How to completely remove a VPN from your iPhone

Removing a VPN from your iPhone should only take two minutes. But if you miss a step, you might have some lingering VPN code and data on your device, or experience connectivity issues. 

So, in this super quick guide, we’ll take you through the various steps involved. 

Hang on, though – why are you removing your iPhone VPN? You know this will lead to a less secure, less private, and less open internet… right?

If your VPN isn’t working properly, have you looked at alternatives? You might want to check out the best iPhone VPNs to find a better fit. 

But for now, let’s remove your current VPN from your iPhone.

Method 1 – Uninstall the VPN app

​​Step-by-step instructions on locating, long-pressing, and deleting the app:

That’s it!

Method 2: Delete the VPN profile

If you’re using an older or cracked VPN*, you may have created a "profile” in your iPhone settings. Don’t worry, this is easy to reverse: 

*Cracked VPNs are incredibly dangerous. They often include viruses and malicious software embedded in the cracked VPNs code and slipped onto your iPhone without your knowledge. 

If you’re uninstalling a cracked VPN, you should run an iPhone antivirus program once you’re finished to ensure nothing malicious is lurking on your device. 

Clearing your browser and app data after VPN removal

Some VPNs may leave residual data within your web browser or other apps. These can take time to auto-delete and occasionally disrupt your internet connection or app functionality.

Once again, clearing your browser data is simple: 

Go into your browser's settings and find the option to clear browsing history and data. Instructions may vary slightly between browsers (Safari, Chrome, etc.).

That’s it. 

However, this will also delete your browsing history, log you out of accounts, and delete some auto-fills. So, before doing this, check the VPN has been removed entirely by following the steps below. 

For individual internet-connected apps (like Netflix and YouTube), you’ll need to check their data settings or wait for them to automatically wipe any residual VPN data. 

Verifying a complete VPN removal on your iPhone

There are two quick ways to test if your VPN was wiped completely from your iPhone: 

• Check internet connection: Test your internet connection by loading regular websites. Are you able to connect and browse normally? Is the content related to your location (i.e., you’re getting local Google search results)?
• Check your IP address: Visit a website like "WhatIsMyIP.com" to verify your IP address. If the VPN is fully removed, it should display your actual IP address, not the VPN server's address.

Why are you removing your VPN from your iPhone?

The best iPhone VPNs should work seamlessly with your device. However, less advanced VPNs – especially free VPNs – can cause problems. 

Below, we’ll quickly break down the most common reasons people remove their iPhone VPNs and offer a solution to each.

Your internet is too slow

While every VPN will have a small impact on your internet connection, you shouldn’t notice a difference unless you connect to servers on the other side of the world. The fastest VPNs can actually speed up your connection and make it more stable. 

So, if your VPN slows your internet too much, you need to upgrade to a more advanced, faster provider. ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN in the world, largely thanks to its Lightway protocol. Surfshark offers similar speeds at a much lower cost. NordVPN strikes a balance between speed, performance, and cost. 

Any of these VPNs will deliver a top-notch experience. 

You need to access local websites and services

It’s a pain turning your VPN on and off whenever you need to switch back to your local network for internet banking and similar services. 

Instead of ditching VPNs completely, look for one with split tunneling. Split tunneling is a VPN tool that divides your internet connection in two, so you can use your local server (for internet banking and services) and a VPN server (for streaming Netflix US and such) simultaneously. 

ExpressVPN has the best split tunneling available, but any of the top VPNs provide it as standard. 

The VPN is draining your battery

At ProPrivacy, we test every VPN on real iPhones to ensure they’re lightweight. In most cases, they don’t significantly impact your battery. 

But if you’re using an older iPhone or a less advanced VPN, you might experience rapid battery drain. 

Here’s our suggestion. Once you’ve deleted your current VPN, see how long your battery lasts. Then, install a cheap monthly VPN to see if it performs better. They usually only cost around $10 per month, and if you’re happy, you can extend. Your monthly plan will drop to around $2 with most providers. 

The VPN has been blocked by streamers

Ah, the constant cat-and-mouse between streaming sites and VPNs!

At this point, you probably know that 99% of VPNs don’t work with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other popular streamers. 

We won’t bore you with the reasons why here. It has a lot to do with copyright law and IP addresses. 

Instead, let’s skip to the solution. 

You need a VPN with: 

• 1,000s of servers located across the globe
• Streaming-dedicated servers optimized for Netflix and the rest
• Stealth tech that shields the VPN from streamers’ detection tools

Less than 1% of VPNs provide these tools. ExpressVPN offers them as standard, along with a tonne of other advanced features. 

The VPN is too expensive

If you’ve signed up for a long-term VPN plan, you shouldn’t spend more than $5 monthly on your subscription. 

Our top budget VPNs charge, on average, $2.50/month. 

So, if your current VPN costs too much – or you’re using a free VPN and it’s driving you crazy – check out the list above and test them out on a monthly plan. They all have 30-day money-back guarantees, so there’s zero risk.

That’s a wrap!

 Follow the simple steps in this quick guide, and your iPhone will be VPN-free. 

You’ll now be exposed to all the dangers lurking online, blocked from your favorite international streaming sites, and constantly tracked by advertisers, internet providers, and government agencies watching your every online activity. 

Okay, just kidding (but not really).

So, if you’re removing your iPhone VPN because you’re unhappy, don’t give up on VPNs just yet. Check out our top iOS VPNs. They all offer 30-day money-back guarantees, with zero risk in trying them out.