How to Disable a VPN on Any Device in Australia

Wondering how to disable a VPN on different devices? Check out our easy-to-follow guide!

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a useful tool that prevents cybercriminals and corporations from getting their hands on your personal data. It also enables you to access geo-restricted content, save money when shopping online, and so much more.

Every major VPN service today offers unlimited bandwidth, meaning you can leave it on at all times. But there may be instances where you’d want to disable it for a short time period. Read on to learn how you turn off a VPN on any device.

When Should You Turn Off Your VPN?

While we recommend keeping your VPN on as much as possible, there are some situations in which you need to switch it off temporarily. These include, but are not limited to:  

• When speed is the number-one priority, such as multiplayer gaming and downloading excessively large files. VPNs can sometimes slow down your connection due to the encryption process that takes place. High-quality providers usually have workarounds for this problem and can offer excellent speeds regardless.

Related Read: How to Increase VPN Speed – 9 Ways to Make Your VPN Faster

• When the content or service you want to access is only available in your country, but the VPN service doesn’t have servers in that location.
• When you’re experiencing network problems like “No Internet, Secured” and need to troubleshoot them to ensure the issue isn’t being caused by your VPN.

Disabling a VPN via the App

Most VPNs provide apps and software for all major devices to make setup and connection a breezy affair. If you’ve installed the client on your iOS, Windows, Android, or macOS device, simply launch it and click or tap the same button you used to turn it on.

Depending on the provider you use, it will read something like Stop, Disconnect, or Turn Off. However, the purpose is the same (to disable your VPN connection). For Linux VPNs with GUIs (graphical user interfaces), the process will be the same, though you will have to refer to the service’s documentation to turn off those using CLIs (command line interfaces).

Disabling a VPN Configured Manually

Keep in mind that the steps might vary depending on the version of OS you’re using on your phone or computer:

How to Turn Off a VPN on Windows 10

It barely takes a few seconds to disable a VPN on Windows PCs.

1. Open Settings.
2. Click Network & Internet.
3. Click VPN in the left pane.
4. Choose the VPN connection you wish to disable.
5. Click the Disconnect button.

How to Disable a VPN on Android 11

Turning off a VPN on Android phones isn’t rocket science, either. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Connections.
3. Tap More connection settings.
4. Choose the VPN profile you’re using.
5. Tap the Disconnect button.

How to Disable a VPN on macOS 11

A few clicks are all it takes to turn off a VPN on macOS computers. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Open System Preferences.
2. Click Network.
3. From the left panel, choose your VPN connection.
4. Click the Disconnect button.

How to Turn Off a VPN on iOS devices

Disabling a VPN on iOS phones or tablets is straightforward as well. Just follow these easy instructions:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap the VPN tab (you can find it right below Personal Hotspot).
3. Slide the toggle next to Status to disconnect.

Disabling a VPN on Other Devices

How to Turn Off a VPN on Amazon Fire Stick/Fire TV

If you’re using a VPN on Fire Stick or Fire TV, you’ve either downloaded its app from the Amazon Appstore, or sideloaded it from a third-party source. Either way, the only way to activate a VPN on Fire Stick/Fire TV is via its app – and that’s exactly you’ll disable it, too. All you have to do is:

1. Navigate to your installed VPN using the remote control.
2. Open it and wait while the app loads up.
3. Look for an off button or switch.
4. Click it to disable your VPN.

How to Disable a VPN on Smart TV (LG, Samsung, etc.)

Smart TVs typically don’t let you install apps, unless they’re using Android TV OS. In this case, you’re going to have to download the VPN from Google’s Play Store. The process of turning off a VPN is no different than activating it, so here’s what you need to:

1. Use your remote control to go to your installed VPN.
2. Open it and wait while the app loads up.
3. Locate the off switch or button.
4. Click it to turn off your VPN.

How to disable VPN on Roku

You must reset the factory settings to turn off a VPN on Roku devices. Here’s how: Launch the Services option and select Disable under the Start OpenVPN client section. The rest of the Roku settings will be unaltered, and you can turn off a VPN whenever you want.

When Should You Keep Your VPN On?

It depends on what you’re looking to do online. You’ll need a VPN if you want to:

• Use Public Wi-Fi Safely: Public Wi-Fi networks in cafes, airports, or shopping malls are usually targeted by cybercriminals. Using the encryption capabilities of a VPN is the best way to stay protected from them.
• Access Geo-Restricted Content: Can’t watch a movie on Netflix or video on YouTube due to geographical restrictions? No worries. You can stream such content from anywhere through a VPN connection.
• Browse Privately: Even if your online activities don’t require a VPN, you wouldn’t want snoopers to keep tabs on what you’re doing. A VPN switches your IP address, enabling you to access the internet with better privacy.
• Get Around Censorship: You won’t be able to use certain services and websites in countries that practice internet censorship, such as Russia or Iran. These restrictions can be bypassed instantly with a VPN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Safe to Disable a VPN?

Not really. Even if you’re connected to your home Wi-Fi network, your ISP can still view what you’re up to online. Therefore, if there’s anything you don’t want your ISP to see, make sure your VPN is activated before you engage in those activities.

What Happens if You Turn Off Your VPN?

When you disable your VPN, your traffic will no longer be protected by encryption and can be intercepted by anyone. The real location of your device is also going to be visible to sites, meaning you won’t be able to stream unavailable content.

Should I leave my VPN on all the time?

The answer to your question depends on how you use the VPN. If you use it purely for protection, then it’s advisable to always leave it on.
A VPN encrypts all your traffic, so it protects you from unwanted intruders that try to snoop on your data.
But if you are concerned about your privacy, then activating it when you need to is smart. It’s good to have a second layer of security, but it’s also important to keep your VPN off when you don’t need it.