“Struggling to figure out how to stop that VPN from running or just want to ditch your subscription entirely? No worries, I’ve got you covered with a straightforward guide!”
How to Cancel Your VPN Subscription or Turn it Off
To cancel your VPN subscription, you generally need to log into your VPN provider’s website, navigate to your account or billing section, and find the “cancel subscription” or “turn off auto-renewal” option. If you subscribed through an app store like Apple App Store or Google Play, you’ll manage the subscription directly through your device’s app store settings. To turn off a VPN temporarily, simply open the VPN app on your device and tap the disconnect button, or go into your device’s network settings and toggle the VPN off. For a complete removal, you’ll need to uninstall the app and delete any associated VPN profiles from your device settings.
it’s great to have you here! Today, we’re talking about something super practical that many of us face at some point: how to handle your VPN, whether you want to completely cancel your subscription or just temporarily turn it off. sometimes a VPN is exactly what you need for privacy or accessing content, but other times it can slow things down, block certain sites, or you simply might not need it anymore. Maybe you found a better service, your free trial is ending, or you’re just not using it as much as you thought you would. Whatever your reason, I’m here to walk you through the process step-by-step.
We’ll cover everything from ending your recurring payments to just hitting that ‘off’ switch on your phone or computer. I’ll show you the general ways to cancel a VPN subscription, including how to handle those tricky app store subscriptions, and then we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of turning off or even completely removing a VPN from your iPhone, Android device, Windows PC, and Mac. So, let’s get into it and make sure you’re in full control of your online privacy and connectivity!
Canceling Your VPN Subscription: The Big Step
Alright, let’s tackle the subscription part first. This is usually what people mean when they say “cancel VPN,” and it’s about stopping those recurring payments. The exact steps can differ a bit depending on how you signed up.
Subscribed Directly Through the VPN Provider’s Website
If you bought your VPN subscription right from the company’s website using a credit card or PayPal, this is the most common way to cancel.
- Log in to Your Account: Head over to your VPN provider’s official website. You’ll need to log in with the email address and password you used when you signed up.
- Find Your Account/Billing Section: Once you’re logged in, look for a section like “My Account,” “Subscription,” “Billing,” or “Services.” It’s usually pretty clear, sometimes hidden under a profile icon in the top right corner.
- Locate Cancellation Options: Within the billing or subscription section, you’ll typically find an option to “Cancel Subscription,” “Manage Subscription,” or “Turn Off Auto-Renewal.” This is your golden ticket!
- Follow the Prompts: The VPN provider might ask you a few questions about why you’re canceling they’re just trying to improve, so no need to give a lengthy explanation!. Keep following the prompts until you see a confirmation message, like “Your subscription has been canceled” or “Auto-renewal is off.”
- Check for Confirmation: It’s a good idea to check your email for a confirmation message. This is your proof that the cancellation went through.
Pro Tip: Even if you cancel auto-renewal, you can usually keep using the VPN service until the end of your current billing period. So, if you paid for a year, you still get to enjoy those benefits until that year is up.
Subscribed Through an App Store Apple App Store or Google Play
This is a super common way to subscribe, especially for mobile users. The cancellation process here is managed by the app store itself, not directly by the VPN provider’s website.
For iPhone/iPad Apple App Store
- Open Settings: On your iPhone or iPad, tap the Settings app.
- Tap Your Name/Apple ID: At the very top of the Settings menu, you’ll see your name and Apple ID profile picture. Tap on it.
- Go to Subscriptions: Tap on Subscriptions. You might need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
- Find Your VPN: You’ll see a list of all your active and expired subscriptions. Find your VPN service in this list and tap on it.
- Cancel Subscription: Tap Cancel Subscription and then confirm your choice. To avoid charges, try to cancel at least 24 hours before your next billing date or the end of a free trial.
For Android Google Play Store
- Open Google Play Store: Launch the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap Your Profile Icon: Tap on your profile picture, usually in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Go to Payments & Subscriptions: Tap on Payments & subscriptions, then select Subscriptions.
- Find Your VPN: Locate your VPN service in the list and tap on it.
- Cancel Subscription: Tap Cancel subscription and follow any on-screen prompts to confirm. Just like with Apple, make sure to cancel before the next billing cycle to prevent being charged.
Common VPN Specific Cancellation Steps
While the general steps are helpful, some VPNs have slightly different interfaces. Here are quick tips for some popular ones: How to Cancel Your Norton VPN Subscription (and Get Your Money Back!)
- ExpressVPN: Log in to your account on their website. Go to “My Subscription” and then “Edit subscription settings” or “Subscription details.” There, you’ll find the option to “Turn Off Automatic Renewal” or “Cancel Subscription.” If you subscribed via an app store, use the app store’s subscription management.
