Is eMeals Easy to Cancel? A Comprehensive Guide

Canceling a subscription service like eMeals depends on where you initially signed up, whether it was through their website or the Apple App Store. Understanding this key difference is the first step toward a hassle-free cancellation process.

Quick Summary

The eMeals cancellation method depends on your signup path. You can cancel through the member area on the website or via your Apple account settings, but deleting the app does not stop payments.

Key Points

• Method Matters: The eMeals cancellation process depends on whether you signed up on their website or via the Apple App Store.

• Delete, Don't Forget: Simply deleting the eMeals app from your device will not cancel your subscription and you will continue to be billed.

• Timing is Key: To prevent the next billing cycle charge, you must cancel at least 48 hours before your renewal date.

• Pausing Is Possible: If you don't want to permanently cancel, you can pause your subscription for 1, 2, or 3 months through the website.

• Retain Access: After canceling a paid plan, you keep access to eMeals' features until the current billing period expires.

• No Partial Refunds: eMeals' policy states that you will not receive a refund for the unused portion of a subscription once the billing cycle has begun.

• Apple's Role: If you subscribed via the App Store, Apple handles all billing and refunds, and you must cancel through your device settings.

The eMeals Cancellation Process Explained

Successfully canceling your eMeals subscription requires following the correct procedure based on how you first signed up. This guide breaks down the different methods and highlights crucial details to ensure a smooth, transparent process. Many customer reviews mention difficulties, but these are often related to a misunderstanding of the platform's multiple signup avenues. By determining your initial signup method, you can proceed with confidence and avoid unwanted renewal charges.

How to Cancel Your eMeals Subscription on the Website

If you created your account directly on the eMeals website using a web browser, your cancellation is managed through the member area. The steps are straightforward and can be completed in minutes:

1. Log in to Your eMeals Account: Navigate to emeals.com and sign in with your email and password.
2. Access Subscription Settings: Once logged in, click on your account or profile icon and go to the 'Subscriptions' section. You can find this directly at emeals.com/account/subscriptions/.
3. Find Your Active Plan: Locate the specific meal plan you wish to cancel. Your active plans will be listed here.
4. Manage Subscription: Click the "Manage Subscription" option associated with your plan. This will bring you to the settings for that specific subscription.
5. Cancel Auto-Renewal: You should see a clear option to 'Cancel Subscription' or 'Turn Off Auto-Renew'. Follow the prompts to confirm your cancellation.

It is imperative to complete this process at least 48 hours before your renewal date to prevent the next payment from being processed. Once canceled, a note like "Cancelled next renewal payment" will appear under your plan details, and you will continue to have access until the end of your current billing cycle.

Cancelling eMeals via the Apple App Store

If you signed up for eMeals using an iOS device, your subscription is managed through Apple's ecosystem, not directly by eMeals. Deleting the app is a common mistake that will not cancel your subscription and can lead to confusion. Here are the steps to cancel via the App Store:

1. Open 'Settings' on your iPhone or iPad: Find and tap the grey 'Settings' icon on your device's Home screen.
2. Tap Your Apple ID: At the top of the Settings menu, tap your name/profile picture.
3. Go to 'Subscriptions': Tap on 'Subscriptions'. You may need to enter your Apple ID password or use Face ID/Touch ID.
4. Select eMeals: Find eMeals in your list of subscriptions and tap on it.
5. Cancel Subscription: Tap 'Cancel Subscription' and confirm your choice. This will ensure your subscription does not automatically renew.

Since Apple processes the billing, any refund requests for App Store purchases must be directed to Apple's support team.

Pausing Your eMeals Account as an Alternative

If you simply need a break from meal planning, eMeals offers a pause feature that is free and saves your account preferences. This is an excellent option if you plan on returning and don't want to go through the entire signup process again. You can pause your subscription for 1, 2, or 3 months via the website. If you log back in before the pause period ends, your subscription will automatically resume.

