Struggling to figure out how to stop that VPN free trial before it turns into a surprise charge on your bank statement? You’re definitely not alone! It’s a common scenario: you sign up for a VPN’s free trial, excited to check out all its features—maybe you want to stream something from abroad, secure your coffee shop Wi-Fi, or just browse with a bit more privacy. These trials are fantastic because they let you test the waters without commitment, which is great, right?

But here’s the thing: many of us totally forget to cancel before the trial period ends, and poof – suddenly, you’re looking at a charge for a service you might not even be using anymore. It’s a classic trap, and VPN providers often design their trials to automatically roll into paid subscriptions. No one wants to waste money on something they don’t need, especially when it’s easily avoidable. That’s why knowing the ropes to cancel effectively is super important. We’re going to walk through exactly how to do it, step by step, for some of the most popular VPNs out there, so you can keep your wallet happy and your digital life clutter-free. Let’s get you squared away!

Table of Contents

The General Game Plan: How to Cancel Most VPN Free Trials

Even though every VPN might have its own little quirks, the cancellation process usually boils down to a few core methods. It mostly depends on where you originally signed up for the trial: directly on their website or through an app store.

If You Signed Up Through the VPN’s Website

This is often the most straightforward route. You go back to where it all began!

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Log In to Your Account: Head over to the official website of the VPN provider you’re trying to cancel. Find the “Login” or “My Account” section and sign in using the credentials you created during the trial signup.
Find Subscription Settings: Once you’re in your account dashboard, look for a section called “Subscription,” “Billing,” “Payments,” or “Account Settings.” This is where all the magic happens.
Locate the Cancellation Option: Within that section, you should see an option like “Cancel Subscription,” “Manage Subscription,” or “Turn off Auto-Renewal.” Click on it.
Follow the Prompts: The VPN might try to keep you by offering discounts or asking for feedback. Politely decline if you’re set on canceling. Confirm your cancellation when prompted.
Get Confirmation: Always, always make sure you receive a confirmation email or see a clear message on your account page that your subscription has been canceled. Keep this for your records!

If You Subscribed via the Apple App Store iOS Devices

For all you iPhone and iPad users, your subscriptions are managed right within your device’s settings.

Open Settings: On your iOS device, tap the “Settings” app.
Tap Your Name/Apple ID: At the very top of the Settings screen, tap on your name and profile picture your Apple ID.
Go to Subscriptions: Tap “Subscriptions.” You might need to authenticate with your Apple ID or Touch/Face ID.
Find Your VPN: Scroll through the list of active subscriptions until you find your VPN app. Tap on it.
Cancel Subscription: Look for the “Cancel Subscription” button and tap it. If you don’t see it, it means the subscription is already canceled and won’t renew.
Confirm: Confirm your decision when prompted. You should get a notification that it’s canceled.

If You Subscribed via the Google Play Store Android Devices

Android users, your subscriptions are managed through the Google Play Store app.

Open Google Play Store: Launch the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
Tap Profile Icon: Tap on your profile icon usually a circle with your initial or picture in the top-right corner.
Go to Payments & Subscriptions: Select “Payments & Subscriptions,” then tap “Subscriptions.”
Locate Your VPN: Find your VPN service in the list of subscriptions and tap on it.
Cancel Subscription: Tap “Cancel Subscription” and follow any on-screen prompts to confirm.
Verify: Make sure you see a confirmation that the subscription has been canceled.

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Step-by-Step Guides for Specific VPN Free Trials

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty for some specific VPNs you might be using!

How to Cancel Surfshark VPN Free Trial

Surfshark is a popular choice, and canceling its free trial is usually quite straightforward, but it really depends on how you signed up.

If you signed up on their website:

Log In: Go to the Surfshark website and log into your account.
Navigate to Subscription: Click on “My Account” in the top right corner, then select “Subscription” from the dropdown.
Manage Subscription: Go to the “Payments” tab and look for “Manage subscription.”
Cancel: Follow the prompts to cancel your subscription. This usually involves turning off auto-renewal.
For a Refund: If you’re within the 30-day money-back guarantee period which is what Surfshark offers instead of a typical “free trial” where you pay nothing upfront, you’ll need to contact customer support via live chat or email to request a full refund.

If you subscribed via Google Play Android: Can You Put NordVPN on Xbox? Your Ultimate Guide to Supercharge Your Gaming!

