How to Turn Off VPN on Any Device (Easy Steps)

Here’s how to turn off VPN when you don’t need it. Maybe it’s slowing down your internet, blocking access to certain websites, or you just want to connect directly to your home network. Whatever the reason, you can easily disable a VPN temporarily or remove it completely. This guide shows you step by step how to do it on phones, computers, browsers, and even routers.

How to disable a VPN on different platforms and devices

Turn off VPN apps (third-party providers)

Temporarily disconnect a VPN app:

1. Open your VPN app.
2. Look for a large Disconnect, Pause, or Power button.
3. Tap or click it to drop the connection.
4. If auto-connect or a kill switch is enabled, turn it off to stop automatic reconnections.

Permanently remove a VPN app:

• Windows 10 & 11: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select your VPN, and click Uninstall. Then open Network Connections (ncpa.cpl) to remove leftover adapters.
• macOS: Quit the app, open Applications, and drag the VPN app to Trash. Delete any VPN profiles from System Settings > Network > VPN.
• Android: Go to Settings > Apps, choose the VPN, then tap Uninstall.
• iOS: Long-press the VPN app > Remove App > Delete App. Check Settings > VPN & Device Management for leftover profiles.
• Other devices (Fire TV Stick, Linux, etc.): Remove the VPN from the device’s app manager or software settings.

Disable built-in VPN settings

If you manually added a VPN profile in your device’s system settings, here’s how to turn it off:

Windows 10 & 11

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > VPN.
2. Select your VPN connection.
3. Click Disconnect to stop it temporarily.
4. To delete it permanently, click the VPN name > Remove.

macOS

1. Open System Settings > Network.
2. Choose your VPN service.
3. Click Disconnect.
4. To remove it, click the minus (-) button and confirm.

iOS (iPhone/iPad)

1. Open Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN.
2. Toggle the VPN to Not Connected.
3. Tap the info (i) icon > Delete VPN to remove it.

Android

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN.
2. Select the VPN profile and tap Disconnect.
3. To erase it, tap the settings icon > Forget VPN.

ChromeOS (Chromebooks)

1. Click the system tray (bottom-right).
2. Select the VPN and click Disconnect.
3. To remove, open Settings > Network > VPN, choose the VPN, and select Forget.

Turn off VPN on a router

If your VPN is installed on your router, every device on your network uses it.

1. Open a browser and type your router’s IP (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Log in with your router admin credentials.
3. Go to VPN settings (under Advanced or WAN).
4. Disable or disconnect the VPN profile.
5. Save and reboot the router.

To permanently remove it, delete the VPN configuration or reset the router to factory defaults.

Remove or disable browser VPN extensions

If you use a VPN through Chrome, Firefox, or Edge:

• Chrome: Go to Menu > More tools > Extensions, then toggle off to disable or click Remove.
• Firefox: Open Menu > Add-ons > Extensions, disable or remove the VPN extension.
• Edge: Go to Menu > Extensions, toggle off or select Remove.

This only disables browser traffic, not your entire device. If you’re unsure, check out how a VPN server works to understand what remains active.

Disabling enterprise or work VPNs

Business or school VPNs often use custom apps like Cisco AnyConnect or management profiles.

• Temporary disconnect: Use the VPN client’s Disconnect button or your system VPN settings.
• Permanent removal: On personal devices, uninstall the VPN app or delete its profile.
• Managed devices (MDM): You may not be able to disable the VPN without IT approval. Always confirm with your organization before removing it.

⚠️ Disabling a required corporate VPN can violate company policy or block access to internal resources.

Why you may need to disable a VPN

• To troubleshoot internet or connectivity issues (see why a VPN might slow down your internet).
• To access region-specific services in your home country.
• To log in to banking or government websites that block VPN traffic.
• To avoid streaming issues on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+.
• To save mobile battery or data.
• When traveling to countries where VPN use is restricted or illegal.

Is it safe to turn off a VPN?

When you turn off a VPN, your internet traffic is no longer encrypted, and your real IP address becomes visible. This means your ISP, advertisers, or hackers on public Wi-Fi could track your activity.

If you only pause it briefly, the risk is minimal. VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN make it easy to toggle protection with one tap. For more details on the benefits of staying protected, see how VPN improves security.

If you’re new to VPNs and want to understand the basics, start with what a VPN is and our full guide on how to use a VPN.

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