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How To Turn Off VPN on Any Device

a laptop and a phone showing vpn applications
a laptop and a phone showing vpn applications
profile picture of Faddy, the founder of FaddyTheNomad
By Faddy | Digital Nomadism and Programming Expert Read more

Are you constantly juggling between the need for online security and the urge for faster internet? You're not alone. VPNs are a double-edged sword; they offer unparalleled security but can sometimes slow down your connection. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the 'why' and the 'how' of turning off your VPN across multiple devices. Whether you're an iPhone aficionado, an Android enthusiast, or a Windows or Mac loyalist, we've got you covered. Even Linux users, we haven't forgotten about you. Read on to master the art of safely disabling your VPN when you need to.

Why Should You Turn Off VPN?

Turning off your VPN isn't something you should do lightly. However, there are scenarios where disabling your VPN might be necessary. Whether it's for troubleshooting network issues or accessing geo-restricted content, knowing how to safely turn off your VPN is crucial.

To better understand why you should turn your VPN on or off, it's best to understand what a VPN is and how it works.

Security Risks: When you turn off your VPN, you expose your IP address and potentially your personal information. Always be cautious when disabling your VPN, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Performance: Some users turn off their VPN to improve internet speed. However, this comes at the cost of security and privacy. The speed differences between VPN providers is very large so make sure you pick a VPN with good speed scores

How to Turn off VPN on iPhone

If you're an iPhone user, turning off your VPN is a straightforward process. However, it's essential to understand that doing so may expose you to various online risks. Here's how you can disable VPN on your iPhone.

Step 1. Open the Settings app and navigate to General

a screenshot of the settings app on iphone

Find and select VPN & device management

a screenshot of the general section of the settings app on iphone

Toggle the VPN status to "Not Connected"

a screenshot of the vpn section of the general section of the settings app on iphone

How to Turn off VPN on Android

Android users have multiple ways to disable their VPN. Whether you're using a VPN app or the built-in settings, here's a simple guide to turning off VPN on your Android device.

  • Go to Settings
  • Navigate to Network & Internet
  • Tap on VPN
  • Toggle off VPN

How to Turn off VPN on Windows

Windows users can disable their VPN either from the VPN app or directly from the system settings. Here's how to turn off VPN on a Windows machine.

  • Go to Settings
  • Navigate to Network & Internet
  • Select VPN from the left-side menu
  • Click Disconnect

How to Turn off VPN on Mac

For Mac users, disabling a VPN is just as straightforward as on any other platform. Here's a quick guide on how to turn off VPN on your Mac.

  • Go to System Settings
  • Navigate to Network
  • Select your VPN connection
  • Click Disconnect

How to Turn off VPN on Linux

Linux users have a slightly different process for disabling their VPN, especially since there are various distributions. Here's how to turn off VPN on a Linux system.

  • Click on the network icon
  • Go to VPN connections
  • Click on the active VPN to disconnect

What Are the Benefits of Turning Off VPN?

While it's generally recommended to keep your VPN active, there are benefits to turning it off occasionally. For instance, some services require a local IP address for access. Additionally, disabling your VPN can sometimes improve your connection speed.

Accessibility: Some local services may require you to turn off your VPN to grant access.

Speed: VPNs can sometimes slow down your internet connection. Turning it off can improve speed, but at the cost of security.

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Picture of me, Faddy, the creator of FaddyTheNomad

About the Author, Faddy

Faddy is a digital nomad blogger, currently exploring the beauty of Thailand. Faddy has embraced the nomadic lifestyle and is eager to share his experiences and insights with others. With a 15+ year experience in IT he has a keen interest in entrepreneurship and technology, he has successfully managed to juggle work and travel, embodying the essence of a digital nomad.

Faddy's journey is not just about visiting new places, but also about immersing himself in diverse cultures and experiences. Through his blog, he aims to help others find the harmony between work and travel, and to navigate the digital world with confidence and joy. Join Faddy on this exciting journey and discover the magic of the nomad lifestyle.

Read more about Faddy here