How to cancel CyberGhost in new zealand and claim your money back
What is CyberGhost and why you might want to cancel
CyberGhost is a VPN service registered in Romania that encrypts your internet connection, masks your IP address, and grants access to servers across multiple countries. New Zealand subscribers connect online and can use local NZ servers or international connections for privacy, streaming, or accessing region-restricted content.
If you've signed up for CyberGhost and determined it doesn't meet your needs, this guide walks you through cancellation safely and securing any refund you're entitled to. Many New Zealand users cancel because they experience slower-than-expected speeds, don't use the service regularly, or prefer an alternative provider. Whatever your reason, you hold clear legal protections under New Zealand consumer law. Yafee specialises in helping consumers like you understand those protections and act on them.
Your consumer rights in new zealand
As a New Zealand consumer, the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act protect you, even though CyberGhost operates from Romania. These laws mean you can demand a refund or replacement if the service doesn't work as advertised or isn't supplied with reasonable care and skill.
CyberGhost also offers its own money-back guarantee, which exceeds the statutory minimum. You therefore have two layers of protection: CyberGhost's guarantee period and New Zealand law backing you if the company refuses your refund request.
When you should cancel
Cancel immediately if you want a refund and remain within the money-back window. The sooner you act, the higher your likelihood of securing a full refund. If you're outside the refund period but the service isn't working as described, you still have grounds under New Zealand law to request a refund or compensation, depending on the fault.
CyberGhost pricing and refund windows in NZ dollars
Understanding your pricing tier and corresponding refund period is the first step toward a successful cancellation.
Pricing table and refund eligibility
| Plan |
Price (NZ$) |
Billing period |
Refund window |
| 1-Month Plan |
NZ$18.40 |
Monthly |
14 days |
| 6-Month Plan |
NZ$5.65 per month (NZ$33.90 total) |
Every 6 months |
45 days |
| Annual Plan |
NZ$4.99 per month (NZ$59.88 yearly) |
Every 12 months |
45 days |
| 28-Month Plan (2 years plus 4 months) |
NZ$3.54 per month (approx.) |
28-month upfront |
45 days |
Important note on app store purchases
If you bought CyberGhost through Apple App Store or Google Play, CyberGhost's money-back guarantee does not apply. You must request a refund directly from Apple or Google through their own refund policies. Yafee outlines how to do this in the step-by-step section below.
If you signed up more than 45 days ago, you've passed CyberGhost's refund window. However, Yafee recommends contacting Consumer NZ or the Commerce Commission if the service hasn't worked as promised. You may still hold legal rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
How to cancel CyberGhost step by step
Your cancellation method depends on where you purchased the service; follow the correct path for your purchase to avoid delays or errors.
Cancel a direct CyberGhost subscription via the website
- Sign in to CyberGhost's website using your email and password.
- If you've forgotten your password, click "Forgot password?" and reset it via email.
- Navigate to your account settings by clicking your profile icon or account name (usually top-right of the page).
- Look for an "Account" or "Subscription" section.
- Locate the "Manage subscription" or "Cancel subscription" option.
- CyberGhost places this prominently so you can find it without delay.
- Click the cancellation button and follow the on-screen prompts.
- CyberGhost may ask why you're cancelling; answer honestly so they understand customer needs.
- CyberGhost may offer a discount to retain you; decline if you're certain you want to cancel.
- Confirm your cancellation by clicking the final confirmation button.
- You should receive a confirmation email within minutes.
- Save your confirmation email and reference number for your records.
- You'll need this if you need to contact CyberGhost about your refund or if the company disputes your cancellation.
Cancel a subscription purchased via apple app store
- Open the Apple App Store app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Do not attempt to cancel through the CyberGhost app itself; Apple handles all subscription management.
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner (iPhone/iPad) or navigate to Account Settings (Mac).
- Select "Subscriptions" from the menu.
- Find CyberGhost in your active subscriptions list.
- Tap on it to view details, including your next billing date and refund eligibility.
- Tap "Cancel Subscription" and confirm your choice.
- Apple will ask you to confirm; select "Confirm" to proceed.
- Save or screenshot your cancellation confirmation.
- Apple will send you a confirmation email; keep this for your records.
- Request a refund from Apple if you're within their refund window.
- Go to reportaproblem.apple.com, select the CyberGhost charge, and choose "I would like a refund for this purchase".
- Explain your reason (service not as described, didn't use it, etc.).
- Apple typically responds within 48 hours.
Cancel a subscription purchased via google play
- Open Google Play on your Android device.
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Select "Manage my subscriptions" or "Subscriptions" from the menu.
