Are you considering subscribing to Surfshark, but afraid you won't be able to get a full refund if you change your mind about the VPN? Don't worry! We bring you detailed yet simple instructions on how to cancel your Surfshark plan before your 30-day trial period expires.
Although, currently, one of the best VPNs on the market, we appreciate that Surfshark is not for everyone. Its speeds are not as consistent as those of ExpressVPN or NordVPN per se, and its advanced functionalities may be a bit overwhelming for VPN newbies. Luckily, you can put Surfshark through its paces for 30 days and then get a full refund if you're not entirely satisfied with the service. Let's see how.
Cancel Surfshark for a full refund – in a few easy steps
Cancelling Surfshark is straightforward. It only requires finding the Help Center link at the bottom of Surfshark's official website and asking for the cancelation and refund. Below is the step-by-step procedure with an image.
- Contact customer support – You can do it via live chat or email, both are easily accessible through Surfshark's official website. Live chat is the fastest way.
- Provide account information – Keep your account details handy, including the email address used for registration. The agent or bot might also ask you where you purchased your subscription from, and similar questions.
- Request a refund – Simply write that you wish to cancel your subscription and ask for a refund. Highlight that you haven't exceeded the 30-day trial period if necessary.
Special note: The customer support representative will usually be very polite and informative and will guide you through the entire process. However, they may also ask for feedback or try to persuade you to change your plan instead of canceling it altogether. If your mind is set on canceling, simply stick by your decision and they will proceed with your request. You're also not required to answer further questions if you don't feel like it.
Cancelling Surfshark via email
If you feel more comfortable canceling Surfshark via email, that's also possible, although it usually takes longer. While live chat support is almost instant, email answers usually take some time.
The process is pretty similar, though, the only difference is you choose the Submit a Request option at the bottom of the Help Center page instead of the Chat with Us option. You then fill in the required fields, such as your email address and request description – as shown in the image below – and wait for Surfshark's response.
How to remove Surfshark from your device?
The cancellation and refund process of Surfshark VPN is primarily handled by customer support, regardless of your device. However, there are some device-specific actions you could take to ensure you removed Surfshark for good and there's no residue software to run in the background of your device.
How to delete Surfshark on Windows & Mac
After following the above steps and canceling your subscription, you may wish to uninstall the Surfshark application from your computer. On Windows, this is typically done through the Add or Remove Programs feature in System Settings. On Mac, you can drag the Surfshark application from the Applications folder to the Trash.
Surfshark also allows you to delete its app through the app itself. All you need to do is:
- Log in to your Surfshark app.
- Go to Settings and choose My Account option.
- Press Delete Account at the bottom of the My Account page, and that's it. You've now deleted your Surfshark app from your computer or phone.
How to cancel Surfshark on Android
You've now canceled your subscription with the help of Surfshark's customer support and you've deleted the app from your device, however, if you purchased your subscription through the Google Play Store, an extra step might be necessary.
Namely, Google Play also has its refund process, which you can initiate through the Google Play Store following these steps:
- Go to subscriptions in Google Play.
- Pick the Surfshark subscription and click Manage.
- Click Cancel subscription.
- There will be a confirmation pop-up, where you then select a reason.
- Press Continue.
Another easy way to uninstall the Surfshark app on Android is to hold the app icon with your finger and drag it to the Uninstall bin that appears.
How to cancel Surfshark on iOS
Following the cancelation process, via customer support, the easiest way to uninstall the Surfshark app on your iOS device is to press and hold the Surfshark icon on your home screen until it wiggles, then press the X to uninstall. Alternatively, you can follow the steps above and delete the app through the app settings.
For subscriptions purchased via the App Store, you may also want to start Apple's refund process.
To cancel your Surfshark subscription on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Vision Pro via App Store:
- Go to the Settings app.
- Tap your name.
- Click Subscriptions.
- Next to the subscription, click Edit.
- Click Cancel Subscription. If there is no Cancel or Cancel Subscription button, that means that the subscription was already canceled.
Considerations
Here are some considerations to keep in mind when canceling Surfshark to ensure a full refund without complications.
Timing is everything
The process of canceling Surfshark's subscription is straightforward. You just need to follow this simple guide and ensure you're within the 30-day money-back guarantee window. However, if you miss this time frame, you'll still be able to cancel the VPN subscription, but your refund probably won't be granted afterwards, except in special circumstances.
So, the main thing to remember is to enjoy Surfshark's 30-day money-back guarantee responsibly, not extending the time allowance. In that case, taking your money-back guarantee refund will be a piece of cake.
Also, the money-back guarantee applies only to first-time users, so there's no point in trying to trick the system. The second time you try to get the refund, the system will recognize you (even if you use a different email address) and deny you the refund.
Subscription platforms
A good way to get your Surfshark refund is to contact customer support and ask for it. However, if you subscribed through a third party (like the Apple App Store or Google Play), you should check the platform’s refund policies and take the additional appropriate steps (explained above), in addition to notifying Surfshark.
