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How to Disable VPN on iPhone and Mac (Step-by-step Guide)

How to Disable VPN on iPhone and Mac

Have you always wanted to disable VPN on your iPhone or Mac device but always find it difficult? This article has got you covered. This article provides you with detailed but easy instructions to turn off VPN on both iPhone and Mac devices.

No one can downplay the importance of using VPNs to surf the internet. In fact, according to Statista, the use of VPN in the United States from 2019 to 2022 has climbed from 15.3 from lowest to over 79% high in 2022 alone. While there are many reasons for using VPNs, everyone can assert to the fact that using a virtual private network, your online actions are concealed. A virtual private network not only protects its users from prying eyes on public networks but may also be used to conceal one’s IP address, personal information, and web surfing on any available Wi-Fi connection.

Turning off your VPN is quite quick and easy. There are many processes to do this. While you can easily open the app and click on the ‘Disable’ button, not everyone will want to do it this way. Even though I do make use of this option, which is pretty easy for me, I noticed that it’s helpful to have many options just in case the app might have some issues opening at that particular time. So, for this reason, I am going to work you through this process and show you how things can be done differently. Ready? Let’s go!


Step-by-step Guide to Turn Off VPN on iPhone Using Phone Settings

Step 1: Navigate the ‘Settings menu on your iPhone device and click on it.

Settings menu

Step 2: Once you have clicked on the ‘Settings’ option, scroll down and tap ‘General.’

General

Step 3: The next option is to tap on ‘VPN.’ You can find this at the bottom of the menu after clicking ‘General’ in the previous option.

Step 4: Click on the ‘i’ option in a circle. You can find this on the right-hand side close to the name of the VPN.

Click on the i option

Step 5: Slide the ‘Connect on Demand’ toggle switch to off.

Connect on Demand

Step 6: Tap the back button. You can find this at the top left corner of the screen.

Step 7: Slide the ‘Status’ toggle switch to turn off the VPN. Once you do this, the VPN status will change from ‘Connected’ to ‘Not Connected.’


Step-by-step Guide to Turn Off VPN on iPhone Using VPN Application

Step 1: Launch the VPN app.

Step 2: If the VPN has a “Settings” section, click on it. If the VPN doesn’t have that section, just navigate through the app and locate a “Disconnect” or “Disable VPN” option.

Disable VPN

Step 3: Tap on the “Disconnect” or “Disable VPN” option.

You have now successfully turned off VPN on your iPhone and Mac devices. Next up, I am going to show you how I turn off VPN, too, on my Mac device. This is as well easy as the iPhone procedures. If you’re excited to learn this for Mac, keep reading!

NOTE: There are 3 methods to turn off a VPN on your Mac device. These methods depend on how you are connected to the VPN. If you have an in-built internet security tool, you will switch it off differently than if you are directly using a VPN app. therefore, you can turn off a VPN on your Mac through your network settings, the VPN app’s settings, or Menu Bar. I am going to walk you through each option and the instructions involved.


Method 1: How to Turn off a VPN on Mac through the VPN app’s settings

Step 1: Find and launch the VPN app on your Mac device.

Disconnect

Step 2: You will find the “Disconnect” or “Disable VPN” option (options may vary from one VPN to another, but all do the same job). Click on the option.

As soon as you click the disable option, the VPN will no longer be active on your Mac device.


Method 2: How to Disable VPN on Mac Device Through the Menu Bar

Disabling a VPN on your Mac computer through the Menu Bar is not hard, but this depends on whether the VPN is visible on the menu. If the VPN isn’t visible, it means you haven’t activated the visibility Status of the VPN that will enable it to appear on the Menu Bar. Hence, you can’t use this option. Therefore, here is how you can make the VPN visible in the Menu Bar:

Step 1: Click on the “System preference” icon in the Dock or go through Apple Menu to access and find the option.

Step 2: Click on the Network Window option.

Network Window option

Step 3: You will see the VPN connection option on the left. Click on it.

VPN connection option

Step 4: Click on the “Show VPN status in the menu” option.

Show VPN status in the menu

After making the VPN visible, you can turn it off through the device’s Menu Bar. Use the instructions below to disable the VPN through Menu Bar:

Step 1: Go to the Menu Bar.

Step 2: Locate the disable VPN option. This option normally includes the VPN name. For example, let’s say the VPN name is “ABCD VPN,” the disable option on the Menu Bar should appear like this: “Disconnect ABCD VPN.”

