Stopping FaceApp: What you need to know

About FaceApp

FaceApp is a popular photo-editing application that uses artificial intelligence to transform facial images in remarkably realistic ways. Developed by Wireless Lab, a company based in Russia, the app gained massive popularity worldwide for its ability to age faces, change hairstyles, apply makeup, and even alter gender presentation with impressive accuracy. What started as a viral sensation has evolved into a subscription-based service offering premium features beyond the basic free filters.

The app works by uploading photos from your device, which are then processed using neural networks and machine learning algorithms. Within seconds, you can see yourself decades older, with different hair colours, or sporting various cosmetic enhancements. The technology behind FaceApp is genuinely impressive, but this convenience comes at a cost – both financially through subscriptions and potentially in terms of privacy, as your facial data is processed on remote servers.

In the UK, FaceApp operates as a digital subscription service, automatically renewing through either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store depending on your device. This means your payment method is charged regularly without requiring manual approval each time. Whilst this automatic system is convenient for ongoing users, it's precisely why many people find themselves paying for months or even years after they've stopped using the app. Keep in mind that simply deleting the app from your phone doesn't cancel the subscription – a common misconception that costs UK consumers millions annually.

Most importantly, FaceApp subscriptions are managed through your device's app store rather than directly through the company. This creates a unique situation where you're technically subscribing through Apple or Google, who then share revenue with FaceApp. Understanding this relationship is crucial when it comes to cancellation, especially if you're pursuing the postal route for documentary evidence and legal protection.

Plans, features and pricing

FaceApp offers both free and paid tiers, with the subscription service branded as "FaceApp Pro" or "FaceApp Plus" depending on your region and when you subscribed. The free version provides basic filters and editing options, but you'll quickly encounter limitations and watermarked results. The paid subscriptions unlock the full library of filters, remove watermarks, and provide ad-free usage.

Pricing varies considerably based on promotional offers, your device platform, and when you initially subscribed. Apple users often pay slightly more due to the App Store's commission structure. Additionally, FaceApp frequently runs promotional trials – typically three days or seven days free – which then convert to paid subscriptions unless you actively cancel. This trial-to-paid conversion catches many users off guard, particularly when they forget about the trial period ending.

The premium features include advanced aging filters, makeup applications, hair colour and style changes, background editing, and various artistic filters. You'll also get access to new filters as they're released, though in practice, most users find they only regularly use a handful of the available options. This limited actual usage despite paying for comprehensive access is one of the primary reasons people eventually decide to cancel.

Here's an insider tip: the pricing you see when first downloading the app might not be the same pricing shown to existing users or those who've previously subscribed. FaceApp, like many app-based services, uses dynamic pricing and targeted offers. Some users report being offered win-back discounts after cancelling, whilst others pay full price throughout. This inconsistent pricing structure frustrates many UK consumers who feel they're not getting fair or transparent treatment.

Understanding the auto-renewal mechanism

FaceApp subscriptions renew automatically through your app store account. For iPhone users, this means your Apple ID payment method is charged; for Android users, it's your Google Play payment method. The charge typically appears 24 hours before your renewal date, and you'll receive a receipt via email from Apple or Google, not from FaceApp directly.

This automatic system continues indefinitely until you take action to stop it. Even if you haven't opened the app in months, even if you've deleted it from your device, the charges continue. I've processed cancellations for people who've been paying for over two years without realising, simply because they forgot about a trial they signed up for during a social media trend.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

FaceApp's terms of service are governed by both the company's own policies and the overarching terms of whichever app store you subscribed through. This dual-layer of terms can create confusion, but understanding both is essential for a smooth cancellation process, particularly if you're pursuing postal cancellation for legal documentation purposes.

Under UK consumer law, specifically the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have specific protections when dealing with digital subscriptions. Most importantly, you have a 14-day cooling-off period from when you first subscribe, during which you can cancel and receive a full refund. However, this right is often waived if you've actively used the service during this period – and with FaceApp, using the premium filters counts as active usage.

