How To Cancel Proton VPN for a Full Refund?

You tested Proton VPN inside and out and concluded it's not a perfect fit. Fortunately, that's completely fine, as you can cancel the service in a few easy steps. What's more, you can get a full refund within the first 30 days of use – so no risks, no downsides, no money loss.

Proton VPN is one of the most renowned VPNs on the market and it stands out with its robust security features and commitment to user privacy. However, there might be instances where you need to cancel your Proton VPN subscription and request a full refund. The VPN might not entirely suit your needs, and that's understandable. If every VPN was perfect for every user, there wouldn't be so many services on the market.

The good news is, that by canceling Proton VPN and considering other options, you are one step closer to your ideal VPN solution!

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you understand the steps involved for different OS, including Windows, iOS, macOS, and Android. We also bring you the best VPN alternatives for each of these platforms according to your specific preferences. So let's dig in!

Quick Proton VPN cancellation guide

In a rush to cancel your Proton VPN account and get a refund? Follow these three easy steps:

1. Downgrade your subscription – Go to your Proton VPN account, open the dashboard, and switch to the free plan.
2. Contact customer support and remind them about your refund. Submit a refund request through the online support form. Processing it usually takes up to 14 days.
3. Choose another VPN – Don't be too quick to conclude that if Proton VPN didn't work for you then it would be the same with other services. A VPN provides security and privacy protection, essential in today's hectic digital world. Besides, it can significantly broaden your possibilities and perspective online – probably all you need is a better match.

How to cancel Proton VPN for a full refund – In-depth guide

Canceling Proton VPN is straightforward, with slight differences based on your device and payment method. To make sure we've covered all scenarios, here's our in-depth Proton VPN cancellation guide. 

Canceling Proton VPN from the official website

Here's how to cancel your Proton VPN subscription directly from the official website:

1. Log in to your account.
2. Downgrade your subscription to the free plan.
3. Request a refund using the online support form. 

Refunds are typically processed within 14 days, but it could take longer based on your specific case or how busy the Proton VPN agents are at the time.

Canceling Proton VPN from the App Store (macOS)

If you have subscribed to Proton VPN via the App Store, you will have to cancel it through the same channel. This is how:

1. Access your account settings in the App Store on your macOS device.
2. Find and select Proton VPN from your list of subscriptions.
3. Follow the prompts to cancel your subscription.
4. Contact Apple Support for a refund request.

Canceling Proton VPN on iOS

To cancel your Proton VPN subscription directly from your iOS device, follow these instructions:

1. Open Settings on your iOS device.
2. Tap on your Apple ID.
3. Choose Subscriptions and find Proton VPN in the list.
4. Follow the instructions to cancel the subscription. 
5. Request a refund by contacting Apple Support.

Canceling Proton VPN through Google Play store (Android)

For those who have subscribed to Proton VPN via Google Play Store on Android, the procedure is the same or similar to the Apple App Store subscriptions. Just follow these steps:

1. Open Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Tap on the menu icon and select Subscriptions.
3. Locate Proton VPN in your list of subscriptions.
4. Follow the prompts to cancel the subscription. 
5. Contact Google Play Support to request a refund.

Things that won't affect your Proton VPN refund entitlement

When it comes to securing a refund from Proton VPN, understanding which factors won't negatively impact your entitlement can help you navigate the cancellation process more confidently.

Device type

Proton VPN offers cross-platform compatibility, allowing users to access the service on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux devices. The type of device you use does not influence your eligibility for a refund. 

Whether you have used Proton VPN on the same device throughout or on multiple platforms, your refund request will be processed without discrimination. This ensures a fair and consistent refund policy for all users, regardless of their preferred operating system or device.

Data usage

Proton VPN's refund policy is designed in the users' favor and does not change based on how much or how little they have used the service. Whether you have used the VPN for data-intensive tasks, like streaming videos and downloading large files, or have barely used it for browsing, your entitlement to a refund remains unaffected. 

This policy ensures that users get the opportunity to thoroughly test the service, without fear of losing their refund eligibility due to high usage.

Using Proton Free

Before requesting a refund, it is often necessary to downgrade your subscription to a free plan. This step is a standard procedure to ensure that no further charges are applied while your refund is being processed. 

Downgrading to a free plan does not affect your eligibility for a refund. In fact, it is a recommended step to prevent any additional billing cycles while your request is being handled.

Things that could affect your Proton VPN refund entitlement

While the above factors won’t impact your refund entitlement, some situations and user choices could affect your eligibility for a full refund.

Timeframe

One of the most critical factors affecting your refund entitlement is the timeframe within which you request it. Proton VPN has a specified refund period outlined in its terms and conditions – 30 days from the subscription date. 

