Introduction
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become essential for protecting data, bypassing geo‑restrictions, and maintaining privacy on public networks. Whether you’re traveling in Europe, streaming in the U.S., or simply working remotely, a VPN keeps your internet traffic encrypted and shields it from prying eyes. However, there are times when you might need to temporarily disable your VPN on your iPhone.
If you’re wondering how to turn off vpn in iphone, the answer depends on whether you use the native Settings app, a third‑party VPN provider, or a dedicated app. The same applies to the question disable vpn on iphone – the steps vary slightly, but the process is straightforward.
In this guide we’ll walk you through multiple methods to how to turn off vpn in iphone and disable vpn on iphone, whether you’re using a free or paid VPN, an iOS built‑in VPN profile, or a corporate network. By the end of this article you’ll know the best practices, the nuances for different iOS versions, and how to handle any complications that arise.
We’ll also touch on how VPNs function on Wi‑Fi networks, how they protect your iOS device data, and whether a point‑to‑point VPN can be used on a Chromebook, so you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of VPN usage across devices and platforms.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Turning Off VPN via Settings
Most iPhone users install VPNs by adding a configuration profile in the Settings app. If your VPN was installed this way, you can quickly disable it by following these steps:
Open Settings and scroll to General. Tap VPN & Device Management to view your active VPNs. Next, toggle the switch next to the VPN you want to deactivate. You’ll see the switch turn grey, indicating the VPN is turned off.
To confirm the VPN has stopped, you can look at the top status bar. If the VPN icon disappears, how to turn off vpn in iphone has been successfully completed. If you still see the icon, restart the device or check the VPN’s status page.
When you’re ready to re‑enable your VPN, simply toggle the switch back to green. This method is quick, reliable, and works across all iOS versions, including iOS 17 and 18.
By following these steps you can disable vpn on iphone for any profile that was added directly via Settings, ensuring you have full control over when your traffic is encrypted.
2. Disabling a VPN Inside a Dedicated App
Many popular VPN providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or ProtonVPN offer dedicated iOS apps with their own interface for managing connections. To turn off the VPN within such an app:
Open the VPN app, locate the connect/disconnect button, and tap it. The button usually toggles from green to grey, indicating the VPN has been disconnected. In some cases, the app will automatically disconnect if you navigate away from it.
Once disconnected, the VPN icon will vanish from the status bar, showing that your device’s traffic is no longer routed through the VPN server. If you prefer to keep the app open but disconnect only for a particular session, you can use the app’s “Quick Switch” feature.
For those who use a paid subscription, the app often provides additional options, such as “Kill Switch” or “Split Tunneling.” Turning off the VPN via the app does not affect other VPNs installed on your device.
Thus, if you need to how to turn off vpn in iphone within a dedicated app, these steps will guide you through a clean disconnection process.
3. Disabling VPN for a Specific App
iOS allows you to route traffic for certain apps directly through a VPN while letting others bypass it. This feature is called “Per‑App VPN.” To disable it for a specific app:
Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management. Tap the VPN profile you have set up, then look for the “App” or “Allowed Apps” section. From here, deselect the app you want to bypass the VPN.
After saving your changes, the chosen app will route traffic over your regular network, while all other apps continue to use the VPN. This is handy when you need to access a local service or a non‑VPN‑friendly application.
Remember, if you later need to re‑enable the app within the VPN, simply return to the same setting and re‑select it. This method gives you granular control without having to fully disable vpn on iphone for all apps.
By following this approach, you can maintain privacy for most of your traffic while allowing a specific app to bypass the VPN for better performance or compatibility.
4. Using iPhone Shortcuts to Toggle VPN
The Shortcuts app can automate the process of turning a VPN on or off. To create a shortcut that disables your VPN:
Open the Shortcuts app and tap + Create Shortcut. Add the action Set VPN by searching for it in the action library. Toggle the setting to Off and give your shortcut a name like “Disconnect VPN.”
