Are you ready to regain full control over your internet connection and potentially speed things up? Disabling your Verizon VPN might be just the ticket! Whether you're dealing with a pre-installed Verizon security feature like Verizon Digital Secure's VPN or a third-party VPN you configured on your device, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. Let's dive in!
How to Disable Verizon VPN: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Many Verizon users encounter a VPN service as part of their bundled security features, such as Verizon Digital Secure or Verizon Smart Family. While these are designed to enhance your online safety, there might be instances where you need to disable them. This guide covers how to disable VPNs across various devices and scenarios.
Step 1: Identify Your VPN Source - Where's That VPN Coming From, Anyway?
Before you can disable your VPN, you need to know what kind of VPN you're dealing with. Is it an app you downloaded, or is it a system-wide setting?
Verizon-Provided VPN (e.g., Digital Secure, Smart Family): If you have a Verizon security package, your VPN might be integrated directly into their apps. These often run in the background.
Third-Party VPN App: You might have downloaded a separate VPN app (like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, etc.) from an app store.
Manually Configured VPN: Sometimes, VPNs are set up manually in your device's network settings without a dedicated app.
Router-Level VPN: Less common for individual users, but a VPN can also be configured on your home router, affecting all devices connected to it.
Take a moment to consider how your VPN was initially set up. This will guide you to the correct disabling method.
Step 2: Disabling Verizon VPN on Mobile Devices (Android & iOS)
Mobile devices are where most Verizon VPNs, especially those from their security bundles, are active. The process is usually quite similar for both Android and iOS.
Sub-Step 2.1: Disabling via the VPN App (Recommended First Approach)
This is often the quickest and easiest way to turn off your VPN.
Locate the VPN App: Look for the Verizon Digital Secure app, Verizon Smart Family app, or the icon of your third-party VPN provider (e.g., "NordVPN," "ExpressVPN") on your home screen or in your app drawer.
Open the App: Tap on the app icon to launch it.
Find the "Connect/Disconnect" or "On/Off" Toggle: Most VPN apps have a prominent button or toggle switch right on their main screen that indicates the connection status. It might say "Connected," "On," or "Protecting."
Tap to Disconnect: Tap this button or toggle the switch to the "Off" or "Disconnected" position. You might see a confirmation prompt asking if you're sure you want to disable protection. Confirm your choice.
Verify Disconnection: Many VPNs will change their status to "Not Connected," "Off," or "Unprotected." On Android, you might also see a small key icon disappear from your notification bar at the top of the screen, indicating the VPN is no longer active.
Sub-Step 2.2: Disabling via Device Settings (For Integrated or Manually Configured VPNs)
If you can't find a dedicated app, or if the VPN is part of a system-level feature, you'll need to go through your device's settings.
For Android Devices:
Open Settings: Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification shade, then tap the gear icon to access your device settings.
Navigate to Network & Internet: Look for "Network & internet," "Connections," or a similar option. The exact wording might vary slightly depending on your Android phone's manufacturer (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.) and Android version.
Find VPN: Tap on "VPN." You might need to tap "Advanced," "More connection settings," or "More networks" first to see the VPN option. Alternatively, use the search bar within settings and type "VPN."
Select the Active VPN: You'll see a list of VPN connections. The active one will usually say "Connected" next to it. Tap on this VPN.
Disconnect or Forget:
To temporarily disable, tap "Disconnect."
To permanently remove the VPN profile, tap the gear icon or settings button next to the VPN, then select "Forget" or "Delete." Be cautious with "Forget" as it will remove the configuration entirely, meaning you'd have to set it up again if you ever wanted to use it.
Turn Off "Always-on VPN" (if applicable): If you find your VPN keeps turning back on, go back to the VPN settings, tap the gear icon next to the VPN, and look for an "Always-on VPN" or "Connect On Demand" toggle. Turn this off.
For iOS Devices (iPhone/iPad):
Open Settings: Tap the Settings app icon on your home screen.
