Learn How to Disconnect Your VPN Connection

Understanding VPN Technology and Connection Basics

A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is software that creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server. When you use a VPN, your internet traffic flows through this secure connection rather than directly through your Internet Service Provider. This means websites you visit see the IP address of the VPN server instead of your actual location.

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VPNs work by routing your data through servers operated by the VPN company. These servers are typically located in different countries or regions. When connected, all your online activities—browsing, messaging, file transfers—pass through this encrypted tunnel. The encryption scrambles your data so that people monitoring your internet connection cannot see what you're doing online.

Most people use VPNs for several reasons. Some want privacy from their Internet Service Provider. Others use VPNs while traveling on public WiFi networks, such as at coffee shops or airports, to protect their information from hackers on the same network. Some users access content that may be restricted in their geographic location. Businesses often use VPNs so employees can securely connect to company networks from remote locations.

When you connect to a VPN, your device's network settings change. Your computer or phone receives a new virtual IP address from the VPN provider. All applications on your device that use the internet will route their traffic through the VPN tunnel while it's active. This is why disconnecting your VPN requires you to reverse these network changes.

According to VPN usage statistics from 2024, approximately 35% of internet users globally have used a VPN at some point. In some regions like Southeast Asia, VPN usage reaches 55% of the population. Understanding how to properly disconnect your VPN is just as important as knowing how to connect, as leaving a VPN active can sometimes slow your internet speeds or cause certain websites to block access.

Takeaway: Before you disconnect, recognize that your device's network configuration changes when a VPN is active. Disconnecting reverses these changes and restores your normal internet connection.

Disconnecting a VPN on Windows Computers

Disconnecting a VPN on a Windows computer depends on which VPN software you're using. Windows includes built-in VPN capabilities, but most people use third-party VPN applications. Here are the most common methods for disconnecting.

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For third-party VPN applications like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, or CyberGhost, the process is straightforward. Open the VPN application on your computer. You should see a status window showing whether you're currently connected or disconnected. Look for a large button or toggle switch labeled "Connect," "Disconnect," or showing a status like "Connected." Click this button to disconnect from the VPN server. The button will change appearance once you're disconnected, often turning gray or showing "Disconnected" text. This usually takes between 2-10 seconds depending on your internet speed and the VPN provider.

For Windows built-in VPN, the process differs slightly. Go to Settings by clicking the Windows Start button and typing "Settings." Open Settings and navigate to Network & Internet. On the left sidebar, click VPN. You'll see a list of any VPN connections you've configured. Click the VPN connection you want to disconnect, then click the Disconnect button. Windows will immediately terminate your VPN connection.

Another method involves using the system tray, the area in the bottom-right corner of your screen. Some VPN applications create a small icon here. Right-click on the VPN icon and look for a "Disconnect" option in the menu that appears. Select this option to disconnect without opening the full application.

You can confirm your VPN is disconnected by checking your IP address. Search "what is my IP" in your web browser. The IP address displayed should be your actual IP address from your Internet Service Provider, not the VPN server's IP address. Additionally, your internet speed may noticeably improve after disconnecting, as VPN encryption adds a small amount of processing overhead.

Takeaway: Most Windows VPN disconnections involve either clicking a button in the VPN application, using Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, or right-clicking the system tray icon. Verifying your IP address afterward confirms the disconnection worked.

Disconnecting a VPN on Mac Computers

Mac computers handle VPN disconnection similarly to Windows, though the interface and menu locations differ. The specific steps depend on whether you're using a third-party VPN application or Mac's built-in VPN functionality.

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For third-party VPN applications on Mac, open the VPN application from your Applications folder or by clicking its icon in the dock. The application window will display your connection status. Look for a large button showing "Disconnect," "Connected," or similar status text. Click this button to disconnect. Most Mac VPN applications will close the connection within seconds and show a "Disconnected" status.

For Mac's built-in VPN, the process involves the System Preferences or System Settings application. On newer Macs running macOS 13 or later, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. Navigate to General, then Network. Click the VPN option you've configured, then click the Disconnect button. On older macOS versions, go to System Preferences instead of System Settings, but the VPN disconnection process remains the same.

Mac also allows VPN disconnection through the menu bar at the top of your screen. Some VPN applications add a menu bar icon—a small symbol that appears near the clock and battery indicator on the top-right of your screen. Click this icon and look for a "Disconnect" option. This method is often quicker than opening the full application.

A useful feature on Mac is the ability to check your connection status in System Preferences or Settings. After disconnecting, return to Network settings and verify that your VPN connection shows "Not Connected." You can also confirm disconnection by visiting a website that displays your IP address, similar to the Windows method.

Some Mac users experience issues where a VPN application won't disconnect through normal methods. In these cases, you can force-quit the VPN application by pressing Command+Option+Escape, selecting the VPN application, and clicking "Force Quit." However, this should only be done if the normal disconnect button doesn't work.

Takeaway: Mac VPN disconnection typically involves clicking a disconnect button in the VPN application or going to System Settings > General > Network > VPN. The menu bar icon method provides a quick alternative without opening the full application.

Disconnecting a VPN on Mobile Devices

Mobile VPN disconnection on smartphones and tablets is generally simpler than on computers, though the process differs between iOS and Android devices.

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For iPhone or iPad running iOS, first open the VPN application you're using. Major VPN providers like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and others have iOS applications. Once the app is open, look for the connection status display, typically showing "Connected" with a large button or toggle switch. Tap this button or toggle to disconnect. The display will change to show "Disconnected" status. The disconnection is usually instantaneous on iOS devices.

Alternatively, you can disconnect from iOS settings without opening the VPN application. Go to Settings, then navigate to General, then VPN. You'll see a list of configured VPN connections. Tap the VPN you're using and tap the "Disconnect" button. This method works for any VPN configured on your iPhone or iPad.

For Android devices, the process is similar. Open your VPN application and look for a "Disconnect" button or toggle switch. Tap this to disconnect from the VPN server. Most Android VPN applications display connection status prominently on the main screen.

Android also allows disconnection through system settings. Go to Settings, then look for "VPN" or "Network & Internet." The exact location varies by Android manufacturer and version, but generally you'll find VPN settings in the connectivity section. Tap your active VPN connection and select "Disconnect" or toggle it off.

On both iOS and Android, you may notice a VPN indicator symbol at the top of your screen when connected. On iOS, this appears as a small "VPN" label in the status bar. On Android, a key icon typically appears in the status bar. These indicators disappear when you disconnect