How to “Cancel” Mullvad VPN: A Guide to Its Unique System

To really understand how to “cancel” Mullvad VPN, you should know that Mullvad isn’t like most other VPN services out there. They’ve actually moved away from traditional recurring subscriptions to put your privacy first. This means for many users, there isn’t a “subscription” to cancel in the usual sense. Instead, you pay for a fixed amount of time, and when that time runs out, your service simply stops – no automatic charges, no tricky cancellation buttons to find. It’s pretty straightforward, but it’s a different way of doing things compared to what you might be used to with other services.

Mullvad has built a strong reputation around its commitment to privacy and security. They don’t even require an email address when you sign up. you just get a unique account number, which is pretty rare in the VPN world. This focus on anonymity extends to their payment model. They made a conscious decision to stop offering new recurring subscriptions to minimize the amount of payment data they have to store, further protecting your identity. So, when we talk about “cancelling Mullvad VPN,” we’re mostly talking about letting your paid time expire, or, if you’re within their refund window, requesting your money back. In some specific cases, like if you paid through PayPal or an app store, you might still need to manually stop an auto-renewal feature that was set up on that platform. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do, covering all the scenarios and giving you the full picture.

Thinking about stopping your Mullvad VPN service? You’re in good company, whether you’re just exploring your options or looking for something different. But here’s the thing that often catches people off guard: “cancelling” Mullvad isn’t quite like cancelling your Netflix or even another VPN service. Mullvad does things a bit differently, and it’s all tied to their strong commitment to your privacy.

Mullvad, which is Swedish for “mole”, is a VPN provider based in Sweden that prides itself on exceptional user privacy and security. Since 2009, they’ve been pushing the boundaries of what a privacy-focused VPN can be. This isn’t just marketing fluff. their operational choices truly reflect it. For instance, they don’t even ask for your email address to create an account. Instead, they generate a random 16-digit account number that acts as your identifier. This design choice immediately sets them apart and significantly reduces the personal data they hold about you.

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Understanding Mullvad’s Unique Approach to “Subscriptions”

If you’ve used other VPNs, you’re probably used to signing up for a monthly or annual plan that automatically renews. You give them your credit card details, and poof, a charge appears every billing cycle. With Mullvad, that’s largely not the case anymore.

Why Mullvad Ditched Traditional Recurring Payments Privacy First!

Back in 2022, Mullvad made a significant change: they largely stopped offering new recurring subscriptions. Why? Because maintaining recurring payment systems means they have to store certain customer payment information for longer periods. And for a company whose core mission is to minimize data retention and maximize user anonymity, that was a trade-off they weren’t willing to make any longer.

They put it pretty simply: “Subscriptions clearly offer a lot of convenience but as we’ve seen that convenience comes at a cost and we no longer think this is an acceptable trade-off. We care deeply about usability but when it comes down to it, privacy has to win.” So, their solution was to switch primarily to a one-time payment model. You pay for a block of time, and when that time is up, your service simply ends. No automatic charges, no unexpected renewals.

How Mullvad’s Account System Works It’s All About Account Numbers

When you sign up for Mullvad, you don’t create a username and password. You click a button, and they generate a unique 16-digit account number for you. This number is your key to everything – logging in, topping up your account, and checking how much time you have left.

You then “add time” to this account number by making a one-time payment. Mullvad offers various payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, bank wire, Swish, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Monero with a 10% discount!, and even cash mailed directly to their offices in Sweden for ultimate anonymity. This means that, for most people, Mullvad isn’t really a “subscription” in the sense that it automatically renews. It’s more like a prepaid service. How to Cancel Your VPN Subscription: A Step-by-Step Guide

This is a big deal because it simplifies the “cancellation” process dramatically.

The Real Steps to “Cancelling” Your Mullvad VPN

Given Mullvad’s unique model, the steps to “cancel” depend on how you initially paid and if any auto-renewal mechanism was set up outside of Mullvad’s direct control.

Scenario 1: You Paid via Mullvad Website with a One-Time Payment Most Common

If you signed up recently or used a payment method like cash or crypto, you likely made a one-time payment to add time to your account. In this common scenario, there’s typically nothing to actively “cancel.”

1. Check Your Account Balance: The first thing you should do is log in to your Mullvad account on their website using your unique 16-digit account number. Once logged in, you’ll see how much time you have remaining on your account.
2. Simply Let the Time Expire: That’s it! When the time you’ve paid for runs out, your Mullvad VPN service will automatically stop. You won’t be charged again unless you actively go back and add more time to your account. This is the beauty of their privacy-focused, non-recurring payment model.

Scenario 2: You Have an Active Auto-Renewal e.g., Older Credit Card/PayPal, App Store

While Mullvad no longer offers new recurring subscriptions directly, if you signed up before their policy change in 2022 and paid with a credit card or PayPal, or if you subscribed through a mobile app store, you might still have an auto-renewal that needs to be manually stopped. How to Cancel Your VPN Lumos Subscription

Cancelling Auto-Renewal via Mullvad Website for older Credit Card/PayPal setups

If you used a credit card or PayPal for a recurring payment before Mullvad stopped offering new subscriptions, you can often manage this directly through your Mullvad account on their website.

