How to disable a VPN on any device

Here’s how to disable a VPN on any device: First, open the VPN application and locate the disconnect option, often labeled “Disconnect” or a toggle switch. On Windows and Mac, you can typically find this option in the system tray or menu bar. For Android and iPhone, open the VPN app and select the disconnect button. If using a browser extension, click the extension icon and choose “Disconnect.” Additionally, you can turn off the VPN through your device’s network settings by selecting the VPN connection and disconnecting it. After doing so, your internet traffic will no longer be routed through the VPN.

Disabling a VPN on any device is an essential skill to have, which can help you with many goals, like troubleshooting connectivity issues, diving into local content, or just taking a break from the encrypted tunnel. In fact, you’re like taking off your invisibility cloak—suddenly, you’re visible to the Internet world again. Undoubtedly, VPNs are tried-and-true for enhancing online privacy and circumventing regional restrictions, but there are times when you want these services disabled.

Disabling a VPN can just speed up your browsing or solve some access issues you may encounter. And remember, just as a GPS recalculates your route, your VPN can be enabled again whenever you need to hide your online activities again. Let’s dive into how to disable your VPN across various devices.

Why Would You Disable a VPN?

Prior to discovering how to disable a VPN on any device, let’s go through the key reasons you would need to turn it off:

• Surfing the local network. A VPN changes your location to one of the selected servers you choose. Therefore, some websites or services in your region may not perform as needed when the VPN is enabled. Disable the service or connect to a local VPN server to enjoy full access to banking apps, streaming services, and other platforms.
• Accessing financial institutions. Some banks and financial institutions block VPN traffic, especially from foreign locations. Turning off your VPN allows you to regain access to your accounts, as long as you’re on a secure network.
• Complying with workplace or school policies. Many workplaces and educational institutions have rules against VPN usage. To avoid potential issues or disciplinary action, you may need to turn off your VPN when required by these institutions.
• Streaming services. Platforms like Netflix and Hulu often block access to VPNs due to licensing restrictions. Disabling your VPN can ensure uninterrupted access and help you comply with these services’ policies.
• Troubleshooting network issues. If you’re experiencing connectivity problems, turning off your VPN can help identify whether the VPN is causing the issue. Routing your connection through a distant server can sometimes affect network performance.
• Traveling to restricted regions. In some countries, VPN use is restricted or illegal. To avoid legal repercussions, it’s advisable to turn off your VPN when traveling to such regions and be aware of local laws and regulations.
• Gaming and streaming. Even a VPN with the highest performance can slightly slow down your connection speed. If you notice buffering while streaming videos or experience high ping during online gaming, try switching to a VPN server that’s closer to your location. If the issue persists, you may need to turn off the VPN entirely.
• Battery life saving. Enabled VPN increases your device’s workload, leading to faster battery drain. If your battery is running low and you don’t have access to a charger, turning off the VPN can help extend your battery life for a few more minutes.

What happens when you disable your VPN?

When you turn off your VPN, several significant changes occur regarding your online security and privacy. 

Let’s get acquainted with the ways to disable the VPN on different devices. Please note that you can double-check that the VPN is turned off by verifying your IP address on “What is my IP address?” If the displayed IP address is your real one, the VPN is successfully disabled.

How to Disable a VPN on Your App

If you’re using a VPN app, the most handy way to disable the VPN is directly through the app itself:

1. Navigate to the VPN app on your device.
2. Find the “Disconnect” button on the app’s home screen and tap it.

That’s all it takes—no need to dig through your device settings or worry about specific configurations.

Steps to Disable a VPN on an iPhone

Here’s the instruction to disable VPN iPhone users with recent iOS updates should apply:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down to find the VPN switch, located just below the Personal Hotspot settings.
3. Toggle the switch off to disconnect the VPN. To reconnect, simply toggle the switch back on.

How to Disable a VPN on a Mac

Here’s an instruction on how to disable a VPN on a Mac:

1. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select “System Preferences.”
3. Go to “Network.”
4. Find and select the VPN connection you want to disconnect from the list on the left.
5. Click the “Disconnect” button on the right side of the window.

How to Disable a VPN on Android

Although this operating systems can vary, the process to disable VPN Android users stick to is generally straightforward:

1. Open Settings on your device.
2. Navigate to the Connections or Network & Internet section.
3. Find the VPN option within this menu.
4. Locate the toggle switch next to the VPN and turn it off (the switch should turn gray when disabled).

On some devices, the menus may be even simpler, making it easier to find and disable the VPN.

How to Disable a VPN on Windows PC

Below are the steps of how to disable a VPN on a Windows PC:

1. Click the Windows icon.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Select Network & Internet.
4. Find and click on VPN.
5. Choose the VPN you want to disable and click Disconnect.

