Overview
In case the VPN unexpectedly disconnects, Kill-Switch stops your device from accessing the internet. As soon as you are re-connected to the VPN server location, your internet traffic will be restored automatically.
This adds an additional layer of security to the VPN, by preventing any unwanted (private) information from leaking across your regular (public) network without your knowledge/permission.
Windows
This setting is only recommended for advanced VPN users. In most cases, you do not need to adjust this option. However if you have a poor or unstable internet connection, Kill-Switch can help by blocking any unencrypted traffic before it reaches the other end.
This feature is entirely optional, and it can be enabled or disabled at any time.
Internet Kill-Switch
How to use the Kill-Switch 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 More Options (three vertical dots) near the corner of the app, and choose Advanced Settings from the popup menu.
You can also right-click the shield icon next to your clock, then navigate to VPN > Advanced Settings from the popup menu.
Toggle the Internet Kill-Switch option on or off, then click the back arrow to return to the Home screen.
If used in combination with the IPv6 Leak Protection option, your public data will be fully protected against any type of leaks.
Android
This setting is only recommended for advanced VPN users. In most cases, you do not need to adjust this option. However if you have a poor or unstable internet connection, Kill-Switch can help by blocking any unencrypted traffic before it reaches the other end.
This feature is entirely optional, and it can be enabled or disabled at any time.
Internet Kill-Switch
How to use the Kill-Switch on your Android phone/tablet:
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.
Tap the slider icon near the corner of the app to open the VPN Settings panel.
Select Connection Protection from the list of available options.
Tap the cog/gear shaped icon next to VirtualShield in the list of VPN connections.
Toggle the Block connections without VPN option on or off, then tap the back arrow to return to the Home screen.
You might need to turn on the Always-on VPN option first, before you will be able to access this option.
Linux (Coming soon)
Our new Linux app is not yet available, but it will be coming soon to both Debian and Arch based platforms. Don't hesitate to contact us and we'll be more than happy to notify you via email when the new Linux app is available for download.
In the meanwhile, you can install our Legacy Linux application instead. That will allow you to stay protected until the new version of our Linux app becomes available.
The Legacy Linux application is only compatible with Debian-based systems at this time.
Common Questions
Why can't I find the Kill-Switch option on my computer?
If you can't find this option, it is possible you are using our Legacy Windows application. We recommend installing the latest version of the app in order to be fully protected.
Why would the VPN unexpectedly disconnect in the first place?
This can happen for a number of reasons, including a poor connection, when your network changes, or when your device wakes up from Sleep mode.