Introduction
When you’re using a VPN service like NordVPN, you may sometimes need to how to turn off nordvpn for troubleshooting or to access local services. Knowing how to disable NordVPN correctly helps prevent connection errors, privacy leaks, and performance hiccups.
Many users ask how to disable nordvpn on devices that support multiple networking stacks or on shared routers. It’s a common request when switching from a VPN to a direct connection.
This guide explains the most reliable ways to how to turn off nordvpn on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and router firmware. We’ll also cover how to disable nordvpn without uninstalling it, preserving your subscription.
In the following sections we’ll walk through the step‑by‑step process, share useful tips for speed and privacy, and discuss alternative methods that work across different platforms.
Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, learning how to turn off nordvpn quickly will save time and improve your overall network experience.
By the end of this article, you’ll know how to disable nordvpn safely, how to handle network adapters, and how to maintain your security posture.
We’ll also touch on some global contexts, such as why certain countries block VPN usage and how that affects the steps to turn off nordvpn.
Remember: always double‑check your system settings before making changes, especially if you’re in regions with strict internet regulations.
Now let’s dive into the practical steps.
Feel free to bookmark this page for quick reference when you need to disable nordvpn on any device.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Turning Off the Desktop App (Windows & macOS)
Open the NordVPN application on your computer. Click the gear icon to access Settings. Find the “General” tab and toggle the “Kill Switch” to OFF. This stops all traffic until you manually reconnect.
Next, click the “Disconnect” button in the main window. The app will stop routing traffic through the VPN and your local network will be restored.
To how to turn off nordvpn completely, you can also go to the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (macOS), right‑click the NordVPN icon, and select “Exit.” This stops the application from running in the background.
After exiting, verify that your IP address is no longer masked by using a site like Cloudflare Learning. Your public IP should now match your ISP’s address.
Finally, if you wish to disable nordvpn permanently, consider disabling the auto‑launch feature in the NordVPN settings to prevent the app from starting at boot.
2. Disabling NordVPN on Android
Open the NordVPN app and swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade. Tap the “Stop” button. This disconnects the VPN tunnel immediately.
To ensure the app doesn’t reconnect, go to Settings → VPN → Toggle OFF the “Auto‑Connect” option. This stops the VPN from starting automatically when your device connects to a network.
You can also remove the VPN profile by navigating to Settings → Connected devices, then selecting “Delete” next to the NordVPN profile.
Once you’ve disconnected and disabled auto‑connect, the app will no longer interfere with your normal browsing. This is the simplest way to how to turn off nordvpn on Android.
3. Turning Off the iOS App
Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad. Scroll down to find the NordVPN app and tap it. Toggle the “Auto‑Connect” switch to OFF.
Press the big “Disconnect” button in the NordVPN app to immediately stop the VPN session. If you’re connected to multiple networks, you may need to disconnect from each one.
For a more thorough disable, go to Settings → General → VPN and tap the “i” next to the NordVPN profile. Select “Delete VPN.” This removes the profile entirely.
After following these steps, your device will revert to a non‑encrypted connection, effectively disable nordvpn.
4. Disabling NordVPN on Router Firmware
To disable NordVPN on a router, you can either uninstall the VPN client from the firmware or disable the VPN configuration in the router’s admin panel.
For most consumer routers, you’ll log into the web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and navigate to the VPN section. Disable the VPN toggle or delete the VPN profile.
Alternatively, you can reset the router to factory settings if you want to remove all VPN-related changes. Be sure to back up your existing configuration first.
After disabling, perform a quick test by visiting a site that displays your public IP to confirm that the VPN tunnel is no longer active.
This method effectively how to turn off nordvpn on your home network.
5. Uninstalling the NordVPN App (Optional)
If you plan to never use the VPN again, uninstall the app. On Windows, go to Settings → Apps → NordVPN → Uninstall. On macOS, drag the NordVPN app to Trash.
On mobile devices, press and hold the app icon until the “Delete App” option appears.
After uninstalling, the VPN will be removed from your device. This is the most permanent form of disable nordvpn.
6. Handling VPN Profiles on Windows 10/11
Windows 10/11 automatically creates a VPN profile when you add a VPN connection. To remove it, open Settings → Network & Internet → VPN.
