How to uninstall a VPN [Windows, Android, Mac, iOS] (2024)

Why you shouldn’t remove NordVPN from your devices

If, for some reason, you’ve decided to delete your VPN app, stop for a moment and read what we have to say. It’s usually better to manage virtual private networks and tweak specific settings than to delete the app altogether. If you’re unhappy with your current experience, check out your VPN settings and ensure you’re using the best options for your needs.

Take a deep breath and read why you shouldn’t remove your good old pal, your VPN, from your device.

• Securing your online activity. If you disable a VPN, your device may be exposed to various online threats. Imagine it as forgetting to turn on a security alarm in your apartment.
• Bypassing censorship. A handful of governments control what their citizens can watch, read, and think. If you happen to live in or travel to one of those countries, a VPN is your way to regain online freedom.
• Protecting digital identity. After removing a VPN, you will expose your digital identity. ISPs or Wi-Fi snoopers will track what you do online, marketers will collect your data, and wrongdoers will wait until you make a mistake when paying taxes.
• Saving money when shopping online. A VPN is great if you like to save money online. Retailers often adjust their prices based on location, so you can hop between different VPN servers and search for the best deal.

Why might you want to uninstall a VPN?

You might encounter problems when connected to a VPN, especially if you’re using a free VPN because these VPN providers rarely have an extensive technical support team. If you’re not using a premium service, VPN connections might not always be reliable.

• The internet is too slow. There are many ways to boost your internet speed and enjoy VPN benefits. A VPN can even prevent your ISP from throttling bandwidth and increase your speed. If speed is your concern, having a VPN profile might actually be the best idea.
• It doesn’t work on my device. You can run into this problem with free VPNs very often. That’s why they’re free. If you take a premium VPN like NordVPN, it works across multiple devices without interruption.
• I don’t know how to use a VPN. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use a VPN. It takes only a few seconds to connect to a server.

If you’re using NordVPN and we haven’t guessed why you’re having VPN trouble, contact our 24/7 customer success team. We’ve got tech experts ready to help you get what you need and stay safe anytime!

How to delete a VPN

Read the following instructions to find out how to delete a VPN from your Windows 11, 10, and 7, Android, Mac, and iOS.

How to delete a VPN on Windows 11, 10, and 7

Removing a VPN app on Windows 11, 10, 7, or other versions is no different than uninstalling any other program. However, if you want to wipe out all traces of VPN files, you’ll need to take additional steps. The settings may differ depending on the Windows version, but the general idea remains.

Let’s start with your VPN app:

1. Go to “Settings” and click on “Apps.”
2. Select “Apps & features” in the left menu.
3. Select your VPN app and click on it.
4. Click “Uninstall” and confirm by clicking a pop-up.

After uninstalling your VPN app, you can also remove a VPN connection:

1. Go to “Settings” and hit “Network & internet.”
2. Click on “Change adapter options.”
3. Right-click your VPN connection.
4. Select “Delete.”

We also recommend deleting old TAP drivers. These are used by VPN services to connect to servers, and they may remain on your computer even after uninstalling a VPN app.

1. Go to the “Control panel” and click “Device Manager.”
2. Expand the “Network adapters” section.
3. Right-click on the old driver.
4. Select “Uninstall” and confirm.

After you get rid of an untrustworthy VPN app, you can take your online security to the next level and get NordVPN for Windows.

How to delete a VPN on Android

Removing a VPN on Android is as simple as deleting any other app. Just follow these steps to delete your VPN software:

1. Open “Settings” on your device.
2. Click on “Apps.”
3. Tap “See all apps.”
4. Find the app you want to delete and select it.
5. Tap “Uninstall.”
6. Click “OK.”

After you get rid of a shady VPN app, it’s time to try the real thing and get NordVPN app for Android.

How to delete a VPN on Mac

Removing an app on macOS is straightforward and doesn’t take more than a couple of seconds. Here’s how to do it:

1. Disconnect from your VPN completely and exit the app.
2. Go to the “Applications” folder.
3. Right-click on your VPN app and select “Move to Bin.”
4. Confirm your action.

You can also delete your app by simply dragging it to the Bin.

After uninstalling an untrustworthy VPN app, we recommend you get NordVPN for Mac. It’s a top-notch VPN that may be unlike any other VPN you’ve tried.

How to delete a VPN on iOS

Removing a VPN from your iPhone or other iOS device is no different from deleting any other software on your smartphone. Here’s how to do it:

1. Touch and hold the app.
2. Tap “Remove App.”
3. Tap “Delete App”, then tap “Delete” to confirm.

After you get rid of a shady VPN, it’s time to move on to a widely respected VPN provider and get NordVPN for iOS. It will boost your security and prove that a trustworthy VPN is not a hoax.

Should you delete VPN extensions?

If you’re determined to purge VPN software and all related programs, you can also delete VPN extensions from your browser. VPNs often offer extensions for popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

Extensions allow you to route all the traffic from that specific browser application through a VPN. Why is that useful? Because it means that you can use the VPN for certain activities and not others. Some people only want to encrypt their data while using specific websites — especially if they don’t trust those sites to protect their privacy — so you can install an extension on a specific browser that you only use to access those sites.

Should you try a free VPN? No, and here’s why!

If your concerns around VPNs stem from pricing and affordability, you may be tempted to try a free VPN. After all, what’s the worst that could happen?

Some pretty nasty things, actually! For one thing, free VPNs can put you and your data at risk. Free VPNs often sell user data to third-party advertisers, defeating the purpose of their service. And because they rarely have the money to maintain proper security protocols and server networks, you’ll get a much lower protection standard while using them.

With a premium VPN, you’ll get what you pay for a genuinely good service. Because of their business model, paid VPNs can afford to protect your data properly and won’t sell your info to online data harvesters. You’ll get better service, speed, and stability.