Turning off a VPN on an iPhone is a matter of disconnecting the active connection in Settings or in the VPN app. The 5-step Settings method works when the VPN is controlled from iPhone settings. This guide was checked on.
Quick Guide
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| VPN is connected through iPhone settings | Open Settings > VPN and disconnect it |
| You cannot find the VPN menu | Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management |
| A VPN app keeps reconnecting | Open the app, tap Disconnect, then turn off automatic connection |
| The VPN returns after you turn it off | Remove its configuration profile, or contact the work or school administrator managing the iPhone |
| You use iCloud Private Relay | Turn it off separately. Private Relay is not the same as a VPN |
How Do You Turn Off a VPN in iPhone Settings?
To turn off a VPN from iPhone settings:
- Open Settings.
- Tap VPN. If VPN is not listed, go to General > VPN & Device Management.
- Tap the active VPN connection.
- Turn off Connect On Demand, if the option appears.
- Tap the VPN status switch until it shows Not Connected.
You can also search for VPN in the Settings app. Apple lists VPN settings under the General section of iPhone settings.
How Do You Turn Off a VPN from Its App?
To disconnect a VPN managed by an app, open the app and tap Disconnect, Stop, or the equivalent button.
To prevent the app from reconnecting, check its settings for:
- Auto-connect
- Connect On Demand
- Always-on VPN
- Trusted Networks
The option names vary by provider. Apple supports VPN settings that automatically establish a connection under certain network conditions.
How Do You Remove a VPN Configuration That Keeps Returning?
If the VPN reconnects or cannot be switched off, remove its configuration profile:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap VPN & Device Management.
- Select the VPN configuration or profile.
- Tap Delete Profile or Remove Profile.
- Enter your iPhone passcode and confirm.
Removing a configuration profile also removes the settings, accounts, or certificates linked to it. Do not remove a work or school profile before checking with the organisation's administrator.
What If Your iPhone Is Managed by Work or School?
A company or school can use mobile device management to control VPN settings. The VPN may be locked on, and the options to disable or remove it may be unavailable.
Contact the organisation's IT administrator instead of deleting the management profile.
What If the VPN Will Not Disconnect?
Restart your iPhone after turning off the VPN. If the problem continues, check for VPN, security, or filtering software.
As a later troubleshooting step, reset the network settings. This removes saved Wi-Fi networks and some VPN settings, so use it only after the other steps have failed.