How to Disconnect from VPN on Android

How to Disconnect from VPN on Android Devices.

Learn how to turn off your VPN on an Android phone. If you’re using a VPN and need to disconnect for any reason, there are a couple of quick ways to do it.

I’ll show you this on a Sony Xperia 1V running Android 15, but the steps are very similar on Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Motorola, and most other Android phones.

How to tell if your VPN is connected

Before you disconnect, you need to know if a VPN is actually running. Look at the top of your phone screen – the status bar.

If you see a small key icon (??) next to your signal bars or Wi-Fi icon, a VPN is currently connected. That key icon is the universal sign on Android that your traffic is being routed through a VPN.

On older Android versions, you might also see a persistent notification saying “”VPN is active”” or showing which VPN app is running. On newer Android versions like Android 15, that notification is often hidden to prevent accidental disconnects.

Why would you want to disconnect from a VPN?

There are several good reasons to turn off your VPN:

• Faster internet speeds – VPNs add a little slowdown because your traffic has to go through another server. Disconnecting gives you your full speed back.
• Some apps or services don’t work – Banking apps, streaming services like Netflix or Hulu, or certain websites may block VPN connections. Turning off the VPN lets them work normally.
• Troubleshooting connection issues – If your internet feels slow or glitchy, disconnecting the VPN helps you figure out if the VPN is the problem.
• You’re on a trusted network – If you’re home on your own Wi-Fi, you might not need the extra privacy protection a VPN provides.

Important note about privacy

When you disconnect your VPN, your internet traffic is no longer encrypted. Your internet service provider (ISP) can see which websites you visit. Anyone else on the same Wi-Fi network (like at a coffee shop) could potentially see your activity too.

Only disconnect when you’re sure you don’t need that extra privacy.

Method 1: Disconnect from VPN using Android Settings

This method works for almost any VPN app on your phone.

Step 1: Open Settings
Find the Settings app on your phone. It looks like a gear icon.

Step 2: Go to Network & Internet
Tap on “”Network & internet”” or just “”Connections”” depending on your phone brand.

Step 3: Tap on VPN
Scroll down until you see “”VPN.”” Tap it. You might need to tap “”Advanced”” or “”More”” first on some phones.

Step 4: Find your connected VPN
You’ll see a list of VPNs you’ve set up. The one that is currently connected will be clearly marked. It might say “”Connected”” next to it.

Step 5: Tap on the connected VPN
Tap the name or the settings icon next to the connected VPN.

Step 6: Tap Disconnect
A small window will pop up. Tap “”Disconnect.””

Step 7: Confirm it worked
Check the status bar at the top of your screen. The key icon should be gone. Also check that the VPN screen now says “”None”” or “”Not connected”” for that VPN.

Method 2: Disconnect from VPN using the VPN app

If you know which VPN app you’re using, this is often even faster.

Step 1: Open your VPN app
Find the app you use – like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Cloudflare WARP, ProtonVPN, or any other.

Step 2: Look for a connect/disconnect button
Most VPN apps have a big button right on the main screen. It usually says “”Connect”” when the VPN is off and “”Disconnect”” or “”Stop”” when the VPN is on.

Step 3: Tap Disconnect
Tap the button to turn off the VPN.

Step 4: Check the status bar
Look for the key icon to confirm it’s gone.

Method 3: Quick disconnect from the notification shade (if available)

On some Android phones and some VPN apps, you can disconnect without opening anything.

Step 1: Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification shade

Step 2: Look for the VPN notification
Some VPN apps put a persistent notification that says “”VPN is active”” with a disconnect button.

Step 3: Tap Disconnect
If you see it, just tap the disconnect button right there.

Note: On newer Android versions like Android 15, many VPN apps no longer show this notification to prevent accidental disconnects. If you don’t see it, use Method 1 or 2 instead.

How to completely remove or forget a VPN

If you want to stop using a VPN entirely (not just disconnect), you can remove it from your phone.

To remove a VPN app:

1. Long press on the VPN app icon
2. Tap Uninstall
3. Confirm

To forget a VPN configuration (without uninstalling the app):

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN
2. Tap the gear icon next to the VPN
3. Tap “”Forget”” or “”Delete””

What does the “”Always-on VPN”” setting do?

Some VPNs have an “”Always-on VPN”” setting. When this is turned on, your phone automatically reconnects to the VPN whenever you lose and regain internet connection. It also prevents your phone from sending any internet traffic without the VPN.

If you disconnect from a VPN and it reconnects by itself, check if Always-on VPN is enabled:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN
2. Tap the gear icon next to your VPN (or the settings icon at the top)
3. Look for “”Always-on VPN””
4. Turn it off if you don’t want automatic reconnection

Why does the key icon stay even after disconnecting?

If you disconnected but still see the key icon, try these:

• Close the VPN app – Swipe it away from your recent apps screen
• Restart your phone – This clears any stuck connection
• Check other VPN apps – You might have two VPN apps running. Disconnect from both.

Quick summary

To disconnect from a VPN on Android:

Using Settings:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Network & Internet
3. Tap VPN
4. Tap your connected VPN
5. Tap Disconnect

Using the VPN app:

1. Open your VPN app
2. Tap the Disconnect button
3. Close the app

To check if you’re disconnected:

• Look for the key icon in your status bar – if it’s gone, you’re disconnected
• Your internet speed might feel faster
• Apps that were blocked may start working again

Remember: Disconnecting turns off your privacy protection. Only do it when you’re on a network you trust or when you absolutely need to for an app to work. When you’re done, turn the VPN back on.