Guide
What is a VPN kill switch?
A kill switch blocks your internet traffic whenever the VPN connection drops, so nothing is sent unprotected until it reconnects. On Android, Privalune uses the system's Always-on VPN and Block connections without VPN settings.
What a kill switch does
Without a kill switch, if the VPN connection drops (a Wi‑Fi hiccup, a server restart), your device quietly goes back to the normal connection. For a few seconds or minutes, apps send traffic unprotected. A kill switch blocks that traffic until the VPN is back.
When you need one
- You rely on the VPN on networks you don't trust.
- You leave the VPN on all day and wouldn't notice a drop.
For a quick session where you're watching the screen, it matters less.
How to turn it on with Privalune on Android
- Open Privalune and go to Settings, then Kill switch. Android opens its VPN settings.
- Tap the gear next to Privalune.
- Turn on Always-on VPN.
- Turn on Block connections without VPN.
Android now blocks traffic whenever the VPN isn't connected. You can also reach these settings from Android's Settings, Network & internet, VPN (the exact names vary by phone).
Other platforms
Privalune's kill switch is available on Android today, using Android's own feature. On iPhone, iPad, Mac and Windows, keep an eye on the VPN icon in the status bar or system tray.