How to cancel CookShelf: Search Cookbooks and get your money back
CookShelf: Search Cookbooks is a Food & Drink app by CookShelf Inc. Canceling and getting refunded are two separate things — most people do the first and assume the second happens automatically. It doesn't.
Based on 100 of the most recent public App Store reviews, sampled September 2026.
Step 1 — Stop the next charge
- On iPhone or iPad: Settings → tap your name → Subscriptions.
- Select CookShelf: Search Cookbooks → Cancel Subscription.
- Check that it now says Expires and not Renews. If it still says Renews, it is not canceled.
Deleting the app does not cancel the subscription. This is the single most common reason people keep getting charged.
Step 2 — Ask Apple for the charge back
Answer these and you'll get the exact wording to paste into Apple's form. Nothing is sent anywhere — it's generated in your browser.
You're not the only one
Recent 1–2★ reviews of CookShelf: Search Cookbooks on the App Store, about billing:
The free version is so limited it’s useless. I downloaded and signed up all excited then immediately deleted it. You can only scan in five books with the free version. I wish they had been up front that “in-app purchases” actually means a pretty necessary subscription.
Some caveats. They do not mention where I could see it this BUT The CookShelf app does not display full recipes or step-by-step methods, nor does it show exact ingredient amounts, to avoid copyright infringement. YOU GET AN INGREDIENT LIST ONLY. Some cookbooks in which I am interested are not present in the app. Disappointing because that means they cannot be searched. You can ask they be scanned, but that is no gua…
For a subscription service I have access to all the recipes on my book shelf. In the 30 seconds that I navigated the app I looked to see if I could find my way into a new book. It was difficult and clunky and I have a lot easier time searching through book stores than I do this service. It appears that they are attempting to create some sort of community by offering a social media aspect to their platform. I’m really…
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Questions
Can I get a refund after I already canceled CookShelf: Search Cookbooks?
Yes. Canceling stops future renewals but does not refund a charge that already went through. You request that separately at reportaproblem.apple.com, and "I was charged after I canceled the subscription" is the reason to select.
How long do I have to ask for a refund?
Apple generally expects refund requests within 90 days of the charge. Ask as soon as you notice it — requests on recent charges are approved more often.
Apple declined my request. Is that the end?
No. A first decline is common and is often automated. You can submit the request again with more specific facts and ask for review by a senior advisor. If it is declined again, you can dispute the charge with your card issuer.
Will I lose access to CookShelf: Search Cookbooks if I cancel?
You keep access until the end of the period you already paid for. Canceling only stops the next renewal.