- You'll see a list of all active subscriptions.
- Tap CyberGhost to view your subscription details.
- Check your next billing date and cancellation deadline.
- Tap "Cancel subscription" and confirm your cancellation.
- Google Play will ask you to select a reason; choose the option that applies to you.
- Save your cancellation confirmation.
- Google will send a confirmation email; store this securely.
- Request a refund from Google if you're within their refund window.
- Visit play.google.com/intl/en_nz/about/play-terms and follow the refund process, or contact Google Play support directly.
- Explain that the service didn't work as described or you didn't use it.
- Google typically processes refunds within 5-10 business days.
Your legal position and consumer protections
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, you have the right to expect that any service supplied to you is supplied with due care and skill, fit for purpose, and safe. CyberGhost must provide a VPN service that works reliably and meets the security and speed standards it advertises.
The Fair Trading Act 1986 prohibits CyberGhost from making false or misleading claims about the service. If you can demonstrate that CyberGhost advertised faster speeds, better privacy protection, or greater server availability than it actually provides, you have grounds to demand a refund even outside the money-back window.
Furthermore, if you cancel within the refund period and CyberGhost refuses your refund request, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz) or Consumer NZ (consumer.org.nz). Both organisations investigate complaints and can compel refunds on your behalf.
Your legal position
You hold the right to cancel CyberGhost at any time. If you're within the refund window (14 or 45 days depending on your plan), you're entitled to a full refund. If you're outside the refund window but the service has failed to meet legal standards, you retain the right to claim compensation under the Consumer Guarantees Act. The burden rests on CyberGhost to prove the service worked as advertised; if they cannot, you win.
How to request a refund from CyberGhost
After you've cancelled, you'll need to formally request your refund if CyberGhost doesn't process it automatically.
Step 1: contact CyberGhost's support team
Visit CyberGhost's support website and open a ticket explaining that you've cancelled your subscription and wish to claim your refund. Include your account email, the date you purchased the plan, and the date you cancelled. CyberGhost typically responds within 24 to 48 hours.
Step 2: provide proof of cancellation
Attach your cancellation confirmation email (the one you received from CyberGhost, Apple, or Google). This evidence proves you cancelled within the refund window and removes any ambiguity.
Step 3: state the reason for your request
Be clear and factual. For example: "The service was slower than advertised" or "I didn't use the service as expected." Avoid emotional language; stick to facts. This strengthens your claim under consumer law.
Step 4: wait for CyberGhost's response
CyberGhost typically approves refunds within 5 to 10 business days if you're within the refund window. You'll receive the money back to your original payment method (credit card, debit card, or app store account).
Step 5: if CyberGhost refuses, escalate
If CyberGhost denies your refund and you believe you're entitled to one under the Consumer Guarantees Act, contact the Commerce Commission. Yafee recommends gathering all evidence: your original purchase receipt, cancellation confirmation, and CyberGhost's refusal email. The Commerce Commission will investigate and can order CyberGhost to refund you.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancelling correctly is straightforward; most difficulties arise when you skip a step or provide incomplete information. Here's how to sidestep the most common pitfalls.
Mistake 1: cancelling only the app without cancelling the subscription
Deleting the CyberGhost app from your phone does not cancel your subscription. You must cancel the subscription through your account settings or app store. If you delete the app without cancelling, you'll continue to be charged every billing period.
Mistake 2: missing the refund deadline
The refund window is strict: 14 days for 1-month plans and 45 days for all other plans. After that date, you lose CyberGhost's refund guarantee. Mark your calendar on day one of your subscription so you know your deadline.
Mistake 3: not saving your confirmation email
If CyberGhost disputes your cancellation or you need to claim under consumer law, your confirmation email is your primary evidence. Save it to a folder or print it immediately after cancelling.
Mistake 4: assuming app store refunds are automatic
Apple and Google do not automatically refund cancelled subscriptions. You must request the refund explicitly through their respective platforms. Many users cancel but forget to request the refund, losing money unnecessarily.
Mistake 5: not checking your credit card statement
After cancelling, monitor your credit card or bank account for the next two billing cycles. If you see another charge from CyberGhost, contact your bank and dispute the charge immediately. This provides additional protection if CyberGhost fails to honour your cancellation.
What happens after you cancel
Once you've cancelled, your account enters a grace period during which you can still access CyberGhost until your current billing cycle ends.
Timeline after cancellation
On the day you cancel, your subscription status changes to "Cancelled" in your account settings. You retain full access to CyberGhost until the end of your current billing period. For example, if you cancel on 15 March and your next billing date is 30 March, you can use CyberGhost until 30 March, then your account locks.
