Ever downloaded a “free” VPN app, used it for a bit, and then totally forgot about it, only to wonder how to get rid of it later? Or worse, you signed up for a free trial that’s about to turn into a paid subscription, and now you’re scrambling to stop the charge. Trust me, you’re not alone! Many of us have been there, juggling multiple apps and subscriptions, and it can feel a bit like a maze trying to figure out how to cancel them.

Here’s how to cancel that free VPN app subscription. The good news is, canceling a VPN subscription, especially one you got through an app store, is usually pretty straightforward once you know where to look. We’ll walk through the process step-by-step for iPhones, Android devices, and even when you’ve signed up directly on a VPN’s website. We’ll also cover why simply deleting the app isn’t enough to stop those pesky charges and how to make sure you’re not caught off guard by an auto-renewal. By the end of this, you’ll be a pro at managing your VPN subscriptions, ensuring you’re only paying for what you truly want and need.

Remember, while “free” VPNs might seem like a great deal, they often come with their own set of hidden costs, especially when it comes to your privacy and data. We’ll touch on why being careful with free VPNs is so important and why sometimes, paying a little for a reputable service is a much safer bet in the long run.

Table of Contents

Why You Might Need to Cancel That “Free” VPN

you downloaded a free VPN. Maybe it was for a quick, one-time use, or perhaps you thought it would be a permanent solution for your online privacy. But after a while, you might start noticing some red flags that make you want to hit the unsubscribe button. And honestly, it’s a smart move to be vigilant.

One of the biggest reasons people rush to cancel is the surprise charges after a free trial. Many “free” VPN apps actually offer a limited-time free trial that quietly rolls into a paid subscription if you don’t cancel in time. You might think you’re getting something for nothing, but then boom – a charge appears on your bank statement. This is a super common scenario, and it’s why understanding the cancellation process is so crucial before that trial period ends. Some folks have even reported getting billed despite trying to cancel a free trial, which is just frustrating!

Then there are the privacy concerns, which are a huge deal. You use a VPN to protect your online activity, right? Well, with many free VPNs, that protection is often an illusion. Studies have shown that a significant number of free VPNs, especially on Android, have serious data security flaws. For example, a comprehensive study found that 88% of free Android VPNs suffered some kind of data leak, and a whopping 71% shared personal data with third parties like social media companies and data brokers. Think about it: you’re trying to hide your data, but the “free” service you’re using might actually be collecting and selling it. That completely defeats the purpose! By 2025, it’s predicted that malware could impact 39% of free Android VPNs, and third-party tracking could affect 76.5% of them. It’s a sobering thought that 60% of free VPNs could be selling your data.

Beyond privacy, many people cancel because of performance issues. Free VPNs often come with limitations that can make your online experience pretty annoying. We’re talking about slow internet speeds reported by 39% of free VPN users, numerous or buggy ads annoying 13% of users, and streaming issues affecting 12% of users. Imagine trying to watch your favorite show or browse the web, and it’s constantly buffering or interrupted by pop-ups. It’s enough to make anyone want to bail! Many reputable VPNs offer paid plans that support their free tiers, but less transparent services often exploit users for profit.

So, whether it’s unexpected charges, worries about your data being exposed, or just plain frustrating performance, there are plenty of solid reasons why you might find yourself needing to cancel that “free” VPN app. It’s all about taking control of your digital life and making sure your tools are actually working for you, not against you. VPN to Stop Ads: Your Ultimate Guide to an Ad-Free Online World

Canceling a Free VPN App on Your iPhone or iPad iOS

If you’re an iPhone or iPad user, canceling a VPN subscription that you signed up for through the App Store is managed directly through your device’s settings. This is super important to remember because simply deleting the app from your home screen doesn’t cancel the subscription. Your subscription is tied to your Apple ID, not just the app itself.

Let’s get this done, step-by-step:

Open the Settings App: This is that gray gear icon on your home screen. Go ahead and tap on it.
Tap on Your Name/Apple ID: At the very top of the Settings screen, you’ll see your name and often your profile picture. Tap on this section to access your Apple ID settings.
Go to “Subscriptions”: Scroll down a bit until you find the “Subscriptions” option. This is where all your active and expired subscriptions linked to your Apple ID live. Give that a tap.
Find Your VPN Subscription: In the list of subscriptions, you’ll need to locate the VPN service you want to cancel. It might be something like “VPN Proxy Master,” “VPN Super Unlimited Proxy,” or whatever name the app uses.
Tap “Cancel Subscription”: Once you’ve found your VPN, tap on it to view its details. On this screen, you should see a “Cancel Subscription” button, usually located at the bottom. Tap this button and follow any prompts to confirm your cancellation.

