Hello, fellow iPhone users! I get you — sometimes, you might need to turn off your VPN. Of course, I don’t recommend doing this and I say this objectively. In a recent report by app-tracking company App Annie, they discovered that we spend 4.8 hours on average using our phones. That’s a pretty significant chunk of your waking time.
Our lives are obviously intertwined with our mobile devices. We use it for work, education, communication, and entertainment. The amount of time we spend online is a glaring reason to protect our devices with a VPN.
Then again, there are a few cases where you might need to switch off your VPN. Let’s take a quick look at those reasons before I show you how to easily disable a VPN on iPhone.
Why do I need to disable the VPN on my iPhone?
There’s only a sprinkling of reasons why you might want to switch off your iPhone’s VPN… but yeah, they exist. Here are a few:
You need to troubleshoot your internet connection
Since this is a network-related issue, your ISP needs to know your real IP address, and might also need to access your connection remotely.
Pro tip: Only let trusted professionals get remote access to your devices. Many cybercriminals pose as IT specialists asking to get remote access to your device to solve a “problem” when they’re actually looking to install malware.
You have a weak online connection
Slow internet means it’s hard to get anything done. When you use a VPN, your online traffic goes through a secure tunnel, so your internet speed may drop very slightly, though it’s hardly noticeable. However, if your Wi-Fi isn’t strong enough to begin with, you can temporarily disconnect the VPN until you get a more stable connection.
Your battery’s almost drained
A VPN routes all your online traffic through its secure tunnel, so it’s natural that it uses a bit more power than using your device without it. If you’re running at 5% and have absolutely no way to charge your phone and need it for something important like booking a ride home, it’s probably a good idea to turn off your VPN for the time being.
You need access to location-based services
If you connect to a server in another country, geo-based services like ride-sharing apps and delivery apps might suddenly not work. Even certain shopping sites might be inaccessible. In this case, it’s not absolutely necessary to turn your VPN off — try connecting to a local VPN server instead, and everything should work smoothly!
You need to bypass network firewalls
Sometimes, your local network’s firewall at school or work blocks internet traffic if they figure out you’re connected to a VPN. That’s problematic if you need to go online to carry on with your tasks. There isn’t really a choice in this situation, so you have to disable your VPN.
If you’re going online for personal activities, you can instead connect to your device’s mobile data where a VPN connection will work.
Your streaming subscription blocks VPN connections
There are many VPNs out there whose servers are persistently blocked by certain websites and streaming platforms. If your VPN doesn’t do enough routine checks to provide working IP addresses and this gets in the way of viewing content, you’ll need to disconnect from your VPN to access those sites.
How to Disable the VPN on your iPhone
When you install a VPN on your iPhone, you should be able to turn it off via the VPN app. Most VPNs have an ON/OFF button right on the main page of the app. Of course, the interface will differ depending on the brand you’re using, so I’ll show you how to do it manually via iPhone’s system settings instead.
It’s super easy and only takes 2 steps. It’s as effortless as flicking a light switch!
Step 1
Go to Settings and find VPN.
Step 2
Toggle the switch to turn it off. It should look like this:
That’s it! Easy peasy, right?
Alternative Way to Switch off the VPN in iPhone Settings
There’s another way to do it within the system settings, but it takes four steps and does exactly the same thing. I’ll show you while we’re at it, but you’ll already be fine knowing the steps above. Here’s the other method, in case you’re curious:
Step 1
Go to Settings and tap General.
Step 2
Tap VPN & Device Management.
Step 3
Tap VPN.
Step 4
Tap the Status toggle to disconnect the VPN.
It looks like this when turned off:
How to Turn off the VPN through the VPN App
You can also turn your VPN on and off through its app on your iPhone. Since I’m using CyberGhost VPN, I’ll give you a glimpse of what it looks like within the app.
The left side shows the VPN turned off. When I tap the power button, it lights up, as shown on the right, indicating that it’s switched on and I’m connected to the VPN.
Simple and straightforward, right? Through the app, I can also choose which specific country server to connect to. In the screenshot above, I chose Romania. As I said earlier, the interface will depend on the VPN brand you’re using. I just wanted to show you how effortless it is with the one I have on my iPhone.
How to Uninstall the VPN on your iPhone
My first thought is, why though?
