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Kill Switch

Surfshark’s VPN Kill Switch:
next-level online privacy

Keep your connection safe — even when your VPN protection drops — with an internet kill switch.

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What is a VPN kill switch?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) kill switch is a feature that cuts off your internet access if your VPN connection drops.

When a VPN is active, your data is protected by encryption and security protocols. If the VPN connection fails, a kill switch blocks internet access — preserving your privacy online.

If your VPN’s off, you’re offline — and safe from data leaks.

Once activated, a VPN kill switch works quietly in the background, so you won’t need to lift a finger.

What are the benefits of a kill switch?

Keeps your data protected

Using the internet over an unsecured network is never 100% reliable — no matter the device. A kill switch feature reduces the risk of sensitive data breaches if your VPN connection suddenly drops.

Ensures your traffic is always encrypted

A VPN filters all your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel, hiding your real IP (Internet Protocol) address from prying eyes. A kill switch guarantees you won’t be online without VPN protection.

Shields your identity

Connecting to a VPN server changes your IP address, keeping your actual online locale private. With a kill switch enabled, your true location won’t get exposed.

Boosts online security

A VPN’s kill switch is a lifeline for anyone in a country that restricts their online rights. It helps keep your data and IP address hidden by cutting the internet connection when your VPN protection goes down.

Fortifies file sharing

If you’re sharing files with peer-to-peer technology, exposing your IP address is all too easy. VPN software with a built-in kill switch lets you share whatever you need — while maintaining your online privacy.

Provides peace of mind

Worried about Wi-Fi hotspots or mobile data networks acting up? Don’t be. Kill switches keep your connection encrypted and minimize the risk of IP leaks — even when your VPN fails.

How a kill switch works

A kill switch checks to see if you’re connected to a VPN server and shuts down your device’s internet connection if you’re not.

1. Your VPN provider’s kill switch checks the status of your VPN connection.

2. The kill switch detects when you’re no longer connected to a VPN server.

3. The kill switch disables your internet connection.

4. Reconnect to a VPN server, and everything will return to normal.

How to use Surfshark’s Kill Switch on your device

Go to Settings, VPN settings, and turn the Kill Switch button on.

You’re all set! Surfshark’s Kill Switch secures your online traffic, keeping your data safe.

Types of VPN kill switches

VPN kill switches fall into two categories: those that protect specific apps and those that secure your entire system.

Application-level kill switches

Application-level VPN kill switches close certain apps and stop them from sending or receiving data.

These kill switches don’t interrupt your device’s internet connection. The chosen apps won’t leak any private data whenever you lose your VPN connection, but using other apps may still put you at risk.

System-level kill switches

System-level VPN kill switches cut off all internet traffic to and from your device, keeping data across your whole system safe.

These are more secure than alternatives that only shut down specific apps. However, it’s worth noting that a system-level kill switch may lead to more connectivity issues when used on an unstable network.

What causes VPN disconnections?

VPN disconnections are quite rare, but they still happen. Here are the most common reasons why:

Unstable internet connection

Spotty internet connectivity is the most common reason VPNs get disconnected. You can’t set up a VPN tunnel without internet access, so your VPN connection shuts down anytime your internet drops.

Firewall and antivirus settings

Your firewall or antivirus software settings may clash with your VPN service. If you frequently lose connection, try adding your VPN app to your firewall’s list of exceptions.

VPN server issues

Some VPN providers suffer from underdeveloped infrastructures, causing frequent downtime. If your chosen VPN server isn’t up and running, you’ll face connectivity problems.

Top VPNs like Surfshark boast a solid infrastructure that cuts down on server-related hiccups.

Network congestion

If a network is experiencing heavy traffic, it may be subject to ISP (Internet Service Provider) throttling. This kind of congestion might result in poor connections or VPN app crashes.

When does a VPN kill switch activate?

A kill switch activates — cuts your internet connection — when you lose connection to your VPN servers. This could happen if:

You restart your device and don’t reconnect to a VPN server;
Your device restarts by itself (e.g., an overnight update) and doesn’t auto-connect to a VPN;
Your connection is unreliable, causing you to disconnect and reconnect to the internet repeatedly;

Your new firewall doesn’t have an exception for your VPN client and blocks your connection.

Potential risks of using a VPN without a kill switch

Here are the top threats you may come across if your connection drops and your VPN isn’t equipped with a kill switch:

Leaked IP address — with your real IP address visible, you lose your online anonymity and become a bigger target for cyberattacks;
Leaked location — the website or service you’re using can now detect your country or city, exposing you to privacy violations;
Traceable online activities — anyone from marketers to censorship-prone governments can monitor you, subjecting you to intrusive ads and legal consequences;
Greater vulnerability on public Wi-Fi — hackers, snoopers, and data skimmers may be able to access sensitive information on unsecured networks.

Surfshark’s Kill Switch on your devices

Here are the major operating systems that support Surfshark’s Kill Switch:

iOS macOS Android Windows Linux

Frequently asked questions

Should you turn on a VPN kill switch?

Yes, you should turn on your VPN kill switch — and leave it on. It’s an additional security feature that’ll keep you safer if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops.

How do I turn off a VPN kill switch?

To turn off your Surfshark VPN’s Kill Switch:

Go to your Surfshark app.
Head to Settings and then VPN settings.
Toggle the Kill Switch button to the off position.

How do you know if a VPN kill switch is working?

Go to your app’s VPN settings to see if your kill switch is active. In the Surfshark app, the Kill Switch button will be toggled to the on position — that’s how you know your connection is protected.

What happens when a kill switch is activated?

If your VPN connection is stable, activating your kill switch feature won’t do anything right away. But if your VPN connection drops, the kill switch will block your device’s internet connection to ensure no unprotected data gets leaked.

Which VPN has a built-in kill switch?

Top VPNs like Surfshark have built-in kill switches, offering users enhanced online security from day one.

Can I use a free VPN kill switch?

Yes, some free VPN services offer a kill switch feature. However, they often have limitations like reduced security, slower speeds, and potential data logging. For optimal protection and performance, a paid VPN is a safer choice.