How to Turn Off VPN on iPhone & Other iOS Devices 

Using a VPN on your iPhone or other iOS devices is a great way to enhance privacy, access region-restricted content, and secure online communications. However, there may be times when you need to temporarily or permanently turn off your VPN. Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues or switching to a different network, disabling a VPN on iOS is straightforward.

Why You Might Want to Turn Off VPN

Before we dive into the steps, here are some common reasons why you may consider disabling your VPN:

• Slower Internet Speed: VPNs encrypt your data, which can sometimes cause reduced internet speed.
• Access to Local Services: Some local websites or apps may not work correctly when you’re using a VPN if they detect a foreign IP address.
• Battery Life Concerns: Running a VPN in the background can consume additional battery power on your device.
• Connection Issues: If you’re experiencing trouble connecting over Wi-Fi or cellular data, turning off the VPN might help identify the issue.

How to Turn Off VPN on iPhone or iPad

There are several ways to disable a VPN on iOS devices, depending on how it’s configured. Below, we cover the easiest methods.

1. Turn Off VPN from Settings

The quickest way to disable your VPN is through the Settings app:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Look for VPN & Device Management or simply VPN.
3. You will see a toggle switch next to the VPN status. If it’s turned on, tap the switch to disable it.

2. Disable VPN from the VPN App

If you are using a third-party VPN app, you may need to turn off the VPN from within the app:

1. Open the VPN app you are using (e.g., ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost).
2. Look for an option that says Disconnect or Turn Off VPN.
3. Tap the button, and your VPN connection should disconnect.

3. Remove VPN Configuration

If you want to permanently delete the VPN configuration from your device, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to General > VPN & Device Management.
3. Under the VPN section, tap the connected VPN profile.
4. Press Delete VPN to remove it from your device.

This is useful if you’ve stopped using a VPN service and no longer need the configuration profile on your device.

What Happens When You Turn Off a VPN?

Disabling your VPN will revert your internet connection back to your usual ISP-provided network. Here’s what you can expect:

• Your real IP address will become visible to websites and your ISP.
• You might experience faster internet speeds (depending on the VPN you were using).
• Access to region-restricted content may become limited again.
• Your browsing activity will no longer be encrypted by the VPN.

How to Make Sure Your VPN is Fully Turned Off

Even after disabling the VPN, it’s wise to double-check whether it’s completely off. Here’s how:

• Visit WhatIsMyIP or a similar IP-checking website before and after turning off the VPN.
• If your location or IP address has changed back to your actual region, the VPN is fully disconnected.
• Go back to Settings > VPN and ensure there is no active VPN connection.

Conclusion

Turning off a VPN on an iPhone or iPad is simple and can be done through the Settings app, the VPN application, or by removing the VPN configuration entirely. While VPNs provide excellent security and privacy benefits, knowing how to disable them when necessary ensures you maintain flexibility in your internet usage. If you’re frequently switching between using a VPN and a normal connection, consider setting up VPN shortcuts in iOS for quick access.

Do you use a VPN regularly? Let us know in the comments how it has improved your browsing experience!