Guide
Smart Connect VPN — automatic protocol for iOS
Smart Connect is FollowNet’s adaptive mode: it uses network context when available and chooses among WireGuard, IKEv2, AmneziaWG, Hysteria2, and VLESS Reality — with fallbacks and egress checks so you spend less time on manual trial and error.
How Smart Connect works
When Protocol is on Smart, FollowNet weighs geo / ISP hints from the backend when available, picks a starting tunnel, and can climb a recovery ladder (often Hysteria2 → VLESS Reality → AmneziaWG → WireGuard → IKEv2, skipping what your servers cannot offer). After you are online, the app shows what is active. Override anytime in Settings → Protocol.
Why VLESS Reality is in the chain
Some carriers fingerprint or stall classic WireGuard — and even AmneziaWG. VLESS with REALITY-style camouflage is another path when a tunnel looks Connected but does not pass real traffic. FollowNet still verifies egress before treating the session as healthy.
When to leave Smart Connect on
Travelers, restrictive ISPs, hotel uplinks, and travel SIMs are the main use cases. Prefer the Restricted Network profile when you want Smart Connect plus Always Auto-connect and Fastest server without babysitting each protocol.
When to pick a protocol manually
If WireGuard is already fast at home, lock it. Use manual mode for Speed Test comparisons. Switch back to Smart Connect (or Restricted) on unfamiliar café, airport, or foreign SIM networks.
Smart Connect vs Auto-connect vs profiles
Auto-connect decides when VPN starts (Wi‑Fi, LTE, Always). Smart Connect decides which protocol path to try after VPN starts. Network Profiles bundle both plus DNS and server mode — Public Wi‑Fi locks WireGuard; Travel locks IKEv2; Restricted keeps Smart aggressive.
Limits and Free weekly vs Premium
Smart Connect improves convenience; it does not guarantee a connection on every network or invent a path through a captive portal you skipped. Free includes Smart Connect within the weekly traffic cap. Premium removes the traffic limit and unlocks Premium locations shown for that plan in the app.
Key points
- Auto protocol among WireGuard, IKEv2, AmneziaWG, Hysteria2, and VLESS Reality
- Fallback ladder with egress checks — not a green status alone
- Pairs with Auto-connect and Network Profiles (incl. Restricted)
- Active protocol and server visible after connect
- Available on Free weekly traffic and on Premium
FAQ
How do I turn on Smart Connect?
Settings → Protocol → Smart (wording may vary by app version). Or apply the Restricted Network profile.
Can I see which protocol Smart Connect chose?
Yes. The app shows the active protocol and server after connection.
Does Smart Connect use VLESS Reality?
Yes when that protocol is available for your session and the network context / fallbacks call for it. You can also lock VLESS manually.
Does Smart Connect guarantee access everywhere?
No. It improves odds on difficult networks but cannot override local laws, total blocks, or broken hotspots.