Private Internet Access (PIA) recommends the default application settings for most users. However, you may wish to adjust specific settings to customize your experience or resolve connection issues. On this page, we walk you through what each setting does.
Jump To:
How to Access the Settings
- In the PIA app, tap the hamburger icon (☰) in the top-left corner.
- Tap Settings.
In the following sections, we’ll explain the settings in each tab under the settings menu.
General
In the General tab, you’ll find the following settings:
- Launch on System Startup: Enabling this option starts the PIA app automatically when you turn on your phone.
- Connect on Launch: Enabling this option makes PIA automatically initiate a VPN connection upon starting.
- Connect on app update: Enabling this option makes PIA automatically initiate a VPN connection after an application update.
- Show Geo-located Regions: Includes geo-located server options in the server selection list. Geo-located servers are not physically located in the country/region, but they make it look like your connection comes from there.
Protocols
In the Protocols tab, you’ll find the following settings:
- Protocol Selection: Allows you to switch between the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols.
- Use Small Packets: Enabling this option may improve connection reliability on unstable networks, but it could lower performance.
- Handshake: Displays the certificate used to establish a connection with the VPN server.
Networks
In the Networks tab, you’ll find the following settings:
- DNS: Choose which DNS server the VPN uses.
- Request Port Forwarding: Opens a port from your VPN IP address to your device. The port is assigned automatically. Enabling this is recommended for torrenting.
- Allow LAN Traffic: Lets your device communicate with other devices on your local network. This isn’t recommended on public networks.
Privacy
In the Privacy tab, you’ll find the following settings:
- VPN Kill Switch: Blocks internet access if the VPN disconnects, helping prevent your real IP address and other data from being exposed.
- PIA MACE: MACE is PIA’s DNS-based ad blocker. Learn more about it here.
Automation
In the Automation tab, you can set the VPN to automatically connect or disconnect when you:
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network
- Use mobile data
- Join a specific network, such as your home Wi-Fi
Help
In the Help tab, you’ll find the following settings:
- Version: Displays the current version of the app.
- See Debug VPN Logs: Displays the connection debug log for troubleshooting.
- Enable Debug Logging: Enable this to allow the app to collect information that’ll help PIA troubleshoot problems.
- Send Debug Log to Support: Sends the debug logs and some non-identifying information about your network setup to PIA.
- Help improve PIA: Check this to share anonymous connection statistics with PIA to help improve the service.