Pro Tip: Make sure you cancel at least 24 hours before your free trial or current billing cycle is set to renew. This helps ensure you don’t get charged for another period.

What happens after you cancel? Your subscription will typically remain active until the end of your current billing cycle. So, if you cancel halfway through a month, you can still use the VPN service until that month is over, but it won’t renew automatically for the next period. This stops any future automatic renewals and billing, which is definitely a relief! How to Easily Cancel, Disable, or Remove AdBlock VPN (A Full Guide)

If you’re struggling to find the “Subscriptions” option, or if it’s not directly under your Apple ID settings, there’s an alternative route: Go to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Tap your Apple ID at the top > View Apple ID sign in if needed > Subscriptions. Then follow the same steps to cancel.

Again, just to be super clear: deleting the VPN app from your iPhone or iPad does NOT cancel the subscription. You must go through these steps in your device settings. If you no longer want the app taking up space, you’ll need to uninstall it separately after canceling the subscription.

Canceling a Free VPN App on Your Android Device

For my Android users out there, canceling a VPN subscription that you purchased through the Google Play Store follows a similar logic to iOS, but with its own set of steps. Just like with iPhones, simply removing the app from your device won’t stop the recurring charges. The subscription is linked to your Google Play account.

Here’s how to cancel that free VPN app subscription on your Android device: How to Cancel NordVPN and Get Your Money Back (A Friendly Guide for 2025)

Open the Google Play Store App: Find the iconic triangular Play Store icon on your Android device and tap to open it.
Access the Menu: In most versions of the Play Store, you’ll see your profile icon often a circle with your initial or picture in the top-right corner. Tap on that.
Go to “Payments & subscriptions”: From the menu that pops up, look for and select “Payments & subscriptions.”
Select “Subscriptions”: Within the “Payments & subscriptions” section, tap on “Subscriptions.” This will show you a list of all your active and expired subscriptions managed through Google Play.
Find Your VPN Subscription: Scroll through the list until you spot the VPN service you want to cancel. This could be “VPNFast,” “VPN Super Unlimited Proxy,” or any other free VPN app you might have downloaded.
Tap “Cancel Subscription”: Once you’ve selected your VPN, you’ll usually see an option to “Cancel subscription.” Tap this, and then follow any on-screen instructions to confirm your choice.

Important Note: Just like with iOS, your cancellation will typically take effect at the end of your current billing cycle. You’ll still have access to the VPN’s features until then. This prevents any future automatic charges.

And again, I can’t stress this enough: deleting the VPN app itself from your Android phone or tablet does NOT cancel the subscription. You absolutely need to go through these Google Play Store steps to officially stop the recurring payments. If you want to remove the app from your device, you’ll need to uninstall it separately after you’ve made sure the subscription is canceled.

If you encounter any difficulties or can’t find your subscription, don’t hesitate to reach out to the customer support team for that specific VPN application. They should be able to guide you further.

How to Cancel a Free VPN Trial or Subscription on Your PC/Mac

Canceling a free VPN trial or subscription on your desktop computer Windows PC or Mac can be a little different because you might have signed up directly through the VPN provider’s website, or sometimes through an app store like the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store. How Many Clients Does NordVPN Support? Unpacking Users, Devices, and Servers

If you signed up through the VPN’s website:

This is a common way to get started, especially with many of the more established VPN providers who offer free trials or basic free plans. The cancellation process here almost always involves logging into your account on their official website.

Here’s a general roadmap:

Visit the VPN’s Official Website: Open your web browser and go to the official website of the VPN service you want to cancel.
Log into Your Account Dashboard: Look for a “Login,” “My Account,” or “Sign In” button, usually in the top right corner of the page. Enter your credentials to access your personal dashboard.
Navigate to Subscription Settings: Once logged in, you’ll need to find the section related to your subscription, billing, or plans. This might be called “Subscription,” “Billing,” “My Plan,” “Account Settings,” or something similar. It’s often tucked away in a user profile menu.
Find the Cancellation Option: Within the subscription section, look for an option to “Cancel Subscription,” “Manage Plan,” or “Disable Auto-Renewal.” Click on this. Some companies might try to make it a bit tricky, offering upgrades or asking for reasons for cancellation. Just keep looking for the clear cancellation prompt.
Follow Prompts and Confirm: You’ll likely be guided through a few steps to confirm your cancellation. Make sure you complete all of them. You might also receive a confirmation email, which is a good sign that it went through successfully.

