How to Turn Off VPN on Chrome Browser (2 Methods)

Eldar Alam
3 min readOct 24, 2023

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Sometimes, you just need to hit the brakes and turn off your VPN, especially when using browsers like Chrome. Maybe it’s slowing down your speed for casual browsing, or perhaps a site doesn’t play well with VPNs. Whatever your reason, turning off a VPN on Chrome is as easy as flipping a switch. Here, we’ll guide you through two simple methods.

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Method 1: Disabling VPN Extensions on Chrome

Many of us use VPNs through handy browser extensions. They’re easy to use, but what happens when you need to temporarily disable them? No need to worry; it’s a walk in the park.

  1. Find the Puzzle Piece: Look at the top right corner of your Chrome browser. See that little puzzle piece icon? That’s where all your extensions hang out. Click on it, and you’ll see a list of every extension you’ve got running.
  2. The Off Switch: Among the list, find your VPN extension. You’ll see a little pin icon and a blue toggle. That toggle is essentially your on/off switch. Click it, and your VPN extension powers down. Want it back on? Just click again. Easy, right?
  3. Complete Shutdown: If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, right-click on the VPN extension icon and select “Remove from Chrome.” It’s like moving out of the house instead of just taking a vacation.

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Method 2: Adjusting Chrome VPN Settings

Some VPN services run deeper than just an extension; they’re part of your device’s networking settings. Turning these off requires a slightly different approach.

  1. System Tray Navigation: Down by your computer’s clock, there’s a little arrow that reveals all running services. Click it, find your VPN icon, and right-click. This action brings up a menu where you can disconnect or exit the VPN service.
  2. Chrome Settings Dive: Open Chrome, click the three dots in the top right corner, and select ‘Settings.’ From there, navigate to ‘Privacy and security,’ then ‘Security.’ If you’re using Chrome’s built-in VPN, you’ll find a VPN section here to adjust your settings.
  3. Network Settings for the Tech-Savvy: This step is for the tech enthusiasts. Access your device’s network settings, find your VPN connection, and adjust it from there. This method varies by device, so you might need to do a bit of digging.

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Why Turn Off Your VPN?

Turning off your VPN can help with website access, speed up your connection, or troubleshoot connection issues. But remember, your online activities are visible without the VPN cloak of invisibility. It’s a tool that protects your privacy, so use discretion when choosing to turn it off.

Wrapping Up: The On/Off Relationship

Turning off your VPN on Chrome doesn’t have to be a hassle. Whether it’s a simple extension toggle or diving a bit deeper into your settings, you have the control. Just remember, the internet is a lot less private without the shield of a VPN. Use these powers wisely!

FAQs

Does turning off the VPN extension disable my VPN entirely? Not always. If your VPN is device-wide, turning off the Chrome extension doesn’t shut down the entire service.

Will I need to restart Chrome after disabling the VPN? Usually, no. Changes take effect immediately, but a fresh start never hurts if you’re troubleshooting.

Affiliate Disclosure

This article contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission on any sales of products or services we write about. This article was written completely independently, see more details here.

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