Hotspot Shield, launched back in 2008, is a popular VPN service designed to protect your privacy and unblock content online. Maybe you signed up to watch that one geo-restricted show everyone on social media was talking about, and now you're done with it. It happens. With plans ranging from $7.99 to $12.99, an unused subscription can add up. This guide covers canceling on desktop, iOS, and Android, potentially saving you up to $96 a year. Let's get it done.
How to Cancel Hotspot Shield Subscription on Desktop
Canceling on their website is the most direct method if you didn't subscribe through an app store. Be prepared for a few extra clicks, as they really don't want to see you go. I had to refresh the page once because the final confirmation button didn't load.
1 Log Into Your Account
First, head over to the Hotspot Shield website and log into your account. You'll need the email and password you signed up with.
2 Navigate to Account Settings
Once you're logged in, look for the 'Account' link, usually in the top navigation menu. Click on that to get to your dashboard.
3 Find the Cancellation Link
In your account area, find the section labeled 'Subscription'. You should see a link that says 'Cancel subscription' or 'Turn off auto-renewal'. Honestly, they sometimes make this hard to find, so you might have to scan the page carefully.
4 Confirm the Cancellation
This is the annoying part. You'll likely have to click through a survey or a page trying to convince you to stay. Just keep clicking 'Cancel' until you see a final confirmation message on the screen. Don't get distracted by last-minute offers.
How to Cancel Hotspot Shield Subscription on iOS
If you signed up on your iPhone, you have to cancel through Apple. Hotspot Shield's support can't do it for you. The good news? It's much simpler than using their website.
1 Open Your Device Settings
Open the main Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. It's the gray gear icon.
2 Tap Your Apple ID
Tap on your name and Apple ID profile picture right at the top of the settings menu.
3 Go to Subscriptions
On the next screen, tap on 'Subscriptions'. This will show you a list of all your active and expired subscriptions tied to your Apple account.
4 Find and Cancel Hotspot Shield
Find Hotspot Shield in the list and tap on it. Then, just hit the red 'Cancel Subscription' button. If the button isn't there, it means it's already canceled.
How to Cancel Hotspot Shield Subscription on Android
Just like with Apple, if you subscribed through the Google Play Store, that's where you need to cancel. It's a standard process and saves you from having to log into their website.
1 Open the Google Play Store
Launch the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2 Tap Your Profile Icon
Tap on your profile icon, which is usually located in the top-right corner of the screen.
3 Navigate to Subscriptions
From the menu that pops up, select 'Payments & subscriptions', and then tap on 'Subscriptions'.
4 Find and Cancel Hotspot Shield
Scroll through the list to find Hotspot Shield. Tap on it, and then select 'Cancel subscription'. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm.
Cancel Hotspot Shield Subscription with Live Chat
Live chat is typically the fastest way to get help, but it's often reserved for premium users. You'll need to log into your account on the Hotspot Shield website and find the 'Support' or 'Help' section. The chat option should appear there. Be prepared to wait a few minutes for an agent.
Cancel Hotspot Shield Subscription with Email
You can send an email to [email protected]. Make sure to email them from the address associated with your account to avoid back-and-forth. This is the slowest method, expect a response within 24 to 48 hours.
Before you cancel, know this. Hotspot Shield offers a 45-day money-back guarantee for your initial purchase, but they generally do not offer refunds for subscription renewals if you forget to cancel. Your account data won't be deleted right away, you'll just lose premium features. There is no option to pause your subscription, so it's either on or off.
Hotspot Shield Plans and Pricing 2025
| Plan | Price (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Premium (Monthly) | $12.99/month | Billed each month. Allows connection for up to 10 devices, includes special modes for streaming and gaming, and offers 24/7 tech support. |
| Premium (Annual) | $7.99/month | Billed as $95.88 once per year. You get all the same features as the monthly plan but at a much lower overall cost. This is the plan that usually catches people with auto-renewal. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Hotspot Shield
Can I unsubscribe from Hotspot Shield anytime?
Can I get a refund from Hotspot Shield if I forgot to cancel?
How do I know my Hotspot Shield subscription is cancelled?
How long does it take for Hotspot Shield to cancel?
What else should I know before I cancel my Hotspot Shield subscription?
How do I raise a complaint to Hotspot Shield?
Rachel Adams
Technology & Software Editor
Rachel Adams is the Lead Tech & App writer at Pine AI, where she decodes the complexities of the digital software landscape. With over eight years of experience as a software reviewer and tech journalist, her work focuses on the security, usability, and subscription models of popular apps and SaaS platforms. Rachel's insights empower consumers to make informed decisions, avoid predatory billing, and select software that genuinely adds value.
