Showmax, launched in 2015, is a streaming service that's a big deal in Africa and for diaspora communities, offering a mix of international hits and local originals. Maybe you signed up to watch The Real Housewives of Lagos and now the subscription is just... sitting there. It happens. With plans ranging from $8.99 to $12.99, those charges can add up, and this guide will help you cancel your subscription on desktop, iOS, or Android. Taking a few minutes to cancel could save you up to $156 a year. Let's get that money back in your pocket.
How to Cancel Showmax on Desktop or Laptop
Cancelling your Showmax subscription directly on their website is often the most reliable method, especially if you didn't sign up through a third party like Apple or Google.
1 Log In to Your Showmax Account
First, head over to the Showmax website and log in with your email and password. This is usually the most straightforward way to get it done.
2 Navigate to 'My Account'
Once you're logged in, find your profile icon, it's typically in the top-right corner of the screen. Click on it and select My Account from the dropdown menu.
3 Find 'My Subscription'
In the account section, look for a tab or link that says My Subscription. This is where all your billing and plan details are hiding.
4 Select 'Manage Subscription'
You should see your current plan details. Look for a button or link that says Manage Subscription. It's sometimes designed to be a little hard to spot.
5 Confirm Your Cancellation
Click Cancel Subscription. Showmax might ask you why you're leaving or offer you a special deal to stay. Just proceed with the cancellation until you see a confirmation message on the screen. You should also get an email.
How to Cancel Showmax on iPhone (iOS)
If you subscribed to Showmax using your Apple ID, you have to cancel it through Apple's system. Showmax has no control over this billing, which can be a bit of a pain.
1 Open the Settings App
You can't cancel an App Store subscription from within the Showmax app itself. You need to go to your iPhone's main Settings app.
2 Tap Your Apple ID
At the very top of the Settings screen, tap on your name and profile picture to access your Apple ID settings.
3 Go to 'Subscriptions'
On the Apple ID screen, tap on Subscriptions. This will show you a list of all your active and expired subscriptions managed through Apple.
4 Find and Select Showmax
Scroll through the list until you find your Showmax subscription and tap on it to see the details.
5 Tap 'Cancel Subscription'
At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a red Cancel Subscription button. Tap it and confirm your choice. Your subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing period.
How to Cancel Showmax on Android
For Android users who signed up via the Play Store, the cancellation process is managed entirely by Google. You won't find a cancel button in the Showmax app itself.
1 Open the Google Play Store
Just like with Apple, if you subscribed through Google Play, you need to cancel it there. Open the Play Store app on your Android device.
2 Tap Your Profile Icon
Tap on your profile icon or initial, located in the top-right corner of the Play Store.
3 Select 'Payments & subscriptions'
A menu will pop up. From this list, choose Payments & subscriptions to manage your billing information.
4 Tap on 'Subscriptions'
In the next screen, tap on Subscriptions. This will display all the services you're currently paying for through your Google account.
5 Find Showmax and Cancel
Locate Showmax in your list of subscriptions, tap on it, and then select Cancel subscription. Follow the on-screen prompts to finalize the cancellation.
Before You Cancel: What You Should Know
- Keep Watching Until the End: After you cancel, you can still use Showmax until the end of your current billing cycle. You won't be cut off immediately.
- No Refunds for Partial Months: Showmax doesn't offer prorated refunds. If you cancel a day after your renewal, you've already paid for that full month. It's a bummer, but that's the policy.
- Reactivating is Simple: Your account and watch history will usually remain intact. If you decide to come back, you can typically reactivate your subscription without creating a new account.
Having Trouble Cancelling Your Showmax Subscription?
It can be frustrating when you can't find the cancel button. Here are a few common reasons and fixes:
- Third-Party Billing: The most common issue. If you can't see a 'Cancel' option on the Showmax website, you probably subscribed through a third party like Apple, Google Play, or even your mobile/internet provider (like DStv or Telkom). You MUST cancel through the same service you used to sign up.
- Use a Desktop Browser: Sometimes the mobile site or app can be buggy. Try logging in on a desktop or laptop computer. This often reveals options that are hidden or not working on mobile.
- Clear Your Cache: The classic tech fix. Clear your browser's cache and cookies or try using an incognito/private window to log in and cancel. It can solve weird loading issues.
- Contact Support Directly: If all else fails, go to the Showmax Help Center and submit a support ticket. Be prepared to wait for a response, as it might not be immediate.
Subscription Plans and Pricing (2025)
| Plan | Monthly Price (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Showmax Standard | $8.99 | Watch on 1 device at a time. HD quality. Access to the full entertainment catalog. |
| Showmax Premier | $12.99 | Watch on 2 devices simultaneously. Full HD quality. Includes live sports and news channels. |
| Showmax Mobile | $4.99 | Watch on 1 mobile device only. SD quality. Perfect for on-the-go viewing. |
How Pine AI Can Help You Cancel Your Showmax Subscription
Tired of navigating confusing menus just to cancel a subscription? Pine AI handles the entire cancellation process for you. No logins, no hassle. Connect your account, and we'll cancel Showmax for you, saving you time and preventing any future charges. It's fast, secure, and simple.
Frequently Asked Questions about Showmax
Can I unsubscribe from Showmax anytime?
Can I get a refund from Showmax if I forgot to cancel?
How do I know my Showmax subscription is cancelled?
How long does it take for Showmax to cancel?
What else should I know before I cancel my Showmax subscription?
How do I raise a complaint to Showmax?
How does Pine AI work with Showmax to cancel my subscription?
Chloe Anne-Bennett
Streaming & Entertainment Editor
Chloe Anne-Bennett is the Streaming & Entertainment Editor at Pine AI. Chloe is a leading voice on the business of streaming, entertainment and the evolving landscape of digital media. Before contributing to Pine AI, Chloe was an entertainment correspondent for a major news outlet, where she reported on everything from box office trends to the impact of streaming services on traditional media. At Pine AI, Chloe leverages her deep industry knowledge to provide our readers with insightful analysis of the latest trends, helping them make sense of their subscriptions and where to hit the sweet spots in how to handle customer service reps.
