How to Disable a VPN on macOS? – Simple Methods You Can Use
You may want to disable your VPN when you need speed, access to services that block VPNs, local content, or your local area network (LAN) resources.
Disabling a VPN on your Mac is an easy task. Below are different easy ways that you can use to disable a VPN on Mac.
Disable the VPN on Mac Via the VPN App
This is the simplest way to turn off the VPN on your Mac. Proceed as follows:
- Launch the VPN application.
- Click on the disconnect/turn off/stop button.
Disable the VPN on Mac from Menu Bar
This is a straightforward way of disabling a VPN on a Mac. Most VPNs will show on the Menu bar. Use the following steps:
- On the Menu Bar, click on the VPN status.
- Select turn off/stop/disconnect.
Disable the VPN on Mac Through Network Settings
This is not the quickest way, but you can use it if the other options are unavailable. Here is how to turn off the VPN in Mac network settings:
- Open your System Preferences and then go to Network.
- On the left panel, select your current VPN connection.
- Click disconnect.
What Happens When I Disable a VPN on Mac?
Your online privacy and security will be at risk. Without the protection of a VPN encryption, your IP address will be exposed.
Anything you do online will be visible to various internet entities, including your ISP, the government, prying eyes, and other interested parties.
If you are using public Wi-Fi, you will be an easy target for hackers. Various trackers on the internet will be able to monitor your activities.
Additionally, you won’t be able to bypass restrictions and censorship or access geo-restricted content.
Should I Always Keep my VPN Connected on Mac?
I always advise any privacy-conscious individual to keep their VPN connected. However, there are a few instances when you can turn it off, such as when your internet is off or you are not engaging in sensitive online activities.
For other purposes, such as regaining speed, gaming, and accessing your local area network (LAN) resources or regional content, use split tunneling.
To access services that block VPNs, use a dedicated VPN IP address and whitelist it with those services. This way, you don’t need to disable your VPN.
Wrap Up
Turning off a VPN on your Mac can leave your online security and privacy at risk. Without the protection of a VPN, your internet connection and the data you transmit become more susceptible to cyber threats and surveillance.
Instead, use a reputable premium VPN with value features like split tunneling. This feature allows you to separate apps that don’t need the Mac VPN and protect those with sensitive information.
7 Comments
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October 5, 2025 9:44 pm
Great guide! I found the step-by-step instructions really easy to follow. It’s nice to finally have a clear method for disabling my VPN on macOS. Thanks for sharing!
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September 1, 2025 1:19 am
Great guide! Disabling a VPN on macOS can be a bit tricky, so I appreciate the clear steps outlined here. Helpful to have the latest info for 2025!
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August 31, 2025 11:57 pm
Thank you for this clear guide! Disabling the VPN on macOS used to confuse me, but your step-by-step instructions made it so easy to follow. I appreciate the helpful tips on what to check if I encounter any issues. Great job!
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August 25, 2025 8:33 pm
Great tips! I’ve been using a VPN for a while, and it’s helpful to know how to easily disable it on macOS. The step-by-step guide made it super clear. Thanks for sharing!
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August 15, 2025 5:52 pm
Great post! I found your instructions easy to follow. It’s always good to have control over my VPN settings. Thanks for sharing this information!
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July 8, 2025 4:27 pm
Great post! I found the step-by-step instructions really helpful for disabling the VPN on my Mac. The visuals you included made the process super clear. Thanks for breaking it down so well!
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June 7, 2025 11:48 am
Great article! I appreciate the step-by-step instructions on disabling a VPN on macOS. It’s super helpful, especially for someone like me who’s not very tech-savvy. Thank you for breaking it down so clearly!