Are you looking for a full guide on how to remove VPN? Then, you’ve come to the right place because we know why you want to remove it and list the detailed steps for you.
You may be bothered by the slow internet that a free VPN brings. Or, you may have received unknown calls from strangers after downloading the free VPN.
Don’t worry, today we’ll show you how to completely remove the VPN service from your devices.
Things to Know Before Removing a VPN
Removing a VPN means completely deleting the VPN program and all its related files from your device. It is not just about uninstalling the VPN program but also involves removing additional files or drivers that the VPN program uses for encryption.
For example, the TAP driver is a network device driver commonly used with VPN software to create encrypted network connections.
However, you don’t need to feel any pressure about completely removing a VPN, because as long as you download a VPN program again, you can continue to enjoy all its features.
How to Remove VPN – Step-by-Step Guide
The VPN desktop usually brings a TAP driver, so you need to delete the driver on the PC or Mac. However, Android and iOS devices don’t store the driver, so you just need to delete the VPN app, connections, and cache to remove the VPN service.
How to Uninstall VPN from iPhone, iPad, and Android
Android
Step 1. Long-press and drag the VPN app to “Uninstall”. Tap “OK” to confirm.
Step 2. Go to “Settings” and tap “Network and Internet”.
Step 3. Tap “VPN” and then the cog icon next to the VPN provider’s name.
Step 4. Tap “Forget VPN”.
Step 5. Clear the cache on your Android device and restart the device. Now, the VPN is removed from your Android.
iPhone or iPad
Step 1. Touch and hold the VPN app and tap “Remove App”.
Step 2. Tap “Delete App” and “Delete” to confirm.
Step 3. Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Profile”. Check the available profiles.
Step 4. Tap “Delete Profile” for the relevant entry.
Step 5. Tap “Delete” again to confirm.
Step 6. Clear the cache on your iPhone or iPad and restart it. Then, the VPN is removed from your iOS device.
How to Remove VPN from Windows and Laptop
Step 1. Press the Windows and R keys to open the “Run” dialog box.
Step 2. Type “control” into the box and press Enter. You’ll open a new menu packed with applications.
Step 3. Click “Programs and Features” from the menu. Then, you’ll see all the software on your PC.
Step 4. Click the VPN software and the “Uninstall” button above the application list to delete the VPN software. Don’t double-click on other software or drivers because this might delete them from your PC.
Step 5. Return to the “Control panel” and click “Network and Sharing Center”.
Step 6. Click “Change adapter settings” from the left-hand menu. Then, click “Yes” to confirm.
Step 7. Back to the Control panel again and click “Device manager”.
Step 8. Open the “Network Adapter” menu and find the TAP driver. Then, right-click on it and click “Uninstall” from the drop-down menu.
Step 9. Click the box to “Attempt to remove the driver for this device” and then click “Uninstall”.
Step 10. Clear the cache on your PC. It ensures no conflict with a new VPN program downloaded on your PC. Now, the VPN service is successfully removed from your device.
How to Remove VPN from MacOS
Step 1. Drag the VPN app into Trash. Then, click “Finder” and “Empty Trash”.
Step 2. Go to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”.
Step 3. Click “Network”.
Step 4. Select the VPN network you wish to remove.
Step 5. Click the “-” button next to the VPN network to delete it.
Step 6. Clear the cache on your Mac computer. Then, restart the computer. Now the VPN is removed from the macOS device.
Reasons to Remove VPN
VPNs can indeed offer you many benefits, including bypassing geographical restrictions, securing your devices, and protecting your privacy. However, VPNs can also bring some inconveniences, especially those that are free.
First, you might encounter network lag while using the VPN. This is because the VPN service’s protocol isn’t robust enough to fully encrypt your network traffic and personal IP address, allowing your ISP to monitor and track your online activities and impose restrictions. However, you can directly change the VPN protocol.
Secondly, you might have received strange text messages and calls on your phone. This may be because some VPN providers collect user information and sell it to others for various purposes.
Additionally, you should completely remove this VPN program, as the cache and auxiliary programs it leaves behind are likely to conflict with any VPN programs you download later.
Of course, you might simply no longer have any reason to use a VPN. For example, you may have just returned from a trip to China, or you no longer need to hide your IP address and other data.
Why Can’t I Delete VPN?
Typically, when you uninstall software, its shortcuts, and all its features should disappear from your device. However, you might find that some software cannot be completely removed. This could be because the program leaves behind cache, auxiliary files, or drivers that are still active.
Besides VPN programs, you might also notice this mechanism when downloading games. When you download a large multiplayer online game from Steam, Easy Anti-Cheat (an anti-cheat software) is also downloaded on your computer.
If you can’t uninstall the VPN program, it’s likely because you don’t have administrative permission for the software. This is due to certain VPN providers modifying the program settings of the VPN. Some VPN programs also require you to follow a series of steps to fully uninstall them.
How to Turn VPN Off on Android, iOS, PC, and MacOS?
Unlike removing a VPN, turning off a VPN only temporarily disables the VPN functionality on your device. You simply need to click the disconnect button on the VPN program. You can also check our article on how to turn off a VPN on different devices.
Additionally, if you encounter issues such as being unable to delete the VPN or experiencing slow internet speeds, please choose a reliable VPN provider, such as LightningX VPN.
LightningX VPN is a super-fast and rock-solid VPN tool for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux devices, Apple TV, and Android TV.
It adopts WireGuard and Shadowsocks to encrypt your data and privacy. You won’t encounter any internet lag or spam.
It offers 2,000+ servers in 50+ countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan. Meanwhile, it is easy to use. With one click, you can enjoy all the features.
LightningX VPN is very affordable and has many coupons. You can try the one-day free trial for people who download it for the first time.
How to Remove VPN – FAQs
Q: How do I completely remove a VPN?
On a PC, you’ll need to delete the VPN software and the TAP driver to remove the VPN. However, you just need to delete the VPN app and the cache on your phone. On a Mac, you’ll need to delete the VPN software and profile. The detailed steps are mentioned above.
Q: How to remove the VPN on a Mac?
To remove the VPN on a Mac, you’ll need to uninstall the VPN software from your Mac computer, and then delete the VPN profile and settings from it. The steps are mentioned in this post.
Q: How do I turn off Apple VPN?
You can go to “Settings” > “General” > “VPN & Device Management”. Then, find the “VPN Configurations” section, tap the Status Switch, and turn off the VPN.
