In-App Billing Information - Briefly VIP Subscription
Effective Date: Feb 9, 2026
Last Updated: Feb 9, 2026
What is Briefly VIP?
Briefly VIP is our premium subscription service that unlocks unlimited access to all features and removes limitations on your news briefing experience.
Subscription Features
Free vs. VIP Comparison
| Feature |
Free |
VIP |
| News Topics |
Limited number |
Unlimited topics |
| Custom Topics |
Not available |
Unlimited custom topics |
| AI Chat Messages |
Limited daily messages |
Unlimited messages |
| News Briefings |
Full access |
Full access |
| Breaking News |
Full access |
Full access |
| Advertisements |
May appear |
Ad-free experience |
| Future Features |
Limited |
All included |
Note: Specific limits for the Free tier are displayed in the App and may be adjusted based on server configuration.
Subscription Plans
We offer three VIP subscription options to suit your needs:
1. Monthly Subscription
- Billing: Charged monthly
- Renewal: Automatically renews every month
- Flexibility: Cancel anytime
- Best for: Trying out VIP features or short-term use
2. Annual Subscription ⭐ Recommended
- Billing: Charged once per year
- Renewal: Automatically renews every year
- Savings: Typically offers the best value per month
- Best for: Long-term users who want maximum savings
3. Lifetime Subscription
Lifetime Definition: "Lifetime" refers to the lifetime of the Briefly App or the availability of the related services, not the lifetime of the user. Briefly may modify, suspend, or discontinue the App or any part of the Services in accordance with our Terms of Service.
- Billing: One-time payment
- Renewal: No recurring renewal (subject to the "Lifetime" definition below)
- Value: Pay once, enjoy long-term access
- Best for: Users committed to Briefly for the long term
"Lifetime" Definition: "Lifetime" refers to the lifetime of the Briefly App or the availability of the related services (including VIP features), not the lifetime of the user. We may modify, suspend, or discontinue the App or any part of the Services as described in our Terms of Service.
Pricing
Prices are set by the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and displayed in your local currency. The exact price will be shown before you confirm your purchase.
Note: Prices may vary by:
- Your country or region
- Current promotional offers
- Exchange rates (for international currencies)
- Applicable taxes and fees
How Billing Works
Login Required for Purchases
You must be signed in to a Briefly account to purchase a VIP subscription. Purchases are not available in Guest mode.
Payment Processing
All payments are processed securely through:
- iOS users: Apple App Store
- Android users: Google Play Store
We do not collect or store your payment information. Your credit card, debit card, or payment method details are handled exclusively by Apple or Google.
When You're Charged
First Charge:
- You're charged immediately when you subscribe (unless you have an active free trial)
Renewal Charges:
- Monthly: Charged on the same day each month
- Annual: Charged on the same date each year
- Renewal happens within 24 hours before your current period ends
Free Trial (if available):
- If you're eligible for a free trial, you won't be charged until the trial period ends
- The trial duration will be clearly displayed before you subscribe
- You can cancel during the trial to avoid any charges
Automatic Renewal
Important: All subscriptions automatically renew unless you cancel.
Here's how it works:
- When you subscribe, you agree to automatic renewal
- Before your subscription expires, you'll be charged for the next period
- Your subscription continues without interruption
- You keep all your VIP features and benefits
Why automatic renewal?
- You never lose access to VIP features
- No need to remember to renew manually
- Seamless experience across billing periods
How to Cancel Your Subscription
You can cancel your subscription at any time. Here's how:
For iOS Users (iPhone/iPad):
Method 1 - Through Settings:
- Open the Settings app on your device
- Tap your name at the top
- Tap Subscriptions
- Select Briefly
- Tap Cancel Subscription
Method 2 - Through App Store:
- Open the App Store app
- Tap your profile icon (top right)
- Tap Subscriptions
- Select Briefly
- Tap Cancel Subscription
For Android Users:
Method 1 - Through Play Store App:
- Open the Google Play Store app
- Tap the menu icon (three lines) or your profile icon
- Tap Payments & subscriptions > Subscriptions
- Select Briefly
- Tap Cancel subscription
Method 2 - Through Web Browser:
What Happens After Cancellation?
