Kill switch in Pivot VPN
Pivot VPN includes a built-in kill switch on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux and Android TV. Stay protected even if the tunnel drops.
OS-level filter
Not a watchdog process — WFP/nftables/Network Extension filters. Only tunnel traffic gets out.
On by default
Active right after install on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux. No setup needed.
No battery drain
A passive network filter, not an active daemon polling state — minimal background usage on phones and laptops.
Holds during network switch
When you move from Wi-Fi to mobile, the block stays in place while the tunnel reconnects.
DNS and IPv6 covered
DNS is forced through the tunnel, IPv6 is tunneled or blocked — no classic leak paths.
Local network allowed
An optional "Allow local network" keeps printers, NAS and smart home devices reachable.
What a kill switch is and why it matters
It's not a marketing checkbox — it's the last line of defense between your real IP and the internet the moment a VPN connection drops. If the tunnel breaks (bad Wi-Fi, network switch, service restart), the kill switch blocks all network traffic until the tunnel is back. Your background apps, messengers and mail don't get to send a single packet over the open connection.
How kill switch is implemented in Pivot VPN
We use each OS's native mechanism — not a watchdog process. On Android and Android TV — Always-on VPN with off-tunnel blocking. On iOS — On-Demand Network Extension rules. On Windows — WFP filters; on macOS — packet filter; on Linux — nftables/iptables. The principle is the same: only traffic through the WireGuard tunnel is allowed, everything else is blocked at the kernel level.
Impact on speed and battery
None. The kill switch is a passive filter, not an active daemon doing constant checks. When the tunnel is up, the filter just lets traffic through with zero overhead. On phones, Pivot VPN uses system network state callbacks instead of polling, so background battery usage stays minimal even with protection on.
Local network protection
By default the kill switch blocks all non-VPN traffic — which means your printer, NAS and smart-home devices on the local network may disappear. Pivot VPN settings include an "Allow local network" toggle: it keeps 192.168.x.x and 10.x.x.x addresses reachable without opening internet access. On Android and Android TV the local network is allowed by default.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Pivot VPN really free for 7 days?
Yes. You start with a 7-day free trial with no payment upfront — no card pre-authorization. Cancel any time during the trial and you pay nothing.
Which devices does Pivot VPN support?
Pivot VPN runs on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux and Android TV. One subscription covers your phone, laptop and TV.
Does Pivot VPN keep logs?
No. We follow a strict no-logs policy and don't store browsing history, DNS requests or VPN traffic content.
Will it work for Netflix, Disney+ and other streaming?
Yes. Pivot VPN unblocks major streaming libraries with smooth 4K speeds on any of your devices.
How fast is the connection?
We use the modern WireGuard protocol, so nearby servers typically keep most of your line speed — fast enough for 4K streaming and gaming.
Is using a VPN legal?
In most countries yes. Rules vary, so check local laws. A VPN doesn't make otherwise-illegal activity legal.