How to Disable VPN on Android: Simple Steps for Any Device

Turning off a VPN on your Android device is straightforward once you know where to look. Whether you’re using the built-in VPN settings or a third-party app like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, this guide covers all the bases. We’ll walk you through the process step by step, including troubleshooting if things don’t go smoothly.

VPNs are great for privacy and security, but sometimes you need to disable them for faster speeds or specific apps. Let’s get started.

Why Disable a VPN on Android?

There are several reasons you might want to turn off your VPN:

Faster internet speeds: VPNs can slow down your connection due to encryption and server routing.
App compatibility: Some banking or streaming apps block VPN connections.
Troubleshooting connectivity: Disabling the VPN can help diagnose network issues.
Battery saving: VPNs consume extra power on mobile devices.

If you’re deciding whether to use a VPN at all, take our quick VPN quiz to find the best one for your needs.

How to Disable Built-in VPN on Android

Most Android devices (from Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, etc.) have a native VPN toggle in the settings. Here’s how to do it:

For Android 12 and Later

Open Settings on your phone.
Tap Network & internet (or Connections on Samsung).
Select VPN.
Tap the gear icon next to your active VPN connection.
Hit Disconnect or toggle the switch to off.

For Android 11 and Older Versions

Go to Settings > Network & internet > VPN (location may vary slightly by manufacturer).
Find your connected VPN profile.
Tap it and select Disconnect.

If the VPN was set up via an app, you might need to check the app itself first.

Disabling VPN in Popular Third-Party Apps

Many users install dedicated VPN apps. Here’s how to turn them off:

ExpressVPN

Open the ExpressVPN app.
Tap the Power button (large toggle on the home screen).
It will disconnect immediately.

NordVPN

Launch the NordVPN app.
Tap the Disconnect button under the server list.
Or use the quick toggle in the notification shade.

Surfshark or Proton VPN

In the app, hit the Disconnect or Stop button.
Most apps show a prominent on/off switch.

Other Apps (General Steps)

Open the VPN app.
Look for a Disconnect, Off, or power icon.
Check the notification panel—swipe down and tap the VPN tile to disable.

Pro tip: Always compare top VPNs for Android to choose one with an easy interface.

Troubleshooting: Can’t Disable VPN on Android?

If the VPN won’t turn off, try these fixes:

Restart your device: This clears temporary glitches.
Forget the VPN profile: In Settings > VPN, tap the profile > Forget.
Check for Always-On VPN: Go to Settings > Network & internet > VPN > Gear icon > Advanced > Turn off ‘Always-on VPN’ and ‘Block connections without VPN’.
Clear app cache: Settings > Apps > [VPN App] > Storage > Clear Cache.
Update Android: Ensure your OS is up to date via Settings > System > System update.
Factory reset as last resort: Back up data first!

If it’s a work VPN enforced by your employer, contact IT support.

Re-enabling Your VPN Safely

Once disabled, you can always turn it back on:

Use the same steps above but hit Connect.
Enable the kill switch in your VPN app for safety—it prevents leaks when reconnecting.

Final Thoughts

Disabling a VPN on Android is quick and shouldn’t take more than a minute. Remember, VPNs protect your data on public Wi-Fi, so only turn them off when necessary. For the best Android-compatible options, check our VPN comparison page.

Stay secure!