- Your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing period
- You continue to have VIP access until the paid period expires
- After expiration, your account reverts to the Free tier
- Your topics, chat history, and account data are preserved
- You can resubscribe at any time to restore VIP access
Important: Canceling your subscription is different from deleting your account. To delete your account completely, email Briefly.Feedback@gmail.com.
Refund Policy
General Refund Information
- Refunds are handled by Apple or Google, not by Briefly directly
- We cannot issue refunds or process refund requests ourselves
- Refund eligibility is determined by Apple's or Google's refund policies
- Refund decisions are at the sole discretion of Apple or Google
How to Request a Refund
For iOS Users:
- Visit reportaproblem.apple.com
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Find your Briefly subscription purchase
- Select "Request a refund"
- Choose a reason and submit
Alternative for iOS:
- Contact Apple Support directly
- Visit support.apple.com
- Explain your situation to an Apple representative
For Android Users:
- Visit play.google.com/store/account
- Find your Briefly purchase in Order History
- Click "Request a refund" or "Report a problem"
- Follow the on-screen instructions
Alternative for Android:
- The refund button appears only if the purchase qualifies under Google's policy
- Contact Google Play Support if you don't see the option
Refund Timeframes
- Apple: Typically processes refunds within 48 hours, but may take up to 30 days
- Google: Usually processes within 3-5 business days for approved refunds
Our Commitment
If you're experiencing issues with the App:
- Contact us at Briefly.Feedback@gmail.com before requesting a refund
- We'll do our best to resolve technical issues or answer questions
- Many problems can be fixed without needing a refund
Restore Purchases
What is "Restore Purchases"?
If you previously purchased a VIP subscription and:
- Got a new phone
- Reinstalled the App
- Your VIP status isn't showing
You can restore your purchase at no additional charge.
How to Restore Purchases
- Open the Briefly app
- Go to the subscription screen (tap the VIP button or upgrade prompt)
- Tap "Restore" in the screen
- Ensure your device is signed in with the same App Store Apple ID (iOS) or Google Play account (Android) used for the original purchase
- Wait a few moments for verification
- Your VIP status will be restored
Important Notes
- In-app purchases and subscription benefits are associated with the App Store Apple ID (iOS) or Google Play account (Android) used at the time of purchase.
- At any given time, VIP benefits may be accessed by one Briefly account.
- If you sign out and sign in using a different method that results in a different Briefly account, benefits may not appear automatically in that account. Use Restore Purchases to verify and re-enable access.
- If you delete your Briefly account, your purchase is not canceled. After signing in with a new or existing Briefly account, you may restore using the same App Store Apple ID (iOS) or Google Play account (Android).
- You cannot transfer purchases between iOS and Android.
- You cannot transfer purchases between different App Store Apple IDs or Google Play accounts.
- Restore is free and can be done as many times as needed.
- Please ensure you are logged into the correct Briefly account before purchasing.
Having Trouble Restoring?
If restore doesn't work:
- Make sure your device is signed in with the correct App Store Apple ID (iOS) or Google Play account (Android)
- Check that you have an active internet connection
- Restart the App and try again
- Contact Briefly.Feedback@gmail.com with your purchase details
Why didn't Restore Purchases work?
Restore Purchases can only activate access on one Briefly account at a time. If your purchase is currently active on another Briefly account, Restore may not apply to the new account.
To restore on a different account:
- Sign in to the Briefly account currently using the purchase and delete that account (or remove the existing association), then
- Sign in to the new Briefly account and tap Restore Purchases.