With the instructions above, the VPN will no longer be active on your Mac computer.

Method 3: How to Disable VPN on Mac Device If Using a Built-In Security Tool

Step 1: Go to the Apple icon to access your network settings.

Step 2: Go to the “System Preferences and Networks” section.

Network Window option

Step 3: The VPN will appear on the left in the Networks section.

Step 4: Click on the VPN.

Disconnect VPN option

Step 5: Select the Auto stop the VPN from being active.


Instances When You Have to Disable the VPN On Your iPhone or Mac

1. Some Applications May Malfunction

Some Applications May Malfunction

I have had moments where some of my apps would start misbehaving suspiciously. I observed that it often occurs when my VPN is active. And this issue is not unique to one VPN provider alone; it pretty much occurs with others. If you face such problems, momentarily disabling your VPN will solve the problem.

2. Availability Issues

Your VPN may not have a server in your location. This can lead to some accessibility problems. There is some content unique to the region that you may want to access, but the VPN may hinder the process since it doesn’t cover the region where the content is situated. Turning off the VPN may be the best option to get it.

3. Poor Internet Speed

Poor Internet Speed

It is common for your internet speed to reduce while using a Virtual Private Network. This is usually noticed when undertaking heavy tasks that consume a lot of data, such as online gaming and accessing bulky files. The experience can be frustrating. I experienced this while gaming and needed to turn off my VPN momentarily. This happens because the VPN provider creates an encrypted route. The routing plugs your device into a distinct server, which requires more effort. This acts as a kind of dampener on your internet speed. When this happens, you will be tempted to disconnect the VPN altogether.


Importance of Turning on your VPN on Your iPhone and Mac

1. Provides you with essential internet security

This is one of the basic reasons why most people use VPNs. Your VPN acts as a barrier against anyone who wants to access your information through the internet. Network providers keep tabs on our activities and can sell our information to third parties for different purposes. An active VPN will prevent these bodies from accessing your information.

2. Keeps you safe when using a public Wi-Fi network

Hacking and cybercrimes can easily occur through public Wi-Fi networks. If you often connect to a public Wi-Fi network, I will advise you to have an active VPN to stop anyone from accessing your personal details.

3. Keeps your personal information hidden from the government

Some governments keep a secret watch on the activities of their citizens through the internet. If you have an active VPN, they won’t be able to do so. However, in some countries, especially in Asia, laws against VPN use are forcefully imposed on the citizens, and using one would get you punished. So, ensure that using a VPN on your iPhone or Mac is not prohibited by the law in your region.


FAQs

Q: How Can I turn off the VPN on my iPhone?

You can turn off the VPN on your iPhone by going through your iPhone’s Settings App or the VPN’s settings. However, there are some VPNs that don’t allow you to disable them through their apps. If this is the case, go through your iPhone’s Settings App to disconnect the VPN.

Q: How Can I turn off the VPN on my Mac device?

You can turn off the VPN on your Mac device through the Menu Bar or the VPN app’s settings. And if you are using a built-in internet security tool on your Mac, you can disable it through your device’s network settings. 

Q: Why should I keep my VPN active?

It would be best if you kept your VPN active because it gives you ample protection against hackers, malicious content, the government, and whoever wants to access your personal information for one purpose or another.

Q: When I activate my VPN on my iPhone, what will happen?

By connecting your iPhone to a VPN server, you can encrypt all of your outgoing and incoming data. The IP address of your iPhone will be concealed by the VPN service you use, keeping your location anonymous on the websites you visit.


Conclusion

Tuning off a VPN on your iPhone or Mac device is not difficult. If you follow the methods and instructions applicable to each, you won’t encounter any difficulty. However, it is important for you to know that as soon as you turn off the VPN on your device, the level of security you are enjoying is no longer there, and your device will be vulnerable.

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HOB Soft

Hobsoft is a team of digital security experts dedicated to providing honest, unbiased reviews of computer software to help users find the best solutions for their needs. Our reviews, tips, and how-to guides are based on extensive testing and personal experience, ensuring that we provide reliable and valuable information. With a background in digital security products and services, Hobsoft's expertise ensures that our reviews are both trustworthy and informative. Our team is committed to providing accurate information and helping users navigate the ever-changing world of digital security.