A single click on "Disconnect" in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) application doesn’t always work as expected. While the app may stop the encrypted tunnel, other settings like a kill switch, automatic reconnection, or system-level configurations—such as those on your router—can still affect your connection. Problems like a website not loading, poor app performance, or changes in your internet service provider can make it necessary to disable your VPN. While most users can disable the connection directly through the app, this might not always be enough, especially if you want to remove configurations saved on your operating system or make changes on your router. For a temporary disconnection, using the provider’s app is the most straightforward method. Most VPN clients have a main button that lets you end the session without affecting your chosen server, protocol, or other settings. Once disconnected, your device will use your usual internet connection, and websites will see your public IP address instead of the one provided by the VPN. However, some apps may reconnect automatically, especially if the "Auto-connect" or "Launch at Startup" feature was enabled during installation. These settings are usually found in the app's settings under options like "Automatic Connection" or "On Demand Connection" on Mac. If your internet access is disrupted after disconnecting, check the kill switch settings. This feature is designed to block your traffic from leaving the encrypted tunnel if the connection drops, and some configurations may keep it active even after a voluntary disconnection. These settings can be found in the app's security options, and you may need to disable them to restore your network access. On Android, for example, options like "Block Connections Without VPN" or "Permanent VPN mode" can keep your connection restricted. These settings are typically located in the device’s network or internet settings. If the app shows that the VPN is disconnected but your public IP address hasn’t changed, it’s possible that another connection is still active. This could be due to a second app, a browser extension, or a configuration on your router. To ensure the connection is fully disabled, check your device’s settings for any remaining active profiles. Once confirmed, the app should no longer mask your IP address or encrypt your traffic. If the app is unresponsive, try closing it completely, restarting it, or using your device’s task manager or settings to force a disconnection. If you no longer plan to use a VPN, simply disconnecting is not enough. You should also uninstall the app and remove any saved configurations from your operating system. On Windows, these can be found in the Network & Internet settings, while on macOS, you can delete the configuration from System Settings. On Android and iOS, the process involves removing the app and any associated profiles. If the VPN was set up on your router, you’ll need to access its settings and disable or delete the configuration there. Lastly, remember that uninstalling the app does not cancel your subscription, so you should also disable any automatic renewals through your account or the app store.