This guide explains what the Automation feature in the Private Internet Access (PIA) app is, how it works, and how you can access, enable, and use it.
Jump To…
Access and Enable Automation Settings
How Multiple Automation Rules Work
How Automation Rules Work
An Automation rule tells the PIA app what to do when you connect to a particular type of network or a specific network. Depending on the rule you create, the app can automatically connect to or disconnect from the VPN.
Access and Enable Automation Settings
-
Open the PIA app, select the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, and select Settings.
-
Open the Automation tab.
-
Click Connection Automation to enable it.
Create an Automation Rule
-
In the Automation tab, click Add Automation Rule.
-
Select a network type for which you want to create a rule:
- Protected Wi-Fi: Password-protected wireless networks.
- Open Wi-Fi: Public wireless networks that don't require a password.
- Wired connection: Ethernet or other wired network connections.
- Current network: The specific network you're currently connected to.
- Select an automation Action:
- Connect: Automatically connects to the VPN.
- Disconnect: Automatically disconnects the VPN.
Click OK to save the rule.
The rule will automatically be applied whenever you connect to the selected network.
How Multiple Automation Rules Work
If multiple rules could apply, a rule created for a specific network takes priority over a general network type rule. The PIA app also prevents duplicate automation rules from being created for the same network.