before you cancel
- Account email or username used for Viu.
- Proof of payment (receipt, bank statement, App Store/Google Play receipt or carrier bill).
- Subscription start date and last renewal date.
What to include in refund or escalation requests
- Clear subject line (e.g., "Refund request - Viu subscription charged on [date]").
- Attach screenshots of receipts and any cancellation attempts.
- Record reference numbers from carrier or app store if available.
Common mistakes
Assuming one cancellation stops all billing
A frequent error is cancelling inside the Viu app and assuming App Store or Google Play billing is stopped. Each billing channel needs separate cancellation if used to pay.
Missing the 12‑hour refund window
Many users expect a 14‑day cooling‑off period; Viu allows refund claims only within 12 hours and only if no paid content was played. Waiting longer usually removes refund eligibility.
Not saving proof of cancellation
Failing to keep confirmation emails or screenshots of cancellation can complicate disputes. Save any confirmation or reference numbers immediately after cancelling.
Comparative recap
Quick comparison
| Method | Where to cancel | Stops renewal? | Refund eligibility window |
| Viu Web / Viu App | Viu account → My Account / My Subscription | Yes for direct Viu billing; no effect on App Store/Google Play | Refund claims: within 12 hours and only if no paid content watched |
| Apple App Store | iOS Settings → your name → Subscriptions → Viu | Yes (only for App Store billed subscriptions) | Subject to Apple/App Store refund policies; Viu 12‑hour rule still applies for direct refunds |
| Google Play | Play Store → Profile → Payments & Subscriptions → Viu | Yes (only for Google Play billed subscriptions) | Subject to Google Play refund policies; direct Viu refund window is 12 hours |
| Vodacom (carrier billing) | Viu app My Account or Vodacom self‑service (USSD, Vodapay, web, Customer Care) | Yes if unsubscribed via Vodacom channels | Refunds depend on carrier and Viu policies; contact Vodacom and Viu for disputes |
After cancelling
What to check immediately
- Save cancellation confirmation or screenshot showing that auto‑renewal has been turned off.
- Monitor the payment method or carrier billing for any further charges over the next billing cycle.
Helpful links and next steps
Address
Viu corporate address
33/F, PCCW Tower, Taikoo Place, 979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
Notes about correspondence
Use the primary corporate address for formal written correspondence regarding escalations. Include account details and supporting evidence when you write.