How to Turn Off a VPN on Your Device

Turning off a VPN depends on which app or system setting you used to turn it on

A VPN (virtual private network) runs as either a standalone app on your device or as a built-in system setting. To disable it, you need to find where you enabled it. If you installed a separate VPN app like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark, you turn it off inside that app. If you set up a VPN through your device's native settings — which Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all support — you disable it there instead. The steps differ slightly by device, but the principle is the same: locate the VPN, then toggle it off or disconnect.

Disabling a VPN does not delete your account or settings. You can turn it back on later without reconfiguring anything. The only exception is if you have a kill switch enabled — a security feature that blocks all internet traffic when the VPN is not active. If you disconnect the VPN and lose internet access, you will need to disable the kill switch separately.

Key Takeaways

VPN apps have an on/off button or disconnect option inside the app itself, usually visible on the main screen.
Built-in VPN settings live in your device's network or security settings, not in a separate process.
Disabling a VPN does not delete your account or settings — you can turn it back on later without reconfiguring.
Some VPN apps run a "kill switch" that blocks internet if the VPN drops unexpectedly; you may need to disable this separately if you want normal internet access without the VPN.

Disabling a VPN app on Windows

If you installed a VPN process like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark on Windows, look for the app icon in your system tray (the small icons in the bottom right corner of your screen) or open the app from your Start menu. The main window will show a large connect or disconnect button. Click disconnect or the off button to stop the VPN when ready.

If the app does not appear to be running, open it from your Start menu by typing the app name and pressing Enter. Once the window opens, you will see the connection status. Click the button labeled disconnect, turn off, or stop — the exact wording varies by app, but the button is always prominent on the main screen. Some apps minimize to the system tray instead of closing, so the VPN may still be running even if you do not see a window.

Some VPN apps include a "kill switch" setting that blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. If you disabled the VPN but cannot access the internet, open the app again and look in settings or preferences for a kill switch toggle. Turn it off so your device can use regular internet without the VPN active.

Disabling a VPN app on Mac

Open the VPN process from your Applications folder or from Spotlight (press Command + Space, type the app name, and press Enter). The main window will display your connection status and a disconnect button. Click it to stop the VPN.

If the app is running in the background and you do not see a window, look for the app icon in the menu bar at the top right of your screen. Click the icon and select disconnect or turn off from the dropdown menu that appears. Some VPN apps stay in the menu bar even when disconnected, so check the app itself to confirm the VPN is actually off.

As with Windows, check the app's settings or preferences for a kill switch option if you find yourself without internet after disconnecting. This setting prevents your device from using the internet unless the VPN is active, which is useful for privacy but blocks normal browsing once the VPN is off.

Disabling a VPN on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app and scroll down to find VPN. Tap it, then look for the VPN connection you set up. You will see a toggle switch next to the VPN name — it will be green or blue if the VPN is active. Tap the toggle to turn it off. The switch will turn gray, and your device will disconnect from the VPN when ready.

If you installed a separate VPN app (like ExpressVPN or NordVPN) rather than using the built-in VPN settings, open that app instead. The main screen will show a large connect or disconnect button. Tap disconnect to stop the VPN. Some VPN apps request permission to add a VPN configuration to your device when you first use them — this permission allows the app to manage your connection, but turning off the VPN through the app is the normal way to disable it.

Disabling a VPN on Android

Open the Settings app and look for Network or Connections (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Tap VPN or Advanced, then find the VPN connection you set up. Tap it and select disconnect or turn off. The VPN will stop when ready.

If you installed a separate VPN app, open it from your app drawer instead. The main screen will show your connection status and a disconnect button. Tap it to stop the VPN. On some Android devices, you can also long-press the VPN notification that appears in your notification panel when the VPN is active and select disconnect from the menu that appears — this is often the fastest way to turn off the VPN without opening the full app or settings.

What happens when you disable a VPN

When you turn off a VPN, your device stops routing traffic through the VPN server and returns to using your regular internet connection through your ISP (internet service provider). Websites will see your actual IP address again instead of the VPN server's address. Your internet speed may increase slightly because the VPN is no longer encrypting and routing your data.

Disabling the VPN does not delete your account, saved passwords, or any settings. If you turn the VPN back on later, it will reconnect using the same configuration. You do not need to log in again or reconfigure anything unless you uninstall the app entirely. If you have a kill switch enabled and you disconnect the VPN, your device may lose internet access until you disable the kill switch setting — this is intentional, as the kill switch prevents any unencrypted internet use.

Removing a VPN you no longer need

If you want to completely remove a VPN app, uninstall it like any other process. On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Apps and Features, find the VPN app, and click Uninstall. On Mac, open Applications, drag the VPN app to the Trash, and empty the Trash. On iPhone, long-press the app icon on your home screen and select Remove App, then Delete App. On Android, open Settings > Apps, find the VPN app, and tap Uninstall.

If you set up a VPN through your device's built-in settings rather than installing an app, you can remove it by going back to the VPN settings section and deleting the configuration. On iPhone, go to Settings > VPN, tap the info icon next to the VPN name, and select Delete VPN. On Android, go to Settings > Network > VPN, tap the VPN name, and select Delete or Remove. Removing the configuration is different from just disconnecting — it erases the VPN setup entirely, so you would need to set it up again if you wanted to use it later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my internet work after I turn off the VPN?

Yes, unless you have a kill switch enabled. A kill switch blocks all internet if the VPN is not active, which is a security feature some people turn on intentionally. If you cannot access the internet after disabling the VPN, open the VPN app and look in settings for a kill switch toggle. Turn it off to restore normal internet access.

Do I lose my VPN account if I disconnect?

No. Disconnecting the VPN is temporary — your account remains active and your settings are saved. You can turn the VPN back on anytime without logging in again. Only uninstalling the app or deleting the VPN configuration removes it from your device.

Why is my internet slow after I turned off the VPN?

This is unusual — internet is normally faster without a VPN because encryption and routing add a small delay. If your internet is slower, restart your device or check whether the VPN is actually off by opening the app or settings again. Some VPN apps continue running in the background even after you tap disconnect.

Can I disable the VPN temporarily and turn it back on later?

Yes. Disconnecting a VPN is not permanent. You can turn it off for as long as you need and reconnect whenever you want. Your login information and settings stay saved, so reconnecting takes one click or tap.

What if I see a VPN notification even after I disconnected?

Some VPN apps show a notification in your notification panel even when disconnected, as a reminder that the app is installed. This does not mean the VPN is active. Check the app itself or your device settings to confirm the VPN is actually off. If the notification bothers you, open the VPN app settings and look for an option to disable notifications.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.