Proton VPN, launched in 2014, is a popular choice for people focused on digital privacy. With all the recent chatter about TikTok's data policies, maybe you signed up for a VPN to feel more secure. But now the bill is here, and it's time to decide if it's worth it. Subscriptions run from $4.99 to $12.99, and you can cancel on iOS, Android, and Desktop. Taking a moment to cancel could save you up to $156 a year. Let's get it done.
How to Cancel Proton VPN Subscription on Desktop
This is the most common way to cancel, especially if you signed up directly on their website. Honestly, I had to click around a bit because they call it 'downgrading' instead of 'canceling'. A little annoying, but simple once you find it.
1 Log Into Your Proton Account
First, head over to the official Proton account website, which is account.proton.me. You'll need to sign in with your usual credentials. Don't use the VPN app itself.
2 Navigate to the Dashboard
Once you're in, look at the menu on the left side of the screen. Click on Settings, and then select Dashboard. This is where your subscription information lives.
3 Find and Click 'Downgrade'
This is the part that trips people up. You aren't looking for a 'Cancel' button. Instead, find your current plan and click the Downgrade button. They frame it as switching to the free plan.
4 Confirm the Downgrade
Proton will ask why you're leaving, as all services do. You can skip it or answer. Just follow the prompts until you get a final confirmation that your plan has been set to downgrade. It's not cancelled until you see that confirmation screen.
How to Cancel Proton VPN Subscription on iOS
If you paid for Proton VPN through the Apple App Store, your subscription is managed by Apple, not Proton. This means you have to cancel it through your iPhone or iPad settings. It's a standard process for any iOS app subscription.
1 Open iPhone Settings
You can't cancel in the Proton VPN app. You have to go through Apple. Open the main Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2 Go to Your Apple ID Subscriptions
Tap your name at the very top of the Settings screen to open your Apple ID settings. From there, tap on Subscriptions.
3 Find the Proton VPN Subscription
You'll see a list of all your active and expired subscriptions. Find Proton VPN in the list and tap on it.
4 Tap 'Cancel Subscription'
At the bottom of the screen, you'll see the Cancel Subscription button. Tap it and confirm your choice. That's it. Apple will handle the rest.
How to Cancel Proton VPN Subscription on Android
For Android users who subscribed via the Google Play Store, the process is similar to iOS. You have to manage the cancellation inside the Play Store itself. Weirdly, I had to refresh the subscription page once for it to show up properly.
1 Open the Google Play Store
First, open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet. Make sure you're signed into the correct Google Account you used to subscribe.
2 Go to Payments & Subscriptions
Tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner. A menu will pop up. Select Payments & subscriptions from that list.
3 Select 'Subscriptions'
On the next screen, tap on Subscriptions. This will show you all the services you're paying for through Google Play.
4 Find Proton VPN and Cancel
Find Proton VPN in the list, tap on it, and then select the Cancel subscription option at the bottom. Follow the steps to confirm, and you're all set.
Cancel Proton VPN Subscription with email
Proton VPN doesn't offer phone or live chat support. The only way to contact them is through their online support form. You can find it by going to the Proton website and navigating to their support page. Fill out the form with your issue. Be prepared to wait, as some users report that it can take a day or two to get a response.
Canceling your Proton VPN subscription doesn't delete your account, it just downgrades you to their Free plan. Your login will still work. If you want to completely wipe your data, you have to delete your account in a separate step. For refunds, Proton has a 30-day money-back guarantee for new purchases. If you're past that 30-day window, you won't get any money back for unused time. They are pretty strict about it. Also, there is no option to 'pause' your subscription.
Proton VPN Plans and Pricing 2025
| Plan | Price (Monthly) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Proton Free | $0 | 1 VPN connection, servers in 5 countries, and medium speed. It's okay for basic use, but that's about it. |
| VPN Plus | $9.99 | Up to 10 VPN connections, access to 90+ countries, highest speeds, an ad-blocker, and support for streaming services. This is their main VPN plan. |
| Proton Unlimited | $12.99 | Includes everything in VPN Plus, plus access to Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, and Proton Drive. This is their full privacy suite. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Proton VPN
Can I unsubscribe from Proton VPN anytime?
Can I get a refund from Proton VPN if I forgot to cancel?
How do I know my Proton VPN subscription is cancelled?
How long does it take for Proton VPN to cancel?
What else should I know before I cancel my Proton VPN subscription?
How do I raise a complaint to Proton VPN?
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.
