Why Many Users Are Cancelling c.ai+ Subscriptions
Character AI’s paid tier, c.ai+, has been drawing mixed reactions since its release.
Some users hoped the upgrade would fix long-standing frustrations like weak memory, inconsistent chat models, and constant glitches. Instead, many feel the premium plan fails to deliver on its promises.
Reports of memory loss, unfinished responses, and features that don’t work on the website have led several users to cancel their subscriptions within days of signing up.
The problem goes beyond technical hiccups. The advertised premium benefits often do not apply to web users, leaving over 75% of features inaccessible unless you use the mobile app.
Users also complain about sudden model changes, like the mysterious appearance of Pipsqueak after subscribing, as well as disruptions caused by frequent network errors.
To make matters worse, refunds are almost impossible unless processed through Apple or Google Play.
For those who signed up on the website, payments remain non-refundable, even if cancellation happens within 24 hours.
Not everyone is unhappy with c.ai+. Some subscribers genuinely enjoy features like Deepsqueak, longer replies, and ad-free use. Still, the inconsistency is hard to ignore.
On Reddit, reviews range from outright frustration to cautious approval, showing how uneven the experience has become.
If you’re considering trying c.ai+, you might want to read feedback carefully before committing.
You can even find discussions and links, such as the Better Business Bureau profile, where dissatisfied users are beginning to leave reviews, or resources like this breakdown of current bot issues that explain why the platform often feels unstable.
What you need to know about c.ai+ cancellations
Memory feels worse for many users, with characters breaking role or forgetting details
Premium models like Deepsqueak and Pipsqueak behave almost the same as free ones
Most advertised features don’t work for website users
Frequent glitches, unfinished replies, and network errors frustrate paying members
Refunds are nearly impossible for subscriptions bought through the website
Some app users still like the longer replies, ad-free use, and Deepsqueak
Alternatives such as Candy AI and CrushOn AI are drawing interest from cancelled users
Biggest complaints from cancelled subscribers
The most common frustration with c.ai+ centers around memory.
Many users expected premium access to improve recall of character details and pinned memories. Instead, they report the opposite. Personas are often forgotten mid-conversation, and bots slip out of character more frequently than before.
Some even describe their characters being overwritten by the AI itself, especially in chat styles like Deepsqueak or Nyan.
Another issue is the gap between what was promised and what is delivered. The advertised customization of reply lengths, for example, doesn’t appear on the website version at all.
This means that over three-quarters of the promoted features simply don’t apply to web users. Paying customers who stick to the desktop site find themselves left behind while app users enjoy the majority of perks.
Network problems add another layer of frustration. Reports of access disruptions and error flags show up often, with some saying c.ai+ feels less stable than the free version.
Combined with inconsistent model behavior, these bugs leave many questioning why they should pay at all. The lack of refunds makes the sting worse.
Even when subscribers cancel within 24 hours, their payments are locked in for the month, creating a strong sense of unfairness.
Why some users still stick with c.ai+
Despite the backlash, not all subscribers regret their decision. Some say Deepsqueak delivers longer, richer responses that push their stories forward.
Others appreciate the ad-free experience and auto-memory updates, which they believe make their sessions smoother.
A few even admit that paying for the service makes them more forgiving of its flaws because they want to support a tool they use daily.
There are also differences between app and web users. Those on mobile often report a better experience, citing improved customization options and more consistent updates.
Website-only users, on the other hand, tend to run into the missing features and technical problems that drive cancellations. This gap explains why opinions are so divided across the community.
For some, the main reason to stay subscribed is the belief that glitches are temporary. They’ve seen issues come and go after updates, and they’re willing to wait out the rough patches in hopes of stability returning.
While this optimism isn’t universal, it shows why c.ai+ hasn’t completely lost its paying audience.
Alternatives and workarounds users are exploring
For those who cancel c.ai+, the next question is usually what to try instead. Some move back to the free version and use browser ad-blockers to avoid interruptions.
Others experiment with building their own characters and tweaking them until the results are closer to what they want.
A few even say that re-rolling chats or restarting sessions helps reduce the frequency of out-of-character responses.
Refund strategies also get discussed often. While the website version offers no official refund, users who pay through Apple or Google Play sometimes succeed in requesting their money back.
Submitting receipts through those platforms gives paying customers more leverage. In rare cases, some have even managed to get full refunds after arguing that premium access failed to deliver promised features.
There is also a shift toward trying other AI companions.
Tools outside Character AI, including options like Candy AI, are being mentioned more in user conversations.
These platforms position themselves as less restrictive, offering longer chats and fewer filters, which appeals to those disappointed with c.ai+. Although not everyone jumps ship right away, the growing curiosity about alternatives is clear.
Can c.ai+ win back frustrated users?
The mixed feedback makes one thing certain: c.ai+ is not living up to expectations for everyone.
If Character AI wants to regain trust, the service will need to address core frustrations.
Memory improvements must be consistent, not hit or miss. Advertised features should work equally across the website and app, not just one or the other. Stability also needs to become a priority, since no one wants to pay for constant error messages.
Transparency could go a long way. When premium features are missing on the web version, clear communication would help avoid disappointment. The same goes for refunds.
Even if the company does not intend to change its policy, offering trial periods or grace windows would show goodwill. Right now, the lack of refunds only deepens the frustration.
Whether c.ai+ can recover depends on how quickly it acts. The product has its loyal fans, but negative posts are gaining attention.
Platforms like the Better Business Bureau and sites such as RoboRhythms.com already host detailed complaints and discussions that put pressure on the developers.
If these issues are ignored, more users are likely to leave and spend their time on alternatives instead.