What is a VPN Kill Switch?
Learn how a VPN kill switch protects your privacy, why it's essential, and how to make sure yours is working properly.
A VPN kill switch is a critical safety feature that automatically blocks all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. Think of it as an emergency shutoff valve for your internet connection.
Without a kill switch, if your VPN disconnects - even for a few seconds - your device will automatically reconnect to the internet using your regular, unencrypted connection. This exposes your real IP address and any ongoing activity to your ISP, websites, and anyone monitoring your network.
A kill switch ensures that if the VPN fails, your data doesn't leak - it simply stops all traffic until the secure connection is restored.
When you enable a kill switch, it continuously monitors your VPN connection. If it detects that the VPN tunnel has dropped, it immediately:
- Blocks all outgoing and incoming internet traffic
- Prevents your device from accessing the internet through your regular connection
- Maintains the block until the VPN connection is re-established
- Automatically restores internet access once the VPN tunnel is secure again
This all happens in milliseconds, often before you even notice the VPN disconnected.
Prevents IP Address Leaks
If your VPN drops while browsing, streaming, or torrenting, your real IP address becomes visible to websites, trackers, and anyone monitoring the connection.
Critical for Torrenting
When downloading torrents, your IP is visible to the entire swarm. A momentary VPN disconnection exposes your real IP to thousands of peers and copyright monitors.
Protects Sensitive Activities
Whether you're accessing work documents, banking, or handling private information, a kill switch ensures your data stays encrypted even if the VPN fails.
Guards Against Unstable Connections
WiFi interruptions, server issues, or network changes can cause VPN disconnections. A kill switch protects you during these inevitable hiccups.
Blocks all internet traffic on your entire device if the VPN disconnects.
Best for: Maximum protection
- Protects all apps and programs
- No chance of data leaks
- Recommended for most users
Blocks only selected apps (like torrent clients) if the VPN disconnects, while allowing other apps to continue using the internet.
Best for: Selective protection
- Protects specific sensitive apps
- Other apps work normally
- More flexible but requires setup
To verify your kill switch is working properly:
- Enable the kill switch in your VPN settings
- Connect to a VPN server and note your new IP address (use whatismyip.com)
- Start downloading a file or streaming a video
- Manually disconnect the VPN or force-close the VPN app
- The download/stream should stop immediately, and you should lose internet access
- Reconnect to the VPN - internet should resume automatically
If you can still browse the internet after disconnecting the VPN, your kill switch isn't working or isn't enabled.
- Not enabling it: Kill switches aren't always on by default - check your VPN settings
- Assuming all VPNs have one: Some free or budget VPNs lack this feature entirely
- Never testing it: Don't assume it works - test it at least once
- Disabling it for convenience: The moment you turn it off is when you need it most
Find a VPN with a Reliable Kill Switch
All our recommended VPNs include robust kill switch features to keep you protected 24/7.
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