Network protection for iOS: Keep your traffic safe when VPN drops

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

Note: For iOS, network protection is only supported in iOS 14 and above. Network protection 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 network protection?

A VPN helps secure and anonymize your network traffic. If ExpressVPN unexpectedly disconnects on your iOS device, the network protection feature 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.

Note: If the VPN is manually disconnected, the network protection feature will not block internet connectivity.

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

Back to top

How to use network protection

By default, network protection is enabled in the ExpressVPN app for iOS to keep your internet safe.

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

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

Back to top

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

Network protection 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 turn off network protection.

How to disable network protection

1. In the ExpressVPN app for iOS, tap Options.
2. Tap Other settings > Network Protection.
3. Toggle Block internet when VPN connection is interrupted off.

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

Back to top