iPhone VPN Won’t Turn Off? Here Are Fixes

The VPN (Virtual Private Network) feature on an iPhone is a valuable tool for enhancing privacy and security while browsing the internet. It masks your IP address, encrypts your data, and allows access to restricted content by routing your internet connection through a server in a different location.

However, there may be times when you want to turn off the VPN, but it remains stubbornly active, causing frustration and potential issues with your internet connection.

In this article, we will explore why your iPhone VPN won’t turn off and provide comprehensive solutions to resolve the issue. Let’s get started.

Why iPhone VPN Won’t Turn Off?

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 below:
⛔ Persistent connection settings.
⛔ Software glitches.
⛔ VPN profiles installed by third-party apps
⛔ Restrictions or device management

Now that we’ve identified the potential reasons why your iPhone VPN won’t turn off, let’s explore the solutions.

6 Fixes to Can’t Turn off iPhone VPN

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.

1# Try turning Off VPN Again from Settings

Firstly, you could try every possible methods to turn off VPN on your iPhone. If you can’t turn off iPhone VPN in your VPN app, you can try to turn it off from iPhone Settings app. Follow the steps to make iPhone VPN turn off.

Step 1. Head to 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.

Your VPN should be turned off now. If still, your iPhone VPN is enabled, there may be something wrong with your iPhone. You can try the following solutions to troubleshoot.

2# Force Restart iPhone

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.

3# Remove VPN Configuration Profiles

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 have a try.

Open the Settings app > Go to General > VPN & Device Management > Tap on the VPN configuration profile you want to remove, tap Delete Profile, and confirm your operation.

4# Reset Network Settings

If the solutions above don’t work, you can choose to reset network settings. It can help resolve issues cased by incorrect configurations or software glitches.

To reset network settings, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Tap Reset and choose Reset Network Settings. Enter your passcode if prompted, and confirm the reset.

Note that this will reset Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN/APN settings to their default states.

5# Check for iOS Update

Apple regularly releases iOS updates that include bug fixes and performance improvements. Updating your iPhone’s operating system might resolve the issue.

Open the Settings app > Go to General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

After updating, restart your iPhone and check if the VPN is still active.

6# Fix iPhone VPN System Errors via FoneTool

If you've tried every solution above but you still cannot turn off VPN on your iPhone, you may consider whether there is something wrong with your iPhone operating system. In such case, you can try FoneTool, a powerful iOS system repairing tool, to fix potential system errors that lead to VPN won't turn off. Here are steps you can follow.

Step 1. Click icon below to download FoneTool to your computer > Connect your iPhone to computer with USB.

Step 2. Launch FoneTool, and click Toolbox > Choose iOS System Repair function > From the pop-up window, click iOS System Repair again.

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 your iPhone using > Finally, tap Start Repair to begin the troubleshooting process.

Summary

It’s inconvenient that your iPhone VPN won’t turn off, especially if it disrupts your normal internet usage. By following these steps, 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.