If your refund request is made outside this period, you will probably lose your entitlement to a refund. If your situation is specific or complicated, it's a good idea to review Proton VPN’s refund policy for more details. Alternatively, you can always contact customer support for any additional questions you might have about the refund timeframe and other conditions.

Type of payment

If you purchased your Proton VPN subscription through third-party vendors, such as the App Store or Google Play Store, their respective refund policies will apply. These platforms may have different terms and conditions for refunds compared to Proton VPN’s direct policy. It’s essential to understand and follow the refund procedures of these third-party services to ensure your refund request is processed correctly.

Another important thing to consider is that Proton VPN doesn't provide refund options for payments made via cash or bank transfers. As per Proton VPN’s terms and conditions, these are non-refundable. So if you're considering trying Proton VPN within its 30-day money-back guarantee and then canceling it, you better choose another payment option.

Previous refunds

The 30-day money-back guarantee applies only to first-time users. Proton VPN monitors refund requests to prevent abuse of their refund policy. If you have previously requested and received refunds, the company may review your case and deny further refunds. 

How to entirely remove Proton VPN from your device

Now that you've unsubscribed from Proton VPN and requested a refund, you may want to remove it from your device entirely. This will prevent inadvertent reactivations/costs or files running in the background (draining your battery and other device resources). 

Of course, if you plan to continue using the free plan, you will still need the Proton VPN app, so disregard this section.

How to remove the Proton VPN app from Windows?

You can easily remove the Proton VPN app from your Windows device by following these four steps:

1. Go to Control Panel on your Windows device.
2. Select Programs > Uninstall a Program.
3. Find Proton VPN on the list of programs.
4. Click on Proton VPN and then Uninstall. Follow the prompts to complete the process.

How to delete the Proton VPN app on macOS?

Alternative description: Uninstalling Proton VPN on macOS

For macOS users, uninstalling the Proton VPN application is even easier. All you need to do is move it to the bin and then empty it.

1. Launch Finder on your macOS device.
2. Navigate to the Applications folder.
3. Locate the Proton VPN app.
4. Move Proton VPN to the trash bin. 
5. Right-click on the trash bin and select Empty Trash to complete the action.

How to delete the Proton VPN app from an iOS device?

On iOS devices, deleting Proton VPN is as simple as removing any other app from the home screen.

1. Find the Proton VPN app on your home screen.
2. Long press the app icon until it starts to jiggle.
3. Tap the X that appears on the app icon.
4. Confirm that you want to delete the app.

How to remove the Proton VPN app from Android?

Android users can uninstall Proton VPN through the device's Settings menu. Here's how:

1. Open the Settings menu on your Android device.
2. Navigate to Apps or Application Manager.
3. Find Proton VPN on the list.
4. Select Proton VPN and tap Uninstall. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the app completely.

What are the best Proton VPN alternatives?

Considering Proton VPN's main features and its advantages and shortcomings, here are the best alternatives to this VPN that money can buy. You can try them all risk-free with a free trial or money-back guarantee.

1. ExpressVPN - The best Proton VPN alternative overall. It offers exceptional speeds and server coverage. You can try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee as well.
TIP

In our testing we checked that all ExpressVPN plans work for Netflix. The one year plan is the best value: three months free and a 30 day risk-free trial.

2. NordVPN - The best budget Proton VPN alternative. NordVPN comes with customizable plans, a vast server network, and lightning-fast speeds.
3. Surfshark - The best VPN choice for tech-savvy users looking to replace Proton VPN. You get unlimited simultaneous connections, blazing speeds, and audited privacy features.

The best Proton VPN alternatives in more detail

Still not sure which VPN to choose instead of Proton VPN? Here are our top choices in more detail:

1. ExpressVPN

Editor's Choice | September 2024

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is our #1 recommendation for users seeking a reliable Proton VPN replacement. Try its excellent geo-spoofing capabilities and premium privacy features.

• Pricing

  • 12 months + 3 months FREE + Backblaze backup: $6.67/mth
    49% OFF
  • 6 months: $9.99/mth
  • 1 month: $12.95/mth

• Pros

  • Plenty of server locations
  • Consistently fast and reliable
  • Cutting-edge security features
  • High-performing VPN protocols
  • Independently audited zero-logs policy

• Cons

  • A more expensive Proton VPN alternative, but you get premium service

• Available on

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • iOS
  • Android
  • Linux

• Unblocks

  • Netflix
  • iPlayer
  • Amazon Prime
  • Hulu

• Website

  • www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN Demo

ExpressVPN is the best overall Proton VPN alternative, based both on our comprehensive testing and user reviews. It offers a vast network of servers in over 105 countries worldwide, providing access to a wide range of online services and websites. With consistently high speeds, ExpressVPN is perfect for data-intensive activities like streaming and gaming, and it includes dedicated P2P servers for secure torrenting.

