If your VPN is causing trouble – a slow connection or a website that won’t load – turning it off is often the fastest fix. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to disconnect or disable a VPN on every major device and platform.
Whether you’re troubleshooting, accessing a local service that blocks VPNs, or just need your regular connection back temporarily, you’ll be able to follow my step-by-step instructions to get it done in under a minute.
How to turn off a VPN on any device: quick answer
If you’re using a standalone VPN app like that of NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN or similar, the process the same almost everywhere: open the app and tap or click the big connect/disconnect button – that’s it.
Most apps also let you disconnect from the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac) without opening the full app.
If you configured a VPN through your device’s built-in settings rather than a dedicated app, here’s the short version:
- Windows: Settings > Network & internet > VPN > select the connection > Disconnect
- Mac: System Settings > VPN > toggle off
- Android: Settings > Network & internet (or Connections) > VPN > tap the gear icon > toggle off
- iOS: Settings > VPN > toggle off
- Linux (Ubuntu): Settings > Network > toggle off the VPN connection
- Router: Log into the router’s admin panel and disable or disconnect the VPN client
When your VPN is off, your internet traffic is no longer encrypted and your real IP address is visible. That’s fine for most everyday browsing at home, but if you’re on public wifi or accessing sensitive accounts, you’ll want to turn it back on as soon as you’re done.
Which method should you use?
Not sure whether to disconnect entirely or try something less drastic? Use this quick guide to pick the right approach for your situation:
| Goal | Best option | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Fix one app that won't work | Split tunneling | Not all VPNs offer this feature |
| Temporary troubleshooting | Disconnect via app | Unencrypted while off |
| Access local printer/device | Split tunneling or disconnect | Manual setup needed |
| Restore internet speed | Disconnect and test | Loses encryption |
| Permanently remove VPN | Uninstall app or remove profile | Requires reinstall later |
How to turn off a VPN on Windows 10 & 11
If you’re using a VPN app:
Look for the app’s icon in your system tray (bottom-right corner, near the clock). Right-click it and select Disconnect or Exit. Alternatively, open the app itself and click the disconnect button.
If you’re using a Windows-configured VPN:
- Press Win + I to open settings.
- Go to Network & internet > VPN.
- Find the VPN connection you want to disable in the list.
- Click on it, then select Disconnect.
If you want to fully remove a VPN profile rather than just disconnect, click the three-dot menu (or Advanced options) next to the connection and choose remove.
How to turn off a VPN on macOS
If you’re using a VPN app:
Click the app’s icon in the menu bar (top-right of your screen) and select Disconnect. Or open the app and click the Disconnect button.
If you configured the VPN through macOS settings:
- Open System Settings (Apple menu > System Settings, or search with Spotlight).
- Click VPN in the sidebar (under Network).
- Toggle the switch next to your active VPN connection to Off.
How to turn off a VPN on Android
If you’re using a VPN app:
Open the VPN app and tap Disconnect. You can sometimes also long-press the app’s notification and tap Disconnect.
If you configured the VPN through Android settings:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network & internet (or Connections on Samsung devices).
- Tap VPN.
- Tap the gear icon next to the active VPN.
- Toggle it Off, or tap Disconnect.
Note that Android always shows a persistent key icon in the status bar whenever a VPN is active. If you see that icon disappear, you know the VPN is off.
How to turn off a VPN on iPhone and iPad
If you’re using a VPN app:
Open the app and tap the connect/disconnect button.
If you configured the VPN through iOS settings:
- Open Settings.
- Tap VPN (under General, or directly in the main settings list depending on your iOS version).
- Toggle the switch next to VPN to Off.
iOS shows a small VPN icon in the status bar when a VPN is connected. Once it disappears, you’re on your regular connection.
How to turn off a VPN on Linux (Ubuntu)
If you’re using a VPN app:
The process varies by provider, but generally, opening the app and clicking Disconnect works. Some providers use a terminal command – check your VPN provider’s documentation.
If you configured the VPN through GNOME/Ubuntu settings:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network.
- Find your VPN connection in the list.
- Toggle the switch to Off.
If you set up the VPN via command line (for example using OpenVPN or WireGuard), you’ll need to stop the service:
- OpenVPN: sudo systemctl stop openvpn@<config-name>
- WireGuard: sudo wg-quick down <config-name>
How to turn off a VPN on a router
Some routers run VPN software directly, which means every device on the network routes through the VPN. To turn it off:
- Log into your router’s admin panel (usually by entering http://192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a browser).
- Navigate to the VPN section (this varies by manufacturer – look under Advanced, Security, or WAN settings).
- Disable or disconnect the VPN client.
- Save your changes and restart the router if prompted.
Since router interfaces differ slightly between brands, consult your router’s manual or the manufacturer’s support site for exact menu paths.
Should you leave your VPN on?
In most cases, yes. A VPN encrypts your traffic, hides your IP address, and protects you on untrusted networks. The main reasons to turn it off temporarily are troubleshooting and accessing local services.
If you find yourself frequently needing to turn off your VPN, it may be worth checking whether your current provider offers features like split tunneling or optimized streaming servers that could solve the problem – or considering switching to a provider that does.
Split tunneling: the better alternative
Instead of turning off your entire VPN, split tunneling lets you route specific apps or websites through your regular connection while keeping everything else encrypted.
It’s ideal when a single app (like your banking service or local streaming site) isn’t working with the VPN active. With split tunneling, you’d exclude that app instead of losing full protection.
Not all VPN providers offer split tunneling. If yours doesn’t, consider switching to a service that does. Here’s a list of some of the best VPNs for split tunneling and a list of which apps include the feature:
- NordVPN: Windows, Android, Linux
- Surfshark: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Total VPN: Windows and Android
- Proton VPN: Windows, macOS (experimental), Android, Linux
- ExpressVPN: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux
You can enable the split tunneling feature within the VPN app’s settings (often found under “Advanced”).
How to turn off a VPN: FAQs
Is it safe to turn off my VPN?
Yes, it’s safe for everyday browsing on trusted networks like home wifi. Just avoid turning off your VPN on public wifi or when accessing sensitive accounts, since your internet traffic will be unencrypted.
How do I know if my VPN is turned off?
Look for these indicators:
- No status bar icon: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS typically show a lock, key, or “VPN” icon when active. If this disappears, it means you’re disconnected.
- App shows “Disconnected”: Open your VPN app. The main button should read “Connect” rather than “Disconnect”.
- Check your IP: Use our IP address check tool before and after. If the location/ISP changes back to your actual one, the VPN is off.
Will turning off my VPN improve my internet speed?
Often, yes. A VPN adds overhead – typically 5-15% slowdown depending on the VPN protocol and server distance. Disconnecting can restore your baseline speed, especially on distant servers. However, if your ISP is throttling traffic, a VPN might actually help maintain consistent speeds.
Why has my internet stopped working after I disconnected my VPN?
This is likely your VPN’s kill switch. When enabled, it blocks all internet traffic whenever the VPN is off to prevent your real IP address from being exposed. If you intentionally disconnected and need your regular connection back, open your VPN app settings and temporarily disable the kill switch. Turn it back on when you reconnect your VPN.
How do I stop my VPN turning back on by itself?
Many VPN apps auto-reconnect when your device wakes from sleep or switches networks. To prevent this, go to your VPN app’s settings and temporarily disable options like “Auto-connect”, “Connect on startup”, or “Always-on VPN“. Remember to re-enable them when you’re ready for full protection again.
