How to Disable a VPN: A Quick Guide

Whether you’re troubleshooting a connection, trying to access a local service, or simply don’t need your VPN right now, disabling it usually takes just a few taps or clicks. This quick guide shows you how to turn off your VPN, check that it’s disconnected, and turn it back on when you’re ready.

What Happens When You Disable a VPN?

When you disable your VPN, your internet traffic stops traveling through the VPN server and returns to your regular internet connection. Websites and online services can once again see your public IP address rather than the IP address of the VPN server.

Your VPN’s encrypted tunnel also disconnects. That doesn’t mean your internet connection suddenly stops working, but your traffic will no longer have the additional privacy and protection provided by the VPN.

If you were connected to a VPN server in another city or country, disconnecting can also change your virtual location. Your connection will generally return to the public IP address and approximate location associated with your internet or mobile provider.

How to Disable a VPN Through the VPN App

The easiest way to turn off a VPN is usually through your VPN provider’s app. The exact buttons may look a little different depending on the provider, but the basic process is simple.

Open the app and check that you’re currently connected to a VPN server. Then, look for a Disconnect, Stop, or power button and select it. Once the app shows a status such as “Disconnected” or “Not Connected,” your VPN should be turned off.

That’s it. Your device should now be using its regular internet connection. The process is pretty much the same whether you’re using an iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows PC, or a Linux machine.

How to Disable a VPN in Your Device Settings

If your VPN is configured directly through your device, you can usually disconnect it through your system settings without opening the VPN app. The exact steps vary slightly depending on your operating system.

1. How to Disable a VPN on iPhone or iPad

Open Settings.
Go to General > VPN & Device Management > VPN.
Select your VPN connection if you have more than one.
Turn off the VPN or tap Disconnect.
Check that the VPN status shows it is no longer connected.

2. How to Disable a VPN on Android

Open Settings.
Go to Network & Internet > VPN. Depending on your device, the VPN menu may appear under Connections, More connections, or a similar section.
Select the VPN connection you want to turn off.
Tap Disconnect.
Check that the VPN is no longer shown as connected.

3. How to Disable a VPN on Windows

Open Settings.
Go to Network & internet > VPN.
Find the VPN connection you’re currently using.
Select it and click Disconnect.
Check that its status no longer shows Connected.

4. How to Disable a VPN on Mac

Open System Settings.
Select VPN in the sidebar.
Find the VPN connection you’re using.
Turn the VPN connection off.
Check that it shows as disconnected.

5. How to Disable a VPN on Linux

The process on Linux varies depending on your distribution and how the VPN was configured. If your VPN is set up through your system’s network settings, open the network or VPN menu, select the active VPN connection, and disconnect it.

Some VPN services also provide Linux apps or command-line tools. In those cases, follow your provider’s instructions for disconnecting through its software.

How to Permanently Disable or Remove a VPN

Taking a quick VPN break and calling it quits for good are two different things. Disconnecting temporarily leaves the VPN app and configuration on your device so you can reconnect later.

If you no longer plan to use the VPN, you can uninstall its app or remove its VPN configuration from your device settings. The exact process varies by device and provider, so make sure you don’t just want to disconnect before tapping delete.

If you have a paid VPN subscription, uninstalling the app doesn’t necessarily cancel your subscription. Check your VPN account or provider’s cancellation instructions separately if you also want to stop your service.

How to Check If Your VPN Is Really Off

Your VPN app showing “Disconnected” is usually the quickest way to confirm that you’ve successfully turned it off. Depending on your device, you may also notice that the VPN indicator or connection status has disappeared.

For another check, use an IP lookup tool. Check your IP address while the VPN is connected, disconnect, and check it again. Your public IP address should generally change from the VPN server’s address back to the one associated with your regular internet or mobile connection.

Why Would You Temporarily Disable a VPN?

Turning off a VPN doesn’t have to mean you’re done using it. Sometimes disconnecting for a few minutes can help with a specific task or problem.