Open the Google Play Store app.
Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
Go to “Payments & Subscriptions” > “Subscriptions.”
Find “Surfshark” and tap “Cancel Subscription.”
Follow the steps to confirm.

If you subscribed via Apple App Store iOS:

Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap your Apple ID your name at the top.
Go to “Subscriptions.”
Locate “Surfshark” and tap “Cancel Subscription.”

How to Cancel Proton VPN Free Trial

Proton VPN offers a 14-day free trial, often followed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so understanding where you are in that cycle is key.

Sign In: Go to the Proton VPN login page and sign in to your account.
Account Dashboard: You’ll be redirected to your Proton Account dashboard.
Find Free Trial Plan: Look for your free trial plan you might need to click “Learn more” under it. How to Use NordVPN in Saudi Arabia: Your Complete Guide
Cancel Subscription: On the popup showing your remaining days, click “Cancel subscription,” then confirm on the subsequent popup.
Provide Feedback: You might get a feedback request. fill it out if you want, then click “Cancel subscription” again.
- Note: If you’ve been charged and are within the 30-day money-back guarantee, you’ll need to contact their support to request a refund, as it’s not automatic.
Tap your profile icon in the upper-right corner.
Go to “Payments and subscriptions” > “Subscriptions.”
Select “Proton VPN” from the list. How to Download NordVPN in Saudi Arabia: Your Go-To Guide
Tap “Cancel subscription” at the bottom and follow the prompts.
Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone or other Apple devices.
Tap your name or Apple ID.
Tap “Subscriptions.”
Select “Proton VPN” and tap “Cancel subscription.” How to Exclude Apps from NordVPN

How to Cancel Brave VPN Free Trial

Brave VPN, often bundled with Brave Firewall, has a distinct cancellation process depending on your platform.

If you subscribed on Desktop via account.brave.com:

Log In: Go to account.brave.com and sign in. Brave uses an email-based login system, so check your email for a sign-in link.
Find Subscriptions: Scroll down to “Brave Firewall + VPN” under “Your plan subscriptions.”
Cancel Plan: Click “Cancel plan.”

If you subscribed on Android:
2. Tap your profile icon, then “Payments & Subscriptions.”
3. Find the “Brave VPN” subscription and tap “Cancel subscription.”

If you subscribed on iOS:

Open the Apple App Store.
Tap your profile icon, then tap “Subscriptions.”
* If you encounter issues, Brave Support suggests navigating to Brave VPN settings > contact technical support to create a request, and they can cancel it for you.

How to Cancel Turbo VPN Free Trial

Turbo VPN’s cancellation method, like others, depends on where you made the initial subscription. Unlock Global Entertainment: Your Guide to Using NordVPN on Apple TV

If you subscribed on their website:

Contact Customer Support: Turbo VPN requires you to contact their Customer Support via Live Chat or an in-app feedback message to cancel auto-renewal. This might feel a bit more involved than direct cancellation buttons.
Open the Google Play Store.
Tap your profile icon in the top right.
Select “Payments and Subscriptions” > “Subscriptions.” How to NordVPN Netflix: Unlock a World of Shows and Movies
Locate “Turbo VPN” and tap “Cancel subscription.”
Follow the prompts to confirm.

If you subscribed via Apple App Store iOS/Mac:

Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone/iPad or the “App Store” on your Mac.
Tap your Apple ID your name at the top of settings or your profile icon in the App Store.
Find “Turbo VPN” and tap “Cancel Subscription.”

How to Cancel Secure VPN Free Trial

Secure VPN often associated with VPN Unlimited or KeepSolid can be canceled through various platforms.

If you subscribed via Microsoft Store PC: How to Use NordVPN on Amazon Fire TV: Your Ultimate Streaming Guide

Sign in to your Microsoft account.
Go to “Order History.”
Find “Secure VPN” in the list.
Select “Cancel item.”
Check your email for a confirmation. How to Allow Traffic Routing with NordVPN: Your Ultimate Guide
Tap your profile icon, then “Payments & Subscriptions” > “Subscriptions.”
Select “Secure VPN.”
Tap “Cancel Subscription.”
Open “Settings” on your iOS device or the “Apple Store app” on Mac.
Tap your name iOS or profile Mac. How Much is NordVPN in the UK? Your Guide to Current Prices and Plans
Go to “Subscriptions” iOS or “View information” > “Subscriptions” > “Manage” Mac.
Select “Secure VPN” and tap “Cancel Subscription.”

How to Cancel X-VPN Free Trial

X-VPN provides a free service, but also premium subscriptions that auto-renew.