Your refund will appear in your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days (longer if you purchased through Apple or Google). If your refund doesn't arrive after 14 days, contact CyberGhost's support team again and ask for a refund status update.
What to do if your refund doesn't arrive
If 14 business days pass and you haven't received your refund, follow these steps: First, check your spam folder for refund confirmation emails from CyberGhost, Apple, or Google. Second, log into your bank or credit card account and search for pending refunds. Third, contact CyberGhost's support team with your original cancellation confirmation and ask for an update. Fourth, if CyberGhost still refuses, contact the Commerce Commission and file a formal complaint.
Avoiding future unwanted subscriptions
After cancelling CyberGhost, take steps to prevent accidental re-subscription or duplicate charges.
Remove your payment details
Delete your credit card or payment method from CyberGhost's account settings (if it appears there). This prevents accidental charges if you accidentally click "upgrade" or resubscribe in future.
Unsubscribe from CyberGhost's email list
CyberGhost will send promotional emails offering discounts or special offers. Unsubscribe to reduce the temptation to reactivate your account, and to reduce clutter in your inbox.
Set a calendar reminder for next year
If you plan to try CyberGhost again, set a reminder to cancel before the refund window closes. This ensures you don't accidentally get charged for a second year.
Comparison: CyberGhost vs. alternative VPN providers in new zealand
If you're cancelling because CyberGhost doesn't meet your needs, Yafee recommends comparing it to other popular VPN providers in your region before choosing an alternative.
| VPN Provider |
NZ pricing |
Refund period |
Key strength |
| CyberGhost |
NZ$3.54-NZ$18.40/month |
14-45 days |
User-friendly interface |
| ExpressVPN |
NZ$9.99-NZ$13.99/month |
30 days |
Fastest speeds consistently |
| NordVPN |
NZ$4.16-NZ$12.99/month |
30 days |
Largest server network |
| Surfshark |
NZ$3.09-NZ$8.99/month |
30 days |
Unlimited simultaneous connections |
| ProtonVPN |
NZ$6.99-NZ$11.99/month |
30 days |
Strong privacy and zero logs |
| Private Internet Access |
NZ$2.89-NZ$11.95/month |
30 days |
Excellent value for money |
Each provider has distinct strengths. If CyberGhost's speeds were the issue, ExpressVPN or NordVPN may perform better. If you want the cheapest option long-term, Private Internet Access or Surfshark are compelling. Yafee advises trying a new provider within its own refund window before committing to a longer plan, giving you the same legal protections you had with CyberGhost.
Summary: your cancellation checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you've completed every step correctly and are positioned to claim your refund.
| Task |
Completed |
| Confirmed you're within the refund window (14 or 45 days) |
[ ] |
| Cancelled your subscription via the correct method (website, Apple, or Google) |
[ ] |
| Saved your cancellation confirmation email and reference number |
[ ] |
| Requested your refund from CyberGhost, Apple, or Google (if not automatic) |
[ ] |
| Monitored your bank or credit card account for the refund |
[ ] |
| Removed your payment details from CyberGhost's account |
[ ] |
If you need to escalate your cancellation or refund claim, contact these organisations:
CyberGhost's support address
CyberGhost is registered in Romania and does not maintain a dedicated New Zealand postal address. Contact CyberGhost via their website support form at cyberghost.com/support, or by email through your account settings. For formal legal correspondence, use CyberGhost's Romanian registered office: CyberGhost S.A., Bucharest, Romania. Include your account number and cancellation date in all correspondence.
New zealand consumer protection authorities
Consumer NZ (consumer.org.nz) provides free advice and can mediate complaints. The Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz) investigates breaches of the Fair Trading Act and can compel refunds. File a complaint with either organisation if CyberGhost refuses your refund and you believe you have legal grounds.
Final thoughts: get expert support with yafee
Cancelling CyberGhost and claiming your refund is a straightforward process when you follow the correct steps and understand your rights under New Zealand law. Whether you're cancelling because speeds are too slow, the service doesn't meet your needs, or you've found a better alternative, you hold clear legal protections under the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act.
Yafee specialises in helping New Zealand consumers navigate cancellations, refunds, and disputes with overseas digital service providers. Our guides and checklists cover every major SaaS platform, app store purchase, and subscription service. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted services safely, recover refunds they're entitled to, and avoid costly mistakes.
If you encounter resistance from CyberGhost or have questions about your legal position, visit yafee.com for detailed guides, expert advice, and real-world templates you can use when contacting the company or filing a complaint with the Commerce Commission. Yafee empowers you with the knowledge and tools to stand up for your consumer rights.