Does NordVPN Have A Kill Switch? (And What Is It?)

A VPN kill switch is a function that disconnects your computer, phone, or tablet from the internet if your VPN connection fails. This means that your IP address and other sensitive information will not be disclosed if your VPN fails. As a result, the security and anonymity of your internet connection will not be jeopardized.

VPNs frequently have the kill switch option enabled by default, but you can deactivate it if you like. If you turn it off, you'll be able to use the internet normally even if your VPN isn't connected. However, if you enable it, you will be unable to share files over your internet connection if your VPN is disconnected.

So, does NordVPN have a Kill Switch?

Yes, in fact, they have two different versions of their Kill Switch feature. One is for Windows devices and the other is for devices that operate Android, iOS, Linux, and macOS.

When using the Kill Switch feature on Windows, if your connection to a NordVPN server is lost, you can stop internet access or choose which applications should be restricted. Blocking certain apps is intended for sophisticated users who are familiar with every app on their smartphone. The safer method is to use system-wide Kill Switches.

Kill Switch is built into the NordVPN Linux, iOS, and macOS apps and initiates a system-wide network lock if a VPN cThe NordVPN Kill Switch will not be triggered automatically when you download the app. To enable it, navigate to the app's settings.

You will also be able to specify which apps you want the Kill Switch to block in our Windows and macOS apps if your connection is lost. If you run the OpenVPN protocol on your Mac, you can select which apps the Kill Switch should shut down.

It’s important to note that 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.

Why use a Kill Switch?

There are many benefits to using a VPN that has a Kill Switch feature, such as NordVPN. For example, a VPN Kill Switch will serve as a second line of protection if you are a political activist, journalist, or blogger who lives and works in a nation ruled by an authoritarian government.

Also, if your job requires you to handle sensitive or classified information, you’ll need to make sure that it is constantly encrypted. NordVPN with the internet Kill Switch enabled is the greatest approach to protect yourself from data breaches and unexpected internet disruptions.

If you change from one internet connection to another, for example, from 5G to Wi-Fi. This is frequent while using mobile devices, but with a kill switch, you won't have to worry about anything when you flip the button. The VPN will prevent all traffic from leaving your device and will immediately reestablish a secure connection when you connect to a new network.

Also, If your device goes to sleep or reboots, the background processes, including the VPN, may be stopped accidentally. If you restart your device, you may find yourself inadvertently exposed. This feature will prevent this from occurring in the future.

A Kill Switch is also great when you don't want your ISP or other third-party companies to know you're using a VPN.

With a VPN, you may be able to fool services such as streaming providers, but if your connection stops for any reason, you may be exposed and locked out. This is frequently the case while utilizing a GPS-enabled mobile device. A VPN will keep you safe and anonymous at all times.

The Different Types of Kill Switches

A network-level kill switch and an app-level kill switch are the two most common forms of kill switches.

• The network kill switch disconnects all of your connections, as well as all incoming and outgoing traffic.
• Only traffic sent through apps is killed by the app kill switch. Most of the time, it is configurable, and you can choose which apps are disconnected from your internet connection while remaining connected. The app kill switch is generally recommended for use by experienced VPN users who understand exactly what type of data is being delivered by which program.

What if NordVPN’s Kill Switch fails?

Some users claimed that their kill switch was not functioning properly. This was most noticeable while running protocols other than OpenVPN. If this is the case, switching to OpenVPN will almost certainly solve the problem. This option may be found in the app's settings, under "VPN protocol."

Should I enable the NordVPN Kill Switch?

Disconnection is an extremely rare occurrence for NordVPN. However, as with any software, a bug may occur. The worst part is that you might not even recognize you have a problem. If the kill switch is turned off in this case, you will be connected using your real IP for some time until you realize there is a problem. This can take some time.

To avoid such circumstances, we recommend taking advantage of NordVPN's kill switch option and use it at all times. It has no negative influence on your connection speed and has no effect on your activities. It's also a free utility; there are no hidden fees or installation requirements. It is already included in the VPN application.

Consider it an additional layer of protection that operates in the background and is unseen to the user. And it will only intervene if necessary to ensure your anonymity at all times.

Final Thoughts

NordVPN's kill switch is enabled by default. It automatically prohibits your device or the apps you've chosen from connecting to the internet outside of its private VPN tunnel.

NordVPN provides two types of kill switches, and both help to keep you safe online. NordVPN recommends keeping the Kill Switch feature enabled at all times while using the Internet, to ensure the most protection.