iPhone VPN connecting won’t turn off? You may need this guide to know the causes behind the issue, and get effective solutions to fix the issue - iPhone VPN won’t turn off.
Built-in iPhone VPN Won’t Turn Off
The VPN factory built into my iPhone won’t turn off. I toggle it off and it comes right back on again. I want to stress that this is Apple’s own VPN that comes preloaded on your phone. The only answers I can find relate to a 3rd party’s VPN.
- Question from Apple Community
If you are unable to turn off the VPN on your iPhone, the most effective initial step is to forcibly close the VPN app. You can disable it manually by going to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, or delete any persistent VPN configuration files.
Keeping a VPN enabled at all times can slow down your internet connection, prevent you from accessing local services such as bank apps, and also consume more battery power. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help you disable any type of VPN on your iPhone, whether it comes from a third-party app, an already set configuration file, or is caused by a system issue.
Before diving into the solutions, it’s crucial to understand why your iPhone VPN might refuse to turn off. Some common factors could be listed as follows:
⛔ App or Connection Persistence - The VPN app itself may be malfunctioning, keeping a connection alive in the background.
⛔ Stuck Configuration Profile - Installed VPN or device management profiles can enforce a persistent connection.
⛔ iOS Software Glitch - Temporary system bugs can cause the Settings app to become unresponsive or the VPN state to freeze.
⛔ Network Settings Corruption - Incorrect or corrupted network data can trap the VPN in an "on" state.
Now that we’ve identified the potential reasons why your iPhone VPN won’t turn off, let’s explore the solutions.
The following methods are organized from the simplest to the most complex, ensuring you can troubleshoot the issue effectively. Try them one after another, until you can successfully turn off your iPhone VPN.
Often, the application that controls the virtual private network (VPN) is the source of the problem. Follow the steps to make iPhone VPN turn off.
Step 1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-click the Home button on older iPhones) to enter the App Switcher.
Step 2. Find your VPN app (e.g., ExpressVPN, NordVPN) and swipe it up and off the screen to force close it.
Step 3. Reopen the VPN app. Once inside, look for a prominent "Disconnect" or "Turn Off" button and tap it. This action from within the app is more direct than toggling a system switch.
You can also try turning it off from the system-level Control Center for all VPN connections on your iPhone.
Step 1. Head to the Settings app on your iPhone > Go to General > Choose VPN & Device Management.
Step 2. Tap VPN > Toggle the switch next to Status to Not Connected.
If your VPN is linked to a configuration profile, removing that profile can disable the VPN at the same time. Follow the steps below to give it a try.
Step 1. Open the Settings app > Go to General > VPN & Device Management.
Step 2. Tap on the VPN configuration profile you want to remove, tap Delete Profile, and confirm your operation.
Sometimes, a simple force restart can fix minor software glitches that cause the iPhone VPN connecting won’t turn off.
• Force restart iPhone 8 and later & iPad with Face ID:
Quickly press and release the Volume Up button > Quickly press and release the Volume Down button > Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
• Force restart iPhone 7/7 Plus:
Press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button together > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
• Force restart iPhone 6s, SE and earlier & iPad with Home button:
Hold down the Home button and the Power button at the same time > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
If the solutions above don’t work, you can choose to reset network settings. It can help resolve issues caused by incorrect configurations or software glitches.
Step 1. To reset network settings, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Step 2. Tap Reset and choose Reset Network Settings. Enter your passcode if prompted, and confirm the reset.
📝Note: This will erase all saved Wi-Fi passwords, cellular settings, and VPN configurations. You will need to rejoin Wi-Fi networks afterward.
Apple regularly releases iOS updates that include bug fixes and performance improvements. Updating your iPhone’s operating system might resolve the issue.
Step 1. Open the Settings app > Go to General > Software Update.
Step 2. If an update is available, tap Download and Install. After updating, restart your iPhone and check if the VPN is still active.
If you've tried all of the above solutions and you still can't turn off the VPN on your iPhone, you might be wondering if there's a problem with your iPhone's operating system. In this case, you can try FoneTool Repair, a powerful iOS system repair tool that can fix system errors that may cause VPN not to turning off.
✅ One-Click System Fix: Repairs underlying iOS system issues that cause VPN and other functionality problems with a single click.
✅ High Success Rate: Effectively resolves persistent software glitches and system conflicts that standard troubleshooting can't fix.
✅ Keep data Safe: Choose Standard Repair mode to fix issues without data loss, or Deep Mode for more stubborn problems.
✅ User-Friendly Interface: Simple and intuitive design makes advanced iOS repair accessible to all users.
Step 1. Click the icon to download FoneTool Repair to your computer > Connect your iPhone to computer with USB.
Step 2. Click the iOS System Repair function, tap the Start Repair button.
Step 3. Choose Standard Mode (no data loss) or Deep Mode (erase all data) as per your situation. (Remember to fully backup your iPhone if you choose Deep Mode.)
Step 4. Download a new version of the firmware file for your iPhone. Finally, tap Start Repair to begin the troubleshooting process.
It’s inconvenient that your iPhone VPN won’t turn off, especially if it disrupts your normal internet usage. By following these steps, I hope you can keep your iPhone running smoothly without unwanted VPN interruptions.
For more detailed guides and support, you may visit Apple’s official support page or consult with your VPN provider’s customer service. If this guide is helpful, share it with others.