Private Internet Access VPN Guides
Explore practical information about VPN protocols, encryption, kill switches, split tunneling, and troubleshooting for Private Internet Access.
Explore Private Internet Access features
Educational overviews of PIA's main features and what each is generally used for.
Protocols & Encryption
WireGuard and OpenVPN protocol options, with configurable encryption settings for different needs.
Learn more →Kill Switch & Split Tunneling
A kill switch blocks internet access if the VPN drops, while split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN.
Learn more →No-Logs Policy
A policy describing what connection and usage data is, and isn't, retained by the provider.
Learn more →Understand VPN concepts
A VPN routes your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a remote server, masking your IP address and helping protect your traffic on untrusted networks. Understanding the underlying concepts helps you configure a VPN more confidently.
Read How VPNs WorkTraffic between your device and the VPN server is encrypted, helping protect it from local eavesdropping.
Websites you visit see the VPN server's IP address rather than your own.
How a VPN fits into online privacy
General concepts commonly discussed alongside VPN use.
Public Wi-Fi
A VPN can help protect traffic on public or untrusted networks such as cafes and airports.
IP Masking
Masking your IP address is one part of online privacy, alongside browser and account-level protections.
Phishing
A VPN does not protect against phishing; separate awareness and tools are still needed.
DNS Leak Protection
Ensuring DNS requests also route through the VPN tunnel, not just general traffic.
Popular troubleshooting topics
Quick starting points for common VPN connection issues.
Kill switch issues
Guidance for troubleshooting an overly aggressive or inactive kill switch.
View topic →App or site access issues
What to check when a specific site or app doesn't work over the VPN.
View topic →Popular guides
How to Set Up Private Internet Access
A step-by-step starting point for installing and connecting for the first time.
View guide →How to Choose Between WireGuard and OpenVPN
Understand the general trade-offs between the two available protocols.
View guide →How to Set Up Split Tunneling
General concepts for choosing which apps use the VPN tunnel.
View guide →Latest article
How to Choose the Right VPN Protocol for Your Needs
A practical walkthrough of VPN protocol choices, from WireGuard's speed to OpenVPN's configurability.
Read article →Frequently asked questions
Is this website the official Private Internet Access website?
No. This is an independent informational resource that is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Private Internet Access or Kape Technologies.
What is the difference between WireGuard and OpenVPN?
WireGuard is a newer, generally faster protocol with a simpler codebase, while OpenVPN is an older, highly configurable protocol often favored for compatibility with restrictive networks.
Can I get official Private Internet Access support here?
No. This site provides general educational information only. For official product support, refer to Private Internet Access's own channels.
Does this site ask for passwords or payment information?
No. This site never asks visitors for passwords, account credentials, or payment-card information.
Have a general question?
Send an informational inquiry — this is not official Private Internet Access support.