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VPN – Advanced Settings

> VPN – Advanced Settings

Unlocking the Vault: A Comprehensive Guide to VPN Advanced Settings

Welcome back to the world of VPN advanced settings, where we go from “just connect” to “now I’m a VPN master” in a few easy steps. If you’re using PrivateInternetAccess (PIA), you’re already ahead of the game, but let’s dive deep into the advanced settings so you can get the most out of your VPN.

1. Kill Switch: The Trust Fall You Didn’t Know You Needed

What is it? A kill switch automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops. Without this, if your VPN unexpectedly disconnects, your real IP address becomes visible to your ISP or any snoopers.

Pros:

  • Complete privacy even if the VPN fails.
  • Essential for torrenting or sensitive browsing.

Cons:

  • You lose all internet access if the VPN drops (but that’s kind of the point).

How to enable it in PIA:

  1. Open PIA and log in.
  2. Go to Settings (gear icon).
  3. Click Privacy.
  4. Toggle VPN Kill Switch to “on.”

Step-by-Step:

  1. Go to the PIA app and open the main dashboard.
  2. Select Settings > Privacy.
  3. Look for VPN Kill Switch and activate it by toggling the switch.

Pro tip: PIA also offers an Advanced Kill Switch, which blocks all non-VPN traffic even when PIA is off. For hardcore privacy enthusiasts, this option is gold.

2. Split Tunneling: The Control Freak’s Dream

What is it? Split tunneling lets you decide which apps or websites use the VPN and which don’t. For example, you might want Netflix to stream on your local connection for better speeds but keep your torrenting hidden under the VPN.

Pros:

  • Saves bandwidth by only using the VPN where needed.
  • Faster connection speeds for non-VPN apps.

Cons:

  • Risk of leaking data from apps not covered by the VPN.
  • Requires some thought on which apps to exempt.

How to enable it in PIA:

  1. Open PIA and go to Settings.
  2. Click on Network.
  3. Select Split Tunneling.
  4. Add apps or websites to the exclusion list—these will bypass the VPN.

Step-by-Step:

  1. In PIA, open Settings.
  2. Select Network > Split Tunneling.
  3. Toggle it on, and click Manage Apps or Add Apps.
  4. Choose the apps you want to bypass the VPN.

Pro tip: Be strategic. Use the VPN for apps where privacy matters (torrenting, banking), and exempt apps that don’t (streaming services, local browsing).

3. Protocol Selection: The Goldilocks of VPNs

What is it? VPN protocols are like highways your VPN uses to send your data. Some are super secure but a bit slow, while others are lightning-fast but might cut a corner or two in terms of security.

Pros:

  • Choosing the right protocol can enhance speed or security based on your needs.

Cons:

  • You might need to experiment to find the best one for your situation.

Available Protocols in PIA:

  • WireGuard: Fast and modern. If speed is your priority (like for gaming or streaming), this one’s for you.
  • OpenVPN: The tried and tested veteran. Best for security but can be slower, especially on older devices.
  • IKEv2/IPsec: Great for mobile connections, keeping you smooth and stable when switching networks.

How to switch protocols in PIA:

  1. Open PIA and go to Settings.
  2. Click Protocol under the Connection tab.
  3. Choose from WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Open Settings in PIA.
  2. Click Connection.
  3. Under Protocol, choose the one that suits your needs.

Pro tip: Stick to WireGuard for general use—it’s fast and lightweight. But if you’re feeling extra cautious, OpenVPN gives you that solid fortress-like security.

4. DNS Leak Protection: Keeping Your Secrets Safe

What is it? DNS leak protection ensures that your DNS requests (those things that translate website names into IP addresses) stay within the encrypted VPN tunnel. Without this, even if your browsing is private, your DNS requests could still reveal your real location.

Pros:

  • Prevents ISPs and third parties from tracking the websites you visit.

Cons:

  • Can slow down connection slightly due to extra layers of encryption.

How to enable it in PIA:

  1. Open PIA and go to Settings.
  2. Click Network.
  3. Ensure that DNS Leak Protection is toggled on.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Open Settings in PIA.
  2. Go to Network and find DNS Leak Protection.
  3. Turn it on by flipping the switch.

Pro tip: Always leave this on. The slight speed reduction is worth it for the added privacy.

5. Obfuscation Mode: Cloak and Dagger Internet Browsing

What is it? Obfuscation mode disguises your VPN traffic to look like regular internet traffic. This is essential in places where VPN use is restricted or outright banned (looking at you, China and other censorship-heavy countries).

Pros:

  • Avoids VPN detection and throttling.
  • Useful for bypassing heavy-handed government restrictions.

Cons:

  • Can slow down your connection due to extra encryption layers.

How to enable it in PIA:

  1. Open PIA and go to Settings.
  2. Select Connection.
  3. Toggle on Obfuscation (Stealth Mode).

Step-by-Step:

  1. In PIA, open Settings > Connection.
  2. Scroll down to find Obfuscation (Stealth Mode).
  3. Turn it on to disguise your VPN traffic.

Pro tip: If you’re not in a country with VPN restrictions, you probably won’t need this, but it’s good to have just in case. Travelers, this is your friend.

6. Auto-Connect: The Set-and-Forget Savior

What is it? Auto-connect ensures that your VPN turns on automatically whenever you connect to the internet. You no longer need to remember to hit “connect” every time you join a new Wi-Fi network. This is crucial for public Wi-Fi safety.

Pros:

  • Seamless protection, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
  • Reduces the risk of forgetting to enable your VPN.

Cons:

  • None. It’s a no-brainer feature.

How to enable it in PIA:

  1. Open PIA and head to Settings.
  2. Under Connection, find Auto-Connect.
  3. Toggle it on.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Open Settings in PIA.
  2. Go to Connection.
  3. Turn on Auto-Connect.

Pro tip: Enable auto-connect when you’re constantly hopping between networks (coffee shops, airports, etc.) to stay protected without the hassle.

Final Thoughts: Dive Deeper, Browse Safer

The advanced settings in PrivateInternetAccess are your secret weapons. They’re not just there for show—they’re designed to give you more control, speed, and security. Whether you’re dodging censorship, securing your sensitive data, or just making sure your browsing stays under wraps, these settings are the key.

So go ahead, tinker, and unlock the full power of your VPN. Why stick with basic when you can be a pro?