Save the shortcut, then add it to your home screen or Today View for quick access. Whenever you need to how to turn off vpn in iphone, simply tap the shortcut.
This method is especially useful for users who frequently switch between VPN‑enabled and VPN‑disabled states and want a single tap to control the transition.
Keep in mind that this shortcut only works if you’ve granted the Shortcuts app permission to control VPN settings in your device’s Privacy & Security settings.
Tips for Managing VPN Connections
Keep Your VPN Up‑To‑Date
VPN apps and profiles regularly receive updates that improve security, fix bugs, and add new features. Check the App Store for updates or look for notification prompts within the app itself. An up‑to‑date VPN ensures that when you disable vpn on iphone or how to turn off vpn in iphone, you’re not inadvertently using a vulnerable version.
Use “Kill Switch” Features Wisely
Many VPN providers offer a “Kill Switch” that blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. If you want to temporarily disable the VPN without losing the kill switch protection, you can enable a “Partial Kill Switch” that only applies to VPN‑managed traffic. This keeps your device from inadvertently exposing data while still allowing you to disable vpn on iphone.
Check Your DNS Settings
After disconnecting a VPN, some users notice that DNS requests still go through the VPN server. This can happen if the VPN app or profile modifies dns settings. Go to Settings → Wi‑Fi, tap the network you’re connected to, and scroll to Configure DNS. Set it to Automatic to revert to the ISP’s DNS server.
This step is especially useful if you’re experiencing slow internet speeds after turning off the VPN and want to ensure that DNS queries are resolved locally.
Understand the Impact on Location‑Based Services
When you how to turn off vpn in iphone, services that rely on your IP address for location may return a different region. If you’re in France but use an U.S. VPN server, turning off the VPN will make Google and other services display your French location again. This is normal, but be aware of it if you rely on region‑specific content.
Alternative Methods for Turning Off VPN
Switch to Airplane Mode
Enabling Airplane Mode disconnects all wireless connections, including your VPN. If you’re in an emergency situation or need to stop all traffic immediately, tap the Airplane Mode icon in the Control Center. This effectively disables vpn on iphone until you toggle it back on.
Reset Network Settings
If you’re facing persistent issues with your VPN connection, resetting your network settings can help. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings. This removes all Wi‑Fi passwords, VPN configurations, and APN settings, forcing you to re‑enter them. After the reset, you can install the VPN again and test the connection.
Factory Reset Your Device
As a last resort, if the VPN remains stubbornly active or your device is compromised, perform a factory reset. Backup your data first, then navigate to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings. Once the device restarts, set it up as new. This method removes all VPN profiles and any potential malware.
Use an iPad or iPod Touch
If you have another Apple device, you can temporarily use it as a VPN relay. Connect your iPhone to the same Wi‑Fi network and enable a VPN profile on the iPad. The iPhone will route its traffic through the iPad’s VPN, allowing you to effectively disable vpn on iphone by turning off the VPN on the iPad. This is a creative workaround for troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Understanding how to turn off vpn in iphone is essential for anyone who needs to balance security and functionality. Whether you use the Settings app, a dedicated VPN app, or advanced per‑app routing, the steps described above give you the flexibility to disable vpn on iphone whenever necessary.
Remember that turning off a VPN may expose your traffic to local network providers or public Wi‑Fi hotspots, so always weigh the risks before making the switch. If you’re concerned about privacy, consider using a partial Kill Switch or re‑enable the VPN after your task is complete.
For more in‑depth guides on VPN usage, how VPNs interact with Wi‑Fi networks, and whether a point‑to‑point VPN is suitable for your Chromebook, visit our related articles. If you need detailed instructions for a specific VPN provider, consult NordVPN’s blog or Norton’s guide. These resources will help you maintain privacy while staying productive.
By following this guide, you’ll have the knowledge and tools to confidently disable vpn on iphone and how to turn off vpn in iphone in any scenario, ensuring you’re always in control of your data and connectivity.
