Guide
Smart Connect VPN — automatic protocol for iOS
Smart Connect is FollowNet’s adaptive mode: it evaluates network conditions and chooses among supported protocols — WireGuard, IKEv2, AmneziaWG, and Hysteria2 — so you spend less time on manual trial and error.
How Smart Connect works
When you connect, FollowNet weighs available network signals and picks a supported protocol (and a suitable server from locations listed in the app). After you are online, the app shows what is active. You can override the choice anytime in Settings → Protocol.
When to leave Smart Connect on
Travelers, restrictive ISPs, hotel uplinks, and travel SIMs are the main use cases. It is especially useful when plain WireGuard is filtered or throttled and you do not want to guess AmneziaWG vs IKEv2 vs Hysteria2 yourself.
When to pick a protocol manually
If you already know WireGuard is fast on your home network, lock it for everyday use. Use manual mode for Speed Test comparisons. Switch back to Smart Connect when you join an unfamiliar café, airport, or foreign SIM.
Smart Connect vs Auto-connect
Auto-connect decides when VPN starts (Wi‑Fi, LTE, Always). Smart Connect decides which protocol and server path to try after VPN starts. Many users enable both: Auto-connect on public Wi‑Fi, Smart Connect for protocol selection.
Limits and Free weekly vs Premium
Smart Connect improves convenience; it does not guarantee a connection on every network or in every country. 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, and Hysteria2
- Network-aware selection with manual override always available
- Pairs with Auto-connect for when VPN should start
- 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 Connect (wording may vary by app version).
Can I see which protocol Smart Connect chose?
Yes. The app shows the active protocol and server after connection.
Does Smart Connect use more battery?
Selection overhead is minimal. Battery cost mainly comes from the active VPN tunnel itself, as with any iOS VPN.
Does Smart Connect guarantee access everywhere?
No. It improves odds on difficult networks but cannot override local laws, total blocks, or broken hotspots.