How to Turn Off a VPN on Your iPhone (2 Easy Ways)

Keeping a VPN enabled on your iPhone enhances your security and privacy on the internet by protecting your traffic and identity. However, there are situations where you might need to temporarily disable your VPN. 

Whether it is for troubleshooting connection issues or accessing local content, knowing how to turn off your VPN is as crucial as using one. In this blog, we will show you how to turn off a VPN on your iPhone.

How to Turn Off a VPN on Your iPhone 

Turning off a VPN on your iPhone is simple and can be done in two ways: either directly from the iPhone’s settings or within the VPN app itself. 

1. Disable VPN on iPhone via VPN App

The easiest way is to head directly to the VPN app and disable the connection. Here is how to do it:

1. Find and open the VPN app you are using on your iPhone, such as PureVPN.

2. You will see the Connected button once the app is opened.

3. Simply tap the button and the VPN connection will be disabled!

2. Disable VPN on iPhone via Settings 

The second way is to delve into your iPhone’s setting and turn off the VPN. Here is how to go about it:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap General.

3. Scroll down and tap VPN & Device Management.

4. Now, select the VPN option. If your VPN is currently active, its status will be displayed as Connected.

5. To disable the VPN, simply toggle the switch to off. The status will then be updated to Not Connected.

Related Read: How to Disable a VPN on Any Device

Reasons to Turn Off a VPN on Your iPhone

Having your VPN continuously active on your iPhone is ideal for encrypting your data and hiding your IP address, even when you are not actively using your device. However, certain situations call for momentarily disabling your VPN. These include:

1. Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection

When dealing with persistent connectivity issues on your iPhone, it is a good idea to temporarily turn off the VPN. This allows you to figure out if the VPN is the source of the problem. If the connectivity issues remain, it shows that the VPN is not the root cause, requiring the use of other troubleshooting techniques to figure out and resolve the underlying connectivity issue.  

2. Slow Internet Speeds

If you are consistently experiencing slow internet speeds on your iPhone, you can always temporarily disconnect the VPN on your iPhone until you find a more reliable and stable Wi-Fi connection. 

Related Read: How to Increase VPN Speed

3. Access Location-Restricted Services

Turning off your VPN can grant you access to services and content that are geographically specific. This is because these services are often limited to particular regions, and using a VPN might restrict your access to them. Disabling the VPN reconnects you to your actual location, enabling the use of these location-dependent offerings.

4. Preserve Battery Life

VPNs can rapidly drain your iPhone’s battery, especially when consistently enabled. Turning off the VPN at night or when you are not using your phone will help you save many hours of battery.

5. Your Streaming Platform Blocks VPNs

Some streaming services rigorously enforce regional restrictions by blocking VPNs. High-quality VPNs often circumvent these blocks, but with platforms that fully deny access, disabling your VPN might be the only option to access their content.

Related Read: What is VPN on iPhone?

What are the Downsides of Turning Off a VPN on Your iPhone?

Here are some cons of disabling your iPhone VPN:

• Risk to Personal Information: Without a VPN, your personal information becomes more exposed to potential tracking or hacking, particularly on unsecured networks.

• Vulnerability on Public Wi-Fi: These open networks pose a higher risk when the VPN is turned off, as they are breeding grounds for hackers.
  
• ISP Monitoring: When you turn off a VPN, your online activities can be monitored by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and sold to the highest bidder.
  
• Government Surveillance/Censorship: By disabling your VPN, your government can see what you are doing online and stop you from accessing certain websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I turn off the VPN on my iPhone?

Keeping the VPN turned on provides continuous encryption and protection for your data. However, you may choose to turn it off for specific needs like accessing local content, troubleshooting, or when using apps that restrict VPN usage. 

Why can’t I turn off the VPN on my iPhone?

It could be due to a system glitch or an issue with the VPN app. Try restarting your iPhone and then attempt to disable the VPN again. If the problem persists, update the VPN app or remove the VPN profile from your device’s settings if it is manually configured. Disabling any ‘Always-On’ settings in the VPN app or the device’s VPN settings may also help.

Final Word

While a VPN provides many benefits for your iPhone, there are situations where you may need to disable it. However, it is critical to measure the benefits against the risks and only disable your VPN when absolutely necessary.