Overview
You can customize VirtualShield to open automatically each time you power on or restart your device. This will help ensure that your device remains protected and your data remains private at all times, and you don't have to open the app every time you want to connect.
This option is enabled by default on desktop and laptop computers. On mobile devices, you may need to toggle this option on manually.
Windows
When you close or hide VirtualShield, it will continue protecting you in the background. To open it again, click the shield icon near the corner of your screen (next to your clock).
You can also open the app by double-clicking the shortcut on your Desktop, or click the Start button and search for VirtualShield.
If you don't see this icon, click the up arrow next to your clock to Show hidden icons.
Open on Startup
How to open VirtualShield automatically on your Windows computer:
Open VirtualShield and log in to your account, if you are not logged in already.
For more help logging in and connecting, see our support article.
Click the Settings link near the corner of the app to open the Settings panel.
Select the App Settings tab to customize your App Settings.
You can also right-click the shield icon next to your clock, and navigate to App Settings from the popup menu.
Toggle the Open on Startup option on or off, then click the 
back arrow to return to the Home screen.
If used in combination with the Connect Automatically option, VirtualShield will remain connected to our VPN servers at all times.
macOS
When you close or hide VirtualShield, it will continue protecting you in the background. To open it again, click the shield icon near the corner of your screen (next to your clock).
You can also open the app by double-clicking the icon in your Applications list, or open Finder and search for VirtualShield.
If you can't find this icon, ask Siri to open VirtualShield.
Open on Startup
How to open VirtualShield automatically on your Mac computer:
Open VirtualShield and log in to your account, if you are not logged in already.
For more help logging in and connecting, see our support article.
Click the Settings icon near the corner of the app to open the Settings panel.
Select the App Settings tab to customize your App Settings.
You can also click the shield icon next to your clock, and navigate to App Settings from the popup menu.
Toggle the Open at Login option on or off, then click the click the back arrow to return to the Home screen.
If used in combination with the Connect Automatically option, VirtualShield will remain connected to our VPN servers at all times.
iOS
When you close or hide VirtualShield, it will continue protecting you in the background. To open it again, tap the shield icon on your Home screen, or inside your list of Installed apps.
If you can't find this icon, ask Siri to open VirtualShield.
Open on Startup
Unfortunately it is not possible to add Startup apps on iPhone/iPad devices at this time. This was a design choice made by Apple. However, there is a workaround.
If you want VirtualShield to open automatically each time you power on or restart your device, you can simply leave it running when you turn it off. The app will open automatically when you power it on again.
Alternatively, you can use Guided Access, also known as Kiosk Mode, to restrict access to VirtualShield. However, Kiosk Mode only allows one app to run at a given time.
See this Apple article for more info on how to enable Guided Access.
Android
When you close or hide VirtualShield, it will continue protecting you in the background. To open it again, tap the shield icon on your Home screen, or inside your list of Installed apps.
If you can't find this icon, ask Google to open VirtualShield.
Open on Startup
How to open VirtualShield automatically on your Android phone/tablet:
Open your Settings app. It looks like a cog/gear or a wrench shaped icon.
If you can't find this icon, ask Google to open your Settings.
Select Apps & notifications from the list of available options.
It may be labeled Applications or Installed Apps, depending on the make and model of your device.
Find the VirtualShield app, then tap it to open the App info screen.
Turn on the Autostart option to add VirtualShield to your list of Startup apps.
Android version 10 or later is required. If you don't see this option, it might be labeled Autorun or Open on Startup.
Common Questions
I don't see the icon in my Windows Taskbar, what can I do?
Click the up arrow next to your clock to Show hidden icons. You can also drag the shield icon and move it next to your clock for quick & easy access.
I don't see the icon in my Mac Toolbar, what can I do?
Look for VirtualShield inside Finder > Applications. If you still can't find it, try installing the latest version of the application from our website.
Why can't I find this option on my device?
It's possible you are using an older/legacy version of VirtualShield. Please try installing the latest version of the app and see if it solves your issue.