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If you are currently enjoying the privacy features provided by a virtual private network (VPN), you have probably wondered what would happen if you decided to turn it off. Turning off your VPN isn’t always recommended, but there are some good reasons to do so.
Accessing the web from your native internet protocol (IP) address can be handy for troubleshooting connectivity issues, or if you wish to access local services like online banks. If you want to use a local area network (LAN) or access certain corporate networks, you will have to turn off your VPN.
It’s not complicated to turn off a VPN. Some VPNs include features that allow you to temporarily turn off the service while setting timers for it to come back online on its own. In most other cases, turning your VPN on and off is as simple as flipping a switch.
If you’re planning to turn off your VPN, it’s important to know about the security repercussions involved — even if you are doing so temporarily.
High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
Loads of servers for multiple connection options
Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
Too many confusing plans
Using a VPN is great for protecting your privacy in a number of ways. It encrypts all internet data coming in and going out of your network. It also redirects your IP address to remote servers around the world, blocking all third parties — including your internet service provider (ISP) as well as government — allowing you to browse anonymously.
Some popular VPNs include:
Turning off your VPN can create security risks for your device or network because all of these features cease to function the moment you turn the service off. This may not be a big problem if you are in a low-risk environment such as your at-home network.
But turning off your VPN when connected to a public Wi-Fi network, for instance, opens your device up to other users on that network who could easily access your data and personal information — especially when it is an open network with no password protection.
With all that in mind, why would anyone want to turn off their VPN? Despite the inherent security risk, there are legitimate reasons to do so, such as:
An additional reason you might consider disabling your VPN is to access certain streaming services that currently block VPNs. These services include Netflix, Hulu, HBO, HBO Now, Amazon Prime Video, Youtube TV, and Google Play.
However, disabling your VPN to stream is unnecessary and still leaves you open to privacy concerns. Choosing the correct VPN will bypass these blocks and allow you to watch Netflix (and other streaming services) with your VPN. Some VPNs that bypass blocking include NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN — among a few others.
Disabling your VPN temporarily greatly differs from permanently removing it. When disabling your VPN temporarily, you are essentially flipping an on/off switch that can always be undone. Whereas removing a VPN means you are uninstalling the program and would need to go through the installation and setup process again to access the VPN’s capabilities.
Most VPNs will provide you with a program or app that helps you manage your connection. Disabling your VPN is as simple as accessing your VPN settings and disconnecting by clicking the on/off switch.
Depending on your VPN provider, this switch might be labeled “Disconnect”, “On/Off”, “Turn On/Off”, “Stop”, or a default “I/O” power button.
VPN providers want to make this process accessible and easy, so turning your VPN on and off through the third-party application will be similar while using Mac, Windows, iPhone, or Android.
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Do you want to disable your VPN but are worried you might forget to turn it back on again? NordVPN comes with a feature that allows you to pause your VPN connection for a set time — up to one hour — after which the service will restore itself automatically.
When setting up your VPN on a Mac operating system (OS), it will have you create a profile that can be accessed via the Network Settings. This allows you to easily disable your VPN through the following steps:
Windows VPNs will create a configuration within the Network Settings. To disable your VPN in Windows, do the following:
Accessing your VPN’s settings on an iPhone can be done through the iPhone General Settings menu.
Disabling a VPN on an Android phone can vary between models since interface options change depending on the manufacturer. The process is still very similar across the board, so we are listing as comprehensive a guide as possible that should apply to most Android interfaces.
Disabling a VPN on your device is useful because it always allows you to turn the service back on whenever you need it again. Completely removing a VPN from a device consists of uninstalling the program along with all of its functionality. There is no option to turn it back on as you will have to reinstall and set up the VPN from scratch if you choose to remove it.
Before removing your VPN, you will want to follow the above steps to first disable the program, as well as exiting the app. After doing so, follow the steps below to uninstall a VPN from each type of device.
With all Mac devices, you will want to uninstall your VPN application first.
After uninstalling the VPN software from your Mac, you may still need to manually delete the VPN connections created upon the initial install.
Fully uninstalling a VPN on Windows takes additional steps in order to wipe out any trace of the VPN files. Old VPN files may cause compatibility problems if you were to eventually install a new VPN.
First, uninstall your VPN app:
Now that the VPN app is uninstalled, you want to also remove the VPN connection from your list of network connections.
The final series of steps to cleanly uninstall a VPN from Windows involves deleting old Test Anything Protocol (TAP) drivers. These are generally safe; however, they have been known to create compatibility issues when installing new VPNs onto the Windows platform.
Delete your VPN app by doing the following:
Finish the uninstall by deleting your connection profile.
Start by deleting the VPN app as you normally would any other app with the following:
As with iOS, you will also want to delete any VPN connections that may be left on your device.
Disabling your VPN is rarely recommended as it will open your device up to certain security risks. Your IP will no longer be masked and your data will no longer be encrypted. This means third parties can not only pinpoint your location via your IP but also access sensitive data that could lead to serious security breaches.
VPNs come with software or apps to make managing connections easy. To disable your VPN, always try using your VPN software first. If your VPN is still connected after using the software provided by your VPN, follow our guides above to learn how to disconnect manually through your device’s connections or network settings.
While there are some legitimate reasons to disable a VPN, keeping it on all the time keeps your device and personal data protected from possible security risks. If you are experiencing internet connection issues or need to access services that do not allow VPNs, you can always temporarily disable your VPN.
VPNs offer strong privacy and security functions with little user intervention necessary. While we recommend leaving your VPN active all the time, there are some cases that warrant turning it off temporarily. Just remember turning off your VPN comes with security risks, so be sure to turn it back on as soon as possible.
If you ever want to double-check if your VPN is working, you can always compare your VPN-disabled IP address with your VPN-enabled IP address. If the IP addresses are different, your VPN is working! If the IP addresses are the same, however, check to make sure your VPN is enabled as this indicates your VPN is not working.
High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
Loads of servers for multiple connection options
Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
Too many confusing plans
