> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/mullvad/mullvadvpn-app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# mullvad disconnect

> Disconnect from the VPN

## Overview

The `mullvad disconnect` command terminates the active VPN connection and returns your system to its normal networking state.

## Syntax

```bash theme={null}
mullvad disconnect [OPTIONS]
```

## Options

| Option         | Description                            |
| -------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| `-w`, `--wait` | Wait until disconnected before exiting |
| `-h`, `--help` | Print help information                 |

## Behavior

When you run `mullvad disconnect`:

1. The command sends a disconnect request to the Mullvad daemon
2. The VPN tunnel is torn down
3. Your system returns to using regular network connections
4. If [lockdown mode](/cli/commands/lockdown) is disabled, normal internet access resumes

## Examples

### Basic Disconnect

Disconnect from the VPN without waiting:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad disconnect
```

The command returns immediately, and the disconnection process continues in the background.

### Wait for Disconnection

Disconnect and wait until fully disconnected:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad disconnect --wait
```

This blocks until the tunnel state changes to "Disconnected". The command prints tunnel state updates during the disconnection process.

### Disconnect with Short Option

```bash theme={null}
mullvad disconnect -w
```

## Related Commands

* [connect](/cli/commands/connect) - Connect to a VPN relay
* [status](/cli/commands/status) - Check current connection status
* [lockdown](/cli/commands/lockdown) - Configure network blocking when disconnected
* [auto-connect](/cli/commands/auto-connect) - Control automatic connection on startup

## Exit Status

| Code | Description                                                       |
| ---- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 0    | Disconnect initiated successfully (or completed if `--wait` used) |
| 1    | Failed to disconnect                                              |

## Notes

* If lockdown mode is enabled, network traffic will remain blocked even after disconnecting
* The disconnect command records the reason as "mullvad disconnect" in daemon logs
* Auto-connect settings are not affected by manual disconnection
* To prevent automatic reconnection, see [auto-connect](/cli/commands/auto-connect)

## Source Reference

Implementation: `mullvad-cli/src/cmds/tunnel_state.rs:33`