Disabling a VPN on Your iPhone

While virtual private networks offer excellent security benefits, there are times when having control over your tech means switching off your VPN. A VPN is great for privacy and protection, but you might not always want it enabled on your mobile device.

For instance, if you find your Google searches suddenly appearing in another language, like German, it could be due to your VPN setting your virtual location in Europe. Or perhaps, a VPN you installed for work purposes is persistently trying to remain connected.

Turning off a VPN on an iPhone can feel complicated sometimes since there are multiple ways to disable it. However, it can be straightforward with a few methods at your disposal for disconnecting or even removing it entirely. If it reactivates on its own, there are easy steps to prevent that as well.

Ways to Deactivate Your iPhone VPN

Here's a flexible approach to 'deactivating' a VPN. Some methods involve simply disconnecting it, while others mean completely removing it from your device. Details of each method are clearly outlined to ensure you get the desired result.

Disconnect Using the VPN App

An effortless method to switch off a VPN on your iPhone involves the app itself. First, locate the active VPN app on your home screen. Each app might differ slightly in its user interface, but there will usually be a prominent disconnect button—a graphical green power icon or the word 'disconnect' should guide you without needing to delve into menus.

Once you hit the disconnect option, confirm that the VPN has stopped by ensuring the 'VPN' label disappears from the top of your iPhone display. At this point, the VPN has been successfully disconnected.

Turn Off via iPhone Settings

If the app's interface is unclear, or if you're uncertain about which app is running, you can disable it using the Settings. Access the Settings app represented by interlocking gray gears on your home screen.

Scroll down to find the 'VPN' option. If it isn't directly visible (as some older versions of iOS might not show it), choose 'General' and then navigate to 'VPN & Device Management.' Here, you’ll find the VPN management page at the screen’s top.

When there is an active connection, you'll see an option marked VPN Status. Toggle this from 'Connected' to 'Not Connected.' This action should make the VPN icon vanish from the screen top, indicating that it is now deactivated.

Remove the VPN Completely

To permanently disable the VPN on your iPhone, consider deleting both the application and its configuration, which should only be done if you are sure about your decision.

Begin by removing the app just as you would for any other application. Long-press the app icon until a menu pops up, then select the option to remove the app, confirming by pressing 'Remove App' again when prompted.

While eradicating the app also eliminates the configuration, verify by revisiting the VPN settings. If a VPN profile remains, tap the circled 'i' beside it, then press 'Delete VPN' to finalize removal. The VPN is now erased unless you decide to reinstall from the App Store.

Resolving Automatic Reactivation

Sometimes, after following these steps, you might notice the VPN still reactivating automatically. This behavior often results from the settings compelling it to reconnect.

Inspect the VPN's settings for features like 'auto-connect' designed for user convenience. Disable these options to prevent the VPN from re-establishing on its own.

Moreover, iOS settings may contribute to the automatic reconnection. By navigating back to the VPN settings, locate the 'i' next to the current VPN and switch off 'connect on demand.'

If the VPN app and profile have both been erased, yet they return, make sure all components have been removed. Restart your device to cement changes. If issues linger, suspect malware masquerading as a VPN or restrictions if it’s a company or school device.

When to Temporarily Disable a VPN

Though generally wise to keep a VPN active, there are times turning it off momentarily is warranted, such as when network speed drops or for stability issues.

If your internet connection is faltering or the VPN leads to errors in browsing or using location-based software, consider briefly disabling it.

Websites that rely on visitor locations, like streaming services, may block VPNs to maintain geographical authenticity. In such cases, temporarily shutting the VPN might help.

Additionally, excessive battery usage by the VPN app could necessitate turning it off until your device can be recharged.

Understanding iCloud Private Relay

While not a VPN, iCloud Private Relay may be misinterpreted as one. The process to disable it is analogous to disconnecting a VPN. Go to Settings, locate your Apple ID, and navigate to iCloud settings.

If subscribed to iCloud+, select Private Relay and decide whether to pause its activity temporarily or for good.