How to Turn Off VPN on Android? Step by Step

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By Muhammad Hussain

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) secures a connection between a device and a network by encrypting data and hiding your IP addresses using the internet. In this way, your identity becomes anonymous and secure while accessing the internet. It also transmits data over public networks without being intercepted.

But what if you need to disable it and its troubleshooting issues become a hindrance in your way? We made this process easy for you with multiple ways to turn off the VPN on Android. 

Your question about how to turn off VPN on Android will be solved in minutes.

Let’s dive in and learn everything you need to know.

Why Would You Need to Turn Off a VPN?

In such specific situations, you should turn off the VPN necessarily.  

Here we go:

1. Accessing Geo-Restricted Content

Websites or apps that block traffic from VPN servers or any foreign servers prevent access to streaming services, monetary portals, or government websites. You need to turn off your VPN to bypass these restrictions and enable your true IP address.

2. Improved Network Performance

If you are experiencing poor internet speeds, it could be due to encryption and rerouting traffic through faraway servers, as VPNs slow down the internet. Disabling the VPN can improve performance, particularly for bandwidth-intensive tasks like video conferencing or online gaming.

3. Troubleshooting Internet Issues

VPNs can occasionally result in DNS issues, ban specific apps, or interfere with local network configurations. Disabling the VPN temporarily aids in determining whether it is the primary cause. 

In some countries, utilizing VPNs is limited or outright prohibited. When in such jurisdictions, turn off your VPN to avoid unintended legal infractions and ensure compliance with local laws.

How to Turn Off VPN on Android

Let’s learn how to turn off VPN on Android differently. Before this, do you know the quick method? Let’s reveal this one on the spot.

To disconnect, open your phone’s quick settings panel or navigation panel, find the VPN icon, and tap it, and it’s done.

Steps to Disable VPN from Device Setting

Here, we jotted down the steps that you can apply on any Android device. However, a slight difference is possible.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android phone.

Step 2: Scroll down and click Network & Internet or Connections.

Step 3: Locate VPN or Advanced Settings to access configured VPNs.

Step 4: Tap the active VPN connection and select Disconnect or Turn Off.

These steps ensure that the VPN is completely disconnected without deleting the VPN profile on the device.

How to Disconnect VPN Using the VPN App

1. Navigate to the VPN App

  • Open the installed VPN app on your Android, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark.

2. Turn off the connection.

  • Tap the Disconnect or Power Button symbol, which is often shown on the app’s main screen.

3. Verify Disconnection.

  • Before quitting the app, make sure the VPN status is Disconnected.

Tip: Check the app’s settings to ensure that it does not reconnect automatically.

How to Delete or Disable VPN Profiles

  • Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN to access saved profiles.
  • Tap the specific VPN you want to delete.
  • Select Forget or Remove.

How to Disable VPN on Specific Apps

1. Open the VPN app 

2. Access Settings

  • Navigate to the VPN App’s Settings or Configuration Menu.

3. Search for Split Tunneling 

  • Look for an option that says Split Tunneling or anything similar.

4. Select apps to bypass VPN

  •  Select which apps you want to prevent from using the VPN under the split tunneling settings.

Troubleshooting VPN Disabling Issues

After several attempts, your VPN doesn’t want to quit and remains enabled. What could be the reason? 

Let’s find and fix it.

1. Force Stopping the VPN App

If the VPN stays active despite several disconnection attempts, navigate to Settings > Apps > VPN App and select Force Stop. This halts all VPN-related activity instantly.

2. Remove Always-On VPN settings

Android devices frequently let users enable Always-On VPN, which keeps the VPN running at all times. To stop this feature, go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN and switch off Always-On.

3. Check for Administrative Permissions

Administrator settings are used to control some VPNs, particularly those installed in businesses or schools. In such circumstances, you may need to contact the administrator to remove restrictions, so you can adjust settings on your own or turn off the VPN.

4. Restart Your Device

When nothing works, then give your phone a quick restart. A simple reboot can resolve glitches where the VPN remains active due to software conflicts or app bugs. It will also fix other network settings.

5. Uninstall the VPN application

You tried everything, but the VPN app is acting as an unsolved mystery. The only thing left to do is delete the VPN program, which is a foolproof approach to ensure it no longer connects automatically.

How to Know That the VPN Is Off

After disconnecting the VPN, you should validate that your internet traffic is no longer routed through it.

Check the VPN Icon: The quickest and easiest way to determine whether your VPN is turned off is to search for a little key. Ensure that the key icon (which indicates an active VPN) is no longer visible in the status bar.

Test your IP address: Use an IP-checking website to ensure that your IP address matches your present location, or whatever it was before you enabled VPN.

Conclusion

How to turn off VPN on Android is just a question, not a complex process. You can disable the VPN using a simple device configuration process or any of the additional procedures listed above. Understanding when and why to disable your VPN is critical for maintaining an ideal mix of security and performance.

Manage your VPN settings to match your specific needs!

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