Switching VPNs means stopping one service and starting another, which takes about ten minutes total

You already know what a VPN does. Now you want to change to a different one — either because your current service isn't working the way you expected, or because you found one that suits you better. The process is straightforward: uninstall the old VPN software, install the new one, and sign in. Your internet connection will work normally between the moment you close the old app and open the new one, so there's no downtime to plan around.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're on Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android, but the principle is the same on all of them. You'll need your login details for the new VPN service before you start — the username and password you created when you signed up, or the account information they sent you by email.

Key Takeaways

  • Uninstall your old VPN app completely before installing the new one, because running two VPNs at the same time can cause connection problems.
  • On Windows and Mac, use the built-in uninstall tool (Add/Remove Programs on Windows, Applications folder on Mac) rather than just deleting the app icon.
  • On iPhone and Android, press and hold the app icon, select Remove or Uninstall, and confirm the deletion.
  • After installing the new VPN, sign in with your account details and choose your server location before connecting for the first time.
  • Test your connection by visiting a website you use regularly to make sure the new VPN is working before you close your old app.

Uninstalling your current VPN on Windows

Open the Start menu and type "Add or Remove Programs" into the search box. Click the result that appears — it will open a window showing all the software installed on your computer. Scroll down until you find your current VPN listed by name (for example, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark). Click on it once to select it, then click the Uninstall button that appears above the list.

Windows will ask you to confirm the removal. Click Uninstall again. The app will disappear from your computer, and you may be asked to restart — if so, save any open work and restart now. Do not skip this step, because restarting clears out leftover files that can interfere with your new VPN.

Uninstalling your current VPN on Mac

Open Finder and click Applications in the sidebar on the left. Scroll through the list until you find your current VPN app. Right-click on it (or hold Control and click if you have a single-button mouse) and select Move to Trash. Then open Finder again, click the Trash icon in the dock at the bottom of your screen, and click Empty to permanently delete the app.

Some VPN apps leave behind preference files even after you move them to trash. This is usually harmless, but if you want a completely clean removal, you can read a free app called AppCleaner from the Mac App Store, drag your VPN app into it, and let it remove all related files. This step is optional — most people can skip it and move straight to installing the new VPN.

Uninstalling your current VPN on iPhone or Android

On iPhone, press and hold the VPN app icon on your home screen until a menu appears. Tap Remove App, then tap Remove from Home Screen or Delete App depending on what you see. If you chose Remove from Home Screen, the app is still installed — go back and press and hold again, then choose Delete App to remove it completely. Confirm by tapping Delete.

On Android, press and hold the VPN app icon until a menu appears. Tap Uninstall, then confirm by tapping OK or Uninstall again. The app will disappear when ready. Unlike iPhone, Android removes the app completely the first time.

Installing and signing into your new VPN

Go to your new VPN provider's website or open the app store on your device (Google Play on Android, App Store on iPhone, Microsoft Store on Windows, or the Mac App Store on Mac). Search for your new VPN by name and read the official app — make sure it's from the VPN company itself, not a third-party developer.

Once the app is installed, open it and sign in with the username and password you created when you set up your account. If you don't have these details, check the email your VPN provider sent you when you signed up — it usually contains a link to reset your password or retrieve your login information. After you sign in, the app will ask you to choose a server location. For most people, selecting "Auto" or "Recommended" is fine. Click Connect, and your new VPN will set up.

Testing your new VPN before closing the old one

Before you delete the old VPN app completely, test that the new one is working. Open a web browser and visit a website you use regularly — your email, a news site, or your bank's login page. The page should load normally. If it doesn't load, or if you see an error message, disconnect from the new VPN, check that you signed in with the correct username and password, and try connecting again.

If the new VPN still isn't working after you've tried reconnecting, you can reinstall the old VPN temporarily to get back online while you contact the new provider's support team. Most VPN companies have a live chat or email support option on their website. Once the new VPN is working reliably, you can safely uninstall the old one.

What to do if your internet stops working during the switch

If you uninstalled the old VPN and the new one isn't connecting, your internet will still work — you'll just be using it without a VPN for a while. Open your web browser and try visiting a website. If it loads, your internet connection is fine, and the problem is just with the new VPN app. Restart the app, sign in again, and try connecting.

If the website doesn't load at all, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully restart, then try the website again. If it still doesn't work, contact your internet provider — the problem is with your connection, not the VPN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run two VPNs at the same time?

No. Running two VPNs simultaneously will cause connection problems — your internet may drop, slow down dramatically, or fail to load websites. Always uninstall the old VPN completely before installing the new one.

What if I forgot my password for the new VPN?

Go to your new VPN provider's website and look for a "Forgot Password" or "Reset Password" link on the login page. Click it, enter the email address you used to create the account, and follow the instructions they send you. This usually takes a few minutes.

Do I need to change any settings on my router?

No. VPN apps on your computer or phone handle all the settings themselves. You don't need to touch your router. If you were using a VPN built into your router, that's a different process — contact your router manufacturer's support for instructions.

Will switching VPNs affect my other apps or programs?

No. Switching VPNs only affects how your internet connection is routed. Your email, documents, photos, and other programs will work exactly as they did before. The only thing that changes is your internet connection method.

How long does it take to switch VPNs?

The entire process — uninstalling the old one, installing the new one, and signing in — usually takes five to ten minutes. Most of that time is spent waiting for the app to read and install, not on the actual steps you perform.