Cancel Openvpn: Your Complete Guide

How to cancel OpenVPN in new zealand: your complete guide

What OpenVPN is and why you might cancel

OpenVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service that encrypts your internet connection and masks your location. The company operates two distinct products: OpenVPN Access Server for businesses with commercial licensing, and Private Tunnel, a consumer VPN app you download from app stores or access via web login.

You may decide to cancel for several reasons: you've found a VPN service that better matches your needs, your budget has tightened, or you no longer require encrypted browsing. Whatever your reason, Tocancel is here to guide you through the cancellation process step by step, so you retain control and avoid unexpected charges.

The two OpenVPN products explained

Private Tunnel is OpenVPN's consumer product. You access it through a mobile or desktop app, or by logging into privatetunnel.com on your web browser. Most individual users in New Zealand who have purchased OpenVPN have bought this service.

OpenVPN Access Server is the business-grade product. If your company bought a commercial license or subscription, you will typically cancel through your sales representative or the support ticket system. Both cancellation paths are covered in detail below.

Why cancellation timing matters

Canceling promptly stops automatic renewal charges before your next billing date. New Zealand consumer law, specifically the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, gives you the right to cancel services that fail to meet your reasonable expectations. Early action also preserves your right to request a refund within OpenVPN's stated 30-day window if you purchased the service and changed your mind. Tocancel has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers avoid unwanted subscription fees by taking action quickly and documenting every step.

Your consumer rights under new zealand law

As a consumer in New Zealand, you have specific legal protections that apply to digital services like OpenVPN.

The consumer guarantees act 1993 and your protection

The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 is the primary law protecting you when you purchase goods or services in New Zealand. Under this law, all goods and services you buy must be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and supplied with reasonable care and skill. If OpenVPN fails to meet these standards-for example, if the VPN drops your connection regularly or does not deliver the security it promises-you have grounds to cancel and request a refund.

Your legal position is straightforward: you can cancel if the service fails to meet reasonable expectations of quality or does not work as advertised. You can also cancel simply if you change your mind, provided you act within any statutory cooling-off period the company offers. Tocancel recommends you document any service failures (screenshots, date and time) before contacting OpenVPN support, as this evidence strengthens your case if you need to escalate.

Who enforces consumer rights in new zealand

The Commerce Commission is New Zealand's primary enforcement authority for consumer law. If OpenVPN refuses to honor your cancellation request or denies you a refund you are entitled to, you can lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission. You may also pursue the matter through the Disputes Tribunal if the financial amount falls within its jurisdiction (generally up to NZD $15,000 for disputes where both parties agree, or NZD $7,500 if one party does not).

For immediate guidance on your rights, contact the Citizens Advice Bureau or the Commerce Commission directly. Tocancel advises you to keep all email correspondence and cancellation confirmations as evidence of your request.

How to cancel private tunnel (consumer VPN)

Canceling your Private Tunnel account takes only a few minutes if you follow the correct sequence.

Step-by-step cancellation via the web portal

1. Visit privatetunnel.com and log in with your email address and password.
   • If you have forgotten your password, click "Forgot Password" and follow the reset link sent to your email.
2. Once logged in, locate your account settings menu, typically found in the top right corner of the screen.
   • Look for an option labeled "Account", "Settings", "Profile", or a gear icon.
3. Find and click "Delete Account", "Close Account", "Remove Account", or "Deactivate Account"-the exact label varies by interface version.
   • If you cannot locate this option, scroll down the settings page or check a "Danger Zone" or "Advanced" section.
4. Read any confirmation warning carefully and confirm the deletion by clicking the final confirmation button.
   • Account deletion is permanent. Your VPN access stops immediately, and you cannot recover login credentials or data afterward.
5. Check your email inbox for a confirmation message from OpenVPN within 1-2 hours.
   • This email confirms your account has been deleted. Save this email as proof of cancellation.

Canceling a private tunnel subscription on apple app store

If you purchased or renewed your Private Tunnel subscription through the Apple App Store on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you must cancel that subscription separately. Deleting your Private Tunnel account does not automatically cancel the App Store subscription, meaning you will still be charged at renewal.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
   • From your home screen, tap the Settings icon.
2. Tap your Apple ID name at the very top of the screen.
   • You will see options for "Apple ID", "iCloud", "Media & Purchases", and others.
3. Tap "Media & Purchases" or "Subscriptions", depending on your iOS version.
   • Older iOS versions may show "Subscriptions" directly under your name without the "Media & Purchases" option.
4. Tap "Subscriptions" if it appears as a separate menu item.
   • A list of all your active subscriptions will appear on screen.
5. Find "Private Tunnel" in the list and tap it.
   • If Private Tunnel does not appear in the list, your subscription is already inactive or cancelled.
6. Tap "Cancel Subscription" and confirm your choice.
   • Apple typically allows you to cancel immediately, or you can choose to cancel at the end of your current billing period so you retain access until then.

