I signed up for a 7-day Super Duolingo trial, but it automatically renewed for $35.99 before I realized it. The payment failed because there wasn't enough money in my account. I've cancelled the subscription, but Apple still lists the $35.99 as a total owed, and I can't download even free apps from the App Store. I've already tried contacting Apple Support and submitting a refund request, but I haven't gotten the charge resolved. I didn't intend to continue the subscription and would like to know whether Apple can review or remove the unpaid balance without requiring payment first.
2 Answers
In most cases, Apple requires the outstanding balance to be paid before the account can download apps again. After paying it, you can submit a refund request and explain that the charge came from an unwanted trial renewal. Cancelling after the renewal usually stops future charges but doesn’t automatically remove the existing one.
Try Apple’s official billing and purchase-support process again and specifically ask whether the failed renewal is eligible for cancellation or a one-time adjustment. There’s no guarantee they’ll remove it without payment, but support is the only route for disputing the balance. If they decline, the usual path is to pay the amount and then request a refund review.
I did cancel the subscription, but unfortunately I only noticed the renewal after the charge had already been attempted. I was hoping Apple might still review the unpaid balance first.