The kill switch constantly monitors your VPN status. If the VPN disconnects, it steps in immediately and blocks all internet traffic. Your device won’t send or receive data until the VPN reconnects.

Here's what happens step-by-step:

1. Monitoring – It watches for changes in your VPN connection.

2. Detection – If your VPN drops, the kill switch detects it.

3. Blocking – It shuts off internet access across your system or specific apps.

4. Protection – No data leaks out without the encrypted tunnel.

Restoration – Once VPN is back, your connection resumes.

There are two types of kill switches:

1. System-Level Kill Switch

• Blocks all internet traffic when VPN disconnects.

• Works across your whole device.

• Best for Linux, Windows, and Android users who want total protection.

2. Application-Level Kill Switch

• Blocks internet only for selected apps (e.g. browser, torrent client).

• Lets other apps stay online if needed.

• Good for multitasking without risking sensitive data leaks.

Even the best VPN can fail sometimes. And when it does, your real IP address can show up instantly—unless a kill switch is active.

Common causes of disconnections:

• Unstable Wi-Fi or mobile data

• VPN server overload

• Device sleep or reboot

• Changing networks (e.g. switching from home Wi-Fi to mobile)

• Firewall conflicts or antivirus interference

Without a kill switch, your internet keeps running—but unprotected.

Not everyone needs a kill switch. But if your privacy matters, you do.

You especially need it if you:

• Use torrent clients or P2P networks

• Work remotely and handle confidential data

• Travel often and connect to public Wi-Fi

• Live in regions with censorship or surveillance

• Are an activist, journalist, or researcher

If leaking your IP or traffic even once would be a problem, use a kill switch.

Want to be sure your kill switch works? Here's how:

Simple tests:

1. Connect to your VPN

2. Start browsing or pinging (e.g. ping google.com)

3. Disconnect the VPN manually or switch networks

4. Check if internet stops – if it does, your kill switch is working

Or use an IP checker like VPNTest.Pro to confirm if your real IP leaks after a VPN drop.

Does a Kill Switch Affect Internet Speed?

No. A VPN kill switch only acts when your VPN connection drops. It doesn’t process or slow down your traffic in real time. As long as your VPN is connected, the kill switch just waits in the background. Your speed depends on the VPN server, not the kill switch.

Yes. They do different jobs. A kill switch stops all traffic if the VPN drops. Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. You can use both together—for example, send your browser through the VPN and keep your streaming app outside it, while the kill switch ensures no protected traffic leaks.

Can You Add a Kill Switch Manually?

If your VPN doesn’t offer one, you can still protect yourself. Use tools like:

• VPN Watcher (Windows): Stops selected apps when VPN drops.

• VPN Lifeguard (free, open-source): Monitors your connection and reacts fast.

• Firewall rules: On Linux or Windows, block all traffic not going through the VPN interface.

It takes a few extra steps, but it’s doable.

How to Know If Your Kill Switch Is Always Active

Some VPNs only activate the kill switch after a connection has started. Others block all traffic unless the VPN is running—even at startup or after reboot. Look for settings labeled:

• “Always-on VPN”

• “Block non-VPN traffic”

• “Auto-connect with kill switch”

This makes sure your device never goes online without VPN protection—ever.

VPN Kill Switch on Mobile Devices (Android and iOS)

On Android 7+, go to:

Settings → Network & Internet → VPN → [Select VPN] → Enable "Always-on VPN" and "Block connections without VPN"

That acts like a full kill switch.
On iOS, most VPNs can’t enforce system-wide kill switches due to system limits. But some apps simulate it with “connect on demand” + kill logic.

Kill Switch Troubleshooting: If It’s Not Working

Here’s what to do if you suspect your kill switch isn’t working:

• Check that it’s enabled in your VPN settings

• Restart your VPN app and device

• Update the app to the latest version

• Disable battery saver or sleep settings (on mobile)

• On desktop, check your firewall settings

• Try reinstalling the VPN or switching providers

You can also simulate a drop and see if your connection cuts. If not—your kill switch isn’t active.

Is a Kill Switch Necessary for Streaming or Gaming?

It depends. If you’re just watching Netflix or playing a game, you may not care about a brief IP leak. But if you value privacy—or live in a region where content access is monitored—a kill switch can still protect you.

Tip: Some VPNs let you whitelist your game or streaming app so it’s unaffected, even if the kill switch triggers.

Can Kill Switches Prevent DNS or WebRTC Leaks?

No, not directly. A kill switch only blocks all traffic when the VPN disconnects. It won’t stop DNS leaks or WebRTC leaks while the VPN is connected.

Make sure your VPN offers DNS leak protection and WebRTC blocking. Or use tools like VPNTest.Pro to test for leaks manually. If your VPN doesn’t have DNS leak protection, you’ll need to fix DNS leaks manually to stay private.

What Happens During System Sleep or App Crashes?

Your device may go to sleep, restart, or crash. If your VPN doesn’t auto-reconnect, you’ll be exposed.

A good kill switch remains active during:

• System sleep

• VPN app crashes

• Wi-Fi switches

• VPN server timeouts

If yours doesn’t, your privacy isn’t fully protected. Test it or switch VPNs.

How to Disable a VPN Kill Switch

If you need to turn it off temporarily (for downloads, updates, or connection troubleshooting), you can do it in your VPN settings:

• Go to your VPN app

• Find the setting labeled Kill Switch, Network Lock, or Block non-VPN traffic

• Toggle it off

Just don’t forget to turn it back on if you're handling sensitive tasks.

VPN Kill Switch on Windows and Linux

Most VPNs offer native kill switch features on Windows and Linux, but the setup may vary:

• Windows users: Look for a “Kill Switch” or “Block Internet without VPN” toggle in your VPN app. Some even let you whitelist apps.

• Linux users: Many VPNs implement system-level kill switches using firewall rules (e.g. iptables or nftables).

If your VPN doesn’t support this, you can set up a manual firewall rule or use third-party tools like VPNWatch or VPN Lifeguard.

Best VPNs with a Kill Switch

When choosing a VPN with a kill switch, look for:

• Always-on protection (even after reboot)

• Support for Windows, Linux, Android

• App-level or system-level control

• Proven no-log policy

• Stable servers to minimize drops

You can test and compare providers using VPNTest.Pro, where you’ll also find leak testing tools.

A VPN kill switch is simple, but powerful. It keeps your online activity private—even when things go wrong.

If your VPN drops, you might never notice. But without a kill switch, your IP address, location, and browsing activity could slip through.

So if you care about privacy—even a little—turn on your kill switch and make sure it works. It's the line between protected and exposed.

Not sure where to begin? Here’s why VPN testing matters and how it keeps your online identity safe.

What is a VPN automatic kill switch?
It’s a feature that blocks internet access automatically when your VPN disconnects. It protects you without manual steps.

How to test a VPN kill switch?
Disconnect your VPN while browsing. If your internet shuts down instantly, it’s working. Or use tools like VPNTest.Pro to check for leaks.

Can I disable a VPN kill switch?
Yes. Most VPN apps let you turn it off in settings. But disabling it removes protection, so use caution.

Is there a VPN kill switch for Linux?
Yes. Many VPNs for Linux support system-level kill switches using firewall rules.

What happens if my VPN disconnects without a kill switch?
Your real IP and unencrypted data may leak, leaving you exposed to trackers, ISPs, or surveillance.