How to Turn Off VPN on iPhone
Knowing how to turn off a VPN on iPhone is essential for several reasons. Whether it’s to access a specific website or app that has blocked the VPN, troubleshoot connection issues, or save battery life, turning it off is a quick and simple process. Additionally, some of them limit how much data you can use, so turning the VPN off is the only way to stop overuse.
Remember, however, that disabling it means that you’re no longer protected by its benefits. If you were using the iPhone VPN to unlock streaming services, bypass regional restrictions, or browse the web anonymously, those advantages are immediately cut off the moment you turn it off.
This guide walks you through the steps for turning the VPN off on iPhone, whether you’re using it through the device’s built-in settings or a dedicated app from a provider.
How to Turn VPN Off on iPhone
You can install a VPN on iPhone in two ways, which means there are two different methods for turning it off.
Through the App
Most people use a VPN through the provider’s app. This means you were instructed to download and install the app to connect to the VPN. If you’re using a VPN from a company like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, these are the directions you should follow to turn off the VPN on your iPhone.
Every VPN app works a little differently. These screenshots show how to turn off the Windscribe VPN specifically, but the steps should apply no matter which VPN you’re using.
- Open the VPN app.
- Go to the start/home screen of the app. If you’re in its settings or the list of VPN servers, back out until you reach the start page. If you have to, close the app completely and then reopen it.
- Tap the main power button or a toggle that says On or Connected (or something similar) to instantly turn off the VPN.
Through Settings
The other way to switch a VPN off is through the Settings app. This is useful particularly if you used the Settings app to set up the VPN in the first place, but even if that’s now how you initially did it, these steps will still work for you.
Most versions of iOS work similarly, so these directions should be all you need to know how to turn off the VPN on iPhone no matter which version of the operating system it’s running. Here’s how it works:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Swipe down and tap VPN & Device Management.
- Select VPN at the top.
- Tap the toggle to turn the VPN off on iPhone.
Tip: Want to turn the VPN off completely without deleting the VPN app? After completing Step 4, tap the (i) next to to the profile, and then choose Delete VPN.
Should I Turn Off the VPN on iPhone?
Here’s a quick list of reasons to disable a VPN:
- Get faster internet
- Access blocked content
- Fix connection issues
- Save battery life
- Use local services
- Avoid some robot blocks
A VPN has clear benefits. When you use a VPN on your iPhone, you get an extra layer of privacy and security, but there are times when you might wonder if you should turn it off. Maybe a website isn’t loading properly or you need access to something restricted by your VPN’s location. VPNs are great for keeping your data private, but they can cause annoyances like those listed above that make disabling them temporarily the best option.
One reason you might want to turn off your VPN is speed. If you’re wondering why a VPN is slow or why your internet is slow after connecting to a VPN, it’s because it sends your connection through a different server (sometimes even two). This can slow down your connection, especially if the server is far away or overloaded. If you’re trying to stream something or download a big file and notice buffering or lag, disabling the VPN could help.
It’s a quick fix, but remember that once it’s off, your internet activity won’t be encrypted.
Another common issue is accessing location-specific services. Some apps and websites, such as banking services, block VPNs for security reasons. If you’re having trouble logging into an account or using a service that requires your real location, turning off the VPN on your iPhone might be necessary. Just be sure to turn it back on when you’re done, especially if you’re on a public Wi-Fi network.
And don’t forget that VPNs can be dangerous. Not all VPNs are unsafe—in fact we keep a list of recommended VPNs that we know are safe. But some are definitely to be avoided. If you have an unsafe VPN on your iPhone, turning it off and deleting the app is smart.
Whether you should turn off your VPN depends on what you’re doing. If security and privacy are important for the task at hand, leave it on. But if it’s causing slow speeds or blocking something you need, disabling it, at least temporarily, will not hurt anything. Again, just don’t forget to switch it back on when you’re finished if you need to because just having the app on your phone isn’t enough to make is useful; it must be turned on.
What is a VPN on iPhone?
A VPN used on an iPhone is the same as a VPN used on Android, Windows, and other platforms. VPNs build secure, encrypted connections between your phone and the internet. Part of this process means it hides your IP address and protects your internet traffic from hackers, internet service providers, and even some government surveillance. This means VPNs are especially useful when on public Wi-Fi networks where security risks are higher.
VPNs can also change your virtual location. By sending your connection through servers in different countries, the websites and apps you visit from your iPhone think you’re accessing their resources from the VPN server. This lets you do things like access region-locked content and bypass certain restrictions. You might like to use a VPN on iPhone if you’re looking to stay anonymous online or stream content from another country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove a VPN from my iPhone?
You can delete a VPN app by holding your finger on its icon until a menu appears. Tap Remove App > Delete App to remove the VPN completely.
The other way is through Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN. Tap the (i) next to the VPN and then choose Delete VPN.
Why can’t I turn off a VPN on iPhone?
The most likely reason a VPN won’t turn off is because it’s set up to stay on. This is a privacy feature some VPN apps provide. They can connect to a server automatically if you’re using public Wi-Fi, if your phone restarts, or if you connect to a specific Wi-Fi network. These are optional features in some VPN apps; look through your app’s settings for the option to disable this.
Is it safe to turn a VPN off on iPhone?
It depends on why you’re disabling the VPN. If it’s a fake VPN or if it’s considered malware, then turning it off is beneficial and only good will come from it. But if you’re using a safe VPN, be aware that switching it off could actually be dangerous. When you turn off a VPN, you’re turning off its encryption and IP-spoofing benefits, so you’re opening up your iPhone to be more vulnerable to hackers.
Does a VPN drain iPhone battery?
Using a VPN can drain your battery faster than when a VPN is off because it constantly encrypts your internet traffic. The more data your phone is processing, the more power it consumes. If you notice excessive battery drain, switching to a different server could help, but the best solution is to turn off the VPN when you don’t need it.
How do I know if my iPhone is using a VPN?
You can check if your phone is connected to a VPN by looking at the top right corner of the screen. If you see a small VPN icon, that means a VPN is active. You can also review the VPN page in the Settings app to see if a VPN is connected.