Click the NordVPN connection and select “Delete.” This removes the profile from the OS.
Make sure to also disable any “Connect automatically” options in the NordVPN app settings.
After deletion, your system will no longer attempt to use NordVPN for any network traffic.
Use this as a backup method to turn off nordvpn if the app is unresponsive.
Tips
Use a dedicated “no‑VPN” network profile to quickly switch between encrypted and unencrypted connections. Many laptops support multiple Wi‑Fi profiles, allowing instant toggling.
When you’re traveling, remember that some countries block VPNs outright. In such situations, it’s safer to disable nordvpn entirely before connecting to local networks.
Enable the “Kill Switch” feature in NordVPN’s settings. This ensures that if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly, your traffic is blocked until you reconnect.
Check your system’s proxy settings. Some users set a system proxy that routes traffic through NordVPN even after the app disconnects. Resetting proxy settings to “none” ensures full disconnection.
For advanced users, you can set up a firewall rule to block the NordVPN app from accessing the internet when it’s not running, providing an extra layer of assurance when you how to turn off nordvpn.
Always verify your IP after disabling by visiting a reputable IP lookup site. If the IP still shows a NordVPN server, the VPN is still active.
Keep your device’s firmware and OS updated. This helps prevent compatibility issues that could keep the VPN running inadvertently.
Alternative Methods
Using a VPN‑Free Browser Extension
Some browsers offer built‑in VPN features that can be disabled independently of the NordVPN app. To disable nordvpn, open the extension’s options and toggle the switch off.
Changing Network Adapter Priority
On Windows, you can set a higher priority for your local network adapter. Go to Control Panel → Network Connections, right‑click the adapter, and select “Advanced.” Move the local adapter above any VPN adapters.
Modifying the Hosts File
For temporary redirection, edit the hosts file (C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts on Windows or /etc/hosts on macOS/Linux). Add entries that redirect known NordVPN domains to 127.0.0.1 to block the connection.
Disabling VPN Through Router Firmware (Advanced)
Many routers support OpenVPN or WireGuard configurations. Log into the router, navigate to the VPN client section, and delete the NordVPN configuration. For detailed guidance, consult the router’s support documentation.
Uninstalling the VPN Client from the Router
Some routers allow you to uninstall firmware packages. Access the package manager, find the NordVPN client, and remove it. This is a drastic step but guarantees the VPN is no longer active.
Using the NordVPN Control Panel on Linux
Install the nordvpn command line tool. Run nordvpn disconnect to stop the VPN. To fully disable, run nordvpn stop and remove the tool from your package manager.
Deleting Your NordVPN Account (Optional)
If you no longer want any association with NordVPN, you can delete your account. Visit the following guide once to learn how: how to delete nordvpn account.
Canceling Your NordVPN Subscription (Optional)
To cancel your subscription, follow the steps in this guide: how to cancel nordvpn subscription. This stops future charges but does not remove the app.
Setting Up NordVPN on a Router (Optional)
If you ever decide to set up a router‑level VPN for the entire household, refer to this guide: how to set up nordvpn on router.
Installing NordVPN on a Router (Optional)
For routers that support custom firmware, the installation guide is here: how to install nordvpn on router.
Conclusion
Knowing how to turn off nordvpn is essential for troubleshooting, accessing local services, or simply reducing latency when the VPN is not needed.
By following the steps outlined above, you can disable nordvpn on desktops, mobile devices, routers, and even at the system level. This ensures that your device is no longer routing traffic through encrypted tunnels.
Remember, disabling the VPN does not remove the app or your subscription. If you wish to keep the app for future use, simply disconnect and disable auto‑connect. For a permanent removal, consider uninstalling or deleting the account.
Always verify your public IP after making changes. If it still shows a VPN server, double‑check that you’ve fully disconnected and disabled all related services.
Whether you’re a casual user or an IT professional, understanding how to turn off nordvpn empowers you to manage your network more effectively and maintain your privacy where it matters.
For more information on how VPNs work and the best practices for secure browsing, consult trusted resources such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Cloudflare’s learning center.