FaceApp's own cancellation policy states that you must cancel at least 24 hours before your next renewal date to avoid being charged for the subsequent period. This is standard across app subscriptions, but it's crucial to understand: if you cancel on the day before renewal, you might still be charged because you've missed the 24-hour window. Always allow at least 48-72 hours before your renewal date when cancelling to ensure the system processes your request in time.

Refund eligibility and expectations

Refunds for FaceApp subscriptions are notoriously difficult to obtain, and this is where many users encounter frustration. Because the subscription is processed through Apple or Google, refund requests must go through them, not FaceApp directly. Apple's refund policy is somewhat more flexible than Google's, but neither guarantees refunds for subscription services you've already accessed.

Common reasons for refund requests include: accidental subscription during a trial period, not realising the trial would auto-convert to paid, technical issues preventing app usage, unauthorised charges (particularly relevant if a child made the purchase), and charges continuing after believing you'd cancelled. Your success rate varies dramatically depending on your reason, your history of refund requests, and frankly, which customer service representative handles your case.

Keep in mind that obtaining a refund doesn't automatically cancel your subscription. I've seen numerous cases where someone successfully got a refund for one month's charge but forgot to cancel the subscription itself, leading to continued charges. These two processes are separate and both must be completed.

Legal requirements for postal cancellation in the UK

Whilst most FaceApp subscriptions are managed through app stores, sending a formal cancellation letter via post provides legal documentation that can be invaluable if disputes arise. Under UK law, a written cancellation notice sent via recorded delivery creates an official record with a timestamp, which electronic methods don't always provide reliably.

Your postal cancellation should include specific information: your full name, the email address associated with your app store account, your subscription details (plan type and approximate start date), a clear statement of your intention to cancel, the date you're sending the letter, and your signature. Additionally, reference the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 if you're within the 14-day cooling-off period.

The postal method is particularly valuable if you've experienced problems cancelling through the app store interface, if you're disputing charges, or if you want concrete evidence for potential chargeback claims with your bank. Recorded Delivery provides proof of postage and delivery, which standard post doesn't offer. This proof can be decisive if you later need to demonstrate that you cancelled in good time but were still charged.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Cancelling FaceApp by post requires sending your cancellation notice to the company's registered address. This method is more time-consuming than digital cancellation but provides superior legal protection and creates an official paper trail. Here's exactly how to do it properly, based on thousands of successful postal cancellations I've processed.

Finding the correct postal address

First, you need the correct address for Wireless Lab, the company behind FaceApp. This is critical – sending your cancellation to an incorrect address means it won't be processed, and you'll continue being charged. For UK-based cancellations, you should send correspondence to FaceApp's operational address. However, because FaceApp primarily operates through app stores, there isn't always a UK-specific customer service address published prominently.

The most reliable approach is to contact your app store first to obtain the current correspondence address for FaceApp subscription matters. Apple and Google maintain records of their developers' contact information. Alternatively, check the app's listing in your app store – developers are required to provide contact information, which sometimes includes a postal address.

Most importantly, verify the address before sending your letter. Company addresses change, particularly for tech companies that may relocate offices or use different addresses for different purposes. An outdated address could delay your cancellation by weeks, during which time you might be charged for another billing cycle.

Preparing your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter should be professional, clear, and include all necessary information. Start with your full name and contact details at the top, followed by the date. Then include the recipient's address – FaceApp or Wireless Lab, with the complete postal address you've verified.

In the letter body, open with a clear subject line: "Cancellation of FaceApp Subscription." Next, state your intention unambiguously: "I am writing to cancel my FaceApp Pro subscription effective immediately." Include your account details: the email address linked to your app store account, your approximate subscription start date, and whether you're on a monthly or annual plan.

Additionally, specify whether you're requesting a refund and on what grounds. If you're within the 14-day cooling-off period, explicitly reference the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. If you've been charged after attempting to cancel through other methods, explain this situation with dates and any reference numbers you have.

Keep in mind that whilst you're sending this letter to FaceApp, you should also cancel through your app store's subscription management interface. The postal letter serves as backup documentation and legal proof, but the app store cancellation is what actually stops the billing in most cases. Think of the postal method as your insurance policy rather than your sole cancellation method.

