Ending your WPS Office membership made easy

About WPS Office

WPS Office is a comprehensive office productivity suite that's become increasingly popular as an alternative to Microsoft Office. Originally developed by Kingsoft, a Chinese software company, WPS Office offers word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation tools that are compatible with Microsoft Office formats. The software has been around since 1988 but has gained significant traction in recent years, particularly among users looking for a more affordable option for their document creation needs.

The suite includes three main applications: Writer for word processing, Spreadsheets for data analysis and calculations, and Presentation for creating slideshows. What makes WPS Office particularly appealing is its familiar interface that closely resembles Microsoft Office, making the transition relatively seamless for users switching from other productivity suites. The software is available across multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, allowing users to work across different devices.

In the UK market, WPS Office has positioned itself as a cost-effective solution for both individual users and businesses. The software supports over 50 file formats and offers cloud storage integration, collaborative features, and a range of templates. Many users initially download the free version, which comes with advertisements and limited features, before deciding whether to upgrade to a premium subscription. However, as with many subscription services, some users eventually find they need to cancel for various reasons, whether it's switching to alternative software, reducing expenses, or simply not using the features enough to justify the ongoing cost.

Plans, features and pricing

Understanding what you're paying for is essential before you proceed with cancellation. WPS Office operates on a freemium model with several subscription tiers, each offering different features and capabilities. Let me break down what's currently available in the UK market so you know exactly what you've been subscribed to.

Free version limitations

The basic free version of WPS Office includes core functionality for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations, but comes with notable restrictions. You'll encounter advertisements throughout the interface, have limited access to templates, and face restrictions on cloud storage capacity. The free version typically limits you to 1GB of cloud storage and doesn't include premium features like advanced PDF tools, document encryption, or priority technical support. Most importantly, the free version doesn't allow commercial use, which catches many small business owners off guard.

Premium subscription options

WPS Office offers several premium tiers, and pricing can vary depending on promotional periods and whether you're subscribing monthly or annually. Here's what you need to know about the typical subscription structure:

Keep in mind that these prices can fluctuate, and WPS Office frequently runs promotional offers that might have locked you into a specific rate. Additionally, if you subscribed through a mobile app store rather than directly through WPS Office, your pricing and cancellation process may differ significantly. This is a crucial point that many people overlook when they first sign up.

What you're actually paying for

Premium subscribers get access to an ad-free experience, which is perhaps the most immediately noticeable benefit. You'll also receive expanded cloud storage, advanced PDF editing capabilities including conversion and compression tools, document encryption for sensitive files, and access to a much larger template library. Business users get the added benefit of a commercial use licence, which is legally required if you're using the software for any profit-making activities.

Most importantly for our purposes here, premium subscriptions automatically renew unless you actively cancel them. This auto-renewal feature is where many users get caught out, finding themselves charged for another year when they thought their subscription had lapsed.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Before you start the cancellation process, you absolutely must understand the terms you agreed to when you signed up. I've seen countless cases where people assumed they could cancel anytime and get an immediate refund, only to discover they're locked into specific terms. Let me walk you through what you need to know.

Understanding your contractual obligations

WPS Office subscriptions typically operate on an auto-renewal basis, meaning your subscription continues indefinitely until you actively cancel it. If you've purchased an annual subscription, you're generally committed to that full year, though UK consumer protection laws do provide some safeguards. The key issue is whether you're still within any cooling-off period or whether you're seeking to cancel mid-term.

Under UK law, specifically the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have a 14-day cooling-off period for digital content subscriptions. However, this right is waived if you've actively started using the service and acknowledged that you'd lose your cancellation right by doing so. Most subscription sign-up processes include this acknowledgement, often in the fine print that users click through without reading.

Refund eligibility and expectations

Here's where things get tricky, and I want to be absolutely clear about this because it's the source of most disputes. If you're outside the 14-day cooling-off period and you've been actively using the service, you're generally not entitled to a pro-rata refund for unused time on an annual subscription. Monthly subscriptions are more straightforward - you can typically cancel and won't be charged for the following month, provided you cancel before your renewal date.

That said, WPS Office has been known to offer goodwill refunds in certain circumstances, particularly if you can demonstrate that you haven't been using the service or if there were technical issues preventing you from using the features you paid for. This is why documenting your reasons for cancellation can be valuable, even if you're not technically entitled to a refund.

Notice periods and processing times

This is absolutely critical: you need to cancel before your next billing date to avoid being charged for another period. For monthly subscriptions, aim to cancel at least 5-7 business days before your renewal date. For annual subscriptions, I recommend starting the cancellation process at least 30 days before renewal. These buffer periods account for postal delivery times and processing delays.

