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Home › Pay › Common problems › VPN apps
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VPN apps

A VPN, or virtual private network, sends your internet traffic through another company's servers. It can add privacy on public Wi-Fi, but it does not make you anonymous or stop scams. Some VPN apps use alarming pop-ups or long, prepaid plans that renew at a higher price. Many people's everyday browsing is already protected by secure websites. Learn what you actually need before paying.

Common problems to watch for

  • Pop-ups claiming your phone is 'exposed' or 'hacked' unless you subscribe
  • Low intro prices that renew at a much higher regular rate
  • Multi-year plans billed all at once up front
  • 'Free' VPNs that may collect and share your browsing data
  • Promises of total anonymity that no VPN can deliver

Had one of these happen? Telling others what you were charged helps them avoid it.

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Free and low-cost alternatives

Microsoft Edge Secure NetworkMicrosoft's Edge browser includes Secure Network, a built-in VPN with a limited monthly data allowance for people signed in with a personal Microsoft account. Availability varies by region.
Your phone's cellular dataWhen you're away from home, using your own cellular data instead of an unknown public Wi-Fi network avoids many public Wi-Fi risks.
Secure (HTTPS) websitesMost banking and shopping sites already encrypt your connection. Look for the padlock or 'https' in the address bar before entering sensitive information.
Do you need one?If you mostly browse at home on a password-protected network, you may not need a paid VPN at all. A free option is honestly limited, so weigh your real needs.

Availability depends on your device and model. AblePro has no relationship with any company named here.

What fair pricing looks like

Reputable VPNs usually charge a monthly or yearly fee, and longer plans cost less per month but are paid up front. Watch the renewal price, not just the first-term price, and avoid paying for years you may not use.

Before you pay

  • Decide what you need a VPN for, such as public Wi-Fi or travel
  • Read the renewal price, not just the introductory price
  • Check the privacy policy for what data the company keeps or shares
  • Ignore pop-ups that say your device is already hacked
  • Look for a clear refund policy and easy cancellation steps

How to cancel

  1. On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, then Subscriptions, and cancel there. Deleting the app does not cancel it.
  2. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile picture, then Payments & subscriptions, then Subscriptions, and cancel.
  3. If you bought the plan on the VPN company's website, turn off auto-renew in your account there.
  4. Ask about the refund policy right away; some refund windows are short.
  5. After cancelling, remove the VPN profile from your phone's settings if one was installed.

Step-by-step cancel guide for iPhone, Android and PayPal →

Common questions

Does a VPN protect me from scams and viruses?

Not by itself. A VPN hides your internet traffic from the network you're using and changes the address websites see. It does not stop you from clicking a scam link, entering a password on a fake site, or downloading harmful software. Careful habits and your device's built-in security still matter most.

Are free VPNs safe?

Some are, but caution is wise. Running VPN servers costs money, so some free VPNs may earn money from ads or by collecting data about what you do online. The FTC suggests researching a VPN app, reviewing its permissions, confirming it encrypts your data, and checking whether it shares your information with others.

Why did my VPN charge me so much more this year?

Many VPN plans start with a discounted first term, then renew automatically at the regular price. Multi-year plans may also bill the full amount at once. Check your account or app store subscription page for the renewal date and price, and turn off auto-renew if you don't want to continue.

General consumer information, not legal or financial advice. Reports reflect the experiences and opinions of their writers, not AblePro, Inc. We check reports against our posting rules but do not verify them.