Free Trials
Free Trial Availability
We may offer free trials for new VIP subscribers:
- Free trial eligibility is determined by Apple or Google
- Usually available only for first-time subscribers to Briefly VIP
- The trial period (typically 3-7 days) will be clearly displayed before you subscribe
How Free Trials Work
- Start Trial: Subscribe to VIP and select a plan with a free trial
- No Immediate Charge: You won't be charged during the trial period
- Full Access: You get complete VIP features during the trial
- Automatic Conversion: When the trial ends, you're automatically charged and your subscription begins
- Cancel Anytime: Cancel during the trial to avoid being charged
Trial Important Notes
- You must provide a valid payment method to start a trial
- Your payment method will be charged automatically when the trial ends unless you cancel
- To avoid charges, cancel at least 24 hours before the trial ends
- Canceling during the trial stops all charges — you won't pay anything
- VIP access remains active through the end of the trial period even if you cancel
Grace Period (Payment Issues)
What is a Grace Period?
If your subscription renewal payment fails (e.g., expired credit card, insufficient funds):
- You may receive a grace period
- Your VIP features remain active during this time
- You can update your payment method to continue your subscription
Note: The grace period duration is determined by Apple or Google and may vary.
How to Update Payment Method
iOS:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping
- Update your payment information
- Or add a new payment method
Android:
- Open Google Play Store
- Tap menu > Payment methods
- Update or add a payment method
After the Grace Period
If you don't update your payment method within the grace period:
- Your subscription expires
- VIP features are disabled
- Your account reverts to Free tier
- You can resubscribe at any time to restore VIP access
Promotional Codes and Discounts
Promotional Offers
We may occasionally offer promotional codes or special discounts:
- Codes may provide discounts on subscription prices or extended trial periods
- Promotional offers are subject to specific terms and conditions
- Codes typically have expiration dates
How to Redeem a Promo Code
iOS:
- Open the App Store app
- Tap your profile icon
- Tap "Redeem Gift Card or Code"
- Enter the promotional code
- Follow on-screen instructions
Android:
- Open the Google Play Store app
- Tap menu > Redeem
- Enter the promotional code
- Tap "Redeem"
Promo Code Terms
- One code per person unless otherwise stated
- Cannot be combined with other offers (unless explicitly stated)
- No cash value
- Non-transferable
- Subject to availability and our discretion
Privacy and Data Protection
What We Collect
When you subscribe to VIP, we collect:
- Subscription status (Free or VIP)
- Subscription tier (Monthly, Annual, or Lifetime)
- Purchase receipt for verification
What We Don't Collect
- Your credit card or payment information (handled by Apple/Google)
- Billing address or financial details
- Payment history beyond what Apple/Google provides for verification
How We Use Subscription Data
- To verify your VIP status and unlock features
- To provide customer support
- To analyze subscription trends (anonymized data)
- To improve our services
For complete details, see our Privacy Policy.
Managing Your Account
Change Subscription Plan
To switch between Monthly, Annual, or Lifetime:
iOS:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions
- Select Briefly
- Choose a different subscription option
- Confirm the change
Android:
- You typically need to cancel your current subscription and subscribe to a different plan
- Contact Google Play Support for assistance with plan changes
Downgrade from VIP to Free
To return to the Free tier:
- Cancel your subscription (see "How to Cancel" section above)
- Let your current subscription period expire
- Your account automatically reverts to Free tier
You can always upgrade back to VIP at any time.
Customer Support
Need Help?
If you have questions about:
- Billing issues or unexpected charges
- Subscription status not updating
- Problems with restore purchases
- Refund requests
- Any other subscription-related concerns
Contact us:
- Email: Briefly.Feedback@gmail.com
- Subject Line: Include "Billing" or "Subscription" for faster routing
- Response Time: We typically respond within 24-48 hours
What to Include in Your Message
To help us assist you faster, please provide:
- Your registered email address or App Store Apple ID (iOS) / Google Play account (Android)
- Description of the issue
- Screenshots (if applicable)
- Purchase receipt or order number (if available)
Legal and Compliance
Terms of Service
Your subscription is subject to our Terms of Service. By subscribing, you agree to:
- Automatic renewal terms
- Our refund policy
- Cancellation procedures
- All other terms and conditions
App Store Terms
Your subscription is also subject to:
- iOS: Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions
- Android: Google Play Terms of Service
In case of conflict between our terms and Apple/Google's terms, Apple/Google's terms take precedence for payment and billing matters.