Remember that "business days" excludes weekends and bank holidays, which can significantly extend processing times, particularly around Christmas or Easter periods. I've seen people miss their cancellation deadline by just a day or two because they didn't account for a bank holiday weekend.

Why postal cancellation is your most reliable option

After processing thousands of subscription cancellations, I can tell you with absolute certainty that postal cancellation using Recorded Delivery is your safest bet. Let me explain why this matters so much, particularly for software subscriptions like WPS Office.

The proof of delivery advantage

When you send a cancellation letter via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery, you get trackable proof that your letter was delivered and when it arrived. This creates an indisputable paper trail that protects you if there's any dispute about whether you cancelled in time. I've handled cases where customers insisted they cancelled online, but the company had no record of it. With postal cancellation, you have your proof of postage receipt and can track delivery online.

This is particularly important with software subscriptions because companies can claim they never received your online cancellation request due to technical glitches, spam filters, or system errors. With Recorded Delivery, there's no ambiguity. The signature upon delivery provides legal evidence that your cancellation notice was received.

Legal standing in disputes

Under UK consumer law, a written cancellation letter sent via post carries significant legal weight. If you need to escalate your cancellation to a chargeback through your bank or credit card provider, or even to the Financial Ombudsman, having proof of a formal written cancellation request substantially strengthens your case. Digital cancellation methods, while convenient, don't always provide the same level of evidence that holds up in formal disputes.

Additionally, a formal letter demonstrates that you've taken the matter seriously and followed proper procedures. This can be particularly important if you're seeking a refund or if there's any question about whether you met the notice period requirements. Courts and ombudsmen look favourably on consumers who have clear documentation of their attempts to cancel.

Why online cancellation can be problematic

Many users assume they can simply cancel through their WPS Office account settings or by contacting customer service through online channels. The reality is more complicated. Some users report difficulty finding cancellation options in their account dashboard, or discover that the cancellation process requires multiple steps that aren't clearly explained. Others find that cancellation requests submitted through contact forms go unanswered or get caught in automated response loops.

Furthermore, if you subscribed through the WPS Office website but your payment is processed through a third-party platform, online cancellation can become even more convoluted. You might need to cancel through the payment processor rather than through WPS Office directly, and figuring out which platform to use isn't always straightforward.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Right, let's get into the practical steps for cancelling your WPS Office subscription by post. I'm going to walk you through this process step-by-step, including all the insider tips I've learned from handling thousands of these cancellations.

Gathering your information before you start

First things first - before you write anything, you need to collect all relevant information about your subscription. This preparation step is crucial and will save you significant time and potential complications later. Here's exactly what you need to have in front of you:

Your full name as it appears on the subscription account, your email address associated with the WPS Office account, your customer ID or account number if you have one, details of your payment method including the last four digits of your card, and your subscription start date and next renewal date. Additionally, note down your subscription type - whether it's Premium, Business, or another tier, and whether you're paying monthly or annually.

If you're seeking a refund, also gather any evidence supporting your claim. This might include screenshots of technical issues, records of customer service interactions, or documentation of circumstances that prevented you from using the service. Keep in mind that you're not automatically entitled to a refund, but providing context can help your case.

Writing your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter needs to be clear, professional, and include all necessary information. Start with your full contact details at the top, including your postal address, email, and phone number. Date the letter with the day you're sending it - this date can be important for determining whether you met notice period requirements.

In the body of your letter, clearly state that you're writing to cancel your WPS Office subscription. Include your account details, subscription type, and the date you want the cancellation to be effective. Be specific: "I am writing to cancel my WPS Office Premium annual subscription, account number [your number], effective immediately" or "effective from the end of my current billing period on [date]."

If you're requesting a refund, explain why you believe you're entitled to one. Reference the 14-day cooling-off period if applicable, or explain any extenuating circumstances such as technical issues that prevented you from using the service. Be factual and avoid emotional language - stick to the facts and reference specific dates and incidents where relevant.

Request written confirmation of your cancellation and ask them to confirm that no further payments will be taken. This is important: explicitly state "Please confirm in writing that my subscription has been cancelled and that no further payments will be debited from my account." Also ask them to confirm any refund amount and when you can expect to receive it.

Sign the letter by hand if you're sending a printed version, and keep a copy for your records. This copy, along with your proof of postage, forms your complete documentation of the cancellation.

