What the kill switch does
While you are connected, all traffic goes through an encrypted tunnel to a TVPN server. If that tunnel breaks, most devices quietly switch back to your normal connection, and apps keep sending data with your real IP address.
The kill switch prevents that fallback. When the tunnel drops, TVPN blocks internet access on the device. Once the connection is back, traffic flows again through the VPN.
When it matters most
Drops are more common on public Wi-Fi, mobile data while moving, and networks that limit VPN traffic. They also happen when you switch servers or when your device changes networks, for example from home Wi-Fi to mobile data.
Apps running in the background are the main concern. A browser tab or a file sync tool can send requests in the few seconds before you notice the VPN is off. With the kill switch on, those requests simply fail instead of going out unprotected.
How to turn it on
The kill switch is part of every TVPN plan, including Basic. In the Windows, macOS and Linux apps it is a single toggle in the settings.
On Android, the system has its own always-on setting that works together with the app. On a router, the behavior depends on the firmware, so check your router settings if you set up TVPN with a WireGuard configuration file.
- Windows, macOS, Linux: Settings > Connection > Kill switch
- Android: Settings > Connection > Kill switch, then in Android settings enable Always-on VPN and Block connections without VPN for TVPN
- iOS: Settings > Connection > Kill switch
What to expect when it triggers
When the kill switch blocks traffic, pages stop loading and the app shows that you are disconnected. This is expected. TVPN tries to reconnect, and you can also pick another server by hand.
If you want to go back to your normal connection, disconnect in the app first. Disconnecting on purpose lifts the block. Only an unexpected drop keeps it in place.