I’ll tell you why it’s not a good idea to turn off or even remove *gasps* your VPN in a bit, but if you really have to, here’s how you can do it:
- Go to Settings and tap General.
- Tap VPN and Device Management.
- Tap VPN.
- Tap the ‘i’ icon next to the VPN you want to delete.
- Tap Delete VPN.
The other and faster — way to do it is to long-press the VPN app on your home screen and tap Remove App. The iPhone will ask you to confirm this, so just select Delete App.
How to Turn off the VPN on Your Android Phone
Okay, maybe you’re an Android phone user who got lost on this page and looking for the same solution of turning off your VPN. Well, don’t go away — here are the super easy steps to do just that!
- Go to Settings on your phone.
- Tap Network & internet then VPN.
- Tap the toggle next to your VPN to switch it off.
If you’re getting a new phone and want to know how to transfer all your important files, messages, and cat videos, we have handy guides for that too:
- How to Transfer Data from Android to iPhone
- How to Transfer Data from iPhone to Android
Why It’s a Bad Idea to Switch off the VPN on Your iPhone
If you’re an Apple fan, I’m sure you did a little happy dance knowing you won’t have to deal with the term ‘computer virus’ again (I know I did). Perhaps it’s long gone from your vocabulary.
Apple does an amazing job to ensure this prevalent issue doesn’t hound its customers. Their products have security features built into the very core of their software and hardware design. This, of course, is no reason to slack off in further protecting your security. Apple is beautiful, but it isn’t flawless.
Sure, Apple encrypts your data when you store and transmit it to iCloud. iMessage also encrypts your messages when you communicate with friends — but what about everything else you do online through your iPhone? Your private information isn’t exactly protected when you log in to personal accounts, surf the internet, or stream shows.
Since it keeps increasing in popularity, cybercriminals are also constantly looking for new ways to infiltrate Apple devices. While Apple tries to mitigate risks, even Apple Senior VP Craig Federighi has admitted malware is a serious problem for the company, especially on Mac devices.
When you use a VPN, you put up an impenetrable layer of online protection that Apple devices lack.
Turning off your VPN is equivalent to bringing your guard down. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t:
- ️💀It puts your data at risk
Apple encrypts your data when you use their services but with everything else, your data is exposed, putting it at risk of theft. Apple’s services aren’t foolproof either, and you can improve your general safety by adding another layer of protection. When cybercriminals steal your data, they can use it to send targeted phishing attacks, break into your online accounts, and even steal your identity.
- 💀Your online activity isn’t private
This makes you susceptible to your ISP and third-party trackers’ prying eyes. You’ll get pesky ads that seem to follow you around, and that all starts with them tracing your online habits. Cybercriminals can track you down using your IP address and other data to expose you in a doxxing attack, spy on you, or use your device as part of a DDoS attack botnet.
- ️💀You’re unprotected on public Wi-Fi
If you often connect to free Wi-Fi hotspots, think twice. Cybercriminals hang out in these unsecured networks looking for their next victim. They can use open Wi-Fi networks to hijack your connection, see everything you do online (including when you type in passwords), and even install malware on your device without you noticing anything is amiss.
- ️💀It puts your data at risk
Why enable your VPN on iPhone at all times?
Before I go into the reasons, I want to emphasize that you should turn on your VPN on all devices, not just your iPhone. It’s essential that you protect yourself and your data when going online on any gadget.
Secure Your Privacy
A VPN masks your IP address, so anyone who tries to monitor you online can’t get your precise location. I should mention that CyberGhost VPN has a solid No Logs policy, which means we never store or share any of your activity logs. What can be more secure than that?
Unbreakable Security
A VPN encrypts your data, which means criminal hackers, your ISP, and even the government can’t get a hold of your information. Our 256-bit AES encryption turns your data into an indecipherable jumble — even the smartest minds can’t crack it. You get Wi-Fi protection too, both on public and private networks.
Access to Local Subscriptions during Travels
Sometimes, local sites and services are unavailable when you travel. When you enable your VPN, you’ll be able to take your local subscriptions with you when you go abroad and access them securely. You can also avoid sleazy dynamic pricing practices to get better deals online!
