Introduction
With iOS devices now driving 60% of North America’s mobile traffic, VPN usage has surged on iPhones—but improper removal can cause connectivity issues, battery drain, or app crashes. This comprehensive guide explains how to delete VPN on iPhone (whether you installed it via an app or manual profile) and remove VPN configuration iPhone settings permanently. We cover built-in iOS methods, alternative fixes for stubborn profiles, and how to verify complete removal. You’ll also learn when deleting a VPN makes sense—like when troubleshooting network errors or switching providers—and how it differs from temporarily disabling it via the Control Center (which we detail in our VPN toggling guide).
Step-by-Step Instructions to Delete a VPN on iPhone
Method 1: Removing an App-Based VPN
- Apps like ExpressVPN/NordVPN:
- Long-press the VPN app icon
- Tap “Remove App” → “Delete App”
- Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management
- Delete any residual VPN profiles linked to the app
This ensures you remove VPN configuration iPhone leftovers that might otherwise linger. Tested on iOS 17.4.
Method 2: Deleting a Manual VPN Configuration
- For corporate or self-configured VPNs:
- Open Settings → General → VPN & Device Management
- Tap the (i) icon next to your VPN profile
- Select “Delete VPN” and confirm
This completes the how to delete VPN on iPhone process for setups like L2TP/IPSec or IKEv2. Reference Apple’s official documentation for enterprise variations.
Method 3: Erasing Multiple VPN Profiles
- When you see duplicate entries:
- Navigate to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management
- Delete each profile individually using Method 2
- Restart your iPhone to clear cached data
Works for both personal and company profiles (tested on Cisco AnyConnect and OpenVPN). For school-managed devices, read WikiHow’s MDM removal steps.
Pro Tips for a Clean VPN Removal
Avoiding Partial Deletion
- Always check Settings → General → About → VPN after removal. If still listed, reboot and repeat deletion.
- Enable “Block Connections without VPN’ in iPhone Firewall settings to preempt leaks (useful for TikTok unblocking).
Leftover VPN Artifacts
- Browser extensions: Delete related Safari/Chrome add-ons post-VPN removal (e.g., Windscribe’s proxy tools).
- DNS residues: Reset network settings via Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Reset Network Settings.
Fixing Connectivity After Removal
- If Wi-Fi stops working after uninstalling, renew your DHCP lease (tap (i) next to the network → “Renew Lease”).
- Still stuck? Follow our Android counterpart guide: how to turn off VPN on Android for cross-platform insights.
Alternative Removal Methods
Factory Reset (Nuclear Option)
- Only for persistent profiles that survive standard deletion:
- Back up data via iCloud or Finder
- Go to Settings → General → Reset → Erase All Content and Settings
Overkill for most cases—reserve this when MDM locks or enterprise policies block profile removal.
Using Mobile Device Management (MDM)
- For company-issued iPhones:
- Contact your IT department to remotely remove VPN configuration iPhone
- Alternatively, access the MDM self-service portal to delete the profile
Conclusion
Properly learning how to delete VPN on iPhone prevents network conflicts, saves battery, and safeguards privacy—especially when switching services. Always verify removal via Settings, clear residuals with a network reset, and use our VPN activation guide if you reinstall later. For lingering configurations, Apple Support or a full reset (after backups) may be needed. Got iOS 15 or older? Some steps differ—read WikiHow’s legacy iOS guide. Remember: Temporarily disabling differs from deleting. Follow this tutorial when you want to remove VPN configuration iPhone permanently.
