How To Safely Turn Off a VPN on Any Device

As an expert in cloud data security with over a decade of experience, I‘m often asked how to properly turn off a virtual private network (VPN) connection. While using a trusted VPN is crucial for online privacy, there are legitimate reasons you may need to disable or uninstall your VPN app temporarily. However, it’s important to understand the security risks involved any time you turn off your VPN.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll explain what happens when you disable your VPN, when you should consider turning it off, and how to safely turn off or uninstall a VPN on any device. I‘ll also answer common questions and provide tips to stay secure even without your VPN active.

What Happens When You Turn Off Your VPN?

Let‘s start with the basics – what exactly occurs when you flip that switch and disable your VPN?

Essentially, all of the privacy and security protections offered by your VPN disappear. Your device immediately reverts to your default internet connection, and your traffic is no longer encrypted or routed through a remote server.

Specifically, turning off your VPN means:

  • Your real IP address and location are exposed. Without your VPN, your IP reveals your exact geographic location to every website or service you use.

  • Your internet service provider (ISP) sees all of your activity. ISPs can legally monitor and record your browsing history, then sell that data to third parties.

  • Advertisers and trackers can monitor your online movements. Disabling your VPN lets ad networks follow you across the web again.

  • Your data becomes vulnerable on public WiFi. Open hotspots are a haven for hackers when you aren‘t using a VPN.

  • You lose access to geo-restricted content. Many streaming sites and services block non-local viewers without a VPN enabled.

According to a 2022 Pew Research study, around 75% of Americans believe it‘s very important to be in control of who can access their personal data. Your VPN is one of the best tools you have to control access to your web browsing data. Turning it off, even temporarily, relinquishes that control and opens you up to privacy and security risks.

When Should You Consider Disabling Your VPN?

While I don‘t recommend disabling your VPN without good reason, there are some circumstances when you may need to turn it off temporarily:

Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues

If you‘re experiencing slower internet speeds or frequent disconnections, switching off your VPN can help determine if the issue stems from your ISP or VPN service. Run speed tests with your VPN on and off – a significant difference points to a VPN-related problem.

According to a HighSpeedInternet.com survey, 37% of VPN users report speed reductions when connected. Temporarily turning off your VPN can help diagnose connection problems. Just remember to turn it back on before browsing or using apps.

Accessing Local Network Resources

Your VPN routes all traffic through remote servers, blocking access to local network resources like smart devices, media centers and file shares. You‘ll need to disable your VPN to print documents, stream home media or access company intranets.

I recommend using split-tunneling configurations when possible, which allow you to access local networks while keeping your VPN active for external traffic. If that isn‘t an option, only turn off your VPN long enough to access the local resource you need.

Using Services That Ban VPNs

A handful of websites still try to block VPN access, like NBC‘s streaming site, PayPal and Craigslist. While controversial, disabling your VPN briefly can let you access these services if needed.

However, try troubleshooting blocked services with your VPN provider first. Many offer specialized servers or protocols specifically designed to bypass blocks. Using these instead of disabling your VPN keeps your data more secure.

Preserving Mobile Data and Battery Life

Keeping your VPN running in the background can drain additional mobile data and battery life, especially on phones and tablets. If you‘re running low on data or battery when out and about, temporarily disabling your VPN may help conserve both.

Limit non-VPN usage to only necessary activities like using maps or rideshares. Any shopping, email access or social media browsing should happen with your VPN enabled again.

How to Temporarily Disable Your VPN

Now that you know when you may need to switch off your VPN, let‘s go over the proper methods to disable (and re-enable!) your connection on any device.

Using Your VPN Application

The easiest and most secure way to toggle your VPN is directly through your VPN provider‘s application.

Nearly every VPN service offers apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android devices that allow you to instantly turn the VPN off and back on again:

![VPN app showing connect/disconnect button][image1]

Look for a "CONNECT" or "DISCONNECT" button, or a simple switch labeled "ON/OFF." Click or tap this whenever you need to quickly disable your VPN connection.

Some providers like NordVPN and Surfshark also include a "Pause" function that disables your VPN for a set period of time, after which it automatically reconnects. This is handy if you think you may forget to re-enable your VPN manually later.

