Removing a VPN from an iPhone is usually a matter of deleting its VPN configuration and, if needed, the VPN app. This guide covers 6 common cases, including temporary disconnection, managed profiles and network reset.

Remove a VPN from iPhone: Quick Guide

What you want to do What to select
Temporarily disconnect the VPN Settings > VPN, then turn the VPN off
Permanently remove a VPN profile Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN or profile > Delete Profile
Remove a VPN app Delete the VPN app, then remove its profile if it remains
Stop a VPN from returning Disable auto-connect in the VPN app and remove its profile
Remove a managed VPN Contact the school or employer that manages the iPhone
Clear non-managed VPN settings Reset Network Settings

1. Turn Off the VPN Temporarily

If you only want to disconnect the VPN:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap VPN, if it appears near the top of the screen.
  3. Turn off the VPN connection.

On some iPhone versions, you may find this under Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. You can also search for VPN in the Settings app.

Turning off the VPN disconnects it but keeps the VPN configuration and app on your iPhone.

2. Delete the VPN Configuration

Use these steps when you want to remove the VPN from your iPhone:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap VPN & Device Management.
  4. Select the VPN, configuration profile or management profile you want to remove.
  5. Tap Delete Profile or Remove Profile.
  6. Enter your iPhone passcode if prompted.
  7. Confirm the removal.
  8. Restart your iPhone.

Deleting a configuration profile removes the settings and information associated with that profile. A profile installed by a school, employer or other organization may also control network access, certificates, accounts and other device settings.

3. Delete the VPN App

If the VPN came from an app such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark or another provider:

  1. Find the VPN app on the Home Screen or in the App Library.
  2. Touch and hold the app icon.
  3. Tap Remove App.
  4. Tap Delete App.
  5. Open Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
  6. Delete any VPN profile that remains.

Deleting the app may not remove every VPN setting, so check for a remaining profile before restarting the iPhone.

Deleting the app also usually does not cancel a paid VPN subscription. Cancel the subscription separately through the VPN provider or the App Store subscription settings.

4. Remove a VPN Managed by Work or School

If Mobile Device Management, Remote Management or a company or school name appears under VPN & Device Management, do not remove it unless you are authorized to do so.

A managed iPhone may need the VPN to access workplace systems, school resources or internet filtering. Contact the organization's IT administrator before selecting Remove Management.

Apple states that removing management can also remove related settings and certificates.

5. Stop the VPN from Turning Back On

If the VPN reconnects after you remove it:

  1. Open the VPN provider's app.
  2. Turn off Auto-Connect, Always-on VPN, Connect on Demand or a similarly named setting.
  3. Delete the VPN app.
  4. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
  5. Remove the remaining VPN profile.
  6. Restart the iPhone.

A VPN setting can return when the software that created it is still installed or active.

6. Reset Network Settings

Reset network settings if the VPN still appears or your internet connection is not working correctly:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  4. Tap Reset.
  5. Tap Reset Network Settings.
  6. Enter your passcode and confirm.

This removes saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular and network settings, and VPN settings that were not installed through a configuration profile or mobile device management. It does not erase your photos, apps or personal files.

If You Mean iCloud Private Relay

iCloud Private Relay is not a traditional VPN. To turn it off, open Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Private Relay, then tap Turn Off Private Relay.

To disable Private Relay only for a Wi-Fi network, open Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the information button next to the network and turn off Limit IP Address Tracking.