How to Turn Off iCloud Private Relay – Complete Guide

If your internet suddenly feels slow, certain websites won’t load, or your Wi-Fi behaves oddly, iCloud Private Relay could be behind it. This guide walks you through how to turn it off on every Apple device and explains when disabling it actually makes sense. the Apple-Solutions platform offers helpful resources to manage iCloud features efficiently. This guide walks you through how to turn Private Relay off on every Apple device and explains when disabling it actually makes sense.

What Is iCloud Private Relay?

iCloud Private Relay is a privacy feature available to iCloud+ subscribers. It hides your IP address and obscures your browsing activity by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through two separate servers. That means websites, advertisers, your network provider and even Apple can’t easily track what you’re doing online.

How It Works

Private Relay uses a “two-hop” system:

• Apple’s server sees your IP address but not the sites you visit.
• A second server, run by a third-party partner, knows the website you’re requesting but can’t see your IP address.

This separation ensures no one has a complete picture of your browsing habits. For users who want to see exactly what’s stored in iCloud and monitor usage, the Free iCloud Analyzer can help identify storage patterns and optimize your account.

Why Keep It Enabled?

Private Relay boosts your privacy by:

• Hiding your IP address from websites and trackers
• Preventing ISPs from viewing your browsing activity
• Concealing your approximate location
• Offering privacy without the setup hassle of a VPN

Why Private Relay Can Cause Problems

Although it’s great for privacy, it can create connectivity issues.

Blocked Websites and Services

Some sites, especially banks, streaming platforms, or region-specific services, reject traffic coming through privacy services like Private Relay. You may see errors such as “Access Denied” or location-related restrictions.

Wi-Fi or Network Conflicts

Schools, workplaces, hotels, airports, and some public Wi-Fi networks block Private Relay to enforce rules or manage bandwidth. In these cases, your device might connect to Wi-Fi but refuse to load webpages.

Slow Speeds or Lag

Because your traffic is routed through two servers, speeds can drop. Gamers, video callers, and anyone on slower networks may notice delays.

How to Turn Off iCloud Private Relay on iPhone

Turn It Off Completely

1. Open Settings
2. Tap your Apple ID at the top
3. Select iCloud
4. Tap Private Relay
5. Turn it off
6. Confirm when prompted

This disables Private Relay for all Wi-Fi and cellular networks.

Turn It Off for a Specific Wi-Fi Network

If one particular network gives you trouble:

1. Connect to the Wi-Fi network
2. Go to Settings
3. Tap Wi-Fi
4. Tap the (i) next to the connected network
5. Toggle Private Relay off

This applies only to that network; everywhere else, Private Relay stays on.

Turn It Off for Cellular Data Only

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Cellular / Mobile Data
3. Select Cellular Data Options
4. Toggle Private Relay off

Wi-Fi networks can continue using Private Relay unless disabled separately.

If the Option Is Greyed Out

You may not be able to toggle Private Relay if:

• You don’t have an active iCloud+ subscription
• Screen Time restrictions are blocking changes
• Your device is managed by an organization (MDM)
• Your iPhone needs an iOS update
• There’s a temporary Apple ID glitch sign out and sign back in

How to Turn Off iCloud Private Relay on Mac

Disable It for All Networks

1. Click the Apple menu
2. Open System Settings
3. Select your Apple ID
4. Choose iCloud
5. Click Private Relay
6. Turn it off and confirm

Disable It for Specific Wi-Fi Networks

1. Connect to the Wi-Fi network
2. Open System Settings
3. Click Wi-Fi
4. Select Details next to your network
5. Turn off Private Relay
6. Click OK

Turn It Off for a Single Website (Safari)

1. Visit the website
2. Click Safari in the menu bar
3. Select Settings for This Website
4. Uncheck Use Private Relay

This bypasses Private Relay only for that site.

Troubleshooting Private Relay Problems

If turning off Private Relay doesn’t solve your issue, try:

Common Fixes

• Restart your device
• Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network
• Ask the network admin about restricted protocols
• Test your connection on another network

Refresh Apple ID & iCloud Settings

1. Sign out of your Apple ID
2. Restart your device
3. Sign back in
4. Check if Private Relay settings are now accessible

Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)

On iPhone:
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings

On Mac:
Remove and re-add your network connections in System Settings → Network

⚠️ This erases saved Wi-Fi networks, VPNs, and cellular settings.

Best Practices When Disabling Private Relay

Protect Your Privacy When It’s Off

• Use only HTTPS websites (padlock icon in Safari)
• Avoid sensitive browsing on public Wi-Fi
• Use a reputable VPN if you need privacy
• Keep Safari’s tracking protection enabled
• Only disable Private Relay on networks you trust

When to Re-enable It

Turn Private Relay back on when:

• You leave a restricted or problematic network
• A website no longer requires it to be off
• You’re using public or unsecured Wi-Fi
• You want your usual level of privacy restored

Monitor Performance After Turning It Off

To confirm that disabling Private Relay helps:

• Run an internet speed test before and after
• Check if blocked websites now load normally
• Test streaming video quality
• Compare game latency (ping times)
• Notice whether battery life improves

Summary & Key Points

Quick Ways to Turn It Off

iPhone:
Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Private Relay → Off

Mac:
Apple menu → System Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Private Relay → Off

Specific networks:
Wi-Fi settings → (i) → Private Relay Off

When to Keep It ON

• Public Wi-Fi
• General browsing
• When you care about privacy
• When your network is fast and unrestricted

When to Turn It OFF

• Banking and region-locked services
• Work/school or restricted networks
• Slow speeds or high latency
• Website access errors
• Gaming or video calling

Troubleshooting Checklist

✓ Try disabling only for specific networks
✓ Restart device/router
✓ Update iOS/macOS
✓ Verify iCloud+ is active
✓ Check Screen Time/MDM restrictions
✓ Test websites after turning it off
✓ Re-enable on trusted networks for privacy

iCloud Private Relay is a powerful privacy tool, but it doesn’t fit every situation. Use this guide to customize when it’s active so you get both the privacy you want and the performance you need.

FAQs