Sending via Recorded Delivery

Never send cancellation letters via standard post. Always use Royal Mail Recorded Delivery, which costs a few pounds extra but provides tracking and proof of delivery. This proof is essential if you later need to demonstrate that you cancelled before a billing date or if the company claims they never received your cancellation.

Visit your local Post Office with your sealed, addressed envelope. Request Recorded Delivery service – the staff will weigh your letter, apply the necessary postage, and provide you with a receipt containing a unique tracking number. Keep this receipt in a safe place along with a copy of your letter. You can track your letter's progress online using the Royal Mail tracking service.

Here's a pro tip: take a photo of your sealed envelope showing the address and the date stamp from the Post Office. This provides additional evidence of when and where you posted the letter. Additionally, keep a dated copy of the letter itself. These simple steps create a comprehensive evidence trail that's incredibly valuable if disputes arise.

Following up and confirming cancellation

After sending your postal cancellation, wait approximately 5-7 working days for delivery and processing. Then, check your app store subscription settings to verify the cancellation has been processed. Look for confirmation that your subscription will not renew – it should show your current subscription period ending on a specific date with no renewal scheduled.

If your subscription still shows as active for renewal after two weeks, follow up with another letter referencing your original cancellation (include the date sent and Recorded Delivery tracking number). Also, at this point, contact your app store's customer service directly, explaining that you've sent a postal cancellation that hasn't been processed.

Most importantly, monitor your bank or credit card statements for the next two billing cycles. Even after successful cancellation, occasionally charges slip through due to processing delays or system errors. If you're charged after cancelling, you have grounds for a refund and potentially a chargeback through your bank if the refund request is denied.

Using services like Postclic for efficiency

If you're finding the postal cancellation process overwhelming or time-consuming, services like Postclic can streamline the entire procedure. Postclic specialises in sending tracked letters on your behalf, handling the formatting, printing, and posting whilst providing you with digital proof of sending and delivery.

The advantage of using Postclic is that you can prepare and send your cancellation letter entirely online, without visiting a Post Office or dealing with envelopes and stamps. You simply provide your cancellation details, Postclic formats a professional letter, prints it, and sends it via tracked delivery. You receive digital confirmation and tracking information, creating a complete audit trail without leaving your home.

Additionally, Postclic maintains records of your correspondence, which is valuable if you need to reference your cancellation months later during a dispute. The service costs roughly the same as handling it yourself when you factor in envelope costs, postage, and your time visiting the Post Office. For people cancelling multiple subscriptions or those who value convenience, it's an efficient solution that ensures your cancellation is handled professionally and trackably.

Tips from former members

Having processed thousands of FaceApp cancellations, I've gathered insights from former subscribers that can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth cancellation experience. These tips come from real experiences, including both successful cancellations and cautionary tales of what can go wrong.

Why people cancel FaceApp

Understanding why others cancel can help you feel confident in your decision and prepare for potential retention attempts. The most common reason is simple: they finished experimenting with the app and no longer use it regularly. The novelty of AI face transformations wears off quickly for many users, yet the subscription charges continue indefinitely.

Privacy concerns are another significant factor. FaceApp's terms of service grant the company extensive rights to use uploaded photos, and the fact that image processing happens on external servers rather than locally on your device makes some users uncomfortable. Whilst the company has addressed some privacy concerns, the unease remains for many UK users who are increasingly conscious of data protection.

Cost is obviously a major factor. When you're paying £4-8 monthly for an app you rarely open, it's an easy expense to cut. Many former members report discovering they'd been paying for months or years without realising, often only noticing when reviewing bank statements or during financial planning exercises. The small monthly amount flies under the radar until you calculate the annual total.

Technical issues also drive cancellations. Some users experience app crashes, filters that don't work properly, or poor-quality results that don't match the advertised examples. When you're paying for premium features that don't perform as expected, cancelling becomes an obvious choice.

Common mistakes to avoid

The biggest mistake, which I cannot stress enough, is assuming that deleting the app cancels your subscription. It doesn't. The subscription is tied to your app store account, not to the app's presence on your device. You can delete FaceApp completely, never use it again, and still be charged monthly indefinitely. Always explicitly cancel through your subscription settings.