1. Log In to Your Mullvad Account: Go to the Mullvad website and log in using your 16-digit account number.
2. Navigate to Subscription Settings: Once logged in, look for a “Subscription” or “Account Status” section.
3. Find Your Payment Method: Identify the payment method you used e.g., Credit Card or PayPal.
4. Unsubscribe/Cancel Auto-Renewal: You should see an option to “Unsubscribe” or “Cancel auto-renewal.” Click on this and follow any on-screen prompts to confirm.

Quick tip: If you paid via PayPal, you can also often manage and cancel recurring payments directly from your PayPal account settings. This gives you a second way to ensure no further charges occur.

Cancelling via Google Play Store Android

If you purchased your Mullvad VPN through the Google Play Store on your Android device, the cancellation needs to happen there.

1. Open Google Play Store: Launch the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2. Tap Your Profile Icon: In the top-right corner, tap on your profile icon.
3. Go to Payments & Subscriptions: Select “Payments & subscriptions” from the menu.
4. Choose Subscriptions: Tap on “Subscriptions.”
5. Find Mullvad VPN: Locate Mullvad VPN in your list of active subscriptions.
6. Cancel Subscription: Tap “Cancel Subscription” and follow the prompts to confirm. You might be asked to provide a reason for cancelling.

Cancelling via Apple App Store iOS/iPadOS

For those who subscribed to Mullvad VPN via the Apple App Store on an iPhone or iPad, you’ll need to go through your device settings.

1. Open Settings App: Go to the “Settings” app on your iOS or iPadOS device.
2. Tap Your Name/Apple ID: At the top of the screen, tap on your name or Apple ID.
3. Select Subscriptions: Tap “Subscriptions” from the menu.
4. Find Mullvad VPN: Scroll through your active subscriptions and select Mullvad VPN.
5. Tap Cancel Subscription: Choose “Cancel Subscription” and follow any final prompts to confirm. If you don’t see this option, it might mean auto-renewal is already off.

How to Request a Refund If You’re within the 14-Day Window

Mullvad offers a 14-day money-back guarantee for most payment methods if you’re not satisfied with their service. It’s important to note that this was recently changed from a 30-day policy to a 14-day policy to further reduce the time they need to retain payment-related data, reinforcing their privacy commitment. Thinking of Canceling Your LSAT? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

• Eligibility: Refunds are generally not available for cash or cryptocurrency payments due to anti-money laundering regulations and the anonymous nature of these transactions. If you purchased vouchers, refunds are handled by the reseller. Other payment methods like credit card, PayPal, Swish, and bank wire are usually eligible.
• How to Request: You’ll need to contact Mullvad’s support team directly. The best way is to send an email to [email protected].
• What to Include: Make sure to provide your Mullvad account number and, crucially, your Order ID. If you paid by bank wire, you’ll also need to include the date of payment, your name and address, country of tax residence, IBAN/account number, and your bank’s BIC number. Mullvad’s team is usually very responsive.

Remember, if you’re requesting a refund, you must do so within 14 days of your purchase or 30 days if your payment was made before the policy change in January 2025. After this period, your payment data might be deleted, making a refund impossible.

Deleting Your Mullvad Account for Ultimate Privacy

Letting your Mullvad time expire is often enough for most people, as Mullvad holds very little identifiable information. However, if you want to completely erase your account and associated data, you can request account deletion.

• How to Delete: To request deletion of your Mullvad account, simply send an email to [email protected].

This is an optional step, but it’s there for those who want to ensure absolutely no trace remains.

What Happens After Your Mullvad VPN Time Runs Out or you get a refund?

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• Service Stops: Your internet traffic will no longer be routed through Mullvad’s encrypted servers. This means your online activity will revert to being visible to your Internet Service Provider ISP and potentially other third parties.
• No Further Charges: If you were on the one-time payment model, you won’t be charged again. If you successfully cancelled an auto-renewal, those recurring payments will cease.
• Data Retention: Mullvad has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t store any activity logs, traffic logs, or user bandwidth. Because of their account system no email/username, the data they hold on you is minimal to begin with. After your service ends, any payment-related data is typically purged after their 14-day refund window or 30 days for older payments to further enhance your privacy.

Why People “Cancel” Mullvad and why others love it

Mullvad isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. People consider cancelling for various reasons, just as many choose it for its unique strengths.

Mullvad’s Strengths: Privacy, Security, Speed

Mullvad consistently ranks high for privacy and security. It’s widely considered one of the most secure and trusted VPNs on the market.

