How to Turn Off VPN on iPhone?
A VPN adds an extra layer of privacy and security to your online activity and I always recommended to keep it on. That said there are times when you might need to turn it off for a short period of time. From my personal experience, the best way to do this on an iPhone is either through your VPN provider’s app or directly from your iPhone settings.
In this article, I will discuss the importance of using a VPN on your iPhone and how you can turn off the VPN in two simple ways.
Why Must You Use a VPN on Your iPhone?
I highly recommend using a VPN, especially if you often connect to public Wi-Fi devices in airports, hotels, or cafes. I know that iPhones have strong security, but still, they won’t protect you from unsecured networks where anyone with basic tech skills can intercept your data.
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and also changes your IP address so websites and apps can’t pinpoint your real location. Another major advantage is the feature of accessing restricted content based on your location. Some streaming services, websites, and apps block users outside of certain regions.
If you are traveling outside of your home country, a VPN lets you appear as if you are in your home country which will help you access sites that might otherwise lock you out. If privacy is important to you, then I’d recommend you have a VPN service installed on all your devices, not just your iPhone.
How to Turn Off the VPN on Your iPhone
Disabling your VPN on an iPhone is quick and easy. Here are the two ways I do it:
1. Turn Off the VPN Through iPhone Settings
This is the easiest method and doesn’t need you to open any application.
- Open the settings on your iPhone.
- Once you have opened the Settings, scroll down and then tap General.
- Tap VPN & Device Management
- Click VPN. If your VPN is on, you will see the Connected status.
- Tap to toggle off the VPN on your iPhone. The new status should be Not Connected.
That’s it. Your iPhone is now back to using its normal internet connection.
2. Turn Off the VPN Through the VPN App
If you are using a VPN app, you can also turn off your connection directly through the application you are using. Not every VPN app has this feature, but many well-known providers do. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open your VPN app on your iPhone.
- Look for an On or Connected button.
- Tap the button to disconnect. The status should change to Off, Connect, or Not Connected.
That’s all it takes. If you plan to leave your VPN off for a while, then you may want to check the app’s settings to ensure it doesn’t automatically reconnect.
How to Remove VPN from iPhone
To remove a VPN from your iPhone, here are a few simple steps to follow through:
- Open settings and click General
- Scroll down and click VPN & Device Management
- Click VPN
- Once you are in the settings, tap this small ⓘ icon next to your VPN name.
- You will see the “Delete VPN” option, click and delete.
When Should You Disable Your iPhone VPN?
I personally leave my VPN on most of the time, but I have come across a few situations where turning it off makes sense:
- Fixing Internet Connection Issues: if your internet is acting up, your VPN could be the reason. Turning it off will help you figure out whether the problem is with your connection or the VPN itself.
- Weak or Slow Wi-Fi: A VPN adds an extra layer to your internet traffic which can sometimes slow down your internet connection. If your Wi-FI is slow, then turning off your VPN can help you help you improve your browsing speed.
- Using Location-Based Services: Some apps such as ride-sharing, banking apps, or food delivery need your actual location to work properly. If they are not loading or showing errors, then turning off your VPN can fix the issue.
- Saving Battery Life: A VPN runs in the background, which can drain your battery quickly. If your iPhone is running low on power, disabling your VPN temporarily can help you increase your battery life.
- Accessing Streaming Services: Many streaming platforms block VPNs. If you are getting an error while trying to watch something, then turning off your VPN can allow you to access the content.
Why I Rarely Turn Off My VPN
Even with the reasons above, I personally keep my VPN connection on most of the time because I value the privacy and security of my data. Good VPN services are designed to run efficiently without slowing down your device or draining your battery.
Some even have built-in features such as kill switches, which prevent your data from leaking if your connection drops, and ad blockers which can speed up browsing by stopping annoying trackers and pop-ups.
That said, if you ever need to turn your VPN off, you must know these ways to do it correctly. Whether you use the settings menu or the app itself, it only takes a few taps to disconnect.
