Introduction
Whether you’re streaming a local TV channel, troubleshooting a network issue, or simply need to access a service that blocks VPN traffic, you’ll eventually ask yourself: how do you turn vpn off. In this guide we’ll walk you through the process for every major platform, from desktop operating systems to mobile devices and even browsers.
Understanding what a VPN protects you from helps you decide when turning it off is the right move. While a VPN encrypts your traffic and masks your IP, there are scenarios—like local banking, geo‑specific gaming servers, or corporate intranet access—where you’ll need to disable it temporarily.
We’ll also cover the related query how to disable vpn in a broader sense, so you’ll have both the “how” and the “why” at your fingertips. By the end of this article you’ll be comfortable turning a VPN off on any device, and you’ll know the safest practices to avoid exposing your data.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Windows 10 / 11
Open the Settings app → Network & Internet → VPN. You’ll see a list of configured connections.
Select the active connection and click Disconnect. To permanently disable it, click Remove and confirm.
Tip: If you use the built‑in Windows VPN client, you can also toggle it from the taskbar icon: right‑click the network icon → VPN → Disconnect.
2. macOS (Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur)
Go to System Settings → Network. Choose the VPN service from the left sidebar.
Click the Disconnect button, then click the minus (‑) sign to delete the profile if you don’t need it again.
For Safari users, you can also manage VPN extensions directly from Safari > Settings for Extensions.
3. Android (10‑13)
Open the Settings app → Network & internet → VPN. Tap the active VPN and choose Disconnect.
If the VPN is a third‑party app, open the app and toggle the switch off or use the “Stop” button inside the app’s interface.
Remember to clear the VPN’s permission from Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions to avoid it reconnecting automatically.
4. iOS / iPadOS (15‑17)
Navigate to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management. Toggle the VPN switch to the off position.
For VPN apps downloaded from the App Store, open the app and use its internal “Disconnect” or “Turn Off” button.
If you use a configuration profile, delete it under Settings > General > VPN & Device Management to ensure the VPN stays off.
5. Chrome, Edge, Brave (Browser‑based VPNs)
Many modern browsers offer built‑in VPN extensions. Click the VPN icon in the toolbar and select Disconnect or toggle the switch off.
For Brave specifically, you might wonder how do you turn vpn off inside the browser’s shield settings. Go to Settings > Shields & Privacy → VPN and toggle it off.
After disabling, clear the browser cache to remove any residual routing information.
6. Router‑Based VPN (OpenVPN, WireGuard, ISP‑provided)
Log into your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1) using a web browser. Locate the VPN or Advanced section.
Disable the VPN service, save changes, and reboot the router if required. This stops VPN traffic for every device on the network.
Note: Some routers have a “Kill Switch” that automatically blocks internet when the VPN drops; remember to turn that off as well.
7. Gaming Consoles (Xbox, PlayStation)
Most consoles don’t support native VPN clients. If you’ve routed traffic through a VPN‑enabled router, follow the router steps above.
Alternatively, use a PC as a hotspot with the VPN disabled, then connect your console to that hotspot.
8. Virtual Machines (VMware, VirtualBox)
Inside the VM, open the network settings and change the adapter type from “VPN” to “NAT” or “Bridged”. Restart the VM for changes to take effect.
If you installed a VPN client inside the VM, simply open the client and click Disconnect.
9. Cloud Services (AWS, Azure) with VPN Gateways
Navigate to the VPN gateway dashboard, select the connection, and click Detach or Delete the tunnel.
Make sure to update any security groups that were referencing the VPN subnet.
10. Mobile Emulators (BlueStacks)
BlueStacks can route traffic through a VPN if you install one inside the emulator. To stop it, open the VPN app within BlueStacks and disconnect.
For a deeper dive see our guide on does BlueStacks use a VPN.
11. Using Command‑Line Tools
On Windows, open PowerShell and run:Get-VpnConnection | Disable-VpnConnection -PassThru
On macOS, use Terminal:scutil --nc stop "YourVPNName"
Linux users can run:nmcli connection down id "vpn‑connection"
12. Checking If the VPN Is Really Off
Visit ExpressVPN’s “How to Disable VPN” guide for a quick verification checklist.
Use a site like whatismyipaddress.com to confirm your IP matches your local ISP.
Throughout these steps we’ve answered the core question how do you turn vpn off and covered the broader phrase how to disable vpn in multiple contexts. The next sections provide extra tips and alternative methods.
Tips for Turning VPN Off Safely
- Backup your settings. Export the VPN profile before removal so you can re‑import it later without recreating every rule.
- Test connectivity. After disabling, ping a local server or open a geo‑restricted site to confirm traffic is no longer tunneled.
- Clear DNS cache. Run
ipconfig /flushdns(Windows) orsudo dscacheutil -flushcache(macOS) to avoid stale DNS entries. - Watch for kill‑switch remnants. Some VPN apps keep a firewall rule active; disable or delete it in the OS firewall settings.
- Use GEO‑context. If you’re traveling from New York to London, verify that the displayed location matches your current city after turning the VPN off.
Alternative Methods to Disable VPN
Using Third‑Party Scripts
Power users can automate VPN shutdown with scripts. For Windows, a simple batch file calling rasdial /disconnect works. On macOS, an AppleScript can trigger the same System Preferences change.
Leveraging Network Profiles
Create two network profiles: one with the VPN enabled and another without. Switch between them via the OS’s network manager. This method is especially handy for frequent travelers.
Disabling Via Mobile Device Management (MDM)
Enterprises can push a “disable VPN” command to managed devices. This ensures compliance without user intervention.
Hardware‑Based Solutions
If you own a VPN‑capable router, you can toggle the VPN service through a physical switch (some models include a hardware button). This provides instant control without logging into a web UI.
Read more about hardware‑based VPN options in our article how to use VPN for PC.
Additional insights on disabling VPNs from a privacy‑focused perspective are available at Private Internet Access’s guide.
Conclusion
Turning a VPN off doesn’t have to be a mystery. By following the step‑by‑step instructions above, you’ve learned how do you turn vpn off on every major platform, from Windows desktops to mobile browsers. The repeated focus on how to disable vpn ensures you can act confidently in any situation—whether you’re troubleshooting, complying with corporate policies, or simply needing a local IP address for streaming.
Remember to verify the disconnect, clear caches, and re‑check your public IP to avoid accidental leaks. Using the tips and alternative methods provided will keep the process smooth and secure.
When you master both the “how do you turn vpn off” and the broader “how to disable vpn” queries, you gain full control over your online footprint, no matter where you are—from a café in Tokyo to a home office in Toronto.
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