How to Turn Off Personal VPNs (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Browser VPNs)

Overview

If websites, apps, or company systems are not loading correctly, one of the first troubleshooting steps is to temporarily disable any active VPN connection. Personal VPNs such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, and built-in browser VPNs can sometimes interfere with secure logins, internal tools, streaming services, or location-based access.

This guide explains how to turn off common VPN applications and browser VPN extensions on Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, and popular web browsers.

Common Signs a VPN May Be Causing the Issue

You may need to disable your VPN if you experience:

  • Websites not loading or timing out
  • Login loops or authentication failures
  • Banking or streaming sites blocking access
  • Slow internet connection
  • Company portals not connecting
  • Incorrect location detection
  • CAPTCHA requests appearing repeatedly
  • Applications failing to sync or connect

Before You Begin

Before disabling the VPN:

  1. Save any ongoing work.
  2. Close sensitive sessions if required.
  3. Make sure you know how to reconnect the VPN afterward.
  4. Only disable the VPN temporarily for troubleshooting purposes.

How to Turn Off NordVPN

Windows

  1. Open the NordVPN application.
  2. Locate the Disconnect button.
  3. Click Disconnect.
  4. Wait until the status changes to Not Connected.

Optional: Disable Auto-Connect

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Auto-connect.
  3. Turn off:
    • Auto-connect on Wi‑Fi
    • Auto-connect on startup

Mac

  1. Open NordVPN.
  2. Click Disconnect.
  3. Verify the VPN status shows disconnected.

Android / iPhone

  1. Open the NordVPN app.
  2. Tap Disconnect.
  3. Confirm the VPN icon disappears from the top status bar.

How to Turn Off ExpressVPN

Windows and Mac

  1. Open ExpressVPN.
  2. Click the large power button.
  3. The application should display Disconnected.

Disable Startup Connection

  1. Open Options or Preferences.
  2. Go to the General tab.
  3. Uncheck:
    • Launch on startup
    • Connect automatically

Android / iPhone

  1. Open ExpressVPN.
  2. Tap the power button.
  3. Wait until the connection status changes to disconnected.

How to Turn Off Surfshark VPN

Windows / Mac

  1. Open Surfshark.
  2. Click Disconnect.
  3. Confirm the VPN is no longer active.

Mobile Devices

  1. Launch Surfshark.
  2. Tap Disconnect.
  3. Verify the VPN icon disappears.

How to Turn Off Proton VPN

Desktop

  1. Open Proton VPN.
  2. Select Disconnect.
  3. Ensure the connection timer stops.

Mobile

  1. Open Proton VPN.
  2. Tap Disconnect.
  3. Confirm the VPN status is inactive.

How to Turn Off Browser VPN Extensions

Some browsers include built-in VPNs or VPN extensions that can remain active even when desktop VPN apps are disconnected.

Google Chrome VPN Extensions

Examples:

  • NordVPN Extension
  • ExpressVPN Extension
  • Browsec
  • Hola VPN
  • TunnelBear

Disable the Extension

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Click the puzzle-piece Extensions icon.
  3. Locate the VPN extension.
  4. Toggle it off or select Remove from Chrome temporarily.

Alternative Method

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Go to:
chrome://extensions
  1. Disable the VPN extension.

How to Turn Off Opera VPN

Opera includes a built-in browser VPN.

  1. Open Opera.
  2. Click the VPN badge near the address bar.
  3. Toggle the VPN switch to Off.

How to Turn Off Microsoft Edge VPN / Secure Network

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the menu (...) in the top-right corner.
  3. Open Settings.
  4. Navigate to:
Privacy, Search, and Services
  1. Locate Microsoft Edge Secure Network.
  2. Toggle it off.

How to Turn Off Firefox VPN Extensions

  1. Open Firefox.
  2. Click the menu button.
  3. Select:
Add-ons and Themes
  1. Open Extensions.
  2. Disable the VPN add-on.

Disable VPN from Device Settings

Sometimes the VPN stays active at the operating system level even after closing the application.

Windows

  1. Open:
Settings > Network & Internet > VPN
  1. Select the active VPN.
  2. Click Disconnect.
  3. Optionally select Remove.

Mac

  1. Open:
System Settings > VPN
  1. Toggle the VPN connection off.

Android

  1. Open:
Settings > Network & Internet > VPN
  1. Tap the active VPN.
  2. Select Disconnect.

iPhone / iPad

  1. Open:
Settings > VPN
  1. Toggle Status to off.

Verify the VPN Is Fully Disabled

After disconnecting the VPN:

  1. Refresh the affected website or application.
  2. Restart the browser if needed.
  3. Check whether the issue still occurs.
  4. Verify the VPN icon no longer appears in the system tray or status bar.

You can also confirm your location or IP address changed back to your normal connection.

When to Re-Enable the VPN

Once troubleshooting is complete:

  1. Reopen the VPN application.
  2. Click Connect.
  3. Verify the VPN reconnects successfully.
  4. Confirm secure browsing is restored.

Summary

Personal VPN applications and browser VPN extensions can sometimes interfere with websites, applications, and authentication systems. Temporarily disabling the VPN is a common troubleshooting step that helps determine whether the VPN is causing the issue.

This guide covered how to disable:

  • NordVPN
  • ExpressVPN
  • Surfshark
  • Proton VPN
  • Browser VPN extensions
  • Opera VPN
  • Microsoft Edge Secure Network
  • System-level VPN connections

After testing, remember to reconnect your VPN if it is required for security or privacy purposes.