For example, a website or streaming service may not work properly with your current VPN connection. Some banking and financial websites may also block or flag VPN connections as part of their security or fraud-prevention measures.

Temporarily disconnecting can also help when troubleshooting slower speeds or higher latency while gaming. And if you’re trying to connect to a printer, shared drive, or another device on your local network, your VPN connection may occasionally interfere.

With situations like these, it helps to know how to make a quick exit. Think of it like a bad date: having your friend call 30 minutes in gives you an escape route. Knowing how to quickly disconnect your VPN can do the same when a connection isn’t working out.

Before turning off your VPN, try switching to another VPN server or VPN protocol. A different connection may solve the problem without requiring you to disconnect completely if you still need VPN protection.

What If Your VPN Won’t Turn Off?

Clicked Disconnect but your VPN seems determined to stick around? Start by closing and reopening the VPN app, then try disconnecting again.

App says disconnected, but the VPN still appears to be active? Check your device’s VPN or network settings to confirm that the VPN connection has ended. You can also use the IP lookup check mentioned above to confirm that you’re no longer connected through the VPN.

If the VPN reconnects on its own, check for auto-connect or always-on VPN settings. These features are designed to automatically establish a VPN connection under certain conditions, so you may need to temporarily disable them if you want your VPN to stay off.

Still connected? Restart your device and check whether another VPN connection or VPN-related app is configured. If the problem continues, check your VPN provider’s support documentation for instructions specific to its app and your operating system.

Should You Leave Your VPN Off?

There are times when temporarily turning off a VPN makes sense, but leaving it disconnected also means giving up the protections it provides. Your internet traffic is no longer routed through the VPN’s encrypted tunnel, and websites and online services can generally see your regular public IP address again.

Where you’re connected matters too. Be especially cautious about turning off your VPN while using public Wi-Fi or another network you don’t completely trust.

If one particular app is the reason you keep turning off your VPN, you may not have to choose between all or nothing. Check whether your provider offers split tunneling. This feature can allow selected apps or traffic to use your regular internet connection while other traffic continues through the VPN.

HidzoVPN features split tunneling in a simplified VPN app where you can select which apps to route to your VPN app, so you don’t have to constantly connect and reconnect your VPN app.

How to Turn Your VPN Back On

Ready to reconnect? Open your VPN app, select a server if necessary, and tap or click Connect. Once the app shows that you’re connected, your internet traffic should once again be routed through the VPN server.

You can also check your IP address again if you want to verify that the VPN connection is active. If you’re worried you’ll forget to reconnect after taking a VPN break, check whether your provider offers an auto-connect feature that can automatically reconnect your VPN under certain conditions. Just remember to check your preferred settings and server location when you reconnect.

FAQs

Does Disabling a VPN Turn Off My Internet?

Usually, no. Your device should return to its regular internet connection after the VPN disconnects. However, some VPN kill switches may temporarily block internet access when the VPN isn’t connected.

Will My Apps Still Work When I Turn Off My VPN?

Most apps should continue working normally. However, an app that relies on your VPN connection or virtual location may behave differently after you disconnect.

Should I Turn Off My VPN Before Switching Wi-Fi Networks?

Usually, no. You can generally leave your VPN on when moving from one Wi-Fi network to another, although the VPN connection may briefly disconnect and reconnect as your internet connection changes.

Will My IP Address Change When I Turn Off My VPN?

Yes. Once you disconnect, websites will generally see the public IP address assigned by your internet or mobile provider instead of the VPN server’s IP address.

Does Turning Off a VPN Affect Wi-Fi?

No, not normally. Turning off your VPN doesn’t disconnect your device from Wi-Fi. Your device can remain connected to the same Wi-Fi network while your internet traffic returns to its regular route.

Can I Disconnect Another Device From My VPN Account?

It depends on your VPN provider. Some VPN services let you view or manage connected devices from your account, which may allow you to remove or disconnect another device remotely. Others require you to disconnect the VPN directly from that device. Check your provider’s device-management options to see what’s available.