App Shortcuts let you connect or disconnect NymVPN with your preferred settings straight from your home screen, without opening the app first. They are an Android feature: long press the NymVPN app icon and quick actions appear. You can also use them with automation apps like Tasker or MacroDroid to control your VPN automatically.
How to enable App Shortcuts
- Open the NymVPN app on Android.
- Go to Settings.
- Toggle App shortcuts on.
How to use them
- From the app icon: long press the NymVPN icon on your home screen or app drawer. The available actions appear, such as connecting or disconnecting with your preferred settings. Tap one to run it.
- As home screen buttons: instead of tapping, drag an action out of the long-press menu and drop it on your home screen. It becomes a one-tap button.
Automating your VPN with Tasker or MacroDroid
Because shortcuts expose connect and disconnect as actions, automation apps can trigger them based on conditions you define. Popular setups include:
- Connecting automatically when you join a Wi-Fi network that is not your home network.
- Connecting when specific apps open, for example a browser or messaging app.
- Disconnecting when you arrive home and reconnecting when you leave.
Set the trigger in your automation app of choice and point its action at the NymVPN shortcut. The shortcut runs with the settings you last used, including your chosen mode. For choosing between modes, see What's the difference between NymVPN Fast & Anonymous mode?
Related questions
Are App Shortcuts available on iOS or desktop?
No, App Shortcuts are Android-only. On other platforms you connect through the app directly.
My shortcuts disappeared. Why?
Check that the App shortcuts toggle is still enabled in Settings, and that the app has not been restricted by your launcher or battery optimization settings. Re-enable the toggle and the actions reappear on long press.
Can a shortcut keep me protected if the connection drops?
Shortcuts only start or stop the VPN. For protection against drops, use the kill switch and Android's Always-on VPN. See Does NymVPN offer Always-on/Kill switch features on Android?