Quick and Easy: How To Turn Off VPN on iPhone in Just a Few Steps

Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology has become increasingly popular as a tool to protect user data and privacy. This article provides an overview of the steps required to turn off a VPN on an iPhone. Understanding how to use this technology properly is important to ensure user safety and security.

What Is a VPN?

How To Turn Off VPN on iPhone

A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection over a public network. This allows users to access the internet as if connected directly to a private network. Most VPN apps are commonly used by businesses and organizations to protect their online data and individuals for secure online communication. VPNs are generally implemented using special VPN software or apps, connecting users to a remote VPN server. The server then acts as an intermediary between the user’s computer and the internet, allowing them to bypass the restrictions of the public network. Depending on the particular configuration, some VPN connections may provide additional security features, such as encryption or authentication.

VPN servers act as intermediaries between a device and the internet

A VPN encrypts a connection to offer users privacy and security when accessing the internet from any location. They also provide an extra layer of protection when browsing websites or sharing information online, allowing users to access content that may otherwise be blocked or restricted due to geographical restrictions.

Why Would You Disable a VPN on iPhone?

There are several reasons why you might want to disable a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your iPhone:

Connection Issues

If your VPN connection is unstable or not working properly, you may want to disable it to access the internet or your apps.

Battery Life

A VPN can drain your iPhone’s battery, especially if running in the background. Disabling it when you’re not using it can help conserve battery life.

Location-based Services

Some location-based apps, such as weather or maps, may not work properly with a VPN. You may want to disable the VPN to use these services.

Network Restrictions

Some networks, such as public Wi-Fi hotspots or work networks, may have restrictions preventing VPN use. Disabling your VPN in these cases may be necessary to access the network.

Privacy Concerns

If you are concerned about your online privacy, you may want to disable your VPN when using trusted websites and services that don’t require extra privacy protection.

How To Turn Off VPN on iPhone Settings

The procedure for disabling the VPN on an iPhone is relatively straightforward. To turn off a VPN on an iPhone, follow these steps:

  1. Go to your iPhone’s home screen and tap on the Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap “VPN” option.
  3. On the VPN screen, you will see a list of all the VPN configurations you have set up on your iPhone.
  4. To disable a specific VPN configuration, toggle the switch to the left of its name to the off position.
  5. To disable all VPN configurations, toggle the “Status” switch at the top of the screen to the off position.
  6. After you have disabled the VPN, the VPN icon will disappear on your iOS; you can exit the Settings app and resume using your iPhone normally.

Use iPhone settings to disable the VPN

Note:

Remember that the exact steps to turn off a VPN on an iPhone may vary depending on the version of iOS you are using, but the general process should be similar.

How To Disable VPN on iPhone Device Management

If you’re trying to disable VPN on your iPhone and a device management profile manages it, here are the steps you can follow:

  1. Go to “Settings” on your iPhone and select “General”.
  2. Scroll down and select “Device Management”.
  3. Find the profile that’s managing your VPN and select it.
  4. Select “Remove Management” or “Delete Profile”. You may need to enter a passcode or provide confirmation before removing the profile.
  5. Once the profile is removed, the VPN settings should be disabled and you can turn off the VPN.

How To Disable the VPN From the App

If you’re using a third-party VPN app on your iPhone, you can typically disable the VPN from within the app itself. Here’s how:

  1. Open the VPN app on your iPhone.
  2. Look for an option to disconnect or turn off the VPN connection. This could be a button that says “Disconnect” or “Turn Off,” or an icon that looks like a power button.
  3. Tap the button or icon to disconnect the VPN.
  4. Once the VPN is disabled, you can exit the app and resume using your iPhone normally.

This is important:

If you’re not sure how to disable the VPN from within the app, you can consult the app’s documentation or contact the app’s support team for assistance. Remember that the specific steps to disable the VPN from within the app may vary depending on your use. Depending on the type of service they are using, additional options may be available for customizing individual settings related to their service provider’s specific protocol.

How to Uninstall the VPN on Your iPhone

iPhones are no strangers to this requirement, and users must be aware of how to turn off their VPNs when they are no longer needed. You can uninstall the VPN app to remove a VPN from your iPhone. Follow the steps below:

  1. Go to your iPhone’s home screen and locate the VPN app you want to uninstall.
  2. Press and hold the app icon until it begins to jiggle.
  3. Tap the “X” icon in the upper left corner of the app icon.
  4. A message will appear asking you to confirm that you want to delete the app. Tap “Delete” to confirm.
  5. Wait for the app to uninstall. This may take a few seconds to a minute, depending on the size of the app.
  6. After uninstalling the app, you can normally exit the home screen and use your iPhone.

Uninstalling a VPN app will remove it from your iPhone, including all associated VPN configurations and settings. If you want to reinstall the app later, download it from the App Store and set it up again.

Potential Risks of Disabling the VPN

It is important to understand the potential risks associated with disabling a VPN. When a user deletes their VPN, they no longer have access to the secure connection the server provided. This could leave the user vulnerable to many risks, including:

Exposure to Online Activity

When you disable a VPN, your internet service provider (ISP) and other third-party entities can see your online activity, including the websites you visit, the data you transmit, and your IP address. This can compromise your privacy and put your sensitive data at risk.

