How to turn off a VPN on any device

Leaving your VPNenabled allows you to enjoy the tool’s added privacy, security, and accessibility features at all times. And, in general, there’s very little upside to disabling your VPNconnection — even if you’re not sharing sensitive data or particularly worried about your privacy while browsing.

But there are some situations where it’s necessary or desirable to turn your VPNoff, whether to troubleshoot network issues, preserve data consumption, access VPN-blocked content, or browse in a country where VPNs are illegal. That’s why we’ve put together an up-to-date guide to turning a VPNoff, whatever device you’re using.

How to turn off a VPN

You can disable a VPNeither through the VPNapp’s settings or via your device settings. Both options provide a quick and easy way to turn your VPNoff or on within seconds. Disabling a VPNthrough its app is usually as simple as opening the app and clicking, tapping, or toggling a button.

Below, we’ve outlined a step-by-step guide to turning off a VPNusing device settings across all major platforms, including iPhones, Android devices, Windows PCs, MacBooks, Linux computers, and routers.

How to turn off a VPNon an iPhone or iPad

You can disable a VPNon an iPhone or iPad through the VPNmenu item in the main settingapp . follow these two simple step :

1. Open the settingapp and tapVPN.
2. Tap the toggle next to the connect VPNyou want to turn off.

Turning off a VPNvia iOS Settings.

How to turn off a VPNon macOS

To disable a VPNconnection on a Mac device (iMac or MacBook) through the system settings, which are accessible via the Menu Bar at the top of the screen , follow these step :

1. click the Apple menu in thetop left corner of the screen .
2. click on system setting .
3. Click the VPNyou want to switch off in the sidebar.
4. Click Disconnect.

How to turn off a VPNon Android

The exact steps to turn off a VPNon your Android device will vary depending on what version of Android you’re running, but you’ll find the option somewhere in the main settingapp. The process should look something like this:

1. Open the Settings app, tap Network and internet, and then VPN.

Locating a VPNconnection in Android Settings.

2. Tap the VPNyou want to turn off and then tap Disconnect.

Turning off a VPNvia Android Settings.

How to turn off a VPNon Windows

You can disable a VPNon Windows computers through the Network & Internet menu in thesettingapp by following these steps:

1. Find and open the settingapplication and click on Network & Internet.
2. Click VPNin the menu, select the VPNyou want to turn off, and click Disconnect.

Turning off a VPNin Windows Settings.

How to turn off a VPNon Linux

There are lots of versions (or distributions) of Linux and the process to turn off a VPNmay vary slightly on each one. However, to disable a VPNon Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions, you can access a quick toggle in the main settings menu by following these steps:

1. Click on the systems icon in the main menu bar.
2. Find the VPNyou want to turn off and click the toggle switch to the off position.

Turning off a VPNvia the systems icon in Linux.

How to turn off a VPNon a router

If you have a VPNset up on your router to provide network-wide protection, turning it off means accessing the router’s settings through an internet browser. The exact steps may vary depending on what router model and VPNprovider you use, but you should follow this basic process:

1. Find your router’s IP address (in the setup guidance documents or displayed on the router itself) and type it into your internet browser’s address bar.
2. Log into the router settings interface using your network admin username and password.
3. Look for a VPNsection in the setting menu , which may be nest beneathadvancedor Security.
4. Find the VPNconnection you want to disable and toggle it off.

When you should disable your VPN

The privacy and security benefits of a VPNmean it’s a good idea to keep your connection active whenever possible. However, there are times when having an active VPNcan cause issues, such as blocking access to certain websites or complicating network troubleshooting.

