Beginner
How to configure kill switch protection on NordVPN
Quick Answer
NordVPN's kill switch can be enabled through the app settings to automatically block internet traffic if your VPN connection drops. Navigate to Settings > Advanced and toggle on the Kill Switch feature to protect your data from accidental exposure.
Prerequisites
- Active NordVPN subscription
- NordVPN app installed on your device
- Administrative privileges on your device
1
Open the NordVPN Application
Launch the NordVPN app on your device by clicking the NordVPN icon in your applications folder or taskbar. Ensure you're logged into your NordVPN account before proceeding to the settings.
Tip
Make sure your NordVPN app is updated to the latest version for the best security features.
2
Access Application Settings
Click on the Settings icon (gear wheel) located in the top-right corner of the NordVPN interface. This will open the main settings menu where you can configure various VPN features and preferences.
3
Navigate to Advanced Settings
In the settings menu, locate and click on the Advanced tab or section. This section contains advanced security features including the kill switch functionality that protects your internet traffic.
Tip
The Advanced section may also contain other useful features like split tunneling and protocol selection.
4
Enable the Kill Switch Feature
Find the Kill Switch option in the Advanced settings and toggle it ON. The toggle should change color (typically to blue or green) to indicate that the kill switch is now active and monitoring your connection.
Tip
Some versions may show this as 'Auto-Connect' or 'Internet Kill Switch' depending on your device.
5
Configure Kill Switch Type
Choose between Internet Kill Switch (blocks all internet traffic) or App Kill Switch (blocks specific applications). Select Internet Kill Switch for maximum protection, which will completely disable internet access if the VPN disconnects.
Tip
App Kill Switch is useful if you only want to protect specific applications like torrent clients or browsers.
6
Test the Kill Switch Protection
Connect to a NordVPN server, then manually disconnect from the VPN while browsing or using internet applications. Your internet connection should immediately stop working, confirming the kill switch is functioning properly.
Tip
Visit whatismyipaddress.com before and after disconnecting to verify your IP address is protected.
7
Configure Auto-Connect Settings
In the same Advanced settings, enable Auto-connect to automatically establish a VPN connection when you start your device or connect to unsecured networks. This works together with the kill switch for comprehensive protection.
Tip
Set auto-connect to activate on startup and when joining Wi-Fi networks for seamless protection.
8
Save and Apply Settings
Click Save or Apply if prompted, then close the settings menu. The kill switch protection is now active and will automatically engage whenever your VPN connection is interrupted or lost.
Tip
The kill switch will remain active even after restarting the application or your device.
Troubleshooting
Kill switch option is grayed out or unavailable
Ensure you have administrator privileges on your device and restart the NordVPN application. On some devices, you may need to grant the app Network Extension permissions in your system security settings.
Internet doesn't reconnect after VPN disconnection
The kill switch is working correctly. Reconnect to NordVPN or temporarily disable the kill switch in Settings > Advanced to restore internet access without VPN protection.
Kill switch not blocking traffic during disconnections
Verify that Internet Kill Switch is enabled, not just App Kill Switch. Restart the NordVPN app and test again. Check if your firewall or antivirus is interfering with the kill switch functionality.
Some applications still connect despite kill switch being active
Certain system applications may bypass the kill switch. Use App Kill Switch to specifically block individual applications, or check if Split Tunneling is accidentally enabled for those apps.
Ready to get started with NordVPN?
Put this tutorial into practice. Visit NordVPN and follow the steps above.
Visit NordVPN →