Uninstalling the app won't suffice
All Surfshark's cancelations and refunds are done primarily through customer support. Therefore, simply uninstalling the app from your device does not cancel your subscription or guarantee a refund. Your subscription may still remain active and your money withdrawn each month or year (depending on your chosen plan).
Contacting customer support is the only way you ensure you cancel your Surfshark subscription successfully and receive a full refund, regardless of your device. Always ensure to follow up if you don’t see the refund within a few days after you receive the support team confirmation.
The best Surfshark alternatives
Considering Surfshark'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.
- ExpressVPN - The best Surfshark alternative. Offers consistently fast speeds and exceptional coverage. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- NordVPN - The best buy Surfshark alternative. A large VPN brand with a vast network, blazing speeds, and customizable plans. Easy to use and affordable.
- PrivateVPN - The most beginner-friendly Surshark VPN alternative. Offers easy-to-use apps for all your platforms and servers optimized for streaming.
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| TEST WINNER ExpressVPN | NordVPN | PrivateVPN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | PrivateVPN |
| Ranking for Surfshark alternatives | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Performance | 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Reliability | 9 | 8 | 7 |
| Free trial | |||
| Total servers | 3000 | 6200 | 200 |
| Payment | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency |
| Unblocks: | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu |
| Supported platforms | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android |
The best Surfshark alternatives in more detail
Still not sure which VPN to choose instead of Surfshark? Here are its best alternatives, described in more detail.
ExpressVPN is our #1 recommendation for users looking for a reliable Surfshark alternative. Offers premium features and excellent geo-spoofing capabilities. ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN according to both our extensive testing and user feedback. It has servers in over 105 countries
worldwide, enabling you to access the greatest variety of online services and websites. Consistent speeds are ideal for data-intensive tasks, like streaming and gaming, and dedicated P2P servers are suitable for secure torrenting. ExpressVPN is also one of the most secure VPNs on the market, with robust AES 256-bit encryption and advanced VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and Lightway, which are great at leveraging security and speed. The innovative TrustedServer technology enables ExpressVPN's servers to run entirely in RAM, further protecting your privacy – all residue user data gets deleted with each server reboot. Despite its advanced privacy features like a kill-switch, obfuscation (stealth servers), and private DNS on every server, ExpressVPN is extremely user-friendly. You get intuitive and sleek apps for all popular OS – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and even Linux. The VPN is also compatible with most routers and gaming consoles, streamlining your ExpressVPN experience at home. Customer support is available 24/7 and a 30-day money-back guarantee ensures you can test the service risk-free, the same as Surfshark. NordVPN offers great value for money. It's suitable for users used to Surfshark's customizations but offers more stable connections and speeds. Nord Demo NordVPN offers similar benefits as ExpressVPN, however, it's a more affordable option. It comes with a range of subscription plans and advanced customizations, so you can tailor it to fit your needs. The VPN is praised for its streaming capabilities, thanks to its servers optimized for this purpose. Its server network is also impressive and it keeps growing, currently counting 111 countries
worldwide, ensuring a fast and smooth service, without congestions and lags – no matter what you do online. Located in Panama, where it benefits from no data retention laws, NordVPN also applies a strict no-logs policy, verified by several independent audits by PwC. On top of that, military-grade encryption and a selection of high-performing protocols, including its own NordLynx protocol, ensure user confidentiality and security. Features such as Double VPN, Threat Protection, and split tunneling are integral for protecting users but also ensure optimum performance. NordVPN is compatible with a wide range of devices and browsers, from mobile devices, desktops, and routers to smart TVs, facilitating widespread household protection. The provision of 24/7 customer support and a 30-day refund policy, alongside its other many benefits, make NordVPN a standout Surfshark alternative. PrivateVPN is a user-friendly VPN, more suitable for VPN newbies than Surfshark. It's great for both your privacy and your budget. A free trial is available. PrivateVPN Demo PrivateVPN is another great Surfshark alternative, particularly suitable for users who are new to VPNs. It comes with fewer customizations and advanced options than Surfshark, but it offers some great automatic features, such as a kill-switch, enabling you to get the protection you need in just a few clicks. PrivateVPN's server network is comparably smaller than those of the other two VPNs on this list, however, with servers strategically distributed in key locations, users won't have issues accessing their favorite content online. I regularly use PrivateVPN for work and streaming my favorite Netflix shows when abroad, and I never experience a lack of coverage or slow service. The VPN doesn't provide unlimited simultaneous connections like Surfshark, but I find 10 simultaneous connections a generous enough offer – suitable for large families. However, you do get a seven-day free trial for all your devices, including mobile, so you don't even have to use the benefit of its 30-day money-back guarantee. You can test PrivateVPN on all your devices without making any kind of commitment. So why not take it for a spin? 1. ExpressVPN
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