Examples of Specific Trials/Subscriptions:

Proton VPN Free Trial: If you signed up for a Proton VPN free trial, you’d typically manage this through your Proton account on their website. Log in, go to your dashboard, and look for subscription management options.
Norton VPN Free Trial / Surfshark VPN Free Trial: For trials from services like Norton or Surfshark, which are typically paid but offer trials, you’ll usually manage them via your account on their respective websites. They often have clear sections for “Services & Subscriptions” where you can manage or cancel.
Brave VPN Free Trial: If you opted for Brave VPN’s free trial, you might need to submit an inquiry via their Help Desk if you can’t find the cancellation option in your account. Some users have reported difficulty canceling directly, especially if they can still use the VPN but see “no active plans.” If you purchased through an app store, you’d follow the mobile cancellation steps.

If you signed up through a desktop app store e.g., Mac App Store, Microsoft Store:

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The process will mirror the mobile app store steps:

macOS:
1. Open the App Store on your Mac.
2. Click on your name or the “Sign In” button, then your name at the bottom of the sidebar.
3. Click “Account Settings” you might need to sign in.
4. Scroll to “Subscriptions” and click “Manage.”
5. Find your VPN subscription and click “Edit,” then “Cancel Subscription.”
Windows:
1. Open the Microsoft Store app.
2. Click your profile icon top right.
3. Select “App settings” or “My Library,” then navigate to “Subscriptions.”
4. Find your VPN and manage/cancel it there. Alternatively, go to your Microsoft account online under “Services & subscriptions” and find your VPN subscription to manage or cancel it.

The key takeaway for desktop is to remember where you initially signed up. That’s where you’ll find the controls to cancel.

Crucial Tips Before You Hit ‘Cancel’

Before you go hitting that “Cancel” button, there are a few important things you should keep in mind to make sure the process goes smoothly and you don’t run into any unexpected issues later. How to Cancel NordVPN Auto-Renewal: Your Easy Guide to Taking Control

Check the Renewal Date Like a Hawk: This is probably the most critical tip. Many free trials automatically convert to paid subscriptions, and paid subscriptions auto-renew. If you don’t cancel before the renewal date, you could be charged for another billing cycle. Most VPNs will give you at least a 30-day money-back guarantee, but it’s always better to cancel before you’re charged at all. Mark your calendar, set a reminder, whatever you need to do!
Read the Fine Print Terms and Conditions: I know, I know, nobody likes reading terms and conditions. But for subscriptions, especially free trials, it can save you a lot of headaches. It’s where you’ll find specific details about the cancellation policy, including any grace periods, what happens to your data, or if there are any specific steps like contacting customer support directly required.
Look for Confirmation Emails: After you cancel, always, always look for a confirmation email. This is your proof that the cancellation went through. If you don’t receive one within a few hours or instantly, it’s a good idea to check your spam folder or log back into your account dashboard to confirm the status. If you still can’t confirm, reach out to their customer support. Some VPNs even require you to confirm a confirmation email to finalize the cancellation!
Understand What Happens to Your Data: When you cancel a VPN subscription, especially a “free” one, it’s worth considering what happens to any data they might have collected. While reputable VPNs even those with free tiers often have clear no-logs policies, some free services might retain or have already shared your data. This is another reason why being cautious with free VPNs is essential. For the most part, once your subscription ends, your account with that provider becomes inactive, but any data they collected before that might still be in their systems according to their privacy policy.
Don’t Just Delete the App: This is so important it bears repeating. Deleting the app from your device does not cancel the subscription. This applies to iOS, Android, and often even desktop applications. If you only delete the app, the subscription will likely continue to renew, and you’ll keep getting charged. You must follow the specific cancellation steps for your platform App Store, Google Play, or VPN website.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can navigate the cancellation process with confidence and avoid any unwelcome surprises on your bank statement.

The Reality of “Free” VPNs: Is the Price Really Right?

We’ve talked about how to cancel free VPN apps, but let’s be real about why you might be canceling in the first place, or why you should reconsider using them. The truth is, “free” VPNs often come with a much higher hidden cost than you’d ever expect, especially concerning your privacy and security.

It’s a huge market out there. Around 1.5 billion people use VPNs worldwide, and a significant chunk of those users—about 2 in 5 personal VPN users—opt for a free service. In the UK, following new online safety laws in 2025, free VPN use surged, with five of the top ten most-downloaded free apps being VPNs. This just shows how popular they are. But popularity doesn’t always equal safety or quality.

