A normal VPN
Encrypted, but recognizable as a VPN.
Stealth VPN protocol
Stealth: a VPN that looks like ordinary browsing
To the network, a Stealth connection looks like ordinary web browsing.
Stealth is the stealth VPN protocol in the CopVPN apps: it makes your connection look like ordinary web browsing. It’s for the most restrictive networks, when everything else is blocked. Pick it in Settings when WireGuard, OpenVPN and AmneziaWG can’t get through.
No plan needed on iPhone, iPad and Android, on the free locations: you can choose any protocol there.
30-day money-back guarantee (except crypto and manual payments)
Choosing
The last step
Think of the protocols as a ladder. Start with WireGuard for everyday use. If a hotel, office or school firewall blocks UDP, try OpenVPN TCP. If the network detects and blocks VPN traffic, move up to AmneziaWG. Stealth is the last step, for when everything else is blocked.
If your network doesn’t get in the way, you won’t need Stealth. Leave the app on Optimal and it “picks the best protocol for your network automatically”, or see how the 5 VPN protocols compare.
The most restrictive networks
- WireGuardBlocked
- OpenVPN TCPBlocked
- AmneziaWGBlocked
- StealthLooks like web browsing
How it works
What VPN obfuscation means
With a normal VPN, your traffic is encrypted, so a network can’t read what you’re doing. It may still be able to tell that you’re using a VPN, because VPN connections have a recognizable shape. Obfuscation changes the shape.
AmneziaWG
Disguised WireGuard, for networks that detect VPN traffic.
Stealth
Looks like ordinary web browsing, for the most restrictive networks.
Your traffic is still encrypted underneath. Stealth changes how your connection looks to the network, not whether it’s protected. No VPN works on every network, and Stealth is no exception: it gives you one more way to connect when the other protocols can’t.
In the apps
Stealth on each platform
Stealth is in the latest CopVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android and Android TV. Older app versions don’t show it, so update the app if it’s missing. The Windows, Mac, Linux and Android TV apps need a plan to connect: compare VPN plans. Get the Mac VPN app from the Mac App Store.
| App | Where to find it | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Settings › Connection › Protocol | Choose Stealth. The protocol chip under the connect button on the Home screen opens the same picker. Needs a plan. |
| Mac | Settings › Connection › Protocol | Choose Stealth in the CopVPN app from the Mac App Store. Needs a plan. |
| Linux | Settings › Connection › Protocol | The same steps as Windows, in the .deb for Ubuntu and Debian. Needs a plan. |
| iPhone and iPad | Settings › Protocol | Choose Stealth on the “Select Protocol” screen. Works without a plan. |
| Android | Settings › Protocol | Choose Stealth on the “Protocols” screen, on phones and tablets. Works without a plan. |
| Android TV | Settings › Protocol | The same picker as the phone app. Needs a plan. |
| Browser extension | Not available | The Chrome, Edge and Firefox extensions use “Secure Proxy” and protect the browser only. |
What is a stealth VPN?
A stealth VPN disguises a VPN connection as everyday internet traffic. CopVPN’s Stealth makes your connection look like ordinary web browsing, for the most restrictive networks, when everything else is blocked. Some apps call this a stealth mode VPN; in CopVPN, it’s one of the 5 protocols.
When should I use Stealth instead of AmneziaWG?
Try AmneziaWG first when a network detects and blocks VPN traffic. If AmneziaWG is blocked too, switch to Stealth. It’s made for the most restrictive networks, when everything else is blocked.
Is Stealth slower?
It can be. WireGuard is the protocol the app describes as “Fastest. Best for everyday use where VPNs aren’t blocked.” Use WireGuard when your network allows it, and keep Stealth for when nothing else connects.
Is Stealth secure?
Your traffic stays encrypted, and to the network it looks like ordinary HTTPS web traffic. Stealth only changes how the connection looks, not whether it’s protected. On our side, we follow a no-logs policy.
Is Stealth in the browser extension?
No. The CopVPN extensions for Chrome, Edge and Firefox use one connection type, “Secure Proxy,” and protect the browser only. Stealth is in the CopVPN apps.
How do I turn on Stealth on Windows or Mac?
In the Windows and Mac apps, open Settings › Connection › Protocol and choose Stealth. On Windows, the protocol chip under the connect button opens the same picker. If you don’t see Stealth, update to the latest CopVPN app.
Can I use Stealth without a plan?
Yes, on iPhone, iPad and Android. Without a plan, those apps connect to the free locations, and you can choose Stealth or any other protocol. The Windows, Mac, Linux and Android TV apps need a plan to connect at all.
Keep reading
Related protocols and guides
Plans
Stealth, for when everything else is blocked
Stealth is in the latest CopVPN apps. Plans run from 1 month to 5 years.
30-day money-back guarantee (except crypto and manual payments)We follow a no-logs policy