Introduction
Using a VPN on your iPhone enhances privacy and unlocks geo-restricted content, but there are times you need to disable VPN on iPhone. Whether you’re troubleshooting connection issues, conserving battery, or switching networks, knowing how to remove a VPN on iPhone is essential. This guide covers multiple methods to turn off or delete VPN configurations, with detailed steps for iOS settings, third-party apps, and advanced scenarios. You’ll also learn why disabling your VPN temporarily can improve streaming speeds or resolve banking app errors. For context, explore our explanation of what VPN means on iPhone.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Disable or Remove a VPN
Method 1: Turn Off VPN via iOS Settings
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- Open Settings > Tap General > Select VPN & Device Management
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- Locate your active VPN connection under VPN Configurations
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- Toggle the switch beside Status to OFF (gray color)
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- Verify disconnection by checking the VPN icon vanishes from the status bar
This temporarily disables VPN on iPhone without deleting settings. Ideal for quick reconnections later.
Method 2: Delete VPN Configuration Permanently
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- Navigate to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management
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- Tap the (i) icon next to your VPN profile
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- Select Delete VPN > Confirm removal
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- Restart your iPhone to clear residual network cache
Use this when you need to completely remove a VPN on iPhone, like before selling your device. For setup reversal help, see our VPN setup guide.
Method 3: Disable VPN Within Third-Party Apps
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- Launch your VPN app (e.g., ExpressVPN, NordVPN)
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- Tap the power button or toggle usually at the center of the screen
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- Wait for the app to confirm disconnection (e.g., “Not Connected”)
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- Force-quit the app via App Switcher to prevent background reconnections
Apps like ExpressVPN may retain settings. Visit their official disable guide for app-specific steps.
Pro Tips to Ensure Complete VPN Deactivation
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- Check for Lingering Profiles: Some enterprise VPNs install configuration profiles. Go to Settings > General > Profiles and remove them.
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- Forget Associated WiFi Networks: VPNs often auto-connect to specific networks. Go to Settings > WiFi > Tap (i) > Forget This Network.
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- Monitor Data Usage: After disabling VPN on iPhone, check Settings > Mobile Data to confirm no background VPN traffic.
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- Disable Auto-Connect: In your VPN app settings, turn off options like “Connect on Demand” or “Launch at Startup.”
For VPN-switching needs, our VPN switching tutorial provides advanced tips.
Alternative Methods to Disable VPN
Airplane Mode Reset
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- Swipe into Control Center > Enable Airplane Mode for 15 seconds
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- Disable Airplane Mode > Reconnect to WiFi/mobile data
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- VPN connections typically terminate during network resets
Network Settings Reset
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- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
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- Tap Reset > Choose Reset Network Settings
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- Enter passcode > Confirm reset
Warning: This erases all saved WiFi passwords and VPN configurations. Use as a last resort.
Router-Level Blocking
Prevent VPNs from connecting through your home network:
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- Access router admin panel (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
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- Navigate to Security or Firewall settings
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- Block common VPN ports like 1194 (OpenVPN) or 500 (IPSec)
See Security.org’s VPN disable guide for technical details.
Conclusion
Whether you temporarily disable VPN on iPhone to troubleshoot apps or permanently remove a VPN on iPhone for a clean setup, these methods cover all iOS versions. Remember that deleting VPN configurations requires re-entering credentials later. For specialized tools like ExpressVPN, always check app-specific settings. Keep your device secure by only removing trusted VPNs, and revisit our guides if you need to reconfigure services later.
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