How to cancel Proton VPN subscription with a full refund

When it comes to free VPN services, Proton VPN stands out for its features and unlimited bandwidth. The free version offers unlimited browsing, streaming, and protection, making it an excellent long-term option. However, it has some limitations: the free version does not unblock streaming services or channels, and it can only be used on one device at a time.

I upgraded my Proton VPN free subscription to Proton Plus to write this article and understand their cancellation process with a refund. In this article, I’ll share my experience of canceling the subscription and requesting a refund. Additionally, I’ll provide detailed steps to cancel a Proton VPN subscription across various platforms and operating systems.

But before you cancel, I recommend getting a VPN subscription to hide your IP address and access restricted websites. I use ExpresssVPN, which provides fast speeds and has been rated the best VPN by several publications.

Things to know before canceling Proton VPN Plus

Here are a few things you should know before you cancel your Proton VPN subscription and initiate the refund request:

• Subscriptions purchased through the Proton VPN website and apps are eligible for a refund.
• Refund requests must be initiated within 30 days of cancellation.
• Requests made after 30 days from the initial purchase will not be considered.
• Proton VPN may also issue a full refund for users of Proton VPN or Proton Drive under certain circumstances.
• Payments made via bank transfer or cash are non-refundable.
• A user is eligible for a refund only once in their lifetime.
• Refunds will be given in the original currency used for the purchase.

How to cancel Proton VPN subscription in 2024: Easy steps

You can cancel your Proton VPN subscription and get your money back within the 30-day time frame. You will need to cancel your subscription and ask customer support for a refund. A subscription can be canceled via Proton VPN’s website, Google Play Store, and App Store.

Canceling Proton VPN via browser

I canceled my Proton VPN subscription using its own website. Here are the steps I followed:

1. Head over to the Proton VPN website and sign in to your Proton VPN account
2. Click on “Subscription” in the left menu
3. Click on the “Downgrade Account” button
4. A pop-up message will appear, asking you to confirm your decision to cancel your account
5. Done! You have successfully canceled your Proton VPN subscription

Canceling your ProtonVPN purchased via Google Play Store (Android)

You can get a full refund if you cancel the ProtonVPN subscription within 48 hours of purchase on the Play Store. Here are the steps to cancel your subscription if you purchased Proton VPN via the Google Play Store:

1. Log in to your Google account and open the Google Play Store.
2. Click on the profile icon located in the top-right corner of the screen.
3. Navigate to the “Payments and Subscriptions” section to view your active subscriptions.
4. Locate Proton VPN from the list of active subscriptions.
5. Click on “Manage” next to the Proton VPN subscription.
6. Select “Cancel Subscription” and follow the prompts to confirm your cancellation.
7. Review the cancellation details to ensure no additional steps are required.
8. Check your email for a confirmation of the subscription cancellation from Google Play.

Proton VPN does not process refund requests for subscriptions purchased through the Google Play Store. To request a refund, you must initiate the process directly on the Play Store. The steps for doing this will be discussed later in the article.

Canceling Proton VPN subscription purchased via App Store (iOS)

Similar to other VPN providers, Proton VPN does not handle cancellation or refund requests for subscriptions purchased through the App Store. To cancel your subscription, you need to disable the auto-renewal option directly in the App Store by following these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
2. Tap on your Apple ID profile at the top of the screen, where your name and picture are displayed.
3. Select Subscriptions from the list of options. If you don’t see this option immediately, tap on your name first to access it.
4. Scroll through the list of active subscriptions and locate Proton VPN.
5. Tap on Proton VPN to open the subscription details.
6. Select Cancel Subscription and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your cancellation.
7. Review the cancellation confirmation message to ensure the process is complete.
8. Check your email for a confirmation from Apple regarding the cancellation.

How to get a refund after canceling your Proton VPN subscription

Proton VPN has a different refund policy in comparison with other VPNs in the market. You can cancel NordVPN and get a full refund within the 30-day time period. However, that is not the case with Proton VPN.

