How to Cancel a VPN Subscription on iPhone (and What You Need to Know!)

If you’re looking to stop paying for a VPN service on your iPhone, you’ve come to the right place. It can feel a bit confusing trying to figure out where to actually hit that “cancel” button, especially with so many services out there. But don’t worry, it’s usually a pretty straightforward process once you know where to look! We’re not just going to talk about canceling your payment, though. We’ll also cover how to temporarily turn off your VPN, and even how to completely wipe it from your iPhone, because there’s a difference between stopping payments, pausing the service, and totally removing it from your device.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the info you need to manage your VPN subscriptions, switch off a connection when you don’t need it, or even completely uninstall a VPN app and its profile from your iPhone. Let’s get into it!

How to Cancel Your VPN Subscription on iPhone

The way you cancel your VPN subscription largely depends on how you initially signed up for it. Most people either subscribe directly through Apple’s App Store or through the VPN provider’s website. We’ll break down both scenarios.

Method 1: Canceling Through Your iPhone’s Settings for App Store Subscriptions

This is the most common way to cancel if you downloaded the VPN app and subscribed right there on your iPhone. Think of VPNs like NordVPN, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, or Turbo VPN – if you purchased their service directly through the app, Apple handles the billing. So, that’s where you need to go to stop the payments.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Open the Settings App: that gray gear icon on your iPhone’s home screen.
2. Tap Your Name/Apple ID: At the very top of the Settings screen, you’ll see your name and often your profile picture. Tap on that to get into your Apple ID settings.
3. Go to Subscriptions: Scroll down a bit, and you should see an option labeled “Subscriptions.” This is where all your active and expired subscriptions tied to your Apple ID live. If you don’t see “Subscriptions” directly, you might need to tap “iTunes & App Store” first, then tap your Apple ID, select “View Apple ID,” sign in, and then scroll down to “Subscriptions.”
4. Find Your VPN Subscription: In the list of subscriptions, locate the VPN service you want to cancel. It’ll usually be named after the VPN provider, like “NordVPN,” “Proton VPN,” “ExpressVPN,” or “Surfshark.”
5. Tap “Cancel Subscription”: Once you’ve selected your VPN, you’ll see details about your current plan. At the bottom, there should be a “Cancel Subscription” button. If you don’t see it, or if it says something like “Expires on…” in red, it means you’ve already canceled, and it won’t auto-renew.
6. Confirm Your Cancellation: Your iPhone will ask you to confirm. Tap “Confirm” to finalize the cancellation.

What happens next? Even after you cancel, your subscription typically remains active until the end of your current billing cycle. So, if you paid for a month and cancel halfway through, you can still use the VPN service for the remaining two weeks without being charged again. This prevents any future automatic renewals. Can You Cancel a VPN? Absolutely, Here’s How!

Method 2: Canceling Directly Through the VPN Provider’s Website for Web Subscriptions

Sometimes, you might have signed up for a VPN directly through their website, perhaps using a credit card or PayPal, bypassing the App Store entirely. This is quite common, especially if you snagged a deal on their desktop site. In this case, Apple won’t have any record of your subscription, so you’ll need to go straight to the source.

Here’s the general process, which might vary slightly depending on the VPN provider:

1. Go to the VPN Provider’s Website: Open your web browser Safari, Chrome, etc. and head to the official website of your VPN provider. For example, nordvpn.com, expressvpn.com, protonvpn.com, surfshark.com, or turbovpn.com.
2. Log In to Your Account: Look for a “Log In,” “My Account,” or “Dashboard” button, usually in the top right corner of the website. Enter your credentials.
3. Navigate to Billing or Subscription Settings: Once logged in, you’ll need to find the section related to your billing or subscription. This might be under “My Account,” “Billing,” “Subscriptions,” “Dashboard,” or “Settings.”
4. Find the Cancellation or Auto-Renewal Option: Look for an option that says “Cancel Subscription,” “Manage Subscription,” “Disable Auto-renewal,” or “Downgrade Account.” Many VPNs automatically renew, so you’ll often be looking to turn off that auto-renewal feature.
5. Follow the Prompts to Confirm: The website will guide you through the remaining steps. You might be asked to provide a reason for canceling you can usually skip this, but sometimes giving feedback helps them improve!. Confirm your decision to finalize the cancellation.

Remember, if you cancel auto-renewal, you usually still get to use the VPN until your current paid period runs out.

Understanding VPN Refunds and Money-Back Guarantees

Many reputable VPN providers offer a money-back guarantee, typically for 30 days. This is great if you’re just trying out a service and realize it’s not for you. How to Cancel Your Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN Subscription

• Direct Subscriptions: If you subscribed directly through the VPN’s website and you’re within their money-back guarantee period often 30 days, you’ll usually need to contact their customer support to request a refund. This might be via live chat or email. Be prepared to provide your account details and the reason for cancellation. Most companies are pretty good about honoring these guarantees.
• App Store Subscriptions: If you subscribed through the Apple App Store, refunds are handled by Apple and are “issued solely at the discretion of Apple Support.” While not guaranteed, you can try requesting a refund through Apple’s “Report a Problem” website.
  1. Go to reportaproblem.apple.com.
  2. Sign in with your Apple ID.
  3. Find the VPN subscription, select “Request a Refund,” choose a reason, and submit your request.

