How to Turn off VPN on iPhone？[2025 Updated Guide]

VPN helps us to hide our real IP, protect our privacy, and access restricted content on iPhone, which is a regular tool for many users. However, we may need to temporarily disable the VPN when certain apps or networks are not working properly. So, how to turn off VPN on iPhone? Keep reading!

TL;DR

There are two easy ways to turn a VPN off on your iPhone: using the VPN App or through Settings.

• Open the VPN app and hit the button to disconnect.
• Head to Settings> VPN, and change the VPN status.

How to Turn VPN off on iPhone?

Method 1. Use the VPN App

If you’re experiencing a VPN service through a third-party app, the quickest, most direct way to get started is to open the app. Most VPN apps have a prominent on/off button on the homepage, such as X-VPN, which you can tap to disable the VPN connection.

🔥Check the simple steps:

Step 1. Launch the free VPN app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2. Tap the Quick Connect button on the home page.

Turn off X-VPN

Method 2. Navigate to the iOS Settings

If you configured the VPN manually, or if there is a VPN in the device that was installed by your company or profile, you can turn it off directly through the system settings.

🔥Here are the steps you can follow:

Step 1. Navigate to Settings and tap the VPN option

Step 2. Check the VPN Status button to disable the VPN on iPhone.

Interestingly, if you want to reconnect to the VPN without having to go back to the provider’s app, you can also switch the VPN Status back to Connected – although the connection speed is significantly slower.

Why Should We Use a VPN on iPhone?

Many iPhone users use VPNs for stronger data security and a more unlimited online experience. Below are some of the high-frequency scenarios of VPN usage on iPhone:

▶︎ Privacy on Public Wi-Fi: Connect to free Wi-Fi without any protection is like whispering in a crowd – you think no one is noticing, but anyone can eavesdrop. Even a free VPN for iPhone can encrypt your data and disguise your identity to prevent chats or private data from being leaked or attacked.

▶︎ Lift Content Restrictions: Some streaming, live sports, or news apps restrict what can be accessed based on your location. A VPN allows iPhone users to gain access to global resources through servers located in different regions to obtain the identity of local residents.

▶︎ Prevent App Tracking/Ad Targeting: Even if you turn off App Tracking Transparency, some apps can still recognize your real geo-location and surfing behavior by your IP address, so a VPN puts on a mask of secrecy and wipes away your surfing footprints to reduce advertisers’ pinpointing efforts.

▶︎ Encrypt Sensitive Operations: Whether you’re syncing iCloud photos, logging into your email account, or making bank transfers online, you’ll get an extra layer of protection with an encrypted VPN connection to protect you from hackers.

▶︎ Protect Access to Accounts: When we’re abroad, accessing social media platforms, payment services, or even Apple ID can trigger “abnormal login” restrictions, and VPNs can help maintain the original network environment, preventing misdiagnosis of service providers.

▶︎ Solve Traffic and Bandwidth Throttling: Many mobile carriers impose speed limits on the sly, such as limiting video to 480p or restricting hotspot usage. A VPN masks the type of data on an iPhone, helping you get around these limits and get the speed and clarity you expect.

All in all, iPhone users use VPNs often because they want to add a “top-tier upgrade” to their device for scenarios where they need more security, freedom of global access, or privacy protection. With a VPN, you can be safer and more liberated online.

After learning more about the security and convenience of VPNs on the iPhone, many users have wondered: “Do I need to have a VPN turned on all the time, and are there any risks associated with turning it off? Are there times when you should disable it?”

No worry, here are two key questions to help you figure out the best time to turn it on and off.

Does Turning VPN Off Affect Internet Speed or Privacy?

Yes, but the impact of a VPN is twofold.

In terms of internet speed, a VPN encrypts data and transmits it through a remote server. When the network quality is poor, or the VPN server you’re connecting to is far away from you, web page loads, video playback, and FaceTime calls on your iPhone may lag. In such cases, turning off the VPN often restores the bandwidth.

However, from a privacy perspective, turning off a VPN is like taking off the privacy layer. Your online behavior, your real IP address, and your DNS requests will be exposed to the web and may be gathered by advertisers, internet service providers, and even potential attackers. Especially when dealing with account sign-ins, making payments, or viewing sensitive information, the risk of such exposure is not to be ignored.

To summarize, turning off the VPN on an iPhone may result in faster speeds, but it also increases your exposure.

When Should You Disable the VPN on iPhone?

A VPN is indeed useful, but it doesn’t need to be on 24/7. For iPhone users, the following scenarios are better suited for temporarily turning off a VPN:

1. When Need Minimum Latency and Maximum Speed

Whether you’re playing multiplayer online games on your iPhone or watching the local video library (such as Netflix’s region-limited content), if there’s no need to cross geo-restrictions, a VPN can in turn become a roadblock to a smoother entertainment experience.

2. When Use a Trusted Local Network

While browsing the public web, reading the news, or watching local TV content on your home’s high-speed Wi-Fi, a VPN isn’t necessary. Turning it off not only improves speed but also saves iPhone power and reduces resource usage.

3. When Need Precise Location Services

iPhone’s mapping, ride-sharing apps, or weather widget all rely on high-precision location data. The virtual location provided by a VPN can affect the results, leading to off-track routes or mismatched service recommendations.

4. When Apple Native Services Encounter Issues

Problems such as slow App Store downloads, iCloud not syncing, and Apple Music lagging are sometimes caused by a VPN affecting the connection path to Apple services. Disabling the VPN usually restores normal use immediately.

5. When the LAN Function Fails to Work

iPhone features such as AirDrop, HomeKit, AirPlay, and more rely on a local area network for device identification and communication. If the VPN is blocking local network traffic, you may experience a “device not found” situation.

6. When Apps Fail to Verify Identity or Payment

Certain iOS apps are sensitive to IP origin, such as subscription services, financial apps, and even in-app purchases, which may fail due to the location of the VPN server not matching your credit card info.

If you don’t want to have to manually switch between them, we recommend choosing a VPN that supports Split Tunneling. This allows you to set up different connections for different apps: sensitive data is encrypted over the VPN tunnel, while entertainment apps connect directly to the network. This way, you’ll be able to combine privacy and high speed without having to sacrifice either.

Pro Tip: The Best Free VPN for iPhone Recommended

If you’re interested in using a VPN on your iPhone or iPad but don’t want to add the extra expense for the time being, a product like X-VPN that offers an unlimited free version will be perfect for you.

Not only does X-VPN integrate the industry’s top encryption technology for free, it also has rare support for manually selecting free server locations, allowing you to protect your privacy while easily unlocking global content sources. 

Download X-VPN to your device by clicking the button below – you have enough time to experience its functionality before deciding whether to upgrade to the premium version.

Conclusion

So, how to turn VPN off on iPhone? Now you already know you can hit the connect button on the VPN app homepage or change the VPN status via iOS Settings to cut the connection. Still, using a VPN wisely means knowing when to disconnect—and when to keep it on for privacy and access. If you’re just getting started, X-VPN offers a free, secure way to explore online.

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