How to change your VPN depends on what you're trying to do
If you want to switch to a completely different VPN service, you uninstall the old app and install the new one. If you want to change which server your current VPN connects to, you open the app and pick a different location from the list. If you want to change your VPN settings — like the protocol it uses or whether it auto-connects — you go into the app's settings menu. This guide covers all three, because the steps are different and people often mean different things when they say "change my VPN."
The process takes anywhere from five minutes to switch services on a phone, to ten or fifteen minutes on a computer if you need to restart. Changing servers or settings inside your existing app takes less than a minute.
Key Takeaways
- Switching VPN services means uninstalling one app completely and installing a different one, which takes about five minutes on any device.
- Changing which server you connect to is a one-click action inside your VPN app — you do not need to uninstall anything.
- Most VPN apps let you change how they behave through a settings or preferences menu, where you can turn auto-connect on or off or pick a different encryption protocol.
- On Windows and Mac, you may need to restart your device after uninstalling a VPN before installing a new one.
- If your VPN stops working after a change, clearing the app's cache or reinstalling it usually fixes the problem.
Switching to a completely different VPN service on Windows
Start by uninstalling your current VPN. Open the Start menu, type "Add or remove programs," and click the result. Find your VPN app in the list — it might be under its company name like "ExpressVPN" or "NordVPN" — click it, and click "Uninstall." Windows will ask you to confirm; click "Uninstall" again. This removes the app from your computer.
After uninstalling, restart your computer. This clears out any leftover files the VPN app may have left behind. Once your computer restarts, go to the website of the VPN service you want to use, download their Windows app, and run the installer. Follow the on-screen steps to set up your account and log in. The new VPN is now ready to use.
Switching to a completely different VPN service on Mac
Open Finder and go to Applications. Find your current VPN app, right-click it, and select "Move to Trash." Empty the Trash by right-clicking the Trash icon in the dock and selecting "Empty Trash." Restart your Mac to clear out any remaining files.
After your Mac restarts, visit the website of the VPN service you want to use and download their Mac app. Open the downloaded file and follow the installation steps. You will be asked to log in with your account details. Once you are logged in, the new VPN is ready to connect.
Switching to a different VPN service on iPhone or iPad
Open the App Store and search for your current VPN app by name. Tap the cloud icon with a down arrow (or the "Get" button if you have never installed it before) to uninstall it. The app will disappear from your home screen.
Now search for the VPN service you want to use. Tap "Get," then "Install." You will be asked to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. After authentication, the app installs automatically. Open it, log in with your account, and you are ready to connect.
Switching to a different VPN service on Android
Open Google Play Store and search for your current VPN app. Tap it, then tap "Uninstall." Confirm that you want to uninstall it. The app will be removed from your device.
Search for the VPN service you want to use in Google Play Store. Tap "Install" and wait for the download and installation to finish. Open the app, log in with your account details, and you can start using it right away. Unlike Windows or Mac, you do not need to restart your Android device.
Changing which VPN server you connect to
This is much simpler than switching services entirely. Open your VPN app and look for a button or menu that shows server locations or countries. On most apps, this is a large button in the middle of the screen or a list on the left side. Click or tap the location you want to connect to — for example, "United Kingdom" or "Japan" — and the app will connect to a server in that country.
Some VPN apps also let you pick a specific city within a country, or sort servers by speed or load. These options are usually in the same menu. Once you pick a new server, your connection will drop and reconnect through the new location within a few seconds. You will see a "Connected" message when it is done.
Changing your VPN settings without switching services
Most VPN apps have a settings or preferences menu where you can change how the app behaves. Look for a gear icon, a menu button (three horizontal lines), or a "Settings" option. Common settings you can change include:
- Auto-connect: Turn this on if you want the VPN to connect automatically when you open the app or turn on your device.
- Protocol: Some apps let you pick between different encryption methods like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2. Stick with the default unless you have a specific reason to change it.
- Kill switch: This cuts off your internet if the VPN connection drops, so your real IP address does not leak. Most people leave this on.
- Split tunneling: This lets some apps use your VPN while others use your regular internet. Not all VPN apps offer this.
After you change a setting, the app usually applies it right away. Some changes, like switching protocols, may require you to disconnect and reconnect to the VPN.
What to do if your VPN stops working after you make a change
If your VPN will not connect after you switch services or change settings, try these steps in order. First, close the VPN app completely and open it again. Second, disconnect from the VPN (if it is connected) and try connecting to a different server location. Third, go into your device's settings and look for the VPN app in the list of installed apps, tap it, and select "Clear Cache" or "Clear Data" — this removes temporary files that might be causing problems.
If none of those work, uninstall the VPN app and reinstall it. This is more thorough than just clearing the cache and fixes most connection problems. Log back in with your account details and try connecting again. If you still cannot connect after reinstalling, the problem may be with your internet connection or your account, not the app itself — contact the VPN service's support team for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to restart my device after uninstalling a VPN?
On Windows and Mac, yes — restart after uninstalling to clear out leftover files. On iPhone, iPad, and Android, restarting is not necessary, but it does not hurt. If you are having trouble installing a new VPN after uninstalling the old one, try restarting anyway.
Will changing my VPN server affect my internet speed?
Yes, but usually not by much. Servers that are geographically closer to you tend to be faster. If you pick a server very far away, you may notice your connection is slower. If speed matters for what you are doing, try a few different server locations and pick the one that feels fastest.
What happens to my data when I switch VPN services?
Your browsing history and saved passwords stay on your device — they are not stored by the VPN app. However, any settings you customized in your old VPN app (like which server you preferred) will not transfer to the new app. You will need to set those up again in the new app.
Can I use two VPN apps at the same time?
On most devices, no. Running two VPNs at once usually causes connection problems or one of them will not work. Uninstall the first one before installing the second. On some Android devices, you can technically run two, but it is not recommended and will slow down your connection.
How do I know if my VPN is actually connected?
Open your VPN app and look for a "Connected" message or a green checkmark. On most devices, you will also see a VPN icon in the status bar at the top of your screen (on iPhone and Android) or in the system tray (on Windows). If you see that icon, your VPN is active.