Auto-start VPNs on iPad before connecting

Some VPN client Apps include a “Persistent Connection” option (sometimes known as a “kill switch”) that is intended to provide assurance that the VPN connection is established before permitting traffic from Apps.

The iOS/iPadOS native VPN setting, accessed from iPad settings, does not expose a persistent connection option. If you need access to this feature, you’ll need to identify a third-party VPN App that provides the capabilities that you require. Many also include the ability to set connection rules - allowing automatic use of VPN if certain conditions occur.

Be aware, however, that if your device uses DHCP to obtain an IP Address, the DHCP handshake can be inhibited - preventing the device from obtaining a valid IP Address for the host network; it such circumstances, it may be necessary to temporarily disable the VPN client until the DHCP handshake occurs - and a valid IP Address has been obtained - before re-enabling the VPN connection.

You also need to be aware that many VPN clients permit “split tunnelling”. Those that do permit spit-tunnel intentionally allow access to the local network while routing internet traffic via the VPN connection and the VPN provider’s VPN Gateway. Those clients that disallow split-tunnel will inhibit all access to local printers and other local network resources.

In summary, be careful to fully understand your VPN client and network connection before assuming that all your network traffic is protected by a VPN connection.