Private Internet Access (PIA) remains connected on iOS 8 and above after you select the power button or slide the connection switch to the ON position. However, if you change network connections (e.g., Wi-Fi to LTE), the VPN connection may disconnect briefly. The app auto-reconnects once you establish a new network connection.
(Note: The VPN requires a stable network connection to remain active. The application will not connect to the VPN if you are not connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.)
Enabling Connect on Demand
To ensure your iOS device auto-reconnects to the VPN, enable Connect on Demand within your iOS VPN settings:
Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN > Private Internet Access.
Select the blue i icon next to Private Internet Access.
Toggle Connect on Demand to enable the feature.
On iOS 7, the VPN disconnects after a period of no traffic or when the screen goes to sleep due to technical limitations.