Canceling a private tunnel subscription on google play store

If you subscribed to Private Tunnel through the Google Play Store on an Android phone or tablet, you must cancel the Google Play subscription separately from your Private Tunnel account.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
   • Tap the icon that looks like a shopping bag with a colored triangle.
2. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.
   • A menu will slide out from the left side of the screen.
3. Tap "Subscriptions".
   • You will see a list of all active subscriptions linked to your Google account.
4. Find "Private Tunnel" and tap it.
   • If it does not appear, your subscription is already cancelled.
5. Tap "Cancel Subscription" at the bottom of the screen.
   • Google will ask you to confirm the cancellation and may offer a reason to stay.
6. Confirm your cancellation choice.
   • Your subscription will end at the next billing date, and you will receive an email confirmation from Google Play.

How to cancel OpenVPN access server (business product)

If your company purchased OpenVPN Access Server, cancellation follows a different process because it is a commercial product with direct sales support.

Contacting OpenVPN sales and support

OpenVPN Access Server contracts are usually managed directly with OpenVPN's sales team rather than through an automated web portal. To cancel, you must contact the company directly using one of these methods.

1. Visit the OpenVPN website and locate the "Contact Us" or "Support" page.
   • Look for an email address or contact form specifically for sales or billing inquiries.
2. Send an email to the sales or support contact provided, clearly stating your company name, license key or subscription ID, and your cancellation request.
   • Include the exact date you want the cancellation to take effect (for example, "Please cancel our OpenVPN Access Server license effective 15 December 2024").
3. If you have an existing sales representative or account manager, email them directly with your cancellation notice.
   • A direct contact is often faster than a general support ticket.
4. Request written confirmation of your cancellation, including the cancellation date and any final billing details.
   • Keep this confirmation email in your records as proof of cancellation.
5. Allow 5-7 business days for OpenVPN to process your cancellation request and confirm completion.
   • If you do not receive confirmation within this timeframe, send a follow-up email.

Refunds and billing after cancellation

Understanding OpenVPN's refund policy helps you recover charges you may not have incurred.

OpenVPN's 30-day refund window

OpenVPN advertises a 30-day refund window for Private Tunnel purchases. This means if you cancel and request a refund within 30 days of your original purchase or renewal date, you are entitled to a full refund of the subscription cost. After 30 days, OpenVPN typically does not refund subscription fees, though you can cancel to prevent future charges.

To request a refund within the 30-day window, email OpenVPN support (accessible via the privatetunnel.com contact page) with your account email address, the transaction date, and a clear statement: "I request a refund under your 30-day refund policy." Include a screenshot of your receipt if you have it. Tocancel recommends you send this email as soon as you decide to cancel, as the 30-day clock runs from your purchase date, not from your cancellation request.

What happens to your billing after cancellation

Once you cancel your Private Tunnel account, no further charges will appear on your credit card or payment method. If you cancelled within your billing cycle, your access continues until the end of the paid period; you simply will not be charged again. If you cancelled before your refund window closed and you believe you are entitled to a refund, contact OpenVPN support with your evidence (purchase receipt, cancellation date) and request the refund in writing.

If you used a subscription payment method (Apple, Google, or a credit card linked to your account), ensure you also cancel the payment method's subscription as described in the steps above. Tocancel has seen many consumers accidentally charged again after account deletion because they did not cancel the underlying app store or payment subscription.

What to do after you cancel

Cancellation is not the end of the process; a few final steps protect you from surprise charges and confirm your request was acted upon.

Verify your cancellation and check for charges

Within 48 hours of cancellation, log out of your OpenVPN account and verify you no longer have access. Attempt to log in again-you should receive an error message saying your account does not exist or is inactive. If you can still log in, your account has not been deleted, and you should contact OpenVPN support immediately.

Check your credit card or bank statement 7-14 days after cancellation to ensure no new charge appears. If you see a charge labelled "OpenVPN" or "Private Tunnel" after cancellation, contact your bank or payment provider immediately and report the unauthorized charge. You can also lodge a dispute with your bank (called a "chargeback"), and your bank will investigate on your behalf.

Save all confirmation emails from OpenVPN in a separate folder titled "OpenVPN Cancellation". If you need to dispute a charge later, these emails are your proof that you cancelled.

Uninstall the app and review your subscriptions

If you used the Private Tunnel mobile app, delete it from your iPhone, iPad, or Android device by long-pressing the app icon and selecting "Uninstall" or "Remove". Uninstalling removes the app from your device and reduces the risk of accidental re-subscription if you tap the app again.

Review your Apple, Google Play, or credit card subscriptions every few months to catch any services you forgot you cancelled. Tocancel recommends setting a phone reminder for "Subscription Review" every three months so you stay on top of all your active services.

