The fastest way to disable a VPN on iPhone
To turn off a VPN on your iPhone, open Settings, tap VPN (or VPN & Device Management on newer iOS versions), then tap the toggle next to your VPN connection to switch it off. The toggle will turn from green to gray. If you do not see a VPN section in Settings, you either do not have a VPN installed or it is built into another app.
The entire process takes about 10 seconds. Your iPhone will stop routing traffic through the VPN when ready, and websites will see your real IP address again. If you want to remove the VPN entirely rather than just pause it, you can delete the VPN profile from the same menu — tap the information icon next to the VPN name, then scroll down and tap Delete VPN.
Key Takeaways
- Most VPNs on iPhone can be toggled off in Settings under VPN, without needing to uninstall the app.
- If your VPN is part of another app (like a password manager or security app), you turn it off inside that app, not in Settings.
- Deleting a VPN profile from Settings removes it completely; toggling it off just pauses it while keeping the profile saved.
- Some workplace or school VPNs cannot be disabled without removing the management profile, which may require a password or IT approval.
Where to find the VPN toggle in Settings
On most iPhones running iOS 15 or later, the VPN section appears directly in the main Settings menu. Open Settings, scroll down, and look for VPN listed between Screen Time and Developer. Tap it, and you will see any VPN profiles you have installed. The toggle next to each one controls whether it is active.
On older iOS versions (14 and earlier), the VPN section is nested inside General > VPN & Device Management. The process is the same — find your VPN profile and toggle it off. If you have multiple VPN profiles installed, only one can be active at a time, so toggling one on automatically turns the others off.
If you do not see a VPN section in Settings at all, your VPN may be installed as part of a different app. Check your password manager, security app, or browser — many of these include built-in VPN features that you control from within the app itself, not from Settings.
VPNs built into other apps
Some apps bundle a VPN feature rather than requiring a separate VPN app. Examples include certain password managers, antivirus apps, and browsers. To turn off these VPNs, you do not go to Settings — you open the app itself and look for a VPN or security toggle in its menu.
Open the app, look for Settings, Preferences, or a gear icon, then search for a VPN, proxy, or security section. The exact location varies by app. If you are unsure whether your VPN is standalone or built into another app, check your home screen — if you see a separate VPN app icon, it is standalone and you can disable it from Settings. If you only see one app that mentions VPN in its name or description, the VPN is likely built into that app.
Removing a VPN profile completely
If you want to delete a VPN rather than just turn it off, go to Settings > VPN, tap the information icon (the small circle with an i) next to the VPN name, then scroll to the bottom and tap Delete VPN. You will be asked to confirm. Once deleted, the VPN profile is removed from your iPhone entirely, and you will need to reinstall it if you want to use it again later.
Deleting a VPN profile is different from uninstalling the VPN app. You can delete the profile but keep the app on your phone, or uninstall the app entirely (which also removes the profile). If you delete the profile but keep the app, you can reinstall the profile by opening the app and following its setup steps again.
Work or school VPNs that require approval to disable
If your iPhone is managed by your employer or school, the VPN may be locked and cannot be disabled without removing the entire management profile. These are called Mobile Device Management (MDM) profiles. Attempting to delete the VPN will show a message saying you need a password or approval from your organization.
To disable a managed VPN, you will need to contact your IT department or help desk and ask them to remove the VPN requirement from your device. They can do this remotely, or they may ask you to remove the management profile yourself — but removing the profile will also disable other security or policy settings your organization requires. Before you do this, check with IT about what else will be affected.
What happens when you turn off a VPN
When you toggle off a VPN on your iPhone, your internet traffic stops being encrypted and routed through the VPN server. Websites you visit will see your real IP address instead of the VPN's IP address. Your internet service provider (ISP) will be able to see what websites you are visiting again, though they still cannot see the content of encrypted connections (HTTPS).
Apps that depend on the VPN being active may stop working correctly. For example, if you use a VPN to access a work network, turning off the VPN will disconnect you from that network. Turning the VPN back on reconnects you automatically — your iPhone remembers the VPN settings and does not require you to log in again.
Troubleshooting: VPN will not turn off
If the VPN toggle is grayed out or will not respond, your device may be under management by an organization. Try restarting your iPhone by holding the power button and swiping to power off, then turning it back on. If the toggle is still unresponsive after a restart, the VPN is likely locked by a management profile and you will need to contact your IT department.
If you see the VPN in Settings but the toggle does not appear, try opening the VPN app itself and looking for a disconnect or disable option there. Some VPN apps have their own on/off switch separate from the Settings toggle. If neither works, uninstall the VPN app completely and reinstall it fresh — this sometimes clears stuck settings. If the problem persists, contact the VPN provider's support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turning off a VPN delete my browsing history?
No. Turning off a VPN does not affect your browsing history, saved passwords, or any data on your phone. It only stops the VPN from encrypting your traffic. Your browser history remains exactly as it was.
Will my apps still work if I turn off the VPN?
Most apps will work fine without a VPN. However, if an app requires a VPN to access a work network or restricted service, it will stop working until you turn the VPN back on. Regular apps like email, messaging, and social media do not need a VPN to function.
Can I turn a VPN on and off without uninstalling it?
Yes. The toggle in Settings lets you pause and resume a VPN without removing it. The VPN app stays on your phone and remembers all your settings. You can switch it on and off as many times as you want.
What if I forgot which VPN app I installed?
Go to Settings > VPN and look at the name of the profile listed there. That is the name of your VPN. You can also check your App Library or home screen for an app with that name. If you still cannot find it, search your phone's app store purchase history for VPN apps you have downloaded.
Does my iPhone automatically reconnect to the VPN after I restart?
No. When you restart your iPhone, the VPN stays off unless you manually turn it back on. This is a safety feature — it prevents your phone from automatically connecting to a VPN without your knowledge.