In today’s digital age, managing our online accounts is crucial. Whether you’re looking to streamline your email services or simply wish to part ways with ProtonMail, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of canceling your ProtonMail subscription and deleting your Proton account. We’ll cover everything from downgrading your plan to permanently removing your account, along with important considerations to keep in mind.
Canceling Your ProtonMail Subscription
If you’re currently on a paid plan but want to switch to the free tier, follow these steps:
- Log in to your ProtonMail account
- Navigate to Settings: Look for the “Settings” tab in the top right corner of your dashboard.
- Edit Your Plan: Find the “Edit or explore other Proton plans” option and select the free plan.
- Confirm the Change: Review the changes and confirm your switch to the free plan. This action will halt any future billing and transition you to the free tier.
Important Considerations When Downgrading
Before you make the switch, there are several crucial factors to consider:
Storage Limitations
- The free plan offers 1 GB of Mail storage and 5 GB of Drive storage.
- Ensure your current usage is within these limits before downgrading.
Data Access and Functionality
- Exceeding the storage limits after downgrading will restrict your account functionality.
- You won’t be able to receive new emails (except from Proton), send emails with attachments, or manage your calendar if you’re over the limit.
Downgrade Process
- Manually reduce your storage usage to comply with free plan limits before initiating the downgrade.
- Delete unnecessary emails and empty your trash to accurately reflect storage usage.
Custom Domains and Aliases
- The free plan doesn’t support custom domains or additional aliases.
- You’ll need to disable these features before downgrading.
Data Deletion Warning
- If you don’t reduce your storage within 12 months of downgrading, Proton may delete your data to comply with free plan quotas.
Deleting Your Proton Account
If you’ve decided to permanently delete your Proton account, which includes all associated services (ProtonMail, Proton VPN, Proton Calendar, and Proton Drive), follow these steps:
- Log in to your Proton account at proton.me
- Access Settings: Click on “Settings” in the top right corner, then “Go to settings”
- Navigate to Account and Password: Find this option in the left sidebar
- Initiate Deletion: Scroll to the bottom and click “Delete your account”
- Provide Required Information:
- Select a reason for account deletion
- Offer feedback (optional)
- Provide a contact email address
- Confirm your understanding of account deletion consequences
- Authenticate:
- Enter your Proton account password
- Provide your two-factor authentication code if enabled
- Confirm Deletion: Click the “Delete” button to finalize the process
Critical Notes on Account Deletion
- This action is irreversible and will erase all your data across all Proton services.
- Your username will not be recycled or available for future use.
- Free plan users must log in and use any Proton service at least once annually to maintain their account.
Canceling Proton VPN from a Bundled Plan
If you’re subscribed to a Proton Unlimited plan and wish to cancel only the VPN component, the process is slightly more complex:
- Contact Support: Reach out to ProtonVPN’s support team directly.
- Explain Your Request: Clearly state that you want to cancel only the VPN service while retaining other Proton services.
- Await Support’s Response: They may offer alternative plans or adjustments to your current subscription.
Key Considerations
- The 30-day money-back guarantee applies to the entire bundled plan, not individual components.
- After 30 days, refunds or adjustments are at ProtonVPN’s discretion.
- Ensure that canceling the VPN doesn’t affect access to other Proton services.
Refund Policies After the 30-Day Period
If you’re seeking a refund after the initial 30-day guarantee period:
- Refunds are generally not guaranteed after 30 days.
- You may be eligible for prorated account credits instead of monetary refunds.
- To request a refund:
- Downgrade to the free plan
- Contact support and explain your situation
- Be prepared for the possibility of credits or a declined request
Important Points
- Refunds, if approved, are issued to the original payment method and currency.
- Processing can take up to 10 days.
- Cash or bank transfer payments are not eligible for refunds.
Conclusion
Managing your ProtonMail subscription or deleting your Proton account requires careful consideration and following the correct steps. Whether you’re downgrading, canceling a specific service, or completely removing your account, it’s crucial to understand the implications and prepare accordingly. By following this guide, you can navigate the process smoothly and make informed decisions about your Proton services.
Remember, data privacy and security are paramount, so always ensure you have backups of important information before making significant changes to your accounts. If you encounter any issues or have specific questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Proton’s customer support for assistance.
