How to turn off VPN on any device?

4 min
January 15, 2025
vpn connect disconnect

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool that allows users to browse the internet securely and privately. However, there may be instances when you want to disable the VPN on your device—perhaps to access content in a specific region, troubleshoot internet connection issues, or modify network settings. Below, we provide detailed instructions on how to disable a VPN on various platforms and devices.

When should you disable a VPN?

Although using a VPN at all times is recommended, there are scenarios where temporarily disabling it may be necessary. Situations in which you might consider disconnecting your VPN include:

  • Troubleshooting network issues.
  • Accessing services available only in your region.
  • Setting up an internet connection for the first time.
  • Staying in countries where VPN usage is prohibited, such as China, Russia, Belarus, Iraq, or North Korea.

When you disable a VPN, there is a risk of forgetting to turn it back on, which could increase the chances of cyberattacks and exposing your personal data.

With tuxlerVPN’s easy-to-manage application, here’s how to disable a VPN connection configured using the system’s built-in VPN client.

How to turn off VPN on Windows?

If you are using a VPN on a Windows system, there are several simple ways to disable it.

Disabling VPN in Windows network settings

The first method involves disabling the VPN through system settings:

  1. Open Settings by clicking the Start menu and selecting Settings.
  2. Navigate to Network & Internet and select VPN.
  3. Find your VPN on the list, click on it, and choose Disconnect.

Disabling via the tuxlerVPN app

If you are using the tuxlerVPN app on Windows, you can easily disable the VPN from within the app. Open the application and move the toggle at the top of the interface as shown in the visuals below.

tuxlerVPN app turn off windows

How to turn off VPN on iOS and macOS?

Users of iOS devices (iPhones and iPads) and macOS computers can disable their VPN quickly.

Disabling VPN in iOS settings

To disable a VPN on iOS:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select VPN & Device Management or go to General > VPN.
  3. Toggle the switch next to the VPN name to turn it off.

Disabling VPN on macOS

To disable a VPN on macOS:

  1. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the screen and select System Preferences.
  2. Open the Network tab, find your VPN connection, and click Disconnect.

Disabling via the VPN App

If you use the TuxlerVPN app, open it and move the green toggle at the top of the interface to the “Unprotected” status. This will quickly and easily disable your VPN.

How to turn off VPN in a browser?

To disable a VPN in your browser (Chrome or Firefox):

  1. Open your list of extensions.
  2. Select the TuxlerVPN extension.
  3. Move the green toggle to the “Unprotected” position.

The VPN will be immediately disabled. The feature is illustrated in the visuals below.

tuxlerVPN app turn off in browser

What happens when you turn off VPN?

When you deactivate a VPN, you lose the additional layer of protection and anonymity it provides. Your internet activity becomes visible to your internet service provider, and the websites you visit can identify your real IP address and location. As a result, your connection becomes less private. Disabling a VPN also lowers the security level of your data, increasing the risk of exposure. Furthermore, after turning off a VPN, you might lose access to certain resources and services available only through the VPN connection.

Why should you keep tuxlerVPN always on?

  • Protecting Yourself on Public Wi-Fi
    Public Wi-Fi hotspots are common targets for cybercriminals. One of the most effective ways to secure your data is by using a VPN, which protects your connection from interception attempts.
  • Blocking Annoying Ads
    The internet is full of intrusive ads and pop-ups that may lead to accidental downloads of malware. TuxlerVPN offers a threat protection feature that automatically blocks such elements, prevents user tracking, and identifies malicious files.
  • Bypassing Censorship
    In some countries, access to specific websites and services is restricted. A VPN allows you to bypass these blocks, unlocking content such as YouTube or other services. TuxlerVPN also provides a feature that routes your traffic through your home device. For example, while in China, you can connect to a computer in the US to access the internet as if you were physically located there.
  • Ensuring Privacy While Browsing
    Browsing the internet is like being in a public space—your activities can be monitored, tracked, or exploited. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your data, ensuring anonymity and security online.
  • Battery Usage
    Many believe that using a VPN significantly drains battery life, but this is a myth. The difference in energy consumption between having a VPN on or off is minimal. In some cases, a VPN may even help save energy by reducing the amount of processed data.

Disabling VPN on any device

When turning off a VPN, it’s important to remember the potential risks associated with this action. Disconnecting from a virtual private network means losing protection and anonymity, leaving you vulnerable to monitoring by internet service providers and exposing your true IP address and location. While disabling a VPN is sometimes necessary, such as when troubleshooting network issues or accessing local content, it’s advisable to re-enable the VPN to maintain a high level of security and privacy. Using the TuxlerVPN app makes managing your connection easy and allows you to quickly restore protection, minimising the risk of exposing your data to unwanted access.

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