• Ironclad Privacy: Their core focus is anonymity. The unique account number system, acceptance of cash payments, and strong no-logs policy mean they know very little about you. Mullvad operates under Swedish jurisdiction, which generally allows for strong privacy protections.
• Robust Security: Mullvad uses industry-standard encryption AES-256 GCM for OpenVPN, ChaCha20 for WireGuard, includes a kill switch enabled by default, offers split tunneling on some platforms, and provides DNS leak protection. They even employ quantum-resistant tunnels by default with WireGuard. They’ve also undergone multiple independent security audits.
• Solid Performance: Mullvad offers fast speeds, especially when using the WireGuard protocol. Independent tests have shown impressive download and upload speeds, making it a good choice for general browsing, torrenting, and other high-bandwidth activities. They allow torrenting on all servers and ensure a safe P2P experience.
• Transparency: Mullvad is known for its radical transparency in business operations. Their apps are open-source and can be independently audited.
• Simple Pricing: They have a flat rate, currently €5 around $5.50 USD per month, regardless of the plan length, with no tiered features. While this means no long-term discounts, it also means no unexpected price hikes and a very straightforward cost.

Potential Downsides: Streaming, Server Network, Pricing Model

Despite its strengths, some users might find Mullvad doesn’t quite fit their needs, leading them to consider other options.

• Inconsistent Streaming: This is a big one for many. While Mullvad can sometimes work with streaming platforms like Netflix, it’s not their primary focus, and its performance for bypassing geo-restrictions is often inconsistent or limited. If your main goal is to reliably unblock a wide range of streaming services, Mullvad might not be the best choice.
• Smaller Server Network: Compared to industry giants, Mullvad has a more modest server network, with around 736 servers in 49 countries. While the quality of their servers is high, the smaller number of locations might be a drawback for users needing specific regions or those who prioritize a vast selection.
• No Free Trial: Mullvad doesn’t offer a free trial, though they do provide their 14-day money-back guarantee. This might deter some users who prefer to test a service extensively before committing any money.
• No Live Chat Support: Customer support is primarily handled via email, which can be slower than the 24/7 live chat offered by some competitors.
• No Dedicated IP or Browser Extensions mostly: While it has a Firefox extension, it lacks extensions for Chrome or other browsers. It also doesn’t offer a dedicated IP feature, which can be a deal-breaker for some businesses or specific use cases.

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Mullvad vs. Other VPNs: A Quick Look at Cancellation Differences

When you compare Mullvad’s “cancellation” process to more traditional VPNs, the differences become quite clear.

How Cancelling NordVPN Compares

Take NordVPN, for example, which is another top-tier VPN. NordVPN operates on a more conventional subscription model.

• Recurring Subscriptions: When you sign up for NordVPN, you typically choose a monthly, annual, or multi-year plan that automatically renews unless you manually cancel it.
• Cancellation Process: To cancel NordVPN, you generally need to:
  1. Log in to your Nord Account on their website.
  2. Go to the “Billing” or “Subscriptions” section.
  3. Find the “Auto-renewal” section and click “Cancel” or “Manage.”
  4. Confirm the cancellation of auto-renewal.
  • If you paid via Google Play or Apple App Store, you cancel through those platforms’ subscription settings, similar to how Mullvad’s app-store subscriptions work.
• Refund Policy: NordVPN offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. To get a refund, you usually need to contact their customer support via email or live chat after cancelling your auto-renewal, and this must be done within that 30-day window.

As you can see, NordVPN involves actively turning off an auto-renewal and then separately requesting a refund if you’re within the guarantee period. Mullvad’s method, for most users, simplifies this by often eliminating the auto-renewal step entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mullvad VPN free?

No, Mullvad VPN is not free. They operate on a paid service model with a single flat rate, currently around €5 per month. While they don’t offer a free trial, they do have a 14-day money-back guarantee for most payment methods if you’re not satisfied. How to Cancel Your dōTERRA LRP Order (And What You Need to Know)

How much is Mullvad VPN?

Mullvad VPN has a very straightforward pricing model: it costs a flat rate of €5 per month which is roughly $5.50 USD, depending on the exchange rate regardless of how long you subscribe. Unlike many VPNs, they don’t offer discounts for longer-term plans, which provides flexibility but can make it seem pricier for extended use compared to competitors’ long-term deals.

Is Mullvad the best VPN?

Mullvad is considered one of the best VPNs for users who prioritize privacy, security, and anonymity above all else. Its no-logs policy, anonymous account creation, and strong encryption protocols are top-notch. However, if your primary use case is reliably unblocking a wide range of streaming services, or if you need a VPN with a massive server network in many different countries, other VPNs might be a better fit. So, “best” depends heavily on your individual needs.

What is Mullvad VPN?

Mullvad VPN is a commercial virtual private network service based in Sweden. It’s known for its radical transparency and strong emphasis on user privacy and security. Mullvad allows you to encrypt your internet connection and route your traffic through their servers, masking your IP address and protecting your online activity from your ISP and other snoopers. They use a unique account system a 16-digit number instead of an email/password and primarily offer one-time payments to minimize data retention.

Can I cancel my NordVPN subscription?

Yes, you can absolutely cancel your NordVPN subscription. You typically do this by logging into your Nord Account on their website, going to the “Billing” or “Subscriptions” section, and turning off the auto-renewal feature. If you subscribed through a mobile app store, you would cancel it via that store’s subscription settings. NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to request a full refund within that period after cancellation.

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