Kill Switch is a feature that helps prevent unprotected access to the internet when your traffic doesn't go through a NordVPN server.
The NordVPN apps employ a few different versions of Kill Switch:
On Windows
- The Internet Kill Switch cuts off your internet connection when disconnected from NordVPN servers.
- The App Kill Switch shuts down specified programs if you lose a VPN connection. For example, if you add Steam to the list, NordVPN will close it whenever you disconnect. Since it takes a few seconds to reach a secure VPN server, this will prevent your data from leaking upon automatically reconnecting to the internet. The feature is off by default.
On iOS and macOS
- On macOS App Store version and iOS: Similar protection is called VPN bypass prevention. It works at the network routing level: while enabled, all traffic covered by the VPN configuration is forced through the VPN tunnel. It remains effective during app restarts, sleep and wake, etc.. You can manage it in Settings under VPN connection.
- On macOS website version: The App Kill Switch terminates your apps’ connection if the VPN drops, and you can control it in Settings. This version uses system-level components rather than Apple's sandbox.
On Android
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Kill Switch on Android version 8.0 or later works just like a system-wide Kill Switch, blocking any internet access when there is no VPN connection.
Note: Due to technical limitations, the Kill Switch feature is not available on Amazon Fire TV Stick.
- Most devices (depending on the ROM) that run on Android version 7.0 or later have the Always-on VPN functionality, which prevents leaks if the VPN connection suddenly drops. To enable it, go to Settings > Connections > More connection settings > VPN. Tap the cog icon next to NordVPN and enable the Always-on VPN toggle switch.
On Linux
- The NordVPN client for Linux disables system-wide internet access if the VPN connection suddenly breaks off or you disconnect manually. You can enable the NordVPN Kill Switch feature by typing the nordvpn set killswitch on command. If you want to disable Kill Switch, type the nordvpn set killswitch off command. You can find the current status of the Kill Switch feature by typing the nordvpn settings command.
Find more information on the dedicated VPN Kill Switch feature page, where we explain how you can use it.