- NordVPN: Log in to your Nord Account. Navigate to the “Billing” tab, then “Subscriptions.” You’ll see an option to “Cancel” next to “Auto-renewal.” Select “Cancel auto-renewal” and confirm. For app store subscriptions, use the respective app store settings.
- Surfshark: Log in to your Surfshark account on their website. Click on your profile icon usually your email in the top-right corner and select “Subscription.” Under the “Auto-renewal” tab or “Payments” section, click “Cancel auto-renewal” or “Manage subscription” to stop future payments. Again, if it’s an app store purchase, manage it through Apple App Store or Google Play.
Refund Policies: Can You Get Your Money Back?
Many premium VPNs offer a money-back guarantee, typically a 30-day window. If you’re within this period, you can usually get a full refund.
- How to Request a Refund: After canceling your subscription, you’ll often need to contact customer support directly to request a refund. Most providers have a live chat feature on their website, which is usually the fastest way. Be sure to have your account details handy. They’ll likely confirm your cancellation and then process your refund, which typically takes a few business days to appear back in your account.
- Important Note: If you get a refund, your access to the VPN service will often stop immediately, unlike simply canceling auto-renewal where you usually keep access until your current billing cycle ends.
Turning Off Your VPN: The Quick Toggle
Sometimes, you don’t want to cancel entirely. you just need to temporarily turn off your VPN. Maybe you’re trying to access a local network device, streaming a service that blocks VPNs, or troubleshooting a slow connection. This is usually a much quicker process.
Disconnecting via the VPN App Easiest Way
Most VPN services come with their own dedicated app, and this is usually the simplest way to disconnect. How to Easily Cancel Your Virtual DJ Subscription (and What Happens Next!)
- Open the VPN App: Launch the VPN app on your device phone, tablet, computer.
- Locate the Disconnect Button: On the app’s main screen, you’ll almost always see a prominent button or toggle that says “Disconnect,” “Turn Off,” “Stop,” or simply a power icon.
- Tap/Click to Disconnect: Tap or click this button. The app will usually confirm that you are “Not Connected” or show a similar status.
Turning Off VPN from Device Settings
If the app isn’t working, or if you configured the VPN manually, you can always turn it off through your device’s network settings.
How to Turn Off VPN on iPhone/iPad
You have a few ways to do this on iOS devices.
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Via Settings App:
- Open your Settings app.
- Tap on VPN. On some older iOS versions, or if you don’t see it directly, you might need to go to General > VPN & Device Management > VPN.
- You’ll see a toggle switch next to “VPN Status.” Flip this switch to the Off position. It should then say “Not Connected.”
- Disable “Connect On Demand”: If your VPN keeps turning itself back on, tap the “i” icon next to your VPN configuration and toggle off “Connect On Demand.” This feature automatically activates your VPN in certain situations.
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Removing the VPN Profile for complete removal/manual setups:
- Open Settings > General.
- Scroll down and tap VPN & Device Management or just Profile on older versions.
- Tap VPN.
- Under “Device VPN,” tap the “i” icon next to the VPN you want to remove.
- Tap Delete VPN or Remove Configuration. Confirm when prompted.
- Uninstalling the VPN App: If you installed the VPN as an app, simply long-press the app icon on your home screen, tap “Remove App,” then “Delete App,” and confirm. This usually removes any associated profiles as well.
How to Turn Off VPN on Android
Android devices also give you a couple of ways to manage your VPN connections. How to Easily Cancel Your CT Vehicle Registration (and Avoid Nasty Surprises!)
* Open your phone's Settings app.
* Look for a section like Network & Internet, Connections, or More connection settings. Tap on it.
* Tap on VPN. You'll see a list of VPN profiles.
* Tap the VPN that is currently "Connected" and then select Disconnect.
* Forget VPN for complete removal/manual setups: To remove the VPN profile entirely, from the VPN list, tap the gear icon or settings icon next to the VPN and then tap Forget or Delete VPN Profile.
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Via Quick Settings/Notification Panel:
- Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification panel.
- You might see a persistent VPN notification or icon. Tap on it, and it often provides a quick Disconnect or Turn Off option.
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Uninstalling the VPN App: Just like with any other app, you can long-press the VPN app icon on your home screen or in the app drawer, then drag it to “Uninstall” or select “Uninstall” from the pop-up menu. Confirm the action.
How to Turn Off VPN on Computer Windows
For Windows PCs, there are typically two main methods.
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Via VPN App:
- Open the VPN application you installed.
- Click the prominent Disconnect, Turn Off, or power button within the app’s interface.
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Via Windows Settings: Can You Cancel Surfshark VPN? Absolutely, Here’s How to Unsubscribe and Get Your Money Back!
- Click the Start Menu Windows icon.
- Go to Settings the gear icon.
- Click Network & Internet.
- Select VPN from the left-hand menu.
- Under “VPN connections,” select the VPN you want to disconnect or remove.