The correct postal address for WPS Office

This is absolutely critical - you must send your cancellation letter to the correct address. Sending it to the wrong address can invalidate your cancellation notice and leave you liable for additional charges. Based on current information for WPS Office UK operations, correspondence should typically be sent to their registered office or customer service address. However, I must be transparent here: WPS Office, being a Chinese company with global operations, doesn't always make their UK postal address readily available on their website.

For UK customers, cancellation correspondence is often handled through their European or international offices. Before sending your letter, I strongly recommend checking your subscription confirmation email, any billing statements, or the terms and conditions document you received when signing up, as these often contain the correct correspondence address for your region.

If you cannot locate a specific UK postal address, you may need to contact WPS Office customer service briefly to request their postal address for cancellation correspondence. This is one of the frustrations with international software companies - they're not always set up for traditional postal communication in every market they serve.

Sending your letter via Recorded Delivery

Once your letter is ready, you need to send it via Royal Mail Recorded Delivery. Don't skip this step - it's your proof of delivery and absolutely essential for protecting yourself. Head to your local Post Office with your letter in a sealed envelope. The envelope should clearly show the recipient's address and your return address.

At the counter, ask specifically for Recorded Delivery. As of current pricing, this typically costs around £3.35 on top of first-class postage, but prices can change so confirm the current rate. The postal worker will give you a receipt with a tracking number. Guard this receipt carefully - it's your proof that you sent the cancellation and when you sent it.

Use the tracking number to monitor your letter's progress on the Royal Mail website. You'll be able to see when it's been delivered and who signed for it. Screenshot or print this tracking information once delivery is confirmed. This digital proof, combined with your proof of postage receipt, gives you comprehensive documentation of your cancellation.

Following up after sending

After your letter has been delivered, give the company a reasonable time to process it - typically 5-7 business days. If you haven't received written confirmation of your cancellation within 10 business days of delivery, you need to follow up. Keep your follow-up professional and reference your original letter, including the date you sent it and the date it was delivered according to Royal Mail tracking.

Most importantly, monitor your bank account or credit card around your next billing date. If you're charged after sending your cancellation, contact your bank or card provider immediately to dispute the charge. Provide them with copies of your cancellation letter, proof of postage, and delivery confirmation. UK banks are generally supportive of customers who can demonstrate they properly cancelled a subscription but were charged anyway.

Using services like Postclic for efficiency

Here's an insider tip that can save you considerable time and hassle: services like Postclic specialise in sending formal letters via tracked delivery on your behalf. Instead of drafting your own letter, printing it, and visiting the Post Office, you can use Postclic to handle the entire process digitally. You provide your information through their platform, they format it professionally, print it, and send it via tracked delivery.

The main advantages are time-saving and convenience - you can do everything from your computer or phone without leaving home. You also get digital proof of sending and delivery, which is stored securely for future reference. The professional formatting ensures your letter includes all necessary elements and looks appropriately formal. For people who work full-time or don't live near a Post Office, this can be genuinely useful.

That said, Postclic is a paid service, so you'll need to weigh the cost against the convenience. For straightforward cancellations where you're confident about the address and comfortable writing your own letter, going directly to the Post Office works perfectly well. But if you're unsure about format, want to ensure everything is done correctly, or simply value the convenience, it's worth considering.

Common reasons people cancel WPS Office

Understanding why others cancel can help you feel confident in your decision and might highlight issues you've experienced yourself. Over the years, I've seen consistent patterns in why UK users decide to cancel their WPS Office subscriptions.

Switching to alternative software

Many users initially choose WPS Office as an affordable alternative to Microsoft Office, but then find themselves switching to other options. Some move to Microsoft 365 when they realise they need better integration with work systems or prefer Microsoft's cloud collaboration features. Others switch to completely free alternatives like LibreOffice or Google Workspace when they realise they don't need premium features at all.

Students frequently cancel WPS Office after discovering they're eligible for free Microsoft Office through their educational institution. Similarly, employees often cancel personal subscriptions after their workplace provides licensed software. These transitions are completely normal and sensible - there's no point paying for software when you have free or better alternatives available.

Not using the features enough

This is perhaps the most common reason I encounter. People subscribe to premium WPS Office with good intentions, thinking they'll use the advanced features regularly. In reality, they find themselves only occasionally opening documents and could easily manage with the free version or even just Google Docs for their actual needs.

The subscription model means you're paying continuously whether you use the software daily or once a month. When people audit their actual usage, they often realise they're paying £30-60 annually for software they barely touch. That money could be better spent elsewhere, particularly during times of financial pressure when every subscription needs to justify its cost.

