sometimes a service just doesn’t quite click for you, or your needs change. If you’ve been using Proton VPN and find yourself thinking about moving on, you’re in the right place! Canceling your Proton VPN subscription and getting a refund, especially if you’re within that crucial 30-day window, is pretty straightforward once you know the steps. I’ve been there, trying out services, and it’s always good to know how to manage your subscriptions without a headache.

Here’s how to cancel Proton VPN and get a refund: First things first, if you’re within 30 days of your initial purchase, you’re usually eligible for a full refund. The quickest way to handle this is to log into your Proton VPN account on their website, downgrade your plan to the free version, and then immediately contact their customer support through their support form or email to explicitly request your refund. If you bought your subscription through Apple or Google Play, you’ll need to go through their respective app stores to cancel and request the refund there. Don’t worry, we’ll walk through all the specifics so you can get this done without any fuss.

Proton VPN is a solid choice for privacy, with its strong encryption and commitment to user data, but every user has unique needs. Maybe the speeds weren’t what you expected for your specific activities, or perhaps you found another service that just fits your setup a bit better. Whatever your reason, getting your money back shouldn’t be a maze. We’ll cover everything, from logging in to hitting that ‘cancel’ button, and crucially, how to actually get that refund back in your pocket. Stick around, and let’s get you sorted!

Table of Contents

Understanding Proton VPN’s Refund Policy: The 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Alright, before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s chat about the rules of the game. Just like many top VPN providers, Proton VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all their direct subscriptions. This is your golden ticket if you’re not completely satisfied and want to get your money back. This guarantee applies to all their paid plans, whether you signed up for a month, a year, or even two years.

What does “30-day money-back guarantee” really mean? It means you have a full 30 days from the moment you first subscribe to try out Proton VPN, stress-test it, and see if it genuinely meets your needs. If it doesn’t, you can cancel and request a refund within that period. Now, a crucial point here: this refund policy is generally for first-time users and for subscriptions purchased directly through Proton VPN’s official website or apps. If you bought your subscription via a third-party, like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, their refund policies might take precedence, and you’ll need to go through them directly.

Another thing to keep in mind: Proton VPN’s terms state that refunds can only be requested once per user. So, if you’ve already claimed a refund in the past, you might not be eligible again. Also, how you paid matters. If you used a credit card, debit card, PayPal, or Bitcoin, you’re usually good to go for a refund. However, payments made by cash or bank transfer are generally non-refundable. It’s a good detail to remember, especially if you’re signing up for a service with the intent to try it risk-free.

If you cancel within the 30 days, Proton VPN typically processes a full refund, and it’ll usually go back to your original payment method and in the same currency. They often issue a “prorated refund” for any unused portion of your service period if you cancel after some time but still within the 30 days, meaning you get money back for the days you haven’t used the service. However, some sources suggest that you might get credits instead of a full monetary refund, especially if you’re outside the 30-day window or if your specific plan is not VPN Plus. My advice? Always aim to cancel and request a refund within those 30 days for the best chance at getting all your money back.

What Happens If You Cancel After 30 Days?

what if you missed the 30-day window? Don’t panic, you can still cancel your subscription! You just won’t be eligible for a monetary refund in most cases. After the 30-day mark, Proton VPN’s services are “generally non-refundable,” and any refund or credit is usually at their sole discretion. How to Cancel Free VPN App Subscriptions and Trials

What often happens is that if you cancel your subscription by downgrading to the free plan, your paid service will continue until the end of your current billing cycle. So, if you paid for a year and cancel six months in, you’ll still have premium access for the remaining six months, but you won’t get money back for them. Instead, for some Proton products like Proton Mail or Proton Drive, but not typically Proton VPN Plus, they might offer account credits for the unused portion of your subscription. These credits can be used for other Proton services, which can be handy if you’re deeply embedded in their ecosystem, but not so much if you just wanted your cash back for the VPN.

The key takeaway here is to act quickly if you want a cash refund. The 30-day guarantee is there for a reason, and it’s your best bet for a hassle-free return.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cancel Your Proton VPN Subscription

Canceling your Proton VPN subscription isn’t overly complicated, but the steps vary a little depending on where you bought it – directly from their website or through an app store. Let’s walk through each scenario.