If you subscribed on the X-VPN website:

Log In: Go to the X-VPN website and log in to your account. How NordVPN Fares on Reddit: An Honest Look at What Users Really Think
My Account: Navigate to the “My Account” page.
Subscription: Click on “Subscription” and then “Cancel Subscription.”
Complete Process: Follow any further prompts to complete the cancellation.
- Note: If you paid via Paymentwall on their website, you might need to contact X-VPN support directly with your account details to help cancel.
Go to your iPhone or iPad’s “Settings.”
Tap your name at the top. Does NordVPN Actually Work? Let’s Break It Down
Select your “X-VPN” subscription and tap “Cancel Subscription.”

If you subscribed via Google Play Store Android:
2. Tap the menu icon or your profile icon and select “Subscriptions.”
3. Choose your “X-VPN” subscription and tap “Cancel.”

How to Cancel VPN Lumos Free Trial

VPN Lumos subscriptions are typically managed through the platform you used to sign up.

If you subscribed via iTunes/Apple App Store iOS or Google Play Store Android:

Use Device Settings: Cancel directly through the subscription settings in your iTunes Apple ID settings or Android account Google Play Store.
Specific Steps: These follow the general App Store/Google Play cancellation steps mentioned earlier.
- iOS: Settings > Your Name > Subscriptions > VPN Lumos > Cancel.
- Android: Google Play Store > Profile Icon > Payments & Subscriptions > Subscriptions > VPN Lumos > Cancel.

If you subscribed directly through the Lumos App website: How Much Is NordVPN After the First 2 Years?

Log In: Log in on the applicable website to manage your subscriptions.
Manage Subscriptions: Find the section for managing your subscriptions and cancel from there.
- Some users have reported a more convoluted process involving multiple “other options” clicks and disguised links, so be persistent if the direct route isn’t immediately obvious.

How to Cancel ExpressVPN’s Risk-Free Trial Money-Back Guarantee

ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a traditional “free trial” in the sense of not paying upfront. Instead, they provide a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you pay first, but you can get a full refund if you cancel within 30 days.

To cancel and get a refund within 30 days:

Contact Customer Support: The easiest and most reliable way to get a refund is to contact ExpressVPN’s customer support. You can do this via live chat available 24/7 or email.
Request Refund: Clearly state that you wish to cancel your subscription and request a full refund, mentioning you are within the 30-day money-back guarantee period.
- They typically process refunds quickly with no hassle.

To cancel auto-renewal if outside the refund window or simply want to stop future payments:
If you subscribed with a credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay directly on their website:

Sign In: Log in to your ExpressVPN account on their website.
Subscription Details: Go to the “Subscription” section or tap the menu icon > “Subscription” if on mobile.
Cancel Subscription: Look for “Subscription details” and click “Cancel Subscription.” Follow the prompts until you see a confirmation message like “Your subscription has been canceled.”

If you subscribed via Apple App Store iOS or Google Play Store Android:

Open the respective App Store or Play Store app.
Access your list of subscriptions profile icon > “Payment & subscriptions” > “Subscriptions” on Android. profile icon > “Subscriptions” on iOS.
Select “ExpressVPN” and follow the instructions to cancel.

How to Cancel Norton VPN Free Trial

Norton Secure VPN is usually part of a larger Norton 360 subscription or can be a standalone product. Canceling depends on where you purchased it. How NordVPN Works: The Tech Behind Your Digital Shield

If purchased directly from Norton LifeLock website:

Log In: Go to my.norton.com and log in to your account.
My Subscriptions: Navigate to the “My Subscriptions” tab.
Manage Subscriptions: Find your Norton Secure VPN or Norton 360 subscription.
Turn off Automatic Renewal: Look for the “Automatic Renewal” setting and turn it off. This typically cancels future charges.
Contact Support for Refund: If you are within a money-back guarantee period Norton usually offers 60 days for annual plans, you might need to contact Norton customer support to process a refund.

If purchased via App Store iOS or Google Play Store Android:

Follow the general App Store/Google Play cancellation steps mentioned at the beginning of this guide.

