How to Turn off VPN on Mac? How to Disable It on an Apple Laptop?

There are significant privacy advantages of 1.6 billion people worldwide using VPNs (data from Forbes report). A VPN can effectively hide your online information and ensure your identity on a public Wi-Fi network, but in some cases, you may need to turn off your VPN on your Mac.

VPN may slow down your network and make it difficult for you to access certain websites, resulting in a bad online experience. Here are a few situations where you need to turn off a VPN and how to easily turn off a VPN on your Mac.

Based on my extensive VPN usage experience, this article will show you how to disconnect a VPN on your Mac, including multiple methods, and explain what happens after disconnecting a VPN.

When should I turn off VPN on my Mac

Although there are many benefits to VPNs, you may need to disable VPN on your Mac for a variety of reasons. Some reasons are related to performance, while others are related to the different applications, websites, and services you are trying to use. The main reasons you may need to turn off your Mac VPN include:

1. Slow Internet speed
2. Banking Business
3. Certain websites cannot be accessed
4. Using PayPal

Let us explore these reasons in more detail.

1. The Internet is slow

VPN allows you to connect to different servers around the world, but no matter which server you choose, you may notice slower internet speeds. If you install more security features, your internet speed may drop.

2. Banking business

Banking services usually have automatic features that can track and alert you of potential threats, such as unauthorized login. If you try to access your online banking through a server located outside your home area, you may trigger one of these warnings. So if you have trouble logging into your bank account, consider turning off your VPN (or changing it to the server you are currently at).

3. Some websites cannot be accessed through VPN

VPN can help you access geo-restricted content in other countries, such as Netflix shows and sports highlights. However, when you use these services, you may have difficulty accessing the websites of your country of residence. If this happens, you should shut down your VPN or change the server.

4. Use PayPal

PayPal does not allow users to use VPNs and similar tools when using their services. Some users are locked up after using a VPN while using PayPal, so it is a good idea to turn off a VPN when accessing an app or website.

How to tell if VPN is enabled on Mac

Checking if a VPN is enabled on your Mac is very simple. If you enable VPN, you will usually see its logo in the toolbar at the top of the screen. For example, my VPN appears at the end of my menu bar when it is turned on, as shown in the picture below.

What happens after turning off a VPN on your Mac

Turning off a VPN on your MacBook will connect you to any network you are using in your current physical location. For example, if you use a computer at home, you will be connected to Wi-Fi at home.

In addition, if you disconnect from the server, you will no longer be able to access restricted content in your region. Additionally, if you have enabled the kill switch with a VPN, you may not be able to access affected applications and folders (unless you turn this off).

Depending on your common settings, your IP address may also be visible again after disconnecting the VPN from your computer. Additionally, if you are connected to a public Wi-Fi network, others may see the information you share. For both reasons, I only recommend disconnecting the VPN on a secure network.

How to Disable VPN on Mac

Most people turn off the network through "System Settings", which is the most convenient option for Mac users. To disable VPN on Apple devices, follow these instructions:

1. Click the Apple logo and select "System Settings".
2. Click VPN.
3. Turn off the VPN switch you have connected.

However, there are other ways you can turn off a VPN on your Mac. Here are three main methods:

1. Close through VPN app
2. Disable VPN from the menu bar
3. Disconnect VPN via System Preferences (for users before macOS Ventura)

Let us now step by step introduce each method.

1. Close via VPN app

Before using a VPN on your Mac, you usually need to download the app for the VPN service. These applications allow you to control your settings and select the server you want to connect to. You can also disconnect the VPN.

The specific steps depend on the VPN service you are using, but you will usually find a pause button somewhere in the app. Once clicked, the VPN should be disconnected within seconds.

If you need to turn off VPN using MacKeeper's VPN Private Connect, the steps are roughly the same. But to make sure you do everything correctly, I've listed these steps in detail below.

1. Open MacKeeper and go to Private > Private Connect.
2. At the bottom of the next screen, you will see a Close button. Click it and your VPN should close in seconds.

2. Disable VPN from the menu bar

When using a VPN on your Mac, you can usually download an add-on to control your settings. It works very similarly to an application, and you usually don't have the problem of disconnecting services when you need it.

Similarly, the steps may vary depending on the VPN provider you are using. However, you usually need to follow steps like this:

1. Click on the logo in the Mac menu bar.
2. Press the Pause button .
3. Waiting for your VPN to disconnect. You should automatically reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.

If you already use VPN Private Connect for MacKeeper, you should follow these precise steps:

1. Go to your desktop toolbar and select MacKeeper logo.
2. When the window is opened, you will see a VPN icon showing the server you are connected to. Click on it.
3. Wait for a few seconds and your VPN will be turned off.

3. Disconnect VPN via system preferences

If your Mac is running an operating system before macOS Ventura, you can disconnect the VPN via System Preferences instead of System Settings. The process is slightly different, but you still won't have any problems.

Here is how to disconnect VPN via System Preferences on macOS Monterey and earlier:

1. Click Apple logo > System preferences .
2. Select Network and select the VPN service you are currently connected to.
3. Click Disconnect.

If you are using macOS Ventura, Sonoma or later, follow the instructions below to turn off the VPN.

1. Click the Apple logo and select System settings from the list of options in the drop-down menu.
2. Select VPN in the toolbar on the left.
3. Disconnect VPN via the switch. It is blue when on, and it will turn gray when closed.

Turning off VPN on Mac: A simple and sometimes necessary process

VPN is a great way to keep your device secure, hide your IP address, and enjoy geo-restricted content. But sometimes, you need to turn off the connection to use features like banking services and speed up your internet connection.

If you need to turn off your VPN, make sure to do it on your private connection. You should also be aware of potential risks that may arise, such as exposure to your IP address and the ability of others to access your online information.

When turning off a VPN on your Mac, it's a wise move to make sure you don't expose yourself to potential threats elsewhere. To protect your device, consider using services like MacKeeper's VPN Private Connect. Doing so will help ensure your Mac is protected from spyware and several other online threats.

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