What Is a VPN Kill Switch and Why You Need One
A kill switch blocks internet access if the VPN connection fails, so your data never leaves the device unencrypted.
Why it matters
VPN connections can drop due to weak Wi-Fi, server issues or sleeping devices. Without a kill switch, apps may quietly fall back to your regular connection.
Types
- App-level kill switch: closes selected apps.
- System-level kill switch: blocks all traffic.
How to check
Connect to the VPN, then disable your network adapter briefly and see whether traffic continues. Look for the setting in your VPN app and enable it.
Key takeaway: Enable the kill switch for any VPN you rely on for privacy.