Go to General: Scroll down and tap on "General."
Find VPN & Device Management: Tap on "VPN & Device Management" (or simply "VPN" on older iOS versions).
Locate the VPN Configuration: You'll see a list of VPN configurations. If a VPN is active, it will typically show "Connected."
Toggle Off or Delete:
To temporarily disable, toggle the VPN switch next to the active connection to the "Off" position. It will then say "Not Connected."
To permanently remove, tap the information icon (a small 'i' in a circle) next to the VPN you want to remove. Then, tap "Delete VPN" or "Remove Configuration." Again, this will delete the VPN profile, requiring re-setup if you wish to use it again.
Disable "Connect On Demand" (if applicable): If the VPN keeps reactivating, go back to the information screen for that VPN (tap the 'i' icon) and toggle the "Connect On Demand" switch off.
Step 3: Disabling Verizon VPN on Desktop Computers (Windows & macOS)
If you're using a Verizon VPN solution or a third-party VPN on your computer, the methods are straightforward.
Sub-Step 3.1: Disabling via the VPN Application
Just like on mobile, your VPN software will likely have a desktop application.
Locate the VPN Application: Find the VPN app icon in your system tray (bottom-right corner on Windows, top-right menu bar on macOS) or on your desktop.
Open the App: Click on the icon to open the VPN application window.
Disconnect: Look for a large "Connect" or "On" button. Click it to toggle the VPN to the "Off" or "Disconnected" state.
Quit the Application (Optional but Recommended for Full Disable): To ensure it doesn't restart automatically, you might want to right-click the app icon in the system tray/menu bar and choose "Quit" or "Exit."
Sub-Step 3.2: Disabling via System Settings
For Windows:
Open Settings: Click the Start button (Windows icon), then click the gear icon to open Settings.
Go to Network & Internet: Click on "Network & Internet."
Select VPN: In the left-hand menu, click on "VPN."
Disconnect or Remove:
You'll see a list of VPN connections. Select the VPN you want to disable.
Click "Disconnect" to temporarily turn it off.
To permanently remove, click on the VPN and then click "Remove."
Check Adapter Options (Advanced): For more control, or if a VPN is still active, you can go to "Change adapter options" within "Network & Internet" settings. Right-click on the VPN connection and select "Disable" or "Delete."
For macOS:
Open System Settings: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen, then select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older macOS versions).
Navigate to VPN: In the sidebar, click on "VPN."
Disconnect or Remove:
You'll see a list of VPN connections. Find the one you want to disable.
Click the "Disconnect" button next to it.
To permanently remove, select the VPN, then click the minus sign (-) at the bottom of the list and confirm.
Disable "Connect On Demand": For persistent VPNs, click the Details button next to the VPN and uncheck the "Connect On Demand" option.
Step 4: What to Do if the VPN Won't Turn Off (Troubleshooting)
Sometimes, a VPN might stubbornly refuse to disconnect. Here's what to try:
Restart Your Device: A simple restart often resolves temporary software glitches.
Check for "Kill Switch" or "Auto-Connect" Features: Many VPN apps have a "kill switch" that automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, or an "auto-connect" feature that reconnects the VPN on startup or when joining certain networks. Look in the VPN app's settings for these options and disable them if you want the VPN to stay off.
Uninstall the VPN App: If you consistently have trouble, or no longer need the VPN, uninstalling the app is the most definitive way to disable it.
Android: Go to Settings > Apps (or Apps & notifications), find the VPN app, and tap "Uninstall."
iOS: Press and hold the VPN app icon on your home screen until it jiggles, then tap the "X" or "Remove App" option.
Windows: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find the VPN app, click the three dots, and choose "Uninstall."
macOS: Drag the VPN app from your Applications folder to the Trash, then empty the Trash.