Common mistakes to avoid when canceling OpenVPN

Many consumers cancel incorrectly and end up charged again or unable to prove they cancelled. These mistakes are avoidable if you know what to watch for.

Mistake 1: deleting the app without canceling the subscription

Removing the Private Tunnel app from your phone does not cancel your subscription. Your payment method (Apple, Google, or credit card) will still be charged at the next renewal date. You must cancel the subscription itself through the app store or account settings before uninstalling. Tocancel recommends you cancel the subscription first, then uninstall the app as a final cleanup step.

Mistake 2: canceling your account but not the app store subscription

This is the most common error. You delete your Private Tunnel account on the web, but the Apple App Store or Google Play Store subscription remains active. You will be charged at renewal, and your next renewal charge will appear as a failed payment because your account no longer exists. Always cancel both the account and the payment subscription separately, in any order.

Mistake 3: not requesting a refund within the 30-day window

If you cancel after 30 days, OpenVPN will not refund your most recent subscription fee. You can cancel to prevent future charges, but you will lose the cost of the current billing period. If you change your mind about OpenVPN, cancel immediately and then email support for a refund within the 30-day window. Do not delay, as every day you wait brings you closer to the refund deadline.

Mistake 4: canceling without documenting the confirmation

If OpenVPN charges you again after you cancelled, you will need proof that you requested cancellation. Save every confirmation email, screenshot of the cancellation page, and receipt. Without documentation, you will struggle to dispute an unauthorized charge or receive a refund. Tocancel always advises: if you do not have an email confirmation, take a screenshot immediately after cancelling.

Pricing and payment options

Understanding OpenVPN's pricing helps you calculate potential refunds and decide whether to cancel.

Monthly plans auto-renew every 30 days, so cancellation within the refund window protects you financially. If you purchased a yearly plan and cancel within 30 days, you can request a refund of the full annual fee. After 30 days, you have paid for access you will not use, so cancel to avoid the next annual charge.

Key takeaway checklist

Before you contact OpenVPN or complete cancellation, run through this checklist to ensure you do not miss any critical steps.

• Decide whether you purchased Private Tunnel (consumer) or Access Server (business) so you know which cancellation method to use.
• Check whether you subscribed directly or through Apple App Store or Google Play Store; you must cancel both if you used an app store.
• If you are within 30 days of purchase, prepare to request a refund in writing as soon as you cancel.
• Gather your account email, purchase receipt, and subscription or license details before contacting OpenVPN.
• Cancel your account or subscription via the correct platform (web portal, Apple, or Google Play).
• Request written confirmation of cancellation and save all emails in a dedicated folder.
• Wait 48 hours, then verify you cannot log into your account.
• Check your bank or credit card statement 7-14 days later for any charges; dispute any unauthorized charges immediately.
• Keep all cancellation confirmations for at least one year in case you need to prove you cancelled.

Contact OpenVPN for cancellation support

If you encounter issues canceling or believe you are entitled to a refund, contact OpenVPN directly using the methods below.

OpenVPN contact details

OpenVPN does not maintain a published mailing address specifically for New Zealand customers. The company's primary headquarters is located in the United States. For cancellation or refund inquiries, use the following channels:

• Private Tunnel support email: Visit privatetunnel.com and click "Contact Us" or "Support" to find the current support email address.
• Private Tunnel web portal: Log in at privatetunnel.com and look for a "Help", "Support", or "Contact" link in the account settings.
• OpenVPN Access Server support: Contact your sales representative directly, or visit openvpn.net and select "Contact" for business support options.

Email support typically responds within 24-48 business hours. If you do not receive a response within 5 business days, send a follow-up email or use the web form again.

Escalation and dispute resolution

If OpenVPN refuses to cancel your account or denies a refund you believe you are entitled to under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, you have escalation options in New Zealand:

• Commerce Commission: Lodge a complaint at www.comcom.govt.nz if you believe OpenVPN has breached consumer law.
• Disputes Tribunal: If the amount in dispute is under NZD $15,000, you can file a claim at www.disputes.govt.nz.
• Citizens Advice Bureau: Contact your local branch for free consumer advice and guidance on your rights.

Tocancel recommends you exhaust all direct contact options with OpenVPN before escalating to government agencies, as most disputes are resolved through dialogue. However, you have these rights, and they exist to protect you if the company does not respond fairly.

Your next step

OpenVPN cancellation is straightforward once you know which product you bought and which payment method you used. Follow the step-by-step instructions above for your situation, request a refund if you are within 30 days, and document every confirmation. Tocancel has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel subscriptions without penalty and recover unwanted charges by following these exact steps. Take action today, and you will have peace of mind knowing no further charges are coming. Tocancel is here to support you at every stage of the cancellation process, and your consumer rights under New Zealand law are on your side.