Help · Mac apps

How to uninstall a VPN app on a Mac.

By Grant and Brad, who make Pangalin's apps · Updated 10 October 2026

VPN apps add more than an app: a network extension that routes your traffic, a VPN configuration, sometimes a helper that runs as administrator. Some vendors' uninstallers remove all of it; with others, you check and remove the configuration yourself. Here's what each vendor documents.

NordVPN

NordVPN's help points to Apple's standard steps: quit NordVPN (from its menu-bar icon), then move the app from Applications to the Trash. Then check for a leftover VPN configuration (below).

ExpressVPN

1. In the ExpressVPN app, open the Profile tab and choose Uninstall ExpressVPN (under Actions).
2. Click Uninstall, enter your Mac password, and click Install Helper if asked.

Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect)

Cisco says deleting the app isn't enough. Run its uninstaller in Terminal (it asks for your password):

sudo /opt/cisco/secureclient/bin/cisco_secure_client_uninstall.sh

Older AnyConnect versions use a different folder. If this is a work or school Mac, ask your IT team first; they may need it installed.

Then remove leftover VPN settings

1. Choose System Settings › VPN. If the old VPN is still listed, click ⓘ next to it, then Remove Configuration.
2. Choose System Settings › General › Login Items & Extensions and click ⓘ next to Network Extensions. Switch off anything still named after the VPN. (On macOS 14 and earlier, look in Privacy & Security.)
3. Check System Settings › General › Device Management (Privacy & Security › Profiles on macOS 14 and earlier) for a profile the VPN added, and remove it with –. Don't remove profiles from your workplace or school.
4. Restart.

Based on the developer's own instructions, checked October 2026. Menu names can change between versions.