How to disable VPN on any device

A VPN is your armor against digital predators in the jungle that is the internet, but there might be cases when you would like to temporarily disable it. However, this is risky business, as you’d be exposing yourself to snoopers, hackers, and online marketers. In this article, we’ll show you how to turn off VPN on any device and discuss why it’s better to keep it on.

Contents

• When to turn off VPN
• Turn off VPN on Windows 10, 7, and other versions
• Turn off VPN on Android
• Turn off VPN on macOS
• Turn off VPN on iOS
• Why you should keep NordVPN always on

While it’s recommended to use a VPN at all times, there are a few scenarios when you might want to disable it for a short while. These include:

• accessing content that is only available in your physical location;
• troubleshooting network issues;
• setting up an internet connection for the first time.

When you disable VPN, there’s always a chance you will forget to turn it back on, making yourself more likely to fall victim to cyberattacks. Luckily, NordVPN has a special feature that allows you to pause your VPN connection on Windows and Android devices for up to one hour. After that, the VPN connection will automatically be restored.

Because it's so simple to turn NordVPN on and off using the app, we'll be covering how to turn off VPNs configured using your system's built-in VPN client.

Disabling VPN on Windows takes no more than a few seconds. The steps may vary depending on the version, but the basic principle is the same:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
2. Select VPN in the left-side menu.
3. Select the VPN connection you want to disable.
4. Click Disconnect.

You can turn off your VPN either directly in the app or in your smartphone settings. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet.
2. Tap on VPN.
3. Toggle off VPN.

You can disable your VPN connection directly in the app or in the macOS network settings. Here’s how to do that:

1. Go to System Preferences > Network.
2. Select your VPN connection from the left panel.
3. Click Disconnect.

Disabling VPN on your iPhone is straightforward and requires only a few taps. You can easily deactivate your VPN and then turn it back on:

1. Go to Settings > General.
2. Tap VPN.
3. Toggle off the VPN status to Not Connected.

Accessing restricted content. Whether it’s your favorite TV show on Netflix or geo-restricted videos on YouTube, a VPN connection will let you enjoy them anywhere in the world.

Staying safe on public Wi-Fi. Public hotspots are often targeted by hackers, and the only way to outsmart them is to use a VPN.

Blocking annoying ads. The internet is full of annoying ads and pop-ups that can lead you to downloading malware. NordVPN’s CyberSec feature blocks such ads in a snap.

Bypassing censorship. Some countries block certain websites and services, but you can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. NordVPN has obfuscated servers specifically designed to avoid heavy censorship.

Private browsing. Being online is not that different from standing in the street: you can be watched, tracked, and attacked. A VPN masks your IP address and encrypts your traffic, providing you with online privacy and security.

NordVPN is easy. Enable and disable it with one click.