Cyber Attacks

Without a VPN, your internet connection becomes vulnerable to cyber-attacks, such as hacking, phishing, and malware infections. Cybercriminals can easily intercept online communications and steal personal and financial information.

Geo-restrictions

Many online services and websites are geo-restricted, meaning they are only available in specific regions. When you disable your VPN, you may lose access to these services, limiting your online experience.

Censorship and Surveillance

Some countries have strict internet censorship laws, and disabling your VPN can make you susceptible to government surveillance and monitoring. This can risk your safety and privacy, especially in an oppressive regime.

Legal Consequences

You could face legal consequences if you disable your VPN to engage in illegal activities like piracy. Your ISP can easily track your online activity, and you can be held liable for any illegal actions you take.

Reasons To Keep the VPN On

VPNs encrypt data sent through a user’s internet provider or public network, allowing them to remain anonymous and free from any potential cyber threats. This is particularly advantageous for users of Apple devices, providing additional safety measures that can protect their data and services from malicious actors. Using a VPN also allows users to access website content that may not be available in their region due to geographical restrictions, making it a valuable resource for those looking for more expansive online access. You should choose the best VPN for iOS from a reliable VPN provider to help you bypass throttling from your internet service providers, which can reduce latency when streaming content or downloading large files.

Protect your internet traffic with a VPN

Best Practices for Disabling the VPN

A VPN is one of the best cybersecurity apps for iPhone to maintain online security. To ensure the best safety practices, several steps should be taken when disabling a VPN on an iPhone:

  1. Always disconnect from the VPN server before disabling the VPN. This helps to ensure that your device is no longer connected to the VPN network and your online activities are no longer protected by the VPN.
  2. If you’re using a VPN app, make sure to properly exit or close the app before disabling the VPN. This can help to ensure that all VPN connections are closed and that the app is no longer running in the background.
  3. If you’re using a VPN on a public Wi-Fi network, always disable the VPN when you’re done using it.
  4. If you’re experiencing issues disabling the VPN, try restarting your device or uninstalling and reinstalling the VPN app. This can help to resolve any technical issues that may be preventing you from disabling the VPN.
  5. If you’re using a VPN for work purposes, always check with your IT experts before disabling the VPN. They may have specific policies or guidelines regarding the use of VPNs and may require that you always keep the VPN enabled.

Why Can’t You Turn VPN Off on Your iPhone?

Below are some of the reasons:

Your employer or school manages VPN

When an employer or school manages your iPhone, they may have enabled a configuration profile that prevents you from turning off the VPN. In this case, you may need to contact your IT department for assistance.

The VPN app is experiencing a glitch

Sometimes, a VPN app may experience a glitch that prevents you from turning it off. In this case, force quitting the app and relaunching it may help.

The VPN app is outdated

If your VPN app is outdated, it may not work properly with the latest version of iOS. Try updating the app to the latest version available in the App Store.

VPN is stuck in a loop

It may be difficult to turn off when the VPN is stuck in a loop and reconnecting automatically. Try force quitting the VPN app, then going to Settings > General > VPN and manually disconnecting from the VPN server.

iPhone software issue

If none of the above troubleshooting steps work, there may be an issue with your iPhone’s software. Try restarting your iPhone or resetting your network settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note that resetting your network settings will remove any saved Wi-Fi passwords.

Troubleshooting VPN Disabling Issues

If you’re experiencing issues with a VPN that won’t disable or turn off, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

Close the VPN app

If you’re using a VPN app, try closing the app completely. Depending on the operating system and app, you may need to force quit the app to ensure that it’s completely closed.

Disconnect from the VPN server

If you’re connected to a VPN server, try disconnecting from it. Depending on the VPN client, you may be able to disconnect by clicking a “disconnect” button or by simply closing the VPN client window.

Restart your device

Restarting your device can sometimes resolve issues with the VPN. This can help to clear any temporary files or settings that may be causing the issue.

Check for other VPN-related apps

If you have multiple VPN-related apps installed on your device, check to see if any of these apps are running in the background. These apps could be preventing you from disabling the VPN.

Disable the VPN adapter

If you’re using a VPN adapter, try disabling it. You can do this by going to your device’s network settings and disabling the VPN adapter.

Uninstall and reinstall the VPN

If none of the above steps works, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the VPN. This can help to ensure that all settings and files are reset to their default values.

Conclusion

Disabling iPhone's VPN is a straightforward process

In conclusion, disabling the VPN on your iPhone is a straightforward process, but there are several considerations to consider. Firstly, it is important to understand what a VPN is and why one may wish to disable it on an iPhone device to make an informed decision. Secondly, the steps required for disabling the VPN must be followed properly to ensure that the VPN is completely deactivated. Finally, best practices should be employed when disabling the VPN from the app or by uninstalling the app entirely from your device. By doing this, users can rest assured that their data will remain secure and private when using an iPhone device.

Damien Mather Damien is a cybersecurity professional and online privacy advocate with a bachelor of Computer Science. He has been in the industry for 20+ years and has seen the space evolve far bigger than he ever thought. When he is not buried in his research or going through code, he is probably out Surfing or Camping and enjoying the great outdoors. 
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