Cancelling Proton VPN Purchased Directly from Their Website

This is the most common way people subscribe, and thankfully, it’s pretty straightforward. VPN to Stop Ads: Your Ultimate Guide to an Ad-Free Online World

Log In to Your Proton Account: Head over to the official Proton VPN website. You’ll need to sign in with your usual credentials. Make sure you’re logging into your main Proton account, not just the VPN app itself.
Navigate to the Subscription Settings: Once you’re logged in, look for your account dashboard. You’ll typically find a “Subscription” tab or section. Sometimes, you might need to click on your profile icon or initials in the upper-right corner and then select “Subscription” or “Account”.
Find the “Downgrade Account” or “Cancel Subscription” Option: Scroll down on the subscription page. You might not see a big “Cancel” button right away. Often, Proton VPN uses a “Downgrade account” option, which essentially moves you to their free plan and stops future charges. Click on this.
Confirm Cancellation/Downgrade: Proton will likely ask you to confirm your decision or provide a reason for canceling. You can usually skip this feedback part if you want to, or share your thoughts. Just follow the prompts to finalize the downgrade. This action stops the auto-renewal of your paid plan.
Important! Contact Customer Support for a Refund: Even after you’ve downgraded your account, you still need to explicitly request a refund if you’re within the 30-day money-back guarantee period. Canceling auto-renewal alone doesn’t automatically trigger a refund. You can do this by: How to Easily Cancel, Disable, or Remove AdBlock VPN (A Full Guide)
- Using their online support form: This is often the recommended way. You can find this on their website’s support page.
- Sending an email: You can email them directly at [email protected].
- Using live chat if available: Some sources mention live chat, which can be faster. Look for a “Chat with us” option or a chat icon on their website.
When you contact them, clearly state that you’re requesting a refund as per their 30-day money-back guarantee. Provide your account details username or email and the date of purchase.

Cancelling Proton VPN Through Apple App Store iOS/macOS

If you signed up for Proton VPN on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac via the Apple App Store, the cancellation process goes through Apple, not directly through Proton VPN.

On an iOS Device iPhone/iPad:

Open Settings: Go to the main “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap Your Apple ID: Tap on your name/Apple ID at the very top of the Settings screen.
Go to Subscriptions: Select “Subscriptions” from the menu.
Find Proton VPN: You’ll see a list of your active and expired subscriptions. Locate Proton VPN in this list and tap on it.
Cancel Subscription: Tap the “Cancel Subscription” button at the bottom and confirm your choice.
Request a Refund from Apple: After canceling, you’ll need to explicitly request a refund from Apple. You can do this by visiting reportaproblem.apple.com in a web browser. Sign in with the Apple ID you used for the purchase. Choose “I’d like to…” then select “Request a Refund” and pick your reason. Make sure to mention Proton VPN’s money-back guarantee if you’re within the 30-day window.

On a macOS Device:

Open the App Store: Launch the App Store on your Mac.
Access Account Information: Click on your registered account name usually in the bottom-left corner, then select “View Information”.
Manage Subscriptions: Scroll down to the “Subscriptions” section and click “Manage”.
Find and Cancel Proton VPN: Locate Proton VPN in your list of subscriptions and choose “Cancel Subscription”.
Request Refund from Apple: Just like with iOS, you’ll need to go to reportaproblem.apple.com to request a refund from Apple directly.

Cancelling Proton VPN Through Google Play Store Android

If you subscribed to Proton VPN using the Google Play Store on your Android device, you’ll manage the subscription and refund through Google Play.

Open Google Play Store App: Launch the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet. Make sure you’re signed into the correct Google Account you used for the subscription.
Go to Payments & Subscriptions: Tap on your profile icon in the upper-right corner. From the menu that appears, select “Payments and subscriptions”.
Select “Subscriptions”: On the next screen, tap on “Subscriptions”. This will show you all the services you’re paying for through Google Play.
Find and Cancel Proton VPN: Locate Proton VPN in the list, tap on it, and then select the “Cancel subscription” option at the bottom. Follow any on-screen prompts to confirm the cancellation.
Request a Refund from Google Play: Google Play generally doesn’t offer refunds for purchases unless you cancel within 48 hours. However, you can still try to request a refund.
- Within 48 hours: You can often request a refund directly through the Google Play Store by following the prompts after canceling.
- After 48 hours: You might need to contact Google Play Support or visit their refund page. Alternatively, some sources suggest you can go back to the “Payments & Subscriptions” section, then “Budget & History,” select Proton VPN, and click “Request a Refund”. Explain your reason and submit.

