How to Cancel ProtonVPN Subscription & Get a Refund in 2023

As an online privacy and cybersecurity expert, I get asked often about the best virtual private network (VPN) services. One name that frequently comes up is ProtonVPN. This Swiss-based provider has gained popularity for its focus on security and not keeping user logs.

However, some users inevitably find that ProtonVPN is not the right fit for their needs. You may be dealing with slow speeds, app issues, limited server locations, or simply want to try another VPN provider.

When this happens, canceling your subscription and requesting a refund is usually quick and straightforward. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share how to cancel ProtonVPN on desktop and mobile devices. You‘ll also get tips to ensure you get your money back within the 30-day guarantee period.

Let‘s start with a quick overview of ProtonVPN‘s pricing and subscription plans:

Plan Monthly Price Yearly Price Devices Supported Server Locations
Free $0 $0 1 3 countries
Basic $4 $48 (billed yearly) 2 43 countries
Plus $8 $96 (billed yearly) 5 62 countries
Visionary $24 $288 (billed yearly) 10 62 countries

The paid plans offer many more features and faster speeds compared to the free version. However, the subscriptions auto-renew yearly, so you‘ll continue being billed each year unless canceled.

Now let‘s go through how to cancel ProtonVPN on desktop and mobile step-by-step:

How to Cancel ProtonVPN Subscription on Desktop

If you subscribed directly on ProtonVPN‘s website, follow these steps to cancel on a computer:

  1. Open any web browser and go to protonvpn.com. Log into your ProtonVPN account.
  2. Click on "Dashboard" at the top menu bar.
  3. On the left sidebar, click on "Billing". This opens your subscriptions management page.
  4. Under "Your Plan", find the option to "Downgrade Account" and click it.
  5. A pop-up window will appear to confirm. Click "Downgrade" to cancel your paid subscription.

    ProtonVPN Downgrade Account

  6. Your account will revert to the Free plan, canceling renewal of your paid subscription. This also entitles you to a refund for the unused time remaining.
  7. To request your refund, scroll down and click "Contact Support".
  8. In the support form, put "Refund Request" as the subject line. Explain you downgraded and want a refund for the remainder of the billing cycle.
  9. Click "Send Support Request". ProtonVPN‘s team will contact you via email within 24 hours to process the refund.
  10. Once approved, expect the refund amount in your original payment method within 3-10 business days.

And that‘s it! Within a few minutes and a few clicks, you can easily cancel and request your money back.

Tips for Desktop Cancellation

Here are some important tips when canceling your ProtonVPN subscription on a desktop:

  • Downgrade 1-2 days before renewal – This avoids getting billed for another year after your plan expires.
  • Request refund ASAP – You have 30 days from purchase for a guaranteed refund. The sooner the better!
  • Uninstall clients – Remove the ProtonVPN apps and browser extensions you installed after canceling.
  • Use live chat – You can also contact support via live chat for quick cancellation assistance.
  • Check account credits – Log in to see if you received "VPN credits" instead of a direct refund.
  • Verify refund receipt – Follow up if you didn‘t get your refund within 10 business days of approval.

How to Cancel ProtonVPN Subscription on iPhone or iPad

If you subscribed to ProtonVPN through the Apple App Store, use these steps to cancel on your iPhone or iPad:

  1. Open the Settings app and tap on your Apple ID profile at the top.
  2. Select "Subscriptions" to see your active subscriptions.
  3. Find ProtonVPN in the list and tap on it.
  4. Tap on "Cancel Subscription" and confirm to stop auto-renewal.

    Cancel ProtonVPN iOS

  5. Your ProtonVPN subscription is now successfully canceled!
  6. For a refund, go to reportaproblem.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
  7. Click "Request a Refund", choose a reason like "Accidental purchase", and submit.
  8. Mention you are within the 30-day money back guarantee period in the comments.
  9. Apple will review and initiate a refund to your Apple Account within 14 days if approved.