- Click Disconnect to temporarily turn it off.
- To remove it completely, click Remove or Delete.
- Uninstalling the VPN App: For a complete removal, go to “Settings” > “Apps” > “Apps & features,” find your VPN app, and click “Uninstall.” You might also want to remove old TAP drivers from the Device Manager to ensure all traces are gone.
How to Turn Off VPN on Computer Mac
Mac users also have a few straightforward ways to manage their VPN connections.
* Open the VPN application from your Dock or Applications folder.
* Look for a Connect/Disconnect button or toggle and click it to end the connection.
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Via System Settings/System Preferences:
- Click the Apple menu top-left corner of your screen.
- Select System Settings on macOS Ventura and newer or System Preferences on older macOS versions like Monterey.
- Go to Network.
- In the left-hand panel, select your VPN connection.
- Click the Disconnect button or toggle the switch to turn it off.
- To remove the VPN profile completely, select the VPN again and click the minus button – at the bottom of the list or “Remove Configuration.” Confirm when prompted.
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Via Menu Bar Icon:
- Many third-party VPN apps place a small icon often a shield or their logo in your Mac’s menu bar top right of your screen.
- Click this icon. It often provides quick controls to Disconnect, Turn Off, or Pause the VPN.
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Uninstalling the VPN App: Go to your “Applications” folder, drag the VPN app to the Trash, and then empty the Trash. For a more thorough cleanup, tools like AppCleaner can help remove associated files.
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Important Considerations After Canceling or Turning Off Your VPN
Once you’ve canceled your subscription or turned off your VPN, it’s worth remembering a few things:
- Your Privacy Changes: When your VPN is off, your internet traffic is no longer encrypted or routed through the VPN server. This means your Internet Service Provider ISP and potentially other third parties can see your online activities, and your real IP address is visible again.
- Public Wi-Fi Risks: If you’re on public Wi-Fi, turning off your VPN means you’re no longer protected from potential snoopers on that network. It’s generally a good idea to keep your VPN active when using unsecured public networks.
- Auto-Connect Features: Some VPN apps and device settings have “auto-connect” or “always-on VPN” features. If your VPN keeps turning itself on even after you’ve tried to disable it, check these settings within the VPN app or your device’s network settings as mentioned in the iPhone/Android sections. Disabling these will give you full manual control.
- Why You Might Reconsider: While you might have good reasons to cancel or turn off your VPN, remember the benefits it offers: enhanced privacy, security on public networks, and the ability to bypass content restrictions. If you’re canceling due to performance issues or cost, maybe explore other reputable VPN providers that might better fit your needs and budget. Many offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so you can test them out without risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between turning off a VPN and canceling a VPN subscription?
Turning off a VPN is a temporary action that disconnects your device from the VPN server, making your internet traffic visible to your ISP again. You can usually do this with a toggle in the VPN app or your device settings. Canceling a VPN subscription, on the other hand, is about stopping recurring payments for the service. You’ll typically do this through the VPN provider’s website or the app store where you purchased the subscription. You can often still use the VPN until your current billing cycle ends even after canceling the subscription.
Will I get a refund if I cancel my VPN subscription?
Many VPN providers offer a money-back guarantee, usually for 30 days, from the date of purchase. If you cancel within this period, you can usually request a full refund by contacting their customer support, often through live chat or email. Make sure to check the specific refund policy of your VPN provider.
How do I turn off an “always-on” VPN on my phone?
If your VPN keeps automatically connecting, it might have an “always-on” feature enabled. On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, tap the gear icon next to your VPN, and disable the “Always-on VPN” toggle. On iPhone/iPad, go to Settings > VPN or General > VPN & Device Management > VPN, tap the “i” icon next to your VPN, and toggle off “Connect On Demand.” You should also check the VPN app’s internal settings for any auto-connect options. How to Easily Cancel Your btwb Subscription
How do I completely remove a VPN from my device?
To completely remove a VPN, you’ll generally need to do two things:
- Uninstall the VPN app: Delete the app from your device like any other application long-press icon > Delete App on mobile. use Apps & Features or Applications folder on desktop.
- Delete the VPN profile: Go into your device’s network settings and manually remove any VPN configurations or profiles that the app might have installed. e.g., on iPhone: Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN, tap ‘i’, then Delete VPN. on Android: Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, tap gear icon, then Forget VPN. on Windows: Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, select VPN, then Remove. on Mac: System Settings > Network, select VPN, then minus button.
What happens to my internet connection when I turn off my VPN?
When you turn off your VPN, your device reverts to its regular internet connection. This means your internet traffic is no longer encrypted by the VPN, and your real IP address becomes visible to websites, online services, and your Internet Service Provider ISP. Your online activities will no longer be private from your ISP, and you might lose access to geo-restricted content that your VPN previously unlocked.
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