【Ongoing Archives】

Looking for a way to turn off your VPN?Ongoing Archives We’ve got you covered. 

A virtual private network (VPN) will boost your privacy while you surf the web, and ideally, you’d want to keep it on at all times. However, VPNs aren’t perfect. At times, you may need to turn it off when your device is running low on battery or experiencing network issues. You may also need to disable it when you stumble upon a website with an anti-VPN detector and blocker.

Sure, there are many reasons why you should use a VPN, but sometimes, it needs a little respite. The good news is disabling a VPN is easy, as you can turn it off in either your device settings or in the VPN app. Let’s dive in. 

Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

---

You May Also Like

---

---

Note:Many of the best VPNshave a feature known as split tunneling, giving you control over which apps have data traffic go through a VPN connection and which keep regular internet access. Make use of this tool if you only need to stop a VPN connection in a particular app. 

How to disable a VPN on iPhone

Credit: Primakov / Shutterstock.com

1. Open the "Settings"app on your iPhone.

2. Tap on "General".

3. Look for "VPN & Device Management"and tap on it.

4. Tap "VPN".

5. If your VPN is currently active, you'll see its status as "Connected". To turn it off, simply toggle the switch next to the VPN's status.

6. Once you toggle the switch, the status will change to "Not Connected", indicating that the VPN is disabled.

How to disable a VPN on Android

Credit: PixieMe / Shutterstock.com

1. Open the"Settings"app on your Android device.

2. Navigate to "Network and Internet"or similar wording (it might vary slightly depending on your device's model).

3. Tap on"VPN".

4. You'll see a list of VPN connections. If you have a built-in VPN or use an app that integrates with system settings, it will be listed here.

5. Locate the VPN you want to turn off. If it's connected, it will likely say "Connected" next to its name.

6. Tap to disconnect. There might be a "Disconnect" button or a toggle switch you can turn off depending on your device.

How to disable a VPN on Windows

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

1. Click on the "Start" menu and select "Settings".

2. Choose "Network & Internet"from the Settings options.

3. On the left-hand menu, select "VPN".

4. You'll see a list of VPN connections. Find the one you want to disconnect and click on it.

5. Click the "Disconnect"button.

How to disable a VPN on macOS

M3 MacBook Air Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

1. Click on the Apple icon located at the top left corner of your Mac screen.

2. Select "System Preferences"from the dropdown menu.

3. Click on"VPN".

4. Choose the VPN you wish to disconnect.

5. Toggle the switch to disconnect the VPN.

How to disable a VPN on Linux

1. Look for the VPN icon in the top right corner of your screen. It might differ slightly depending on your Linux distribution.

2. Click on the icon to open the network menu.

3. You'll see a list of available VPN connections. Find the one you're currently connected to (it might say "Connected"next to it).

4. Click on the active VPN connection to disconnect.

How to disable a VPN through the app

No matter what device you use, the easiest way to disable a VPN is through its application. Generally, when you open a VPN app, you’ll see a noticeably big “On”or “Connect” button. Tapping it will simply turn off your VPN connection. 

Lets use ExpressVPNas an example:

1. Open the ExpressVPN app on your device. 

2. You’ll see a big button with the power icon. If the VPN is turned on, it will say “Connected”underneath. Simply tap or click on the button to turn it off, and it will then say “Not connected.”

There you have it. Many VPNs offer a similar feature, allowing you to disable your VPN connection with ease.

NordVPN Get 77% Off NordVPN's 2 Year Plan + 3 Extra Months at NordVPN

• Digital Culture
• Life
• Deals
• Shopping
• Science
• Entertainment
• Tech
• Social Good

• NYT Connections Sports Edition hints and answers for April 26: Tips to solve Connections #215
• It's 2018, and dongle hell has only gotten worse
• Uber employees 'really enjoyed' London play about Travis Kalanick
• 'Tomb Raider' movie review: Can Lara Croft ever really be feminist?
• Barcelona Open 2025 livestream: Watch live tennis for free
• ‘Tears of Joy’ emoji, like real tears of joy, is on the outs
• NASA's tribute to Stephen Hawking will make you smile like he did in microgravity
• This may be the last year for candy hearts. HELP
• Sony launches new flagship XM6 headphones: Order them now
• John Boyega praises inclusion riders, slams the 'secret rules of Hollywood'

• For better or worse, Snapchat changed sexting forever
• Teen surprised by giant graffiti penis lurking in senior photo
• Deep sea craft filmed unprecedented footage of a colossal squid
• Sean Spicer owns the domain RateTheReporter.com
• Mash up all your favourite 2000s tunes with this very addictive website
• Apple's UAC port will help wired headphones work without a dongle
• You hate data journalism because you're reading it wrong
• U.S. satellites reveal China's solar dominance
• The 10 moments Snapchat wishes would disappear from its history
• Starbucks offers free legal advice to immigrant employees affected by Trump ban

• Today's Hurdle hints and answers for April 17, 2025
• Overwhelming influx of donations crashes MND charity website following Stephen Hawking's death
• Your guide to filling out your last
• People aren't thrilled with Gal Gadot's tribute to Stephen Hawking
• Shop Owala's Memorial Day Sale for 30% off tumblers
• Force Multiplier
• Stephen Hawking's final role: He became the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
• It's 2018, and dongle hell has only gotten worse
• What's Thermal Throttling and How to Prevent It
• No, Instagram's chronological feed isn't making a comeback

• Sony launches new flagship XM6 headphones: Order them now
• The cryptocurrency market is taking a pounding
• Stephen Hawking hosted a party for time travelers, but no one came
• This may be the last year for candy hearts. HELP
• President Trump says semiconductor tariffs are next
• Allianz Global thinks Bitcoin is worthless
• Google and OK Go launch new education project for classrooms
• Animated Bitcoin emoji stickers come to iPhone
• Best Amazon deal: Get a $5 Amazon credit when you spend $30 on home essentials
• Apple holding event for "teachers and students" in Chicago this March