Kill Switch prevents unprotected internet access when your traffic isn't going through a NordVPN server. If the VPN connection drops, your real IP address stays hidden. It is not on by default: you turn it on in the app settings.
How it works on each device
| Device | Type | How to turn it on |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Internet Kill Switch (cuts all internet access while you're not connected) and App Kill Switch (closes only the apps you choose) | Settings (gear, bottom left) → Kill Switch. For App Kill Switch, pick the apps first. |
| macOS | The latest version lets you choose which apps it closes. The App Store version blocks all internet access without closing apps. | App settings → Kill Switch |
| Linux | Blocks all internet access if the VPN drops or you disconnect | nordvpn set killswitch on |
| iPhone / iPad | Built in: blocks all internet access if the VPN drops, without closing apps | Works automatically |
| Android | System-wide | Android Settings → VPN → NordVPN → Always-on VPN and Block connections without VPN (guide) |
No internet after disconnecting
That means Internet Kill Switch is doing its job. Reconnect to the VPN, or turn Kill Switch off for a while to use the internet without the VPN. On Linux: nordvpn set killswitch off.
Kill Switch and Split Tunneling
When it's on, Internet Kill Switch takes priority over Split Tunneling: if the VPN drops, the apps you excluded are blocked too.
How to check it works
- Connect to the VPN and open a page.
- Disconnect from the VPN (on Windows and Linux).
- If the page no longer loads, Kill Switch is working.
Related: connection troubleshooting.
