Updated 2026
03 June 2026
2 min read
How to Turn VPN Off on Android?
🔍 Quick answer:
To turn off VPN on Android, swipe down from the top to open quick settings and tap the VPN tile — it'll turn from colored to grey. Or open the VPN app (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, etc.) and tap Disconnect. Settings → Network & internet → VPN also has a toggle.
Method 1: Quick settings tile (fastest)
Android exposes VPN as a quick-settings tile in your notification shade.
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade.
- Swipe down again to expand the quick-settings grid.
- Find the VPN tile (a key icon).
- Tap it once — it goes from highlighted to grey, meaning the tunnel is closed.
Method 2: From the VPN app
Best when you want to pause the VPN temporarily without forgetting about it.
- Open the VPN app (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, Surfshark…).
- Tap the large power / disconnect button on the main screen.
- Wait for the status to change from "Connected" to "Disconnected".
Method 3: Android Settings menu
Use this for built-in or work-managed VPN profiles:
- Open Settings → Network & internet → VPN.
- Tap the gear icon next to the active VPN.
- Toggle the Always-on VPN switch off (if enabled).
- Tap Disconnect or Forget to remove the profile.
How to confirm VPN is off
- Status bar: The key icon (🔑) disappears.
- Settings → VPN: Shows "Not connected".
- IP check: Visit whatismyip.com — your real ISP-provided IP should appear.
💡 Pro tip: If the VPN re-enables itself after you turn it off, check Settings → Network & internet → VPN → ⚙️ → Always-on VPN. Disable that switch to keep it off until you reconnect manually.
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