Important Note: PayPal Subscriptions

If you set up your Proton VPN subscription via PayPal, you can also manage automatic payments directly through your PayPal account to stop future billing.

Log in to PayPal: Go to your PayPal account.
Go to Settings: Click on the gear icon Settings in the top-right corner.
Select Payments: Click on “Payments”.
Manage Automatic Payments: Select “Manage automatic payments”.
Find and Cancel Proton VPN: Locate Proton VPN in the list and click “Cancel” to stop the subscription.

Even if you cancel via PayPal, it’s still a good idea to contact Proton VPN’s support team directly, especially if you’re seeking a refund within the 30-day guarantee period, to ensure everything is processed correctly. How to Cancel NordVPN and Get Your Money Back (A Friendly Guide for 2025)

What to Expect After You Request a Refund

So, you’ve gone through the steps, canceled your subscription, and sent in that refund request. What happens next?

Typically, once you’ve submitted your refund request to Proton VPN or Apple/Google Play, if applicable, you’ll receive a confirmation email. This email usually acknowledges that they’ve received your request and might provide an estimated timeframe for processing.

Processing Times: Refund processing times can vary. Some sources suggest it might take up to 14 days for the refund to appear in your account. Others mention up to 10 business days. ExpressVPN and NordVPN often boast quicker processing, sometimes within 3-4 business days. Just remember, the time it takes for the money to actually show up in your bank or on your card can also depend on your bank’s processing times, which is out of Proton VPN’s hands.

Refund Method: Your refund will generally be issued back to your original payment method and in the same currency you used for the purchase. So, if you paid with a specific credit card, that’s where the money will go. You can’t ask them to send it to a different card or a different person. How Many Clients Does NordVPN Support? Unpacking Users, Devices, and Servers

Service Access: When you cancel your Proton VPN subscription, especially if you’re seeking a refund within the 30-day period, your VPN service might automatically end. If you cancel auto-renewal but don’t request a refund, your service will usually continue until the end of your current paid billing cycle. It’s a key difference, so be clear about your intentions.

Follow-Up: If you don’t see your refund within the estimated timeframe, don’t hesitate to follow up with Proton VPN’s customer support. Keep records of your cancellation confirmation and refund request for reference.

Common Reasons People Cancel VPN Subscriptions

People decide to part ways with their VPNs for all sorts of reasons. It’s not always about the VPN being “bad,” but often about it not being the right fit for their unique needs.

Performance Issues: Sometimes, the VPN might not deliver the speeds you need, especially for activities like streaming in high definition, gaming, or large downloads. Or maybe specific servers you frequently use are slow or unreliable.
Connectivity Problems: Dropped connections, difficulty connecting to certain servers, or issues with the VPN impacting other network functions can be frustrating.
Features Not Meeting Expectations: Maybe you signed up hoping for a specific feature, like advanced port forwarding, specific server locations, or particular streaming unblocking capabilities, and it just didn’t work as advertised for you. Or perhaps the user interface wasn’t as intuitive as you hoped.
Cost: VPNs can be an investment, and sometimes users find that the price doesn’t justify the value they’re getting, especially if they only use it occasionally.
Switching Providers: With so many excellent VPNs out there, people often try different ones to see which offers the best overall package of speed, security, features, and price. Maybe they found a deal too good to pass up on another service.
No Longer Needed: Life changes, right? Maybe you no longer travel as much, or your work-from-home setup changed, reducing your need for a VPN.
Technical Glitches: While VPN providers aim for seamless service, occasional bugs, software conflicts, or compatibility issues with specific devices or operating systems can lead to cancellations.

It’s completely normal to try a service and realize it’s not the perfect match. That’s why those money-back guarantees are so valuable. They allow you to test a VPN thoroughly without feeling locked in. How many pcs nordvpn

Comparing Proton VPN’s Policy with Other Top VPNs ExpressVPN, NordVPN

It’s helpful to see how Proton VPN’s refund policy stacks up against other big players in the VPN world. You’ll notice a common theme: the 30-day money-back guarantee is pretty standard.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN, often hailed as one of the best VPNs out there, also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Their process is very similar to Proton VPN’s: you typically need to log into your account and contact their customer support, often through live chat, to request the refund.

