Internet kill switch for iOS: Keep your traffic safe when VPN drops

ExpressVPN’s internet kill switch keeps your data safe even if your VPN connection unexpectedly drops. This guide will show you how the internet kill switch works in the ExpressVPN app for iOS.

Note: The internet kill switch is also available in the ExpressVPN app for Android. The ExpressVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, and routers have a similar feature, Network Lock.

What is the internet kill switch?

A VPN helps secure and anonymize your network traffic. If ExpressVPN unexpectedly disconnects on your iOS device, the internet kill switch in the app will automatically block your internet. This protects your IP address and other sensitive information from being exposed. Once your VPN connection is restored, you can access the internet again.

The ExpressVPN app for iOS includes both a Standard Kill Switch and an Advanced Kill Switch:

• Standard Kill Switch: Blocks your internet when ExpressVPN unexpectedly disconnects.
• Advanced Kill Switch: Blocks all network traffic when ExpressVPN unexpectedly disconnects.

Note: If the VPN is manually disconnected, the internet kill switch will not block internet connectivity.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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How to use the internet kill switch

By default, the Standard Kill Switch is enabled in the ExpressVPN app for iOS to keep your internet safe.

As soon as your VPN connection drops, the Standard Kill Switch blocks internet access and shows you a message that says “Unable to Connect,” “Connecting,” or “Reconnecting.”

If you want to change to the Advanced Kill Switch:

1. Tap Profile.
2. Tap Internet Kill Switch.
3. Tap Advanded Kill Switch > Change Anyway.

If your connection drops while the Advanded Kill Switch is enabled, all network traffic will be blocked.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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CarPlay, AirDrop, Apple Watch, or media casting not working

The Advanced Kill Switch may interfere with certain features on your non-cellular Apple Watch or iOS device, such as AirDrop, CarPlay, Apple Music, media casting (AirPlay), and Personal Hotspots, especially if you are on an older version of iOS. If you are having trouble with these features and are on the latest version of iOS, you may wish to change from the Advanded Kill Switch to the Standard Kill Switch.

To change to the Standard Kill Switch:

1. In the ExpressVPN app for iOS, tap Profile.
2. Tap Internet Kill Switch.
3. Tap Standard Kill Switch.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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