Another frequent error is cancelling too close to the renewal date. Remember that 24-hour minimum notice requirement. If your subscription renews on the 15th of each month, don't wait until the 14th to cancel. Give yourself at least 48-72 hours of buffer time to account for processing delays and potential technical issues with the app store interface.

People also often confuse refunds with cancellation. Requesting a refund for a previous charge doesn't stop future charges. Similarly, receiving a refund doesn't mean your subscription is cancelled. These are separate processes that both need to be completed if you want to stop paying and recover money for charges you're disputing.

Keep in mind that some users cancel their subscription but then later resubscribe during a promotion or when a new filter goes viral, only to forget about it again. If you're prone to impulse resubscribing, consider setting a calendar reminder to review your active subscriptions monthly. This simple habit prevents subscription creep where you accumulate multiple forgotten subscriptions.

What to do if you're still charged after cancelling

First, don't panic. Erroneous charges after cancellation do happen, but they're usually resolvable. Check your app store subscription settings immediately to confirm whether the cancellation was actually processed. Sometimes users think they've cancelled but only navigated to the cancellation screen without completing the final confirmation step.

If the cancellation was definitely processed but you were still charged, screenshot your subscription settings showing the cancellation status and the date it was cancelled. Then contact your app store's customer service with this evidence and request a refund for the erroneous charge. Apple and Google generally honour these requests when you have clear evidence of prior cancellation.

Should the app store refuse the refund, escalate to your bank or credit card provider. Explain that you cancelled the subscription before the charge date and have documentation proving this (this is where your postal cancellation with Recorded Delivery becomes invaluable). Most UK banks will process a chargeback for subscription charges that continued after cancellation, particularly when you have strong documentation.

Protecting yourself from future unwanted subscriptions

Former FaceApp subscribers often report that the experience taught them valuable lessons about managing app subscriptions more carefully. Here are their top recommendations: First, always set a calendar reminder for two days before any free trial ends. This gives you time to cancel before the paid subscription begins if you don't want to continue.

Next, regularly audit your active subscriptions. Both Apple and Google provide subscription management screens where you can see everything you're currently paying for. Review this monthly and cancel anything you're not actively using. It's shocking how many forgotten subscriptions people discover during these audits.

Additionally, consider using a dedicated payment card for app subscriptions with a low credit limit. This way, if you forget about a subscription, the damage is limited. Some UK banks now offer virtual cards specifically for online subscriptions, which you can easily freeze or delete without affecting your main accounts.

Most importantly, read the terms before clicking "Subscribe" or "Start Free Trial." I know it's tedious, but understanding exactly what you're agreeing to – particularly the auto-renewal terms and cancellation requirements – prevents unpleasant surprises later. The few minutes spent reading terms can save you months of unwanted charges.

Final advice from someone who's seen it all

After processing countless FaceApp cancellations, my strongest advice is this: act decisively and document everything. If you've decided to cancel, do it today, not tomorrow. Procrastination leads to forgotten intentions and additional charges. The cancellation process takes less than ten minutes through your app store, and even postal cancellation requires only slightly more effort.

Keep records of everything – confirmation emails, screenshots, postal receipts, tracking numbers. Digital storage is free, and these records can save you significant money and frustration if problems arise. I've seen disputes resolved immediately because someone had a screenshot from months earlier proving their cancellation, whilst others struggled without documentation.

Remember that companies rely on subscription inertia – the tendency for people to keep paying for services they don't use simply because cancelling requires effort. Don't fall into this trap. Your money has better uses than funding an app you don't open. Be proactive about managing your subscriptions, and you'll save hundreds of pounds annually whilst eliminating the mental clutter of forgotten commitments.

Lastly, don't feel bad about cancelling. Subscription services are designed to be easy to start and slightly more difficult to stop, creating an asymmetry that benefits the company at your expense. Taking control of your subscriptions is smart financial management, not something to feel guilty about. Cancel confidently, keep your documentation, and move forward knowing you've made a sensible decision for your circumstances.