Refund Eligibility: Like Proton VPN, this guarantee is usually for first-time users. If your subscription renews unexpectedly, ExpressVPN even offers a 14-day window for a full refund on that renewal.
Payment Methods: Refunds apply to subscriptions purchased directly from ExpressVPN or via Google Play.
Processing Time: ExpressVPN is known for quick refunds, often processing them within 3-4 business days, though it can take up to 10 days for the money to appear in your account.
Immediate Access Loss: If you get a refund from ExpressVPN, your access to the service usually stops immediately.

NordVPN

NordVPN, another giant in the industry, also stands by its service with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Their cancellation and refund process is also quite user-friendly.

Refund Eligibility: The 30-day guarantee applies to all their plans 2-year, 1-year, 1-month and is available after the initial purchase. Renewals are generally not eligible for this guarantee unless local laws dictate otherwise.
How to Cancel & Refund: You can cancel auto-renewal through your Nord Account’s billing section. However, just like Proton VPN, to get the actual refund, you need to contact their customer support team, either via live chat or email, and explicitly request it. They even have a specific process where you receive a link, verify your account, and can then click a “Refund” button for eligible payments.
Processing Time: NordVPN states you should receive the refund within 10 days.
Payment Methods: Refunds can be requested through NordVPN’s customer support for Google Play payments, and if it was within 48 hours, you can also request directly from Google Play. If purchased from a retailer, you contact the retailer.

Key Similarities and Differences

30-Day Guarantee is Standard: All three providers offer a solid 30-day window to try their service risk-free. This is pretty much industry-standard for premium VPNs.
Contact Support for Refund: A common thread is that simply canceling your subscription’s auto-renewal isn’t enough to trigger a refund. You must contact customer support and clearly request your money back.
Third-Party Purchases: For all these VPNs, if you bought through an app store Apple, Google Play, you’ll generally need to follow that platform’s specific cancellation and refund procedures.
Payment Restrictions: Proton VPN is stricter with cash/bank transfer payments being non-refundable, while ExpressVPN and NordVPN primarily focus on credit/debit card, PayPal, and Bitcoin payments for refunds.
Prorated vs. Full Refund: While ExpressVPN and NordVPN typically offer full refunds within their 30-day period, Proton VPN sometimes mentions prorated refunds, especially outside the 30-day window or for certain Proton products not including VPN Plus subscriptions. However, within the 30 days for Proton VPN specifically, it’s generally a full refund.

The bottom line is that while the specifics might vary slightly, the spirit of the money-back guarantee is consistent across these top-tier VPNs: try it, and if it’s not for you, you can get your money back within a specified period by contacting their support. How to Cancel NordVPN Auto-Renewal: Your Easy Guide to Taking Control

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. If you hit a snag while trying to cancel Proton VPN or get your refund, here are some common issues and how to tackle them:

Can’t Find the “Cancel” Button: As we discussed, Proton VPN often uses “Downgrade account” instead of a direct “Cancel” button on their website. Make sure you’re looking for that option under your subscription settings. If you’re on a mobile device and subscribed via the app store, remember to go through your device’s settings Apple ID for iOS, Google Play Subscriptions for Android.
Refund Request Ignored or Delayed: If it’s been longer than the stated processing time e.g., 14 days and you haven’t received your refund, don’t hesitate to follow up. Send another email to [email protected] or use their support form. Include your original request details, account username, and transaction ID. Sometimes, requests can get lost or delayed, and a polite follow-up can push things along.
Outside the 30-Day Window and Want a Refund: If you’re past the 30-day guarantee period, getting a monetary refund is much harder, and often, you’ll only receive account credits for certain Proton products, not usually Proton VPN Plus. However, if you have a unique or compelling reason e.g., continuous service outages that prevented use, or a technical issue they couldn’t resolve, it might still be worth contacting support and explaining your situation. While it’s at their discretion, a clear explanation might sometimes lead to an exception. Be realistic with your expectations, though.
Payment Method Not Eligible for Refund: Remember, cash or bank transfer payments are generally not refundable. If you paid this way, you’re likely out of luck for a monetary refund, even within 30 days. This is a crucial detail to check before subscribing if you think you might need to use the money-back guarantee.
Subscription Through a Third-Party Refuses Refund: If you purchased via Apple or Google Play and they deny your refund request e.g., if you’re outside their specific refund windows, your options directly with Proton VPN might be limited. Their terms state that if you subscribed through a third-party, you should refer to that third-party’s refund policy. This is why it’s important to know which platform you purchased through.
Unable to Log In to Your Account: If you’re having trouble accessing your Proton account, first try the “Forgot password” option. If that doesn’t work, contact Proton support directly, explaining your login issue. You won’t be able to manage your subscription or request a refund without access to your account or their support team.
Account Tied to Other Proton Services: If your Proton VPN subscription is part of a larger Proton Unlimited bundle which includes Proton Mail, Drive, Calendar, etc., simply downgrading your VPN might impact your other Proton services. If you want to keep your other Proton services paid, it’s a good idea to chat with customer support before you initiate the cancellation to ensure you don’t accidentally downgrade or lose access to something you intended to keep.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to Proton VPN’s customer support. They’re there to help with these kinds of issues. Being clear, concise, and having your account details ready will always make the process smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a refund from Proton VPN?

