Automation Feature and Trusted Networks on Android

Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN’s automation feature lets you set connection rules for trusted and untrusted networks. 

You can have PIA VPN activate automatically on new Wi-Fi networks to secure unprotected connections. If your router already uses a VPN, you can also set PIA VPN to disconnect on your home network to avoid VPN conflicts.

Note: PIA VPN needs background location access for automation and trusted networks to work. This permission lets the app tell apart Wi-Fi networks with the same name. Enable location permissions on Android before you set up automation rules.

How to Enable Automation in PIA VPN

 To enable automation on the Android version of PIA VPN, follow these steps:

  1. Tap the menu icon (☰) on the main dashboard.
  2. Go to Settings > Automation.
  3. Enable Automation. The toggle should turn green when the feature is active.

How to Set and Manage Network Rules

Make sure automation is enabled to access the following settings.

  1. Open Settings > Automation and tap Manage Automation. You’ll see options for mobile data and Wi-Fi, where you can set default VPN rules.
  2. Select the connection for which you want to set a new rule. Next, choose a rule from the list and tap OK to confirm. 

We recommend: 

  • Always connect VPN for automatic protection.
  • Always disconnect VPN for networks where you don’t need PIA VPN.
  • Retain VPN state to keep PIA VPN connected or disconnected based on its current status.

How to Add a Rule for a Specific Wi-Fi Network

You can add an Always connect or Always disconnect rule for a specific Wi-Fi network to treat it as trusted or untrusted. Here’s how:

  1. Tap Add new rule. You will see a list of available networks your phone has detected.
  2. Select your chosen network from the list.
  3. Choose a rule from the pop-up menu and tap OK.
  4. Return to the Manage Automation tab. You should see the new network rule alongside your mobile data and Wi-Fi rules. 

How to Remove a Custom Network Rule

Use these steps when you no longer need a rule for a specific Wi-Fi network.

  1. Go to Settings > Automation > Manage Automation.
  2. Tap the network’s name.
  3. Select Remove rule from the menu and tap OK.

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