The CyberGhost VPN Advantage
We have millions of Ghosties worldwide for good reason. Here are the essential features that our users love:
| Uncrackable 256-bit AES encryption | Stops ISP throttling, unwanted snooping, and data theft. |
| Secure worldwide server network | 7000+ servers you can instantly connect to, all RAM-based that wipe out user data on each reboot. |
| Streaming-optimized servers | Servers with bandwidth reserved only for streaming, for secure and buffer-free watching on all major streaming platforms. |
| Kill Switch | Blocks internet traffic in case you disconnect from the VPN tunnel. |
| Unlimited bandwidth | No VPN data caps that slow your speed. |
| Best VPN protocols | Choose from WireGuard®, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 to customize your VPN connection according to your needs. |
Extra VPN Tips
Enable Automatic VPN Connection
Sometimes, you forget to enable your VPN when you switch to another Wi-Fi network. If your VPN has automatic Wi-Fi protection, make sure to activate this feature. This feature is automatically turned on with CyberGhost VPN — the app will ask you whether to turn the VPN on every time you connect to a new network. You can also customize it to instantly switch on when you’re on a new network.
Make sure you’re actually connected
It can take a second or two to connect to the VPN server after you turn on your VPN. Here’s a little clue to look out for to ensure you’re VPN-protected:
See that VPN icon at the top left? Once it appears, you can be sure that it’s switched on. The icon will be there until you turn off the VPN.
The Bottom Line
It’s absolutely easy to turn a VPN on and off, and you can do it either directly on the VPN app or through your iPhone’s settings. There aren’t many advantages to disabling your VPN though, but a few situations call for it. The important thing is to remember to immediately reconnect your VPN when you can.
The privacy and security benefits of a VPN greatly outweigh the reasons for not using one. Any temporary inconveniences you might encounter are mostly network or device-related, so it’s best to fix these issues right away so you don’t have to disconnect your VPN.
Try CyberGhost VPN today to enjoy top-notch security features at an affordable price!
FAQ
Can you put a VPN on an iPhone?
Yes, you can install a VPN on your iPhone. You can download the VPN app from the App Store. Likewise, you can add it manually by going to Settings >> General >> VPN & Device Management >> VPN >> Add VPN Configuration. Enter the details then tap Done.
It’s a good idea to install a reliable VPN like CyberGhost VPN. We use military-grade encryption and we mask your IP address so you can protect your data and online identity.
It’s very easy to install CyberGhost VPN. If you need extra help, though, our 24/7 Customer Support will be happy to walk you through the process.
Will CyberGhost VPN work with my iPhone?
Yes, CyberGhost VPN works on your iPhone. In fact, it works on all Apple devices. For non-Apple users, our VPN also works on Android gadgets and other major operating systems.
How do I turn off a VPN on my iPhone?
To turn off the VPN on your iPhone, go to Settings >> VPN and toggle the button to switch it off. You can also turn it off directly on the VPN app.
If you’re concerned about speeds, don’t worry about CyberGhost VPN slowing down your connection. CyberGhost runs at the fastest speeds and has 10 Gbps servers in major regions as well as streaming-optimized servers. We’re great for watching shows, playing online games, and torrenting without pesky ISP throttling.
You can try out CyberGhost VPN risk-free with our easy-to-claim 45-day money-back guarantee!
Is it easy to remove a VPN from my iPhone?
Yes, it’s very easy to uninstall a VPN from your iPhone. The fastest way to do it is to long-press the VPN icon on your home screen and tap Remove App. Tap Delete App to confirm the uninstallation.
The other method is to go to Settings >> General >> VPN & Device Management >> VPN. Tap the info icon then Delete VPN.
If you want to shield your data and your online activity from cyber snoopers and criminal hackers, we don’t recommend removing your VPN. If you do install one, make sure it’s a top-notch, trusted VPN.
Author Stephanie Yu
Stephanie is fascinated with cybersecurity and shares this with the world in easy-to-understand, no-frills writing. Outside work, she loves to cook, read books, spend time in nature, and learn a new language.
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Leave a comment
Posted on 22/04/2023 at 12:06
Thank you for this in depth explanation of what, how and why a vpn is and why it is so important to use when online. Deeply appreciate your time and the way you made the info so easily digestible! Thanks again!
Reply
Ghostie
Posted on 24/04/2023 at 15:24
You’re welcome!
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