It’s a good idea to submit your refund request quickly after canceling to increase your chances of approval.

What’s the Difference: Canceling, Turning Off, and Deleting a VPN?

This is where things can get a little muddled. Canceling a subscription stops future payments. But what if you just want to pause using the VPN, or completely remove all traces of it from your iPhone, including the app and its configuration? Let’s clear that up.

Turning Off Your VPN on iPhone Temporarily Disconnecting

Sometimes you just need to turn off the VPN for a bit, maybe because a specific app isn’t working with it, or you want to see if your internet speed improves. This is a temporary action and doesn’t cancel your subscription or delete the app.

There are a few ways to do this: How to Skillfully Cancel That VPN Free Trial (and Avoid Unwanted Charges!)

• Via the Settings App: This is the most reliable way.

  1. Open your Settings app.
  2. Tap on VPN. It’s usually near the top, below “Cellular” and “Wi-Fi.”
  3. You’ll see a toggle next to “VPN Status.” Flip this switch to the Off position. When it says “Not Connected,” you’re good to go.

  If you don’t see the “VPN” option directly, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, then tap on VPN.

• Via the VPN App Itself: Most VPN apps have a big “Connect/Disconnect” button right on their main screen. Open the app and tap that button to disconnect. It might say “Disconnect,” “Stop,” or just be a power icon. This is usually the quickest way if the app is working correctly.

• Via Control Center: If your VPN app supports it, you might be able to add a shortcut to your Control Center for quick toggling. However, this is less common for directly turning off the VPN profile and more for managing the app itself.

Why does my VPN keep turning on automatically?
If your VPN seems to have a mind of its own and keeps reconnecting, check your iPhone’s “Connect On Demand” setting. This feature automatically activates the VPN in certain situations, like when you connect to unsecured Wi-Fi. How to Get Your Money Back from NordVPN: A Simple Guide

To turn it off:

1. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN.
2. Tap the “i” icon next to your VPN provider’s name.
3. Toggle off “Connect On Demand.”

This setting is consistent across newer iPhone models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro Max, and so on.

Deleting a VPN App and Its Profile from iPhone Permanent Removal

If you’re truly done with a VPN service and want it completely gone from your iPhone – not just disconnected – you’ll need to do two things: delete the app and remove its VPN configuration profile. Just deleting the app often leaves the profile behind.

Step 1: Delete the VPN App

This is just like deleting any other app:

1. Find the VPN app icon on your Home screen or in your App Library.
2. Tap and hold the app icon until all the apps start to “jiggle” or a menu pops up.
3. Tap “Remove App” if a menu appears or the “X” in the top-left corner of the app icon.
4. Select “Delete App” from the options, then confirm.

This removes the app from your device and its associated data. Can You Put NordVPN on Xbox? Your Ultimate Guide to Supercharge Your Gaming!

Step 2: Remove the VPN Configuration Profile

Even if you delete the app, a VPN often installs a “configuration profile” in your iPhone’s settings. Removing this ensures the VPN is truly gone and can’t accidentally reconnect or leave any remnants.

Here’s how to remove it:

1. Open your Settings app.
2. Tap General.
3. Scroll down and tap “VPN & Device Management” on some older iOS versions, it might just be “VPN” or “Profile”.
4. Tap on VPN.
5. Under “Device VPN,” you’ll see a list of any installed VPN profiles. Tap the “i” icon information button next to the VPN you want to remove.
6. Tap “Delete VPN” it’s usually in red at the bottom.
7. Confirm by tapping “Delete” on the pop-up warning.

This process is the same whether you have an iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, or an older model like the iPhone 11. By completing both steps, you’ll have completely removed the VPN from your iPhone.

Why People Cancel VPNs and Why You Might Reconsider

People decide to cancel VPNs for a bunch of different reasons, just like with any other service. Maybe they’re looking to cut down on monthly expenses, or they’ve found a better VPN with different features or pricing. Sometimes, it’s about technical issues like slow speeds, connection problems, or the VPN interfering with other apps. Or perhaps they just don’t need it anymore, like after a trip abroad where they used it for public Wi-Fi safety or accessing content. How to Use NordVPN in Saudi Arabia: Your Complete Guide

However, before you completely remove a VPN from your life, it’s worth considering why millions of people use them. VPNs are a critical tool for digital privacy and security, especially connected world. They encrypt your internet traffic, keeping your online activities private from your internet provider, hackers, and other snoopers. This is super important when you’re using public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or airport, as these networks are often unsecured and a playground for cyber threats. VPNs also help you access content that might be restricted in your region, which can be useful for news, entertainment, or staying connected to home services while traveling. Data breaches and online tracking are unfortunately common, and a VPN acts as a shield, making it harder for your personal information to be compromised.