How to turn off a VPN on a Browser

Disabling a VPN in your browser is straightforward and covers managing your extensions. Here’s how to do it on major browsers:

Google Chrome:

1. Click the puzzle piece icon (Extensions) to the right of the address bar.
2. Select Manage Extensions from the drop-down menu.
3. Find your VPN extension and toggle the switch off.

Alternatively:

1. Click the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Go to Settings and select Extensions from the left menu.
3. Turn off the VPN extension using the toggle switch.

Microsoft Edge:

1. Click the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Choose Extensions from the menu.
3. Locate the VPN extension and toggle it off.

Firefox:

1. Click the burger icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner.
2. Select Add-ons.
3. Toggle off the switch next to the VPN extension.

Note: Safari doesn’t support VPN extensions, and Opera has its own built-in privacy solution.

How to Disable a VPN on Linux

There are multiple methods to set up a VPN on Linux, with variations across different Linux distributions. Nonetheless, employing Network Manager on Ubuntu is one of the most widely-applied methods.  If this is how your service is configured, follow these steps to how to disable a VPN:

1. Click the network icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
2. Select the VPN connections option from the drop-down menu.
3. Find the active VPN connection and click on it to disconnect.

How to turn off a VPN on Your Router

Disabling a VPN on your router may vary slightly depending on the model, but the general steps are as follows:

1. Locate the IP address on the sticker underneath your router, typically something like 178.164.3.9.
2. Enter this IP address into your browser’s address bar.
3. Log in to your router’s admin page using the password found on the same sticker.
4. Navigate to the VPN settings in the admin panel.
5. Disable the VPN, then restart your router to apply the changes.

How to Permanently turn off a VPN

To permanently disable a VPN, you generally have two main options: uninstalling the VPN application or manually removing it from your device’s settings.

Uninstalling the VPN App 

This is the simplest approach. Locate the VPN application in your apps list or software management area and choose to uninstall it and remove its associated files from your device. Still, don’t forget to cancel any active subscriptions to avoid ongoing charges.

Manual Removal from Device Settings

If you prefer, you can also manually remove the VPN configuration from your device’s settings. Here’s how:

• On Windows: After disconnecting the VPN, open your network settings, find the VPN entry, and select the option to remove it.
• On Mac: Disconnect from the VPN, then access network settings, select the VPN configuration from the list, and click the minus sign to remove it.
• On Android: Go to your VPN settings, select the VPN profile, and tap the option to delete it.
• On iPhone: Disconnect from the VPN, go to the VPN settings, tap the information icon next to the VPN name, and select delete.

Both methods effectively ensure that the VPN is no longer active on your device.

Alternatives to Turning a VPN On or Off

If you’re looking for alternatives to simply toggling a VPN on or off, there are some strategies you can use to manage your privacy and internet security more effectively. These alternatives provide flexible and more nuanced control over your VPN usage, catering to varying privacy and connectivity needs.

Use Split Tunneling

This feature allows you to direct some of your internet traffic through the VPN while keeping other traffic on your regular network. It enables you to maintain a VPN connection for sensitive activities while accessing local services without disruption.

Set Up VPN Profiles

Many VPN services offer the option to create multiple profiles with different configurations. You can set up profiles for various needs, such as a high-security profile for sensitive work and a less restrictive profile for general browsing.

Implement a Kill Switch

A kill switch automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN fails. This ensures that your data remains secure and unexposed in the event of an unexpected VPN drop.

Schedule VPN Activation

Some VPNs allow you to schedule when the VPN should be active. This can be useful for automatically starting the VPN during specific times or activities, such as during work hours or while using public Wi-Fi.

Use Browser Extensions

For more granular control, consider using VPN browser extensions. These can be activated or deactivated directly within your browser and can be tailored to specific sites or activities.

FAQ

How do I turn my VPN off?

To turn off your VPN, follow these steps:

1. Open the VPN application. Launch the VPN app on your device.
2. Disconnect. Look for a button or option labeled “Disconnect” or “Turn Off.” Click it to terminate the VPN connection.
3. Close the app. Exit the VPN application once disconnected.

For devices without a dedicated app:

• Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, and select “Disconnect.”
• Mac: Open System Preferences > Network, select the VPN connection, and click “Disconnect.”
• Android/iPhone: Go to Settings > Network & Internet (or VPN settings), and tap “Disconnect” next to the VPN.

Is Turning a VPN Off Ever the Best Option?

Turning off a VPN can be helpful when troubleshooting connectivity issues, accessing local content, or improving performance for activities like streaming or gaming, as VPNs can slow your connection. However, turning off your VPN exposes your IP address and unencrypts your data, which could compromise your privacy and security, especially on public Wi-Fi. Weigh the risks and benefits based on your needs before deciding.