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Home › Pay › Common problems › Language learning apps
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Language learning apps

Learning a new language can be done for little or no money. Many public libraries offer free online language courses with a library card, and several well-known language apps have free versions. Some apps, though, push yearly plans after a short trial, or offer 'lifetime' deals that are hard to judge. Here are the common tricks, free options, and how to cancel.

Common problems to watch for

  • A short free trial that renews into a full yearly charge
  • Lessons that stop until you wait, watch ads or pay to continue
  • Pressure from countdown timers on 'limited time' discounts
  • Promises of fluency in a few weeks
  • 'Lifetime' plans from apps you have barely tried

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Free and low-cost alternatives

Your public libraryMany libraries give card holders free access to online language-learning programs, plus language books and audio courses. Ask your library or check its website for what it offers.
Free versions of language appsSeveral well-known language apps offer a free version with ads or daily limits. Try the free version for a few weeks before deciding whether a paid plan adds enough.
Your phone's translator for quick helpApple Translate on iPhone and Google's free Translate app can help with words and phrases while you study. They are tools, not full courses.

Availability depends on your device and model. AblePro has no relationship with any company named here.

What fair pricing looks like

Basic language practice is widely available free through libraries and free app versions. A paid plan may be worth it if you study often and use its extra features, but compare a monthly option before committing to a year.

Before you pay

  • Ask your public library what free language programs come with your card.
  • Use the app's free version for a few weeks first.
  • Check whether the trial turns into a monthly or yearly charge.
  • Be skeptical of claims about fluency in a short time.
  • Before buying 'lifetime' access, consider whether you will still use it next year.

How to cancel

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, tap Subscriptions, pick the app and tap Cancel Subscription.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, choose Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel there.
  3. Deleting or uninstalling the app does not cancel the subscription. You must cancel in the store settings.
  4. If you paid on the app's website, cancel in your account settings there, since the app store will not show it.

Step-by-step cancel guide for iPhone, Android and PayPal →

Common questions

Can I really learn a language free through my library?

Often, yes. Many public libraries offer free access to online language-learning programs with a library card, along with books, audio courses and sometimes conversation groups. What is available varies by library, so check your library's website or ask at the desk. You can often use these programs from home on your phone or computer.

Is a yearly plan better than monthly?

A yearly plan usually costs less per month, but you pay it all at once and may not get a refund if you stop using it. If you are not sure you will stick with it, start with the free version or a monthly plan. Switch to yearly only after you have built a regular habit.

I forgot to cancel my trial. What can I do?

Cancel right away in your App Store or Google Play subscription settings, or on the company's website if you signed up there. Then request a refund through Apple, Google or the company. Refunds are not guaranteed, but asking soon after the charge and explaining what happened can help.

General consumer information, not legal or financial advice. Reports reflect the experiences and opinions of their writers, not AblePro, Inc. We check reports against our posting rules but do not verify them.