Through Your Device Network Settings

Alternatively, you can turn off a VPN connection through your computer, phone or tablet’s network settings:

On Windows 10:

  1. Click Start > Settings > Network & Internet > VPN
  2. Select your VPN and click Disconnect

On MacOS:

  1. Go to System Preferences > Network
  2. Select your VPN profile and click the Disconnect button

On iPhone & iPad:

  1. Go to Settings > General > VPN
  2. Tap the "i" next to your VPN profile
  3. Toggle the Status switch to Off

On Android:

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > VPN
  2. Tap the gear icon next to your VPN profile
  3. Toggle the Connect switch Off

Manually disconnecting through your network settings can be handy if you‘re having issues with a VPN provider‘s app. But otherwise, it‘s safer and easier to just use the dedicated VPN app.

How to Completely Remove a VPN

What if you decide you no longer need or want to use a particular VPN service? Let‘s go over how to fully uninstall a VPN app and associated software for good.

First, simply disabling your VPN only turns the connection off temporarily – the VPN app and settings remain installed on your device. Completely removing a VPN gets rid of all traces of the software, requiring a full reinstall if you ever decide to re-subscribe to that VPN provider later on.

Here are the steps to fully uninstall a VPN app and settings on all major platforms:

On Windows 10:

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features
  2. Find and uninstall the VPN app
  3. Go to Network & Internet > VPN
  4. Delete the VPN connection
  5. Open Device Manager > Network adapters
  6. Uninstall old TAP adapter drivers

Removing TAP adapter drivers prevents any conflicts if you install a different VPN later. Reboot your PC when finished uninstalling.

On MacOS:

  1. Drag the VPN app from Applications to the Trash
  2. Go to System Preferences > Profiles
  3. Remove the VPN connection profile
  4. Empty Trash to fully delete the app

On iPhone & iPad:

  1. Delete the VPN app from your Home Screen
  2. Go to Settings > General > Profile
  3. Remove the VPN configuration profile

On Android:

  1. Uninstall the VPN app from your Home Screen or Apps menu
  2. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > VPN
  3. Delete the VPN profile

Once uninstalled everywhere, you‘ll have to re-purchase, re-download and reconfigure the VPN app if you ever want to use that provider again.

FAQs: Turning Off Your VPN Connection

What happens if I disable my VPN?

As soon as you turn off your VPN, your IP address, location and traffic are fully exposed. Hackers on public WiFi can access your data, your ISP can record your browsing history; advertisers can track your online movements again. Only turn off your VPN when absolutely necessary as a security precaution.

Why can‘t I turn off my VPN?

Some VPN apps make it easy to instantly disconnect with the click of a button. But if you can‘t turn off your VPN through the provider‘s app, head into your device network settings and manually delete the VPN connection profile. On iPhone or Android you may need to remove it from the "Profile" menu.

Should I keep my VPN on at all times?

Generally yes – you want to keep your VPN active 24/7 for the best online privacy and security. But occasionally turning off your VPN briefly is OK for troubleshooting, accessing local networks, or using restricted services when needed. Just enable it again as soon as you‘re finished. Never access sensitive accounts or data without your VPN turned on.

Are there risks to turning off my VPN?

Absolutely. By disabling your VPN, you are exposing your IP address, location, and network traffic to your ISP, government agencies, hackers, advertisers, and other third parties. Your data and browsing history are no longer protected or encrypted. Only turn off your VPN when necessary and avoid accessing anything sensitive without it enabled.

The Bottom Line

While virtual private networks provide crucial online privacy and security, there are legitimate reasons you may need to temporarily turn off your VPN connection from time to time. But understand that disabling your VPN removes all of those protections until you re-enable it.

My recommendation is to only switch off your VPN when absolutely needed, and immediately turn it back on as soon as you are finished. Never access sensitive accounts, browse online, or use public WiFi without your VPN active. Take care when disabling your VPN and your online privacy will stay protected.

Luis Masters

Written by Luis Masters

Luis Masters is a highly skilled expert in cybersecurity and data security. He possesses extensive experience and profound knowledge of the latest trends and technologies in these rapidly evolving fields. Masters is particularly renowned for his ability to develop robust security strategies and innovative solutions to protect against sophisticated cyber threats.

His expertise extends to areas such as risk management, network security, and the implementation of effective data protection measures. As a sought-after speaker and author, Masters regularly contributes valuable insights into the evolving landscape of digital security. His work plays a crucial role in helping organizations navigate the complex world of online threats and data privacy.