Tips for iOS Cancellation

Here are some tips when canceling your ProtonVPN iOS subscription:

  • Avoid another charge – Cancel at least a day before the renewal date on your Apple receipt.
  • Request refund promptly – Initiate the refund process through Apple within 30 days.
  • Remove the app – Delete the ProtonVPN app from your home screen after canceling.
  • Verify refund – Check your Apple Account credits within 14 days after requesting the refund.
  • Contact Apple support – If issues, reach out to Apple customer service for help.

How to Cancel ProtonVPN Subscription on Android

If you subscribed through the Google Play Store on an Android device, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Play Store app and tap your profile icon in the top right.
  2. Go to "Payments & Subscriptions"> "Subscriptions".
  3. Find ProtonVPN in your list of subscriptions and tap "Cancel Subscription".
  4. Confirm cancellation in the pop-up prompt.
  5. To get a refund, tap your profile icon again and go back to "Purchase History".
  6. Find ProtonVPN in purchases and tap "Refund". Select a reason.
  7. Google will review the refund request within 2-7 days if eligible under policy.
  8. If approved, the refund amount will go back to your Google Play balance or payment method used.

Tips for Android Cancellation

Here are some tips when canceling your ProtonVPN Android subscription:

  • Cancel a day before renewal – This avoids another year‘s charge to your Google Play balance or card.
  • Request refund ASAP – Start the refund process within 30 days for the best results.
  • Remove app – Uninstall the ProtonVPN app from your device after canceling.
  • Check policy – Google‘s refund policy focuses on defective apps or accidental purchases.
  • Follow up – Contact Google Play support if you don‘t see the refund within 2 weeks.

Why Users Cancel ProtonVPN

Based on my experience assisting with cancellation and refund requests, here are the most common reasons people cancel their ProtonVPN subscription:

  • Slow speeds – ProtonVPN servers don‘t provide expected speeds for streaming or torrenting. This leads to constant buffering and lag.
  • Limited server locations – Unable to connect to their desired country due to ProtonVPN having a smaller server network size compared to rivals.
  • App issues – Bugs like random disconnections, errors establishing connections, and app crashes.
  • Customer service – Long waits to get support or unhelpful copy-and-paste responses from customer service reps.
  • Privacy concerns – Some privacy-focused users distrust ProtonVPN due to their base in Switzerland which has data retention laws.
  • Cost – After promotional pricing expires, renewals become expensive for some consumers to justify continuing.
  • Switching providers – Trying out other top VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, TunnelBear etc. for better performance or features.

Getting a Refund After Canceling ProtonVPN

The key to getting your money back after canceling ProtonVPN is acting fast while within the 30-day refund period.

Here are some top tips to ensure you receive your refund successfully:

  • Cancel a few days before renewal – This prevents you from getting billed again for another year.
  • Request refund immediately – Start the refund process through support right after you cancel.
  • Check account credits – ProtonVPN may give VPN credit instead of a direct refund in some cases.
  • Be polite – Treat support reps respectfully and calmly explain why you are unsatisfied.
  • Follow up if needed – Contact support again if you don‘t see the refund within 2 weeks of approval.
  • Review refund policy – Verify you qualify for a full or partial refund based on when you canceled.
  • Confirm receipt – Log into your payment accounts to validate the refund transaction occurred.

As long as you cancel and request your refund within the initial 30 days, you should get your money back without much hassle. But act fast, because after 30 days ProtonVPN is under no obligation to issue you a refund.

The Bottom Line

I hope this guide gives you confidence to smoothly cancel your ProtonVPN subscription and get reimbursed when needed. While a leading VPN provider, ProtonVPN won‘t fully satisfy every user‘s needs.

Just follow the simple steps outlined above to cancel through their website or mobile app store. Make sure to request your refund immediately while still eligible within 30 days of subscribing.

Did you find this tutorial helpful? Let me know if you have any other questions about canceling ProtonVPN or getting a refund issued to you!

Written by Jason Striegel

C/C++, Java, Python, Linux developer for 18 years, A-Tech enthusiast love to share some useful tech hacks.