How to use Kill Switch

Updated: September 11, 2026 12:28

This article will teach you how to use the Kill Switch feature on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.

You will need Surfshark application installed on one of these devices and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on our pricing page.

What is Kill Switch?

Kill Switch feature shuts down your internet connection if your VPN connection drops, keeping your sensitive data safe.

So, if you unexpectedly disconnect from Surfshark, Kill Switch will ensure that no sensitive data is leaked by cutting off the internet connection until you safely reconnect to a Surfshark VPN server.

Enable it on Windows

Open the Surfshark app and select Settings.
Click on VPN settings.
To enable Kill Switch, toggle the switch on the right side. If you open the VPN Settings and see that the switch is green, the feature is already on.

Enable it on macOS

Open the Surfshark app. Then, click on the Settings tab.
Select VPN Settings.
To enable Kill Switch, toggle the switch on the right side. If you open the VPN Settings and see that the switch is green, the feature is already on.

Enable it on Android

Open the Surfshark app and tap on Settings.
Tap on the VPN settings tab.
To enable Kill Switch, toggle the switch on the right side. If you open the VPN Settings and see that the switch is green, the feature is already on.

Enable it on iOS

Open the Surfshark app and tap on Settings.
Click on VPN settings.
To enable Kill Switch, toggle the switch on the right side. If you open the VPN Settings and see that the switch is green, the feature is already on.

Enable it on Linux

Open the Surfshark app and click on Settings.
Click on VPN settings.
To enable Kill Switch, toggle the switch on the right side. If you open the VPN Settings and see that the switch is green, the feature is already on.