How to cancel a VPN or security subscription
General guidance for VPN and security subscriptions: what happens if you do nothing, how to cancel, what to check and what to keep. It isn’t about any one company, so check your own contract for the details.
What happens if you do nothing
- It renews for the next term.
- Refunds often require action within a short window.
How to cancel, step by step
- Sign in to your account on the provider’s site
- Open subscription or billing settings
- Turn off auto-renewal before it charges
- Request a refund if within the guarantee window
- Check it isn’t billed via the App Store
Checklist
- Confirm renewal period (monthly/yearly).
- Check refund policy timeframe.
- Cancel before renewal if unsure.
Watch out for
- Refunds may require contacting support within a limited number of days.
When to start
Start about 14 days before the renewal date—earlier if there is a notice period, so you still have time to decide, compare and send your notice.
Documents to keep
- Support ticket ID
- Receipt
An email you can copy
Replace the parts in brackets. Send it to the address in your contract or on the provider’s contact page, and keep the reply.
Subject: Cancel & confirm no renewal – [provider name]
Hello, Please cancel my subscription to [provider name] and confirm there will be no renewal. Thanks, [your name]
If you call
What to say, and what to ask for in writing:
- Please cancel renewal and confirm no further charges.
Service guides
Guides by kind of contract
- Streaming services
- App Store subscriptions
- Software and online tools
- Cloud storage and backup
- Newsletters and memberships
- Credit monitoring and add-ons
- Gym and fitness
- Mobile phone plans
- Broadband and internet
- Energy and utilities
- Insurance
- Leases and rentals
- Daycare and school fees
- Kids’ activities and lessons
- Therapy and medical plans
- Clubs and associations
- Professional certifications
- Domains and web hosting
- Parking and toll passes
- Other subscriptions and contracts
Renewal Radar: Know when to cancel—before your contracts renew.
A subscription and contract tracker for iPhone and iPad that alerts you before renewals and cancel-by dates, so you can keep, cancel or renegotiate on time.
In the app, a playbook for each kind of contract lists the steps, a checklist and an email and call script to copy. The free version shows a preview; Premium unlocks the full playbooks.
