How to turn off a VPN on your iPhone
5 min read
A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that protects your privacy online. A VPN on an iPhone works by routing your traffic through remote servers. This process prevents your internet provider and other third parties from seeing what you’re browsing. However, sometimes you might need to disable a VPN on your iPhone. In this article, you’ll learn how to turn off a VPN on your iPhone, why you might need to do so, and why it’s important to turn it back on as soon as possible.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
How to turn off a VPN on an iPhone
You can disable a VPN on your iPhone in two ways — through the iPhone settings or directly in the VPN app. Both methods work equally well, so choose the most convenient for you.
Via the iPhone settings
The simplest way to turn off a VPN on your iPhone is through the settings. Open your iPhone’s settings, find the “VPN” button, and toggle the switch to the left to disable the VPN.
If you can’t find the “VPN” button in your settings, follow these alternative steps to disable a VPN on your iPhone:
- Open “Settings” and tap “General.”
- Tap “VPN & device management.”
- Tap “VPN.”
- Toggle the “VPN status” switch to “Not connected.”
Via the VPN app
You can also turn off a VPN on your iPhone directly through the VPN app. The exact steps may vary depending on the app, but typically, you’ll find a button or switch to disconnect or disable the VPN. Keep in mind that not all VPN apps offer this feature.
Here’s how to turn off a VPN on an iPhone using the NordVPN app:
- Open the NordVPN app.
- Tap “Disconnect.”
And that’s it — your VPN is off. When you’re ready to turn it back on, tap “Quick connect.”
Why should you turn off your VPN?
A VPN protects your digital privacy and security, but you might want to turn it off in certain situations. Here are some reasons why you might consider doing so:
- 1. To troubleshoot connection issues
- 2. To access location-based services
- 3. To resolve a weak connection
- 4. To save battery life
Troubleshoot connection issues
If you’re receiving a “No service” or “No network connection” issue on your iPhone while using a VPN, temporarily turning it off might help resolve the error. VPNs reroute your internet traffic through remote VPN servers, which can conflict with your local network settings.
Turning off the VPN on your iPhone allows your phone to connect directly to the network. If the problem is resolved after you turn off the VPN, the VPN might be the source of the issue.
Access location-based services
When your VPN is active, it changes your actual location by routing your internet connection through a VPN server in another area. This location change can confuse apps that rely on your exact location to work correctly, like weather apps, maps, ride-sharing apps, or food delivery services. They might not function correctly or could be unavailable altogether.
Turning off the VPN allows your iPhone to connect to location-based services without interference. This adjustment ensures you receive accurate information and access based on your true location.
Resolve a weak connection
A VPN routes your internet traffic through a remote server, which can slow down your internet connection, especially if the server is far away or crowded. By turning off the VPN, your iPhone connects directly to your local network, giving you a stronger and more reliable connection. A direct connection is beneficial when you’re trying to stream videos, join a video call, or browse the web without frustrating delays.
Save battery life
A VPN makes your phone work harder by constantly maintaining an encrypted connection to a remote server. This extra effort drains your battery more quickly. Turning off the VPN gives your phone a break, helping your battery last longer. It’s an easy way to stretch your battery life, especially when you’re out, running on 10%, and can’t find a charger.
Why should you use a VPN on your iPhone?
Not using a VPN service can expose your full name, address, phone number, and even your banking details to potential threats. The risk is too great to ignore. These are the reasons you should always use a VPN on your iPhone:
- Enhanced digital privacy. Without a VPN connection, your internet traffic isn’t encrypted, and your IP address is exposed. This exposure makes you more vulnerable to online threats like data theft, tracking, and profiling by advertisers or your internet service provider (ISP).
- Improved security. You’re also more susceptible to malware and phishing attacks without a VPN, especially on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. On these networks, attackers can intercept your data and redirect you to fake websites, where they can trick you into revealing sensitive information.
- Access to restricted content. A VPN lets you access content that is not available in your region. Whether it’s streaming services, websites, or apps restricted by location, a VPN on your iOS device gives you the freedom to watch, browse, and use what you want, no matter where you are. Even when traveling abroad, you won’t miss an episode of a favorite show that’s only available in your home country.
- Avoid bandwidth throttling. ISPs can sometimes slow down your internet speed when they detect activity that consumes a lot of data, like streaming videos or downloading large files. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, keeping your online activity hidden from your ISP. When your ISP can’t see what you’re doing, it’s less likely to throttle your bandwidth, so you can enjoy faster and more consistent internet speed.
- Secure remote access. A VPN helps secure remote access by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. This encryption makes your data unreadable to anyone who might try to intercept it. When you connect to your company’s network, the VPN ensures that your connection is secure, even if you’re using public Wi-Fi or an unsecured network.