International Purchases
- Prices vary by country and region
- Billing is in your local currency as determined by Apple or Google
- Applicable taxes (VAT, GST, sales tax) may be added
- Exchange rates for display purposes are determined by Apple or Google
Transparency and Fair Billing
Our Commitment to You
We are committed to:
- Clear Pricing: Always showing the full price before you purchase
- No Hidden Fees: What you see is what you pay (plus applicable taxes)
- Easy Cancellation: No hoops to jump through—cancel anytime through your device settings
- No Surprise Charges: Clear communication about when you'll be charged
- Honest Value: VIP features that genuinely enhance your experience
What You Should Know
Before subscribing, make sure you understand:
- ✓ The subscription price and billing frequency
- ✓ That subscriptions automatically renew
- ✓ How to cancel your subscription
- ✓ Our refund policy (handled by Apple/Google)
- ✓ Free trial terms (if applicable)
Changes to Pricing or Terms
If we make changes to:
- Subscription prices
- Billing terms
- Features included in VIP
We will notify you via:
- Email (if you have an account)
- In-app notification
- Update to this document
Price increases do not affect your current subscription until your next renewal period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use VIP on multiple devices?
Yes! Your VIP subscription is tied to your Apple ID (iOS) or Google Play account (Android). You can use it on any device signed in with that account.
Can I transfer my subscription from iOS to Android?
No. Subscriptions purchased through the Apple App Store work only on iOS devices. Subscriptions through Google Play work only on Android devices. You would need to purchase a separate subscription if you switch platforms.
What happens to my data if I cancel?
Your topics, reading history, and chat messages are preserved. When you resubscribe, everything is still there. Only VIP features (unlimited topics, unlimited chat) are disabled.
Can I gift a subscription to someone?
Currently, gifting is not directly supported. However:
- iOS: You may be able to gift through the App Store (check Apple's gift subscription options)
- Android: Google Play may support gifting in some regions
Do subscriptions auto-renew forever?
Subscriptions renew automatically until you cancel. Once you cancel, they stop renewing after the current period ends.
Can I pause my subscription?
Pausing is not currently supported. You can cancel and resubscribe later, but you'll need to pay for a new subscription period when you return.
Are there student or educational discounts?
We do not currently offer student discounts, but we may introduce promotional offers from time to time. Follow us or check the App for announcements.
What if I'm charged but didn't authorize it?
- Check your App Store Apple ID (iOS) or Google Play account (Android) to verify the purchase
- If unauthorized, contact Apple or Google immediately to dispute the charge
- Change your account password and enable two-factor authentication
- Contact us at Briefly.Feedback@gmail.com so we can investigate
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Summary: Key Points to Remember
- ✓ Free Trial: Take advantage if available—no charge until the trial ends
- ✓ Auto-Renewal: Subscriptions renew automatically—cancel anytime to stop future charges
- ✓ Cancellation: Cancel at least 24 hours before renewal to avoid being charged
- ✓ Refunds: Handled by Apple or Google, not by Briefly directly
- ✓ Restore: Use "Restore Purchases" if your VIP status isn't showing after reinstallation
- ✓ Support: Contact Briefly.Feedback@gmail.com for help with any subscription issues
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Thank you for supporting Briefly! Your subscription helps us provide quality news briefing services and continue improving the app.
Questions? Email us at Briefly.Feedback@gmail.com
Last Updated: Feb 9, 2026