How to Turn Off VPN on iPhone: Quick Step-by-Step Guide for iOS 18

Turning off a VPN on your iPhone can be straightforward, but it depends on how it was set up—whether through the native Settings app or a third-party VPN service. If you’re experiencing slow speeds, need to access local content, or simply want to disconnect temporarily, this guide covers all methods for iOS 18 and earlier versions. We’ll walk you through the steps safely and efficiently.

Whether you’re using ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or a free option, knowing how to toggle it off ensures you maintain control over your privacy and performance.

Why Turn Off a VPN on iPhone?

VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP address, which is great for privacy on public Wi-Fi. However, there are valid reasons to disable it:

Bypass geo-restrictions for local services: Streaming BBC iPlayer or banking apps might require your real UK IP.
Improve speeds: VPNs can add latency, especially on mobile data.
Troubleshoot connectivity: Some apps or networks don’t play well with VPNs.
Save battery: Constant encryption drains power.

Remember, turning off your VPN exposes your traffic, so only do it on trusted networks.

Method 1: Turn Off VPN Using iPhone Settings

This works for VPNs configured directly in iOS, like manual IKEv2 or L2TP setups.

Open the Settings app.
Scroll to General > VPN & Device Management (or just VPN on older iOS).
Tap the VPN configuration you want to disable.
Toggle the Status switch to Off (it turns grey).
If prompted, confirm disconnection.

For per-app VPNs:

Go to Settings > VPN > tap the info (i) icon next to the profile.
Select Don’t Allow or delete the configuration.

![iPhone VPN Settings screenshot description: Shows General menu with VPN toggle off.]

Method 2: Turn Off VPN Via the VPN App

Most popular VPNs (like Surfshark or CyberGhost) have their own apps with quick-disconnect buttons.

Open your VPN app (e.g., ExpressVPN).
Tap the power or connect button (usually large and prominent on the home screen).
It should show ‘Disconnected’ or ‘Off’.
Some apps have a quick disconnect in the notification centre—swipe down from the top-right and tap the VPN tile.

Pro tip: Check app settings for ‘Kill Switch’—disable it first if the VPN won’t turn off.

Disable Auto-Connect and Always-On Features

iPhones can auto-reconnect VPNs on untrusted Wi-Fi.

Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > tap (i) next to your VPN.
Turn off Connect on Demand and On-Demand VPN.
In your VPN app settings, disable Auto-connect on Wi-Fi or Startup options.

This prevents the VPN from reactivating unexpectedly.

Troubleshooting: Can’t Turn Off VPN on iPhone?

If the toggle is greyed out or it reconnects:

Restart your iPhone: Hold power + volume down, slide to power off, then restart.
Forget the network: Settings > Wi-Fi > tap (i) > Forget This Network.
Update iOS: Settings > General > Software Update.
Delete VPN profile: Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > Delete Profile (enter passcode if needed).
Reinstall the app: Offload or delete via App Library, then redownload from the App Store.
Check for MDM profiles: If work-issued, contact your IT admin.

If issues persist, it might be a bug—reset network settings (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings), but note this erases Wi-Fi passwords.

When to Keep Your VPN On (and Top UK Recommendations)

Don’t disable permanently if privacy matters. Use a reliable VPN for:

Public Wi-Fi in cafes or airports.
Streaming Netflix UK abroad.
Avoiding ISP throttling.

For the best iPhone VPNs in the UK, compare top providers here or take our quick VPN quiz to find your perfect match. Look for apps with one-tap disconnects and UK servers for speed.

Final Thoughts

Turning off a VPN on iPhone is quick once you know where to look. Follow these steps for instant relief, but prioritise security with trusted VPNs. If you’re shopping for a new one, our site reviews the fastest, most secure options tailored for UK users.