Comparison Table: Website vs. Apple App Store Cancellation

Feature	Website Cancellation	Apple App Store Cancellation
Initiating the Process	Log into your account on the eMeals website and navigate to the Subscriptions page.	Go to your device's Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions.
Billing and Payments	Controlled directly by eMeals, charged to the card on file.	Controlled by Apple, charged to your Apple account payment method.
Refund Policy	No refunds for payments already processed. Cancellation prevents future charges.	Handled by Apple. All refund inquiries go through Apple support.
Account Deletion	Separate request required via email to [email protected] after cancellation is complete.	No separate process for account deletion; managed within Apple's system.
Pause Option	Available for 1, 2, or 3 months through the website's account settings.	Not managed through Apple's subscription interface.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don't Just Delete the App: This is the most common mistake. Deleting the app does not cancel your subscription and you will continue to be charged.
• Cancel Before Your Renewal Date: Be aware of your renewal date and cancel well in advance (at least 48 hours is recommended) to prevent the next charge.
• Free Trial Behavior: Canceling during a free trial means you will lose access immediately. Unlike a paid subscription where you retain access until the end of the billing period, your trial access ends upon cancellation.
• Know Your Sign-up Method: Confusion arises when a user signs up on one platform (like iOS) but tries to cancel on another (the eMeals website). Always use the method corresponding to your initial purchase.

What to Expect After Cancellation

After successfully canceling, your access to eMeals' meal plans and other features continues until the end of your current subscription period. For example, if your plan renews on the 29th and you cancel on the 10th, you can still use the service until the 28th. Once your billing period ends, your access will become inactive. If you choose to return later, you will need to start a new subscription.

Alternatives to Consider

If you are canceling eMeals but still want a meal planning service, consider some of the competitors. Options range from other apps that provide recipes and shopping lists, to full-fledged meal delivery kits.

• Plan to Eat: An app for those who prefer using their own recipes and want more control over their meal planning schedule.
• Mealime: A good choice for time-crunched cooks, offering quick-and-easy recipes.
• HelloFresh: A full meal kit service that delivers ingredients and recipes directly to your door, suitable for families.
• Hungryroot: Combines a virtual grocery store with meal prep options for people who dislike grocery shopping.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Is eMeals easy to cancel? Yes, if you follow the correct procedure based on your original signup method. The process is straightforward whether through the website or the Apple App Store. The main sources of difficulty stem from common user errors like deleting the app or not understanding the separate management pathways for different billing platforms. By canceling at least 48 hours before renewal, you can ensure a clean break without unexpected charges. For those simply needing a break, the pause feature offers a flexible, no-fuss solution that keeps your account data safe for your return. For a detailed comparison of eMeals with other planning options, you can check out reviews such as this one: eMeals App Review: Pros and Cons - Plan to Eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my eMeals subscription directly through the mobile app?

No, you cannot cancel directly through the app itself. The cancellation process must be completed either on the eMeals website for web signups or through your Apple device settings for iOS signups.

Does canceling my free trial result in immediate loss of access?

Yes. If you cancel during your 14-day free trial, your access to eMeals content will end immediately. This differs from canceling a paid subscription, where access continues until the end of the billing period.

What is the cancellation phone number for eMeals?

To cancel by phone, you can call the eMeals Customer Success team at (800) 372-4811 or (205) 377-7701. The terms of service mention that phone calls are an option for cancellation.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my subscription mid-cycle?

eMeals does not offer partial refunds for subscriptions canceled after a billing period has started. Your cancellation will only prevent future charges, and you retain access until the end of your current cycle.

How do I cancel my eMeals subscription if I paid through iTunes?

To cancel an iTunes-based subscription, you must use your Apple device's settings. Navigate to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions, select eMeals, and choose 'Cancel Subscription'.

What happens if I forget to cancel my eMeals free trial?

If you do not cancel before your free trial's renewal date, your credit card will be automatically charged for the next subscription term based on the plan you selected.

Is there a cancellation fee for eMeals?

eMeals does not charge a cancellation fee. Canceling is free, but you will not receive a refund for any time left on your current subscription period.