Here’s the stark reality: How to Use NordVPN to Download Apps

Your Data Isn’t Safe: This is probably the biggest red flag. A whopping 88% of free Android VPNs were found to suffer from some kind of data leak, and 71% shared personal data with third parties. Think about that for a second. The very tool you’re using to protect your privacy might actually be selling your browsing habits, location data, or even more sensitive information to advertisers or other companies. Many free VPNs make money from ads and by selling your data, and this trend is predicted to increase. It fundamentally defeats the purpose of using a VPN in the first place.
Performance is Often Terrible: Remember those frustrations about slow speeds, excessive ads, and streaming issues? They’re incredibly common. Over 60% of free VPN users encounter problems with their connections, with slow internet speed being the most common complaint at 39%, followed by numerous or buggy ads at 13%, and streaming issues at 12%. This isn’t just annoying. it makes the service barely usable for anything beyond basic browsing, and even that can be a struggle.
Security Risks and Malware: Beyond just leaking or selling your data, some free VPNs can be outright dangerous. Cybersecurity experts warn that unvetted free VPNs can pose serious risks, with some containing malware that could infect your device. Q3 of 2024 saw a 2.5 times increase in users encountering malicious apps posing as free VPNs compared to Q2. Installing a free VPN could be like inviting a digital intruder into your home.
Limited Features and Server Options: Free VPNs typically offer a very restricted set of features compared to their paid counterparts. You’ll often find a limited number of server locations, slower speeds, data caps, and a lack of advanced security protocols. This means you might not be able to access the content you want or get the level of protection you expect.

While reputable providers like Proton VPN do offer safe free tiers that are supported by their paid plans, many lesser-known services lack transparency and may be designed to exploit users for profit. It’s crucial to check for clear privacy policies, audited security practices, and credible business information before you trust any VPN, especially a free one.

Given these significant downsides, many users eventually switch from free to paid VPN services. While VPN usage saw a dip in the US from 46% in 2024 to 32% in 2025, mainly due to a decline in business use and skepticism about their necessity, privacy and security still drive many to use them.

The bottom line is this: if privacy, security, and a smooth online experience are important to you, a truly free VPN is rarely the answer. Investing a small amount in a reputable, trusted paid VPN service that has a transparent no-logs policy and strong encryption is almost always a better choice for genuine online protection. Don’t let the allure of “free” compromise your digital safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between deleting a VPN app and canceling its subscription?

Deleting a VPN app from your phone or computer only removes the application software from your device. It does not automatically cancel any active subscription or free trial you might have. Your subscription is tied to your account within the app store Apple App Store, Google Play Store or on the VPN provider’s website. If you only delete the app, you’ll likely continue to be charged for the subscription. How to Check How Many Devices are Connected to Your NordVPN Account (And What to Do About It!)

How can I cancel a free VPN subscription if I can’t find it in my phone’s settings?

If you’ve checked your device’s subscription settings Apple ID for iOS, Google Play Store for Android and still can’t find the VPN subscription, it’s possible you signed up directly through the VPN provider’s official website. In this case, you’ll need to visit their website, log into your user account, and navigate to the “Subscription” or “Billing” section to manage and cancel your plan there. If all else fails, reaching out to the VPN provider’s customer support is your best bet.

Can I get a refund after canceling my free VPN trial?

Most reputable VPN services, even those that offer free trials, often have a money-back guarantee period commonly 30 days for their paid subscriptions. If you were charged after a free trial and canceled shortly after, you might be eligible for a refund. You’ll typically need to contact the VPN provider’s customer support directly and explain your situation. Make sure to check their specific refund policy, as it can vary.

Will my data be safe after I cancel a free VPN app?

The safety of your data after canceling a free VPN app depends heavily on the specific provider’s practices. Many free VPNs have been found to leak user data or sell it to third parties, even when active. While canceling stops future data collection by the service, any data they collected before your cancellation might still be retained according to their privacy policy. For true data safety, always research a VPN’s privacy policy looking for a strict no-logs policy before using it, and consider opting for a reputable paid service if privacy is a top concern.

What happens if I forget to cancel my free VPN trial and get charged?

If you forget to cancel your free VPN trial and get charged, don’t panic. First, immediately follow the cancellation steps for your device or the VPN’s website to stop any future renewals. Then, check the VPN provider’s refund policy, as many offer a money-back guarantee, especially if you cancel soon after the charge. Contact their customer support with your account details and request a refund. Being polite but firm can often help resolve the issue.

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