Important Tips to Avoid Unwanted Charges

Even with all these steps, it’s easy to miss a detail and end up paying for something you didn’t want. Here are some pro tips to make sure that doesn’t happen to you:

Set Reminders Seriously!: As soon as you sign up for a free trial, mark your calendar or set multiple alarms on your phone for at least 24-48 hours before the trial is set to end. Why 24-48 hours? Some providers require cancellations to be done a full day or two before renewal, and it gives you a buffer in case of technical glitches.
Know Your Renewal Date: Always note down the exact date your free trial converts to a paid subscription. This date is your deadline!
Check Your Payment Method: Sometimes, it’s not enough to just cancel the subscription. It’s a good practice to check your linked payment method credit card statement, PayPal, etc. a few days after you think you’ve canceled, just to make sure no charges went through.
Verify Cancellation: After you’ve gone through the cancellation steps, always look for a confirmation email or a message within your account dashboard confirming that auto-renewal has been stopped. Screenshot it if you can!
Don’t Just Delete the App: Uninstalling the app from your phone or computer does not cancel your subscription. You need to go through the proper cancellation channels.
Contact Support If Unsure: If you can’t find the cancellation option or run into any trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to the VPN provider’s customer support. They’re usually there to help, often via live chat or email.

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What to Do If You’ve Been Charged Accidentally

Oops! It happens to the best of us. If you forgot to cancel and woke up to an unexpected charge, don’t panic.

Act Quickly: Many VPNs offer a money-back guarantee often 30 days even after a paid subscription starts. Check their website for their refund policy.
Contact Customer Support: Get in touch with the VPN provider’s customer support immediately. Explain the situation and request a refund based on their money-back guarantee. Be polite but firm.
Provide Proof: Have your account details, the date of charge, and any cancellation confirmations if you attempted to cancel before ready.
Dispute the Charge Last Resort: If the VPN provider refuses a refund despite you being eligible, you can contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charge. This should be a last resort, as it can be a longer process.

Why Do VPNs Offer Free Trials Anyway?

It’s not just to trick you, although automatic renewals can feel that way! VPNs offer free trials or money-back guarantees for a few good reasons:

To Hook You: They want you to experience their service firsthand. Once you see how fast it is, how many servers they have, or how easy it is to use, they hope you’ll stick around.
Build Trust: A risk-free trial builds confidence. It shows they believe in their product and are willing to let you test it without immediate financial pressure.
Feature Showcase: It’s a way to let you explore premium features that you wouldn’t get with a completely free and often limited version of a VPN.
Competition: The VPN market is crowded. Offering a trial is a standard way to attract new users and stand out from competitors.

So, while free trials are a win-win, the responsibility to cancel is usually on you. By following these steps, you’ll be a pro at managing your VPN trials and keeping those unwanted charges at bay!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a VPN free trial and a money-back guarantee?

A free trial typically lets you use the VPN for a limited time e.g., 3, 7, or 14 days without paying anything upfront, sometimes not even requiring credit card details. A money-back guarantee, on the other hand, means you pay for the subscription upfront, but you have a specific window commonly 30 days, sometimes 45 to request a full refund if you’re not satisfied. Both allow you to test the service, but the payment timing differs.

Will I still be able to use the VPN after I cancel the free trial?

In most cases, yes! When you cancel a free trial, you are usually just stopping the auto-renewal of the subscription. This means you can continue to use the VPN service for the remainder of your trial period without being charged. Once the trial period officially ends, your access will then cease.

What if I can’t find the cancellation option in my account settings?

If you’re really struggling to find the cancellation button on the VPN’s website or in the app, the best course of action is to contact their customer support team directly. Most VPNs offer live chat or email support that can guide you through the process or even cancel it for you. Keep a record of your communication.

Is it enough to just uninstall the VPN app?

No, simply uninstalling the VPN app from your device does not cancel your subscription or free trial. The billing for the service is handled separately from the application itself. You must follow the proper cancellation steps either through the app store Google Play, Apple App Store, Microsoft Store or the VPN provider’s website.

Can I get a refund if I forgot to cancel my free trial and was charged?

It depends on the VPN provider and their policies. Many reputable VPNs offer a money-back guarantee that allows you to request a full refund within a certain period e.g., 30 days of being charged, even if it’s after a trial. Check the VPN’s terms of service or contact their customer support immediately to inquire about a refund.

Do free VPN trials always require a credit card?

Not always, but often. Some VPNs offer true “free trials” that don’t require any payment information upfront like CyberGhost’s 24-hour desktop trial. However, many trials, especially those accessed via app stores for longer periods, do require you to input a payment method, which then automatically rolls into a paid subscription if not canceled. Always read the fine print when signing up!

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How to Skillfully Cancel That VPN Free Trial (and Avoid Unwanted Charges!)