Proton VPN’s terms page mentions that you will get a refund of the remaining days (the unused portion of your subscription), not a full refund. This means that if you purchase a monthly subscription, use it for 10 days, and cancel, you will be refunded for the 20 days you didn’t use.

Additionally, ProtonVPN will not refund subscriptions purchased via third parties like the App Store, Play Store, physical stores, and gift cards.

You must initiate the refund request through the App Store or Play Store. While a refund is not guaranteed, it is worth attempting.

Proton VPN refund request via browser (PC)

I used my PC to cancel Proton VPN and asked for a refund via their support form. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Open Proton VPN’s website 
2. Click on “Contact us“ in the footer (right side)
3. Fill the contact form with “I want a refund” as the subject
4. Fill the description with a valid reason for refund and cancelation
5. Click “Send support request”
6. You can also email your refund request to the customer support team at support@protonvpn.zendesk.com.

Proton VPN refund request for Google Play Store

Here are the steps to get your Proton VPN refund if you purchase the subscription via Play Store:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your computer and go to the “Payments & Subscriptions” section.
2. Click on the Budget & Order History tab.
3. Find your Proton VPN subscription in the list of transactions.
4. Click Report a Problem, which is located on the right side of the entry.
5. From the menu, select the reason for your cancellation, indicate that you are requesting a refund, and submit your request.

Refund request for subscriptions purchased via App Store

Here are the steps for those of you who purchased Proton VPN via the App Store:

1. Open your browser and visit Apple’s Report a Problem page at reportaproblem.apple.com.
2. Sign in using your Apple ID credentials.
3. From the first dropdown menu under “What can we help you with?” select Request a refund.
4. In the second dropdown menu, choose the reason for your refund request.
5. Select the option that best matches your situation.
6. Locate Proton VPN in your list of subscriptions, select it, and click Submit.
7. The refund process usually takes a few hours, and you will be notified via email.
8. The refunded amount will be credited back to the original payment method you used during the purchase.

How long does Proton VPN take to refund money?

This is a debatable topic, as there are mixed opinions online regarding Proton VPN’s refund policy. In my case, I received a partial refund the day after I submitted my refund request. However, many Proton VPN users have expressed dissatisfaction on platforms like Reddit and Trustpilot.

Proton VPN’s Trustpilot page features several one-star reviews reflecting user dissatisfaction. Many users complain about misleading advertising of the 30-day money-back guarantee, stating that refunds only cover the unused portion of the subscription, contrary to their expectations.

Is Proton VPN (Free) good?

The free version of Proton VPN allows access to restricted websites and social media platforms. It also includes advanced features like WireGuard, OpenVPN, Stealth VPN protocols, and a kill switch for added security.

However, I was disappointed with its performance, as it reduced my internet speed by over 70%. Despite this drawback, it is an excellent free option for users looking to access restricted websites or connect securely to public WiFi.

Here is a speed test on my 30Mbps internet connection with Proton VPN’s US server.

What are the best Proton VPN Plus Alternatives?

Several VPNs outperform Proton VPNs, in my opinion. Here are my top three recommendations for anyone seeking a better alternative:

1. ExpressVPN — Fast, Secure, Reliable

ExpressVPN is among the top VPN providers and has been rated the best VPN for privacy and security my several VPN review websites like VPN for What and publications.

