How to Turn Off VPN on iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) protects your privacy online, but sometimes you need to turn it off — for faster internet speeds, to access local content, to use certain apps that block VPN connections, or to troubleshoot connectivity issues. Here’s how to disable your VPN on every major device in 2026.
How to Turn Off VPN on iPhone
Method 1: Quick toggle in Settings. Open Settings and look for the VPN toggle near the top (below Wi-Fi and Bluetooth). If it shows "Connected," tap the toggle to turn it off. The VPN status in your status bar will disappear.
Method 2: Through the VPN app. Open your VPN app (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, etc.) and tap the Disconnect or power button. This is the recommended method as it properly closes the VPN connection.
Method 3: Remove VPN configuration entirely. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN. Tap the (i) icon next to your VPN configuration. Tap Delete VPN to remove it completely. This removes the VPN profile from your phone — you’ll need to set it up again if you want to reconnect later.
How to Turn Off VPN on Android
Method 1: Through Settings. Open Settings > Network & internet > VPN (on stock Android) or Settings > Connections > More connection settings > VPN (on Samsung). Tap the connected VPN and select Disconnect.
Method 2: Through the VPN app. Open your VPN app and tap the disconnect button. Most VPN apps also have a notification with a quick disconnect option in your notification shade.
Method 3: Through Quick Settings. Swipe down from the top of your screen to access Quick Settings. Some Android phones have a VPN toggle tile — tap it to disconnect. If you don’t see one, you may need to edit your Quick Settings tiles to add it.
How to Turn Off VPN on Windows 10 and 11
Method 1: Through Settings. On Windows 11, go to Settings > Network & internet > VPN. On Windows 10, go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN. Click the connected VPN and select Disconnect.
Method 2: Through the system tray. Click the network icon in your taskbar (bottom right). If a VPN is active, you’ll see it listed. Click it and select Disconnect.
Method 3: Through the VPN app. Open your VPN application and click the disconnect or power button.
How to Turn Off VPN on Mac
Method 1: Through System Settings. Go to System Settings > Network (macOS Ventura and later) or System Preferences > Network (older versions). Select your VPN connection in the left sidebar. Click Disconnect.
Method 2: Through the menu bar. If you have the VPN icon in your menu bar, click it and select Disconnect VPN or toggle it off.
Method 3: Through the VPN app. Open your VPN app and click the disconnect button.
When Should You Turn Off Your VPN?
Turn off your VPN when streaming services block VPN connections (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ sometimes detect and block VPNs), when your internet speed is unusually slow (VPNs add latency), when accessing local services like your bank that may flag VPN connections as suspicious, when using a trusted home or work network and speed is a priority, and when troubleshooting internet connectivity issues to determine if the VPN is the cause.
When Should You Keep Your VPN On?
Keep your VPN on when using public WiFi (coffee shops, airports, hotels), when you want to prevent your ISP from tracking your browsing, when accessing sensitive accounts from untrusted networks, and when you need to access region-restricted content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turning off a VPN expose my data? Without a VPN, your internet traffic is visible to your ISP and potentially others on the same network. On trusted private networks, this is generally fine. On public WiFi, it’s riskier.
Why is my internet slow with a VPN on? VPNs route your traffic through a remote server and encrypt it, which adds latency. The farther the server, the slower the speed. Try connecting to a closer server before turning it off entirely.
Will turning off my VPN change my IP address? Yes, your IP address will change from the VPN server’s IP back to your real IP assigned by your ISP.
Why can’t I turn off my VPN? Some organizations install managed VPN profiles on work devices that can’t be disabled by the user. Contact your IT department if this is the case.