Typically, after you’ve successfully requested a refund and it’s been approved, Proton VPN states that the processing can take up to 14 days. However, the money appearing in your bank account might take a bit longer, usually up to 10 business days, depending on your bank’s processing times. How to Use NordVPN to Download Apps

Can I get a refund if I paid with cash or bank transfer?

Unfortunately, no. Proton VPN’s refund policy explicitly states that payments made by cash or bank transfers are not refundable. This applies even if you cancel within the 30-day money-back guarantee period. For a refund, you need to have paid via credit/debit card, PayPal, or Bitcoin.

What happens to my Proton account if I cancel Proton VPN?

If you cancel your paid Proton VPN subscription, your account usually downgrades to the free Proton VPN plan. This means you’ll lose access to premium features, faster speeds, and a wider selection of servers, but your Proton account itself including access to free Proton Mail, Drive, etc., if applicable will generally remain active. If you want to completely delete your Proton account and all associated data, that’s a separate step you’d need to take.

Can I cancel auto-renewal without getting a refund?

Yes, absolutely! If you’re outside the 30-day money-back guarantee window or simply don’t want a refund but wish to stop future charges, you can easily turn off auto-renewal. You can do this by logging into your Proton account on their website, going to the “Subscription” tab, and finding the option to “Downgrade account” or cancel auto-renewal. Your service will then continue until the end of your current paid billing cycle, after which it will revert to the free plan.

What if I subscribed to Proton VPN through a third-party app store like Apple or Google Play?

If you purchased your Proton VPN subscription through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, you’ll need to manage both the cancellation and any refund requests directly through their respective platforms. The steps involve going into your device’s settings for iOS/macOS or the Google Play Store app for Android to cancel the subscription, and then usually visiting their specific refund request websites e.g., reportaproblem.apple.com for Apple to ask for your money back.

Can I get a partial refund if I cancel after 30 days?

For Proton VPN specifically, getting a monetary refund after the 30-day money-back guarantee period is generally not possible. Their terms state services are “generally non-refundable” past this period. However, for other Proton products not typically Proton VPN Plus, they might offer account credits for the unused portion of your subscription. These credits can be used towards other Proton services. It’s usually at their sole discretion, so a cash refund is highly unlikely if you’re past 30 days. How to Check How Many Devices are Connected to Your NordVPN Account (And What to Do About It!)

I’m experiencing technical issues. Should I cancel immediately?

If you’re facing technical issues, my advice is to reach out to Proton VPN’s customer support before canceling. They have a support team that can help troubleshoot problems like slow speeds, connection drops, or specific server issues. They might be able to resolve your problem, allowing you to continue using the service effectively. If they can’t fix it, then you can proceed with cancellation and a refund request if you’re still within the 30-day window.

0.0

0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)

Excellent0%

Very good0%

Average0%

Poor0%

Terrible0%

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Amazon.com: Check Amazon for How to Cancel
Latest Discussions & Reviews:

BestFREE.nl

How to Cancel Proton VPN and Get Your Money Back (A Friendly Guide)