ExpressVPN provides highly optimized servers with advanced encryption techniques and modern VPN protocols. I personally use ExpressVPN as my go-to VPN for streaming, torrenting, and ensuring online privacy. Here are a few reasons why I believe ExpressVPN is superior to Proton VPN:

• ExpressVPN offers over 3,000 servers in 105+ countries, providing speeds of up to 10Gbps—ideal for activities like online gaming and streaming. Additionally, you can use specific techniques to boost your internet speed with a VPN.
• It supports secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN, which uses obfuscated servers by default, and Lightway, ExpressVPN’s custom-developed protocol that employs strong encryption ciphers such as AES-256 and ChaCha20.
• ExpressVPN has apps for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, and more, and supports up to eight simultaneous connections.
• The service includes extra security features like Split Tunneling and a VPN Kill Switch as part of the standard subscription. However, obtaining a dedicated IP address requires an additional cost, which is typical across the VPN industry.
• ExpressVPN effectively unblocks Hulu from outside the USA, lets you switch Netflix libraries, and works with other streaming platforms seamlessly.
• It is priced at $4.99 per month, comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and offers 24/7 live chat support. ExpessVPN’s cancelation process is also smooth and simple, and no extra questions are asked when claiming a refund.

2. NordVPN — Largest Server Network

NordVPN is a leading VPN provider and is consistently ranked as one of the top VPNs. It has received glowing reviews and praise from numerous publications, including CNET and TechRadar. Additionally, it is highly recommended by popular YouTubers and influencers.

I have been using NordVPN for streaming for about two years and have no complaints. It has consistently provided reliable service and excellent performance every time. Here are a few points that make NordVPN superior to ProtonVPN:

• Tested on various devices, including PC and iPhone, NordVPN performs flawlessly, making it a dependable option for everyday use.
• With over 6,000 servers across 111 countries, it ensures extensive global coverage and fast, stable connections.
• NordVPN supports advanced protocols like OpenVPN, NordLynx, and IKEv2, providing secure and versatile browsing options.
• Its obfuscated servers make it ideal for use in countries with strict internet censorship or VPN bans, as they mask VPN traffic to resemble regular internet activity.
• The service offers user-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Smart TVs, allowing for seamless installation across multiple devices.
• NordVPN is currently priced at $4.49 per month for a 27-month subscription, which includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. NordVPN’s cancelation process and refund policy are also up to the mark.

3. Surfshark — Affordable and secure

Surfshark is an affordable VPN that hides your IP address, encrypts your data, and lets you access restricted websites and apps. I have also tested it for access to geo-restricted streaming platforms & channels, and it worked perfectly.

Here are a few points that make Surfshark a good alternative to Proton VPN:

• Surfshark is a versatile VPN that easily bypasses geo-restrictions, allowing access to streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Max from anywhere in the world.
• With over 3,200 servers in 65+ countries, it offers excellent global coverage and high-speed connections.
• It employs secure and modern encryption protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 to protect your data.
• The Camouflage Mode (obfuscated servers) conceals VPN traffic, making it appear as regular internet activity. This mode is perfect for bypassing VPN blocks and censorship.
• Surfshark provides intuitive apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and smart TVs, ensuring a smooth experience across all your devices.
• The MultiHop feature enhances privacy by routing your traffic through multiple servers for added security.
• Other features include split tunneling, dedicated IP, and CleanWeb, which blocks ads and trackers.
• You can connect unlimited devices simultaneously on a single account, all while benefiting from a strict no-logs policy.
• The 2-year plan costs just $2.49 per month, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support.
• Additionally, Surfshark bundles its antivirus and VPN for optimum protection. The cancellation process is simple and hassle-free, and a detailed guide is available for canceling your Surfshark subscription with a refund.

Final thoughts on canceling your Proton VPN subscription

Proton VPN Plus provides decent speeds, secure data encryption, and user-friendly apps. I tested its premium VPN subscription, which performed well in my review. However, if Proton VPN did not meet your expectations and you’ve decided to cancel it, I’ve outlined all the necessary methods and steps to help you cancel your subscription and request a refund.

Remember that Proton VPN does not offer a full refund, even if you request it within 30 days. Instead, you will be refunded only for the remaining days of your subscription.

You may be interested in reading these articles:

• What are the benefits of a VPN
• How to test if your VPN
• What is Layer 2 Tunnel Protocol (L2TP)
• What is the PPTP VPN protocol