How to Completely Delete a VPN From Your Device? If you are one of those people who want to completely delete a VPN including the files associated with any specific VPN from their mobile device -then this guide is all you need to read. (also see, Most Secure VPN Services in 2018)
The time you install a VPN service, it puts files onto your PC in different places, also; makes changes to the registry (in Windows). Several VPNs even leave password and login details hanging around on your machine, just if you choose to reinstall it sometime in future.
Also, particular files that are left behind after the uninstallation of a VPN can conflict with another VPN later on. Conflicting TAP drivers (virtual network kernel devices that are used to create a network bridge), for example, can cause a VPN to fail to connect. The simplest way to evade this kind of difficulty when you install a new VPN is to assure that all the software associated with an old VPN is already deleted before you install the new client.
How to Completely Delete a VPN from Your Device
The good news is that deleting any VPN entirely is not a hard nut to crack. That is because there is appropriate software available for Mac and Windows that will efficiently figure out and correctly uninstall all of the files associated with a specific VPN.
Uninstall a VPN on Windows
Manually Delete a VPN Connection on Windows
To delete a VPN manually, follow these simple steps:
- Go to “Network and Sharing Center.”
- Click on “Change adapter settings” in the left pane.
- Here you will see the adapters and the VPN connection. Right-click on the VPN connection that you want to remove and select Delete.
How to Delete Old TAP Drivers in Windows
One reason why installing various VPN clients on a Windows device can create havoc is because of TAP drivers. TAP drivers are essential to make a VPN work on Windows. But, when multiple VPNs install TAP drivers onto a device, they can start to interfere with one another: halting the new VPN from making its connection.
To do so, follow these simple steps:
- Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System > Device Manager
- Scroll down to the Network Adapters, right-click the TAP drivers and uninstall them, deleting the driver too when required.
- Reboot your system and reinstall the latest version of the VPN client that you wish to use. Your current VPN will install the right TAP drivers.
Mac OS X
For Mac OS X we recommend using either AppCleaner (free) or CleanApp for Mac (which does the job well but costs $14.99). Like their Windows counterpart, both of these programs are incredibly self-explanatory. Using them is a simple process, and only requires you to follow the onscreen instructions to uninstall a VPN and all its components correctly. CleanApp is excellent because it will seek out all old legacy files on a Mac and delete them. (also see, 5 Best VPN for Mac 2018 – Secure your Apple Mac Now)
After deleting the VPN software from your Mac, you may also need to remove your VPN connections manually. To do so follow these simple steps:
- Go to system preferences,
- Click on the profiles icon.
- Click on the minus sign next to the VPN that you want to remove
- Type in your admin password
- The VPN servers you were using will now be deleted from your networks
It is worth noting that unlike with Windows machines, reinstalling TAP drivers isn’t necessary to make a VPN run smoothly. So if this is something that is troubling you, the answer is no: you do not need to worry about uninstalling old TAP drivers like on a Windows machine.
Android
To delete a VPN for Android, you can, of course, delete the app in the usual way. However, you should also do the following to make sure that all VPN connections have been successfully removed:
- Swipe down on your phone and tap Settings
- In settings look for the connections subheading and tap More connection settings.
- Now click on VPN (Setup and manage Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
- Now you will see your VPN connections. Long tap on the VPN that you want to delete.
- Tap on Delete Network
- It will say “No VPNs” when all VPN connections have been deleted.
iOS
Besides deleting a VPN on iPhone, you should also remove the individual connections that may have been set up. To do this follow these simple steps:
- Open Settings on your iOS device.
- Tap General.
- Tap Profile.
- On this screen, you will see the individual VPN profiles that are installed on your iPad or iPhone. Tap on the one you would like to delete.
- Tap on Delete Profile. Now confirm that you would like to delete this profile by tapping Delete again.
- You have now uninstalled the VPN profile associated with the VPN you used to use.
Conclusion -How to Completely Delete a VPN From Your Device
Deleting VPN completely is a wise thing to do as it can save you from many risks and ensure you your privacy. Also, It is worth remembering that if you deleted a VPN from a hard drive or computer that you intend to sell; you have to be extra cautious. This is because the VPN login credentials may still be retrievable unless you properly format the hard drive before selling it or throwing it away.