Here are some of the main reasons it may be necessary to turn a VPNoff:

• Troubleshooting network errors: An active VPNmasks your IP address and alters DNS settings, which can complicate troubleshooting your home network. Disabling your VPNis a smart first step in diagnosing connectivity problems.
• fix slow internet :VPNs add extra steps to the data transfer process, which can impact network performance. Disabling your VPNcan help speed up your internet connection.
• Bypassing VPNrestrictions: Some websites block VPNconnections to prevent misuse or unauthorized access. Disabling your VPNresolves this, but the better option is to use a split-tunneling feature to allow direct internet access to specific apps, without disconnecting your VPNtunnel entirely.
• legal restriction :Some countries, like China and Russia, restrict or ban VPNusage outright. Always review local laws before traveling, and if VPNs are prohibited, ensure you disable yours before entering the country.

When you shouldn’t disable your VPN

It’s always preferable to keep your VPNturned on for maximum online privacy and security. But there are times when it’s particularly crucial to make sure your connection’s active, such as connecting to unsecured or shared networks, or transmitting sensitive data.

These are the main situations where you really should be using a VPN:

• Traveling or on vacation: Using a VPNon a family vacation or solo trip can not only help you access your favorite news sites and content but also protect you against potential bad actors looking for an opportunity to rip you off.
• Connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi: Connecting to public Wi-Fi can expose you to hackers and “evil twin” networks — fake networks set up by cybercriminals. Using a VPNadds protection when connecting to unsecured networks, but caution is still essential.
• Internet banking or shopping: When you’re doing internet banking, shopping, or sharing sensitive data, a VPNis crucial for helping to safeguard your personal information from hackers and preventing potential identity theft or financial fraud.
• private browsing : If you want to keep your identity and activity hidden from the websites you visit, your internet service provider (ISP), and other third parties, keep your VPNturned on to encrypt all the data you send and receive and mask your IP address.
• When using region – lock service :A VPNcan help grant you access to content restricted to that region, such as news websites, social media platforms, or search engines — and keep it hidden from oppressive surveillance.

What could happen if I disable my VPN?

Disabling your VPNmeans your IP address is visible to servers you connect to, and the data you transfer over the network is unencrypted. This can expose you to a variety of risks, including hacking, tracking, and internet speed throttling. The risks are particularly important to consider if you’re connecting to an unsecured public Wi-Fi network, which could grant easy back-door access to cybercriminals.

Even with your VPNturned on, a temporary connection drop could still expose your data. To be absolutely sure no unencrypted data is transmitted from your device, use a VPNwith a kill switch that automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPNconnection fails.

Get Norton VPNand keep it turned on

Making full use of a VPNis a great way to boost your digital defenses and increase accessibility.

Norton VPNprovides bank-grade encryption along with fast streaming and high download and data-transfer rates. And with split-tunneling, kill switch protection, and a global network of thousands of server locations, you’ll get powerful online anonymity and smooth performance, 24/7.

FAQs

How to disconnect from the Norton Secure VPN

To disconnect from Norton VPN, open the app on your phone or computer and toggle off the connection button to disable the VPNconnection.

Is it safe to disable your VPN?

Disabling your VPNincreases the risk of identity theft, data interception, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Keeping it enabled ensures your data is encrypted, protecting your online activity and personal information from surveillance, cyberattacks, and tracking.

What does a VPNprotect you from?

A VPNhelps protect you against the risk of your internet data being intercepted and viewed by third parties. As well as encrypting the information you send and receive, VPNs also mask your IP address, which helps block third parties from tracking your online activity.

What is happens happen if I do n’t use a VPN ?

If you don’t use a VPN, your internet traffic will be visible to your ISP when you’re browsing on your home network, and your location and identity will be exposed to the sites you visit. You’ll also be more vulnerable to third parties potentially intercepting the data you transmit, especially if you’re connected to a shared or public network.

Editorial note: Our articles provide educational information for you. Our offerings may not cover or protect against every type of crime, fraud, or threat we write about. Our goal is to increase awareness about Cyber Safety. Please review complete Terms during enrollment or setup. Remember that no one can prevent all identity theft or cybercrime, and that LifeLock does not monitor all transactions at all businesses. The Norton and LifeLock brands are part of Gen Digital Inc.