ExpressVPN is a security leader that features strong AES 256-bit encryption and advanced VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN and Lightway (its proprietary project), ensuring a balance of security and speed. Besides, its innovative TrustedServer technology ensures that servers operate entirely in RAM, which means all user data is wiped with each reboot, enhancing privacy.

Despite its advanced privacy features like a kill-switch, obfuscation (stealth servers), and Threat Manager, ExpressVPN is very easy to use. It provides straightforward GUI apps for all popular operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. Additionally, the VPN is compatible with most routers and gaming consoles, ensuring a seamless experience at home.

ExpressVPN also offers 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to put its features through their paces entirely risk-free, just like Proton VPN.

2. NordVPN

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN is a great value-for-money Proton VPN replacement. It's suitable for users used to Proton's advanced features but offers more servers and faster connections.

• Pricing

  • 24 months + 3 months FREE: $3.69/mth
    70% OFF
  • 12 months: $4.99/mth
    59% OFF
  • 1 month: $11.99/mth

• Pros

  • Long list of privacy features
  • Audited zero-logs policy
  • Servers everywhere

• Cons

  • No free trial
  • No GUI for Linux, command-line only

• Available on

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • iOS
  • Android
  • Linux

• Unblocks

  • Netflix
  • iPlayer
  • Amazon Prime
  • Hulu

• Website

  • www.nordvpn.com

Nord Demo

NordVPN offers many of the same advantages as ExpressVPN but at a more affordable price. It provides various subscription plans and advanced customizations to suit individual needs. Renowned for its streaming capabilities, NordVPN has servers optimized specifically for this purpose. Its extensive and continually growing server network spans over 111 countries , ensuring fast and smooth service without congestion or lag, regardless of your online activities.

Based in Panama, NordVPN benefits from the absence of data retention laws. Plus, the company adheres to a strict no-logs policy, verified through multiple independent audits by companies like PwC. With military-grade encryption and high-performing protocols, including its proprietary NordLynx protocol, NordVPN ensures top-notch security. The service also comes with features like Double VPN, Threat Protection, and split tunneling that not only protect users but also maintain optimal performance.

NordVPN is compatible with a wide array of devices and browsers, including mobile devices, desktops, routers, and smart TVs, ensuring comprehensive protection across your household. It offers 24/7 customer support and a 30-day refund policy, making NordVPN a convenient alternative to Proton VPN.

3. Surfshark

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark is a popular Proton VPN alternative, especially among tech-savvy users. It offers an audited no-logs privacy policy and unlimited connections, affordably.

• Pricing

  • 24 months + 3 months FREE: $2.19/mth
    86% OFF
  • 12 months + 3 months FREE: $2.79/mth
    82% OFF
  • 1 month: $15.45/mth

• Pros

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Advanced Nexus features
  • GUI app for Linux

• Cons

  • Lacks port forwarding
  • Single-month subscription is pricey
  • Fast speeds but not as consistent as the services above

• Available on

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • iOS
  • Android
  • Linux

• Unblocks

  • Netflix
  • iPlayer
  • Amazon Prime
  • Hulu

• Website

  • www.surfshark.com

Nord Demo

NordVPN offers many of the same advantages as ExpressVPN but at a more affordable price. It provides various subscription plans and advanced customizations to suit individual needs. Renowned for its streaming capabilities, NordVPN has servers optimized specifically for this purpose. Its extensive and continually growing server network spans over 111 countries , ensuring fast and smooth service without congestion or lag, regardless of your online activities.

Based in Panama, NordVPN benefits from the absence of data retention laws. Plus, the company adheres to a strict no-logs policy, verified through multiple independent audits by companies like PwC. With military-grade encryption and high-performing protocols, including its proprietary NordLynx protocol, NordVPN ensures top-notch security. The service also comes with features like Double VPN, Threat Protection, and split tunneling that not only protect users but also maintain optimal performance.

NordVPN is compatible with a wide array of devices and browsers, including mobile devices, desktops, routers, and smart TVs, ensuring comprehensive protection across your household. It offers 24/7 customer support and a 30-day refund policy, making NordVPN a convenient alternative to Proton VPN.

Conclusion

Canceling your Proton VPN subscription and obtaining a refund is a straightforward process, whether you're using their official website or app stores. Just make sure to follow the above steps for your specific device and keep in mind the factors that can affect your refund eligibility. If Proton VPN doesn’t meet your needs, there are plenty of excellent cheap alternatives available that offer you online privacy and security. Here are some of them:

Cancel Proton VPN FAQs

You may also wonder: