Kill Switch is a security feature that protects your IP in case you unexpectedly lose connection to any ProtonVPN server.
In case the connection is interrupted, Kill Switch blocks all external network traffic to and from your IP until it automatically re-establishes a connection to the same VPN server.
This means that even though you can’t use the Internet until ProtonVPN reconnects, your IP address and DNS queries are safe from being exposed.
Kill Switch is available to all ProtonVPN users on macOS, Windows, Linux, and iOS/iPadOS (beta). If you have an Android device, you can use a similar, Android-developed solution, as explained below.
Please note that Kill Switch can’t protect you if you intentionally disconnect from a VPN server. However, the feature protects you while you switch servers with ProtonVPN. Our Windows and Linux apps now also feature Permanent Kill Switch.
How do I enable Kill Switch?
Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Open ProtonVPN and go to the Countries tab
- Select the Kill Switch icon and open the settings area
Turn Kill Switch on and continue using ProtonVPN
Android
If you are an Android user, follow these steps to enable Block connections without VPN:
1. Open the ProtonVPN app and go to ≡ → Settings → Always-On VPN & Kill Switch → Open Android Settings.
2. Tap the gear icon next to ProtonVPN.
3. Enable Always-on VPN and then Block connections without VPN.
iOS / iPadOS (beta)
Open the ProtonVPN app and go to Settings →Security Options → Kill Switch to toggle the feature on or off.
Because of the way iOS works, it is not possible to access devices on your local network when Kill Switch is enabled.
