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Security Tool • Updated for 2026

VPN Protocol Identifier

A best-effort checker that helps you identify whether you’re using WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2 — plus the most reliable ways to confirm.
Purpose: verify Time: ~ 60 seconds Reality: protocol detection is limited in browsers
Run the checker ↓ Methodology Affiliate Disclosure

VPN apps often let you choose a protocol (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2) — but after updates, auto-switching, or “smart protocol” features, people aren’t always sure what they’re actually using. This page gives you a best-effort way to identify your protocol and, more importantly, the reliable ways to confirm it.

Reality anchor: from inside a browser, you generally cannot definitively identify the VPN tunnel protocol. The most reliable confirmation comes from your VPN app or OS connection details.

What this tool checks

  • Best-effort “likely protocol” hints based on what you report from your VPN app.
  • Why browsers can’t reliably detect protocols (so you don’t chase false certainty).
  • How to confirm on each platform (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android).

What it does not check

  • It does not inspect your tunnel packets (web pages don’t get that visibility).
  • It can’t prove you’re “more secure” — protocol choice is just one variable among many.

Protocol Identifier (best-effort)

Not checked yet

Pick what your VPN app currently shows (or choose “Not sure”). This tool then tells you what that likely means and how to confirm safely.

What does your VPN app say?
Tip: if your app says “Auto” or “Smart,” scroll down to the platform confirmation steps — that’s the only reliable method.

Result

Likely protocol
—
Run the tool to get guidance.
What this usually optimizes for
—
This is general guidance, not a guarantee.
Advisor next step
—
How to confirm + what to try if it’s not working.
Confidence
—
Browsers cannot directly verify tunnel protocol.

If you’re troubleshooting: VPN not working? Fixes that solve 90% of problems • VPN Leak Test

How to confirm your VPN protocol (reliable methods)

Browsers don’t get to “see” your encrypted tunnel. If you need certainty, confirm in your VPN app or your OS VPN details.

Windows

  • VPN app: look for Protocol / Connection / Settings → it’s usually explicitly shown.
  • OS (built-in VPN): Settings → Network & Internet → VPN → your connection → “Type” (varies by configuration).

macOS

  • VPN app: Protocol is usually visible in Settings/Preferences.
  • System VPN profile: System Settings → VPN / Network → your VPN profile (IKEv2 profiles are often explicit).

iPhone / iPad (iOS)

  • VPN app: Protocol is typically in Settings → Protocol.
  • iOS profile: Settings → VPN → configuration type can hint (but app is more reliable).

Android

  • VPN app: Protocol is typically under Settings → Protocol / Advanced.
  • System VPN: Settings → Network & Internet → VPN (details vary by Android version).

Common false alarms (why people get confused)

  1. “Auto/Smart” hides the answer. Many VPNs auto-switch protocols based on network conditions.
  2. Updates reset defaults. App updates can revert to recommended protocols.
  3. Protocol ≠ speed guarantee. Your route, server load, distance, and device matter more than the protocol name.
  4. “TCP works” doesn’t mean “better.” TCP is often a compatibility choice, not a performance upgrade.

What this means for your setup

  • If speed/latency matters (gaming): try WireGuard first; then test a closer server region.
  • If you drop connections on mobile: try IKEv2 or your provider’s “mobile optimized” mode.
  • If you’re on restrictive Wi-Fi: OpenVPN TCP can help, but expect more overhead.
  • If your goal is privacy hygiene: protocol choice helps, but leak protection + kill switch + browser habits matter more.

Recommended next steps

Limitations of this tool

  • This page cannot “detect” tunnel protocol from a normal web browser with certainty.
  • Some providers use customized transport layers; labels may differ across apps.
  • Protocol alone doesn’t determine security or privacy; implementation and defaults matter.
  • Network conditions can change which protocol performs best in practice.

FAQ

  • Can a website detect my VPN protocol? Generally no. Websites see the exit IP and normal web traffic — not the encrypted tunnel internals.
  • Is WireGuard always best? Often a great default, but not always. Some restrictive networks prefer TCP-based options, and mobile roaming can favor IKEv2.
  • Does protocol choice affect anonymity? Not directly. Anonymity depends more on identity signals, tracking, and operational behavior.
  • Why does my VPN keep switching protocols? “Auto/Smart” modes choose based on network conditions and compatibility.
  • What should I do if I’m not sure? Confirm in your VPN app settings; if it’s set to Auto, trust that as a default unless you have a specific problem to solve.

Trust & disclosure

This tool is educational. It does not store your inputs. Results vary by VPN provider, platform, app version, and network. Learn more: Methodology • Affiliate disclosure.