Which features does each Hide My IP app have?
Every app uses the same license key. One license works on up to 7 devices at the same time, in any mix of apps.
Protocols
| Windows | Mac | Android | iPhone and iPad | Browser extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Xray | No | Yes (Apple silicon) | Yes | No | No |
| Stealth connection over port 443 (WSS) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| TCP connection option | Yes | No | No | No | No |
WireGuard is the main protocol in every app. It is fast and secure.
Xray is a second protocol in the Mac and Android apps. The app uses it when WireGuard cannot connect. On Mac it works on Macs with Apple silicon.
WSS (stealth) sends the connection through port 443, the same port that secure websites use. It helps on networks that block VPNs, for example at schools, offices and in some countries. In the apps it is called Prefer WSS connections (Windows), Stealth Mode (WSS) (Mac) and Prefer WSS (Android). It is not in the Windows 7 version.
The browser extension is a secure proxy for your browser only. It has no protocol choice.
Features
| Windows | Mac | Android | iPhone and iPad | Browser extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes | Yes (Android Always-on VPN) | Yes | Yes |
| Block all traffic from startup (Lockdown mode) | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Split tunneling | Yes, by IP address | No | Yes, by app | No | Yes, by website |
| DNS leak protection setting | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Choose your DNS server | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| WebRTC leak protection | Not needed | Not needed | Not needed | Not needed | Yes |
| Reconnect on a timer (Rotate IP) | Yes, every 5 to 60 minutes | No | No | No | No |
| Connect automatically | Yes, when Windows starts or the app opens | Yes, when the app opens | Yes, when the device starts | Yes, with the kill switch on | Yes, when the browser starts |
| Allow local network devices | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Match browser location and time zone to the server | No | No | No | No | Yes (Chrome and Firefox) |
Kill switch blocks your internet if the VPN connection drops, so your real IP is never exposed. On Android, the app opens the Android Always-on VPN settings, where you turn on Block connections without VPN. On iPhone, the kill switch also reconnects the VPN on its own when you change networks.
Split tunneling lets some traffic skip the VPN. On Windows you list IP addresses or ranges. On Android you choose apps. In the browser extension you list websites that load without the proxy.
WebRTC leak protection stops a browser feature that can show your real IP. The device apps protect the whole connection, so they do not need it.
System requirements
| App | Needs |
|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 10 (version 1809) or newer. A separate installer supports Windows 7, 8 and 8.1. |
| Mac | macOS 13 (Ventura) or newer |
| Android | Android 7.0 or newer |
| iPhone and iPad | iOS 16 or newer |
| Browser extension | Chrome 116, Firefox 128 or Opera 116, or newer |
| Android TV, Google TV and Fire TV | Android 7.0 or newer (Fire OS 6 or newer). See Fire TV and Android TV. |
| Linux | No app. Use WireGuard or OpenVPN config files. |
Common questions
Does the Mac app support WireGuard? Yes. WireGuard is the main protocol of the Mac app, with Xray as a backup.
Does the iPhone app support WireGuard? Yes. The iPhone and iPad app uses WireGuard only.
Can I choose which apps use the VPN? In the Android app, yes: open Settings, tap Split Tunnel and choose the apps. The change applies the next time you connect. The Windows app cannot choose apps. Its split tunneling works by IP address or range. In the browser extension you list websites that skip the proxy. The Mac and iPhone apps send all traffic through the VPN.
Does the Windows app have a kill switch? Yes. Open Settings and turn on Kill switch under Connection. See Turn on the kill switch.
Does Hide My IP support OpenVPN? The apps do not use OpenVPN. With Premium, you can download OpenVPN and WireGuard config files for routers, Linux and other VPN apps. See Set up WireGuard or OpenVPN with a config file.