Technical issues and compatibility problems

Some users experience persistent technical problems that make WPS Office frustrating to use. Common complaints include cloud sync issues, file corruption problems, or compatibility issues when sharing documents with Microsoft Office users. While WPS Office claims strong compatibility with Microsoft formats, subtle formatting differences can cause problems in professional settings.

Others find the mobile apps less intuitive than expected, or discover that the features they need aren't available on all platforms. If you're paying for premium features but can't reliably use them across your devices, cancellation makes perfect sense.

Advertising and interface concerns

Interestingly, some premium subscribers cancel because they still encounter promotional messages or interface elements that feel like advertisements, even though they're paying for an "ad-free" experience. The line between genuine ads and promotional upselling can feel blurry, and some users find this frustrating enough to cancel.

Privacy and data concerns

Given that WPS Office is developed by a Chinese company, some UK users have concerns about data privacy and where their documents are stored. While WPS Office has privacy policies in place, some users prefer to use software from companies based in the UK or EU, where data protection regulations like GDPR provide additional safeguards. These concerns have become more prominent in recent years as awareness of data privacy issues has increased.

Tips from former members

Let me share some valuable insights from people who've successfully cancelled their WPS Office subscriptions. These tips can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your cancellation goes smoothly.

Timing your cancellation strategically

Former subscribers consistently emphasise the importance of timing. Don't wait until the last minute before your renewal date - give yourself at least two weeks of buffer time, preferably more. One former member shared that they sent their cancellation letter three days before their annual renewal, but postal delays meant it arrived two days after they'd been charged for another year. They eventually got a refund, but it required weeks of back-and-forth communication.

If you're on an annual subscription and you're certain you want to cancel, consider sending your cancellation letter several months before renewal. There's typically no disadvantage to cancelling early - you'll still have access until the end of your paid period, and you'll have peace of mind knowing the cancellation is processed.

Backing up your documents first

This might seem obvious, but multiple former members have shared horror stories about losing access to documents stored in WPS Cloud after cancelling. Before you cancel, download all important documents to your local device or transfer them to another cloud storage service. Don't assume you'll retain access to cloud-stored documents after your subscription ends - policies vary, and it's not worth the risk.

Also check whether you have any documents with WPS-specific formatting or features that might not translate well to other software. Convert these to standard formats like .docx or .pdf before cancelling to ensure you can still access them properly.

Screenshot everything

Several experienced former members recommend taking screenshots throughout the cancellation process. Screenshot your account details, subscription information, and payment history before cancelling. Screenshot the Royal Mail tracking page showing delivery confirmation. If you receive email confirmation of your cancellation, screenshot that too.

These screenshots provide additional evidence if any disputes arise. One former member successfully challenged an unexpected charge by providing their bank with a comprehensive folder of screenshots documenting their cancellation, which made the chargeback process much smoother.

Check how you originally subscribed

This is crucial and catches many people out. If you subscribed through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store rather than directly through the WPS Office website, your cancellation process might be completely different. App store subscriptions are managed through Apple or Google's systems, not through WPS Office directly.

Check your payment history to see whether you're being charged by WPS Office or by Apple/Google. If it's the latter, you'll need to cancel through your app store account settings, and a postal letter to WPS Office won't accomplish anything. This confusion has caused numerous people to think they'd cancelled when they actually hadn't.

Don't rely on verbal confirmations

If you do contact WPS Office customer service for any reason during your cancellation process, don't rely on verbal assurances or chat confirmations. Always get written confirmation, and always follow through with your postal cancellation letter even if someone tells you it's not necessary. Former members report instances where customer service representatives said the cancellation was processed, but charges continued because the cancellation wasn't properly recorded in the system.

Consider the annual cost in context

Finally, several former members shared that they wished they'd done a cost-benefit analysis earlier. One person calculated they'd paid for three years of WPS Office Premium at £29.99 annually - nearly £90 total - but had only seriously used the software for about six weeks total across that entire period. That's approximately £15 per week of actual use.

If you're on the fence about cancelling, track your actual usage for a month. Note every time you open WPS Office and what you use it for. Then honestly assess whether those tasks require premium features or could be accomplished with free alternatives. This practical approach helps you make a decision based on reality rather than good intentions about future use.

Remember that cancelling a subscription doesn't mean you can never use the service again. If your needs change in future, you can always resubscribe. But there's no sense paying for something you're not actively using, and the money saved from unnecessary subscriptions can add up significantly over time. Take control of your subscriptions, follow the proper cancellation procedures, and keep thorough documentation throughout the process. That's the key to a hassle-free cancellation experience.