Check Router Settings (if applicable): If you suspect your VPN is on your router, you'll need to log into your router's admin panel (usually via a web browser using its IP address, e.g., 192.168.1.1). Look for VPN settings and disable them there. Refer to your router's manual for specific instructions.
Reset Network Settings (as a last resort): On mobile devices, you can reset network settings, which will clear all saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and VPN configurations. This is a more drastic step.
Android: Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth (or similar).
iOS: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Step 5: Confirming Your VPN is Disabled
How do you know it's really off?
Look for the VPN Indicator: On Android, the small key icon in the status bar will disappear. On iOS, the "VPN" indicator in the status bar will vanish.
Check Your IP Address: Open a web browser and search for "What is my IP address." If your IP address now reflects your actual location (or your ISP's general location) and not a remote VPN server, then the VPN is successfully disabled.
Test Website Access: If you were trying to access a website or service that blocked VPNs, try accessing it again. If it works, the VPN is likely off.
Important Considerations After Disabling Your VPN
Security Risks: Remember that a VPN adds a layer of security and privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address. When you disable it, your online activities become more exposed, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
Alternative Security: If you're disabling a Verizon security VPN, ensure you have other protective measures in place, such as updated antivirus software and a strong firewall.
Specific Verizon Features: If you disabled a VPN associated with Verizon Smart Family, understand that parental controls related to internet content filtering and location tracking may also be impacted.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my Verizon phone has a VPN active?
You can check for a VPN on your Verizon phone by looking for a small key icon or the word "VPN" in your phone's status bar (at the very top of the screen). You can also go to your device's settings (General > VPN on iOS; Network & internet > VPN on Android) to see if any VPN is listed as "Connected."
How to remove a Verizon Digital Secure VPN profile?
Open the Verizon Digital Secure app, navigate to its security or VPN settings, and look for an option to disable or turn off the VPN. If it persists, you may need to uninstall the Digital Secure app entirely from your device's application settings.
How to tell if Verizon Smart Family's VPN is running?
On the child's device, check the status bar for a VPN indicator. Within the Verizon Smart Family app (on the parent's device), you can often see the status of the "Companion VPN" associated with the child's device. If the Companion VPN is turned off or removed, Smart Family's content filtering and location tracking features that rely on it will be impacted.
How to prevent my VPN from automatically reconnecting on Android?
Go to your Android's settings, then "Network & internet," then "VPN." Tap the gear icon next to your VPN connection and look for an option like "Always-on VPN" or "Auto-connect." Toggle this setting off.
How to completely delete a VPN configuration on my iPhone?
Open your iPhone's "Settings," go to "General," then "VPN & Device Management." Tap the information icon (i) next to the VPN configuration you wish to remove, and then select "Delete VPN" or "Remove Configuration."
How to disable a VPN if it's installed on my home router?
You'll need to access your router's administration page via a web browser. Type your router's IP address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the browser, log in with your router credentials, and then navigate to the "VPN" or "Security" section to disable the VPN settings.
How to troubleshoot a VPN that won't turn off?
First, try restarting your device. If the VPN persists, check the VPN app's settings for any "kill switch" or "auto-connect" features that might be forcing it to stay active. As a last resort, uninstall the VPN application.
How to improve internet speed after disabling a VPN?
Disabling a VPN should inherently improve your internet speed if the VPN server was distant or overloaded. To further improve speed, ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal, restart your modem/router, and check for any background apps consuming bandwidth.
How to manage multiple VPN profiles on my device?
On Android, go to "Settings > Network & internet > VPN" to see a list of all configured VPNs. On iOS, navigate to "Settings > General > VPN & Device Management." From these lists, you can connect, disconnect, or delete individual VPN profiles.
How to know if my data is protected after disabling Verizon VPN?
When a VPN is disabled, your internet traffic is no longer encrypted by that VPN. Your data's protection then relies on the security of the websites you visit (look for "https://" in the URL), your home network's firewall, and any antivirus/anti-malware software you have installed. Public Wi-Fi without a VPN is generally unsecure.