So, while canceling might be right for you, it’s always good to weigh the benefits of continued online protection against your reasons for letting it go.

Troubleshooting Common VPN Cancellation Issues

Even with clear steps, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common hiccups you might encounter and how to deal with them:

• “I can’t find my subscription in iPhone Settings!” How to Download NordVPN in Saudi Arabia: Your Go-To Guide

  • Check the Right Apple ID: Make sure you’re signed in to the Apple ID you used when you originally subscribed. If you have multiple Apple IDs maybe one for work, one personal, try signing into the other one.
  • Family Sharing: If you’re part of an Apple Family Sharing group, the subscription might be under the family organizer’s account. You’ll need to ask them to cancel it.
  • iTunes & App Store: As mentioned earlier, if you don’t see “Subscriptions” directly under your name, go to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Your Apple ID > View Apple ID > Subscriptions.

• “I canceled, but the VPN is still working, and I think I’ll be charged!”

  • Don’t panic! As we discussed, once you cancel, the service usually remains active until the end of the current billing period. You won’t be charged for the next cycle. Double-check the “Expires on” date in your subscription settings to confirm.
  • If you’re still worried, check your bank statement or credit card activity a few days after the supposed renewal date.

• “My refund isn’t processing.”

  • Check Eligibility: Make sure you’re still within the money-back guarantee period usually 30 days for most VPNs.
  • Contact Support Again: If it’s a direct subscription, follow up with the VPN provider’s customer support. Have your cancellation confirmation, payment details, and original purchase date ready.
  • Apple Refunds: If it was an App Store purchase, Apple’s refund policy can be a bit strict. Keep track of your request on reportaproblem.apple.com and contact Apple Support if you don’t hear back.

• “The VPN keeps turning on, even after I toggle it off.”

  • This is almost always due to the “Connect On Demand” feature. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN, tap the “i” next to your VPN, and turn off “Connect On Demand.”
  • Also, check within the VPN app’s settings for any “Auto-Connect,” “Always-On VPN,” or “Reconnect Automatically” options and disable them.
  • A quick restart of your iPhone can sometimes clear up stubborn connection issues too.

If you run into any unique or persistent issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to the VPN provider’s official customer support. They are usually best equipped to help with specific account problems.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop a VPN from auto-renewing on my iPhone?

To stop a VPN from auto-renewing on your iPhone, you need to cancel its subscription through your iPhone’s Settings. Go to Settings > > Subscriptions, find your VPN, and then tap “Cancel Subscription.” If you subscribed directly through the VPN’s website, you’ll need to log into your account on their website and turn off auto-renewal there.

Can I delete a VPN on my iPhone without canceling the subscription?

Yes, you can delete the VPN app from your iPhone and remove its configuration profile without canceling your subscription. However, if you don’t cancel the subscription separately, you’ll continue to be charged even though you’re no longer using the service. To completely remove the VPN, you should delete the app and then go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN, tap the “i” next to the VPN, and choose “Delete VPN.”

How do I turn off a VPN on my iPhone 15 Pro Max or any iPhone model?

You can turn off a VPN on any iPhone, including the iPhone 15 Pro Max, by going to Settings > VPN and toggling the switch to the “Off” position. You can also usually turn it off directly within the VPN app itself by tapping a “Disconnect” button. If the VPN keeps turning on, disable “Connect On Demand” in your VPN settings.

What happens if I just uninstall the VPN app instead of canceling the subscription?

If you only uninstall the VPN app, your subscription will likely remain active, and you’ll continue to be charged for it. Uninstalling the app doesn’t automatically cancel the billing managed by Apple or the VPN provider. You must explicitly cancel the subscription either through your iPhone’s Settings or the VPN provider’s website, depending on how you originally subscribed.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my VPN subscription?

Many VPN providers offer a money-back guarantee, typically for 30 days. If you subscribed directly through their website, you usually need to contact their customer support within this period to request a refund. For subscriptions made via the Apple App Store, refunds are at Apple’s discretion, and you’ll need to request one through reportaproblem.apple.com. Unlock Global Entertainment: Your Guide to Using NordVPN on Apple TV

How is canceling a free VPN subscription different from a paid one?

The process for canceling a free VPN subscription if it involves a trial that converts to paid or has an auto-renewing free tier is generally the same as for paid subscriptions on iPhone: manage it through Settings > > Subscriptions. If it’s a completely free VPN without any subscription involved, there’s nothing to cancel, but you might still need to delete the app and remove its VPN profile if you want it off your device.

Why do some VPNs require me to contact customer support to cancel?

Some VPN providers, especially if you subscribed directly through their website with specific payment methods, might require you to contact their customer support or live chat to cancel the auto-renewal. This ensures you speak to a representative who can guide you through the process, confirm your identity, and sometimes even offer incentives to stay. It’s also a way for them to collect feedback.