How to configure kill switch protection on NordVPN

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

NordVPN's kill switch can be enabled through the app settings to automatically block internet traffic if your VPN connection drops. Navigate to Settings > Advanced and toggle on the Kill Switch feature to protect your data from accidental exposure.

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Prerequisites

Active NordVPN subscription
NordVPN app installed on your device
Administrative privileges on your device

Step-by-Step Instructions

Open the NordVPN Application

Launch the NordVPN app on your device by clicking the NordVPN icon in your applications folder or taskbar. Ensure you're logged into your NordVPN account before proceeding to the settings.

Make sure your NordVPN app is updated to the latest version for the best security features.

Access Application Settings

Click on the Settings icon (gear wheel) located in the top-right corner of the NordVPN interface. This will open the main settings menu where you can configure various VPN features and preferences.

Navigate to Advanced Settings

In the settings menu, locate and click on the Advanced tab or section. This section contains advanced security features including the kill switch functionality that protects your internet traffic.

The Advanced section may also contain other useful features like split tunneling and protocol selection.

Enable the Kill Switch Feature

Find the Kill Switch option in the Advanced settings and toggle it ON. The toggle should change color (typically to blue or green) to indicate that the kill switch is now active and monitoring your connection.

Some versions may show this as 'Auto-Connect' or 'Internet Kill Switch' depending on your device.

Configure Kill Switch Type

Choose between Internet Kill Switch (blocks all internet traffic) or App Kill Switch (blocks specific applications). Select Internet Kill Switch for maximum protection, which will completely disable internet access if the VPN disconnects.

App Kill Switch is useful if you only want to protect specific applications like torrent clients or browsers.

Test the Kill Switch Protection

Connect to a NordVPN server, then manually disconnect from the VPN while browsing or using internet applications. Your internet connection should immediately stop working, confirming the kill switch is functioning properly.

Visit whatismyipaddress.com before and after disconnecting to verify your IP address is protected.

Configure Auto-Connect Settings

In the same Advanced settings, enable Auto-connect to automatically establish a VPN connection when you start your device or connect to unsecured networks. This works together with the kill switch for comprehensive protection.

Set auto-connect to activate on startup and when joining Wi-Fi networks for seamless protection.

Save and Apply Settings

Click Save or Apply if prompted, then close the settings menu. The kill switch protection is now active and will automatically engage whenever your VPN connection is interrupted or lost.

The kill switch will remain active even after restarting the application or your device.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Kill switch option is grayed out or unavailable

Ensure you have administrator privileges on your device and restart the NordVPN application. On some devices, you may need to grant the app Network Extension permissions in your system security settings.

Internet doesn't reconnect after VPN disconnection

The kill switch is working correctly. Reconnect to NordVPN or temporarily disable the kill switch in Settings > Advanced to restore internet access without VPN protection.

Kill switch not blocking traffic during disconnections

Verify that Internet Kill Switch is enabled, not just App Kill Switch. Restart the NordVPN app and test again. Check if your firewall or antivirus is interfering with the kill switch functionality.

Some applications still connect despite kill switch being active

Certain system applications may bypass the kill switch. Use App Kill Switch to specifically block individual applications, or check if Split Tunneling is accidentally enabled for those apps.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official NordVPN website before purchasing.

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