System Proxy vs TUN Mode: What Is the Difference?

Compare system proxy and TUN, including virtual interfaces and traffic coverage, to decide when TUN is useful.

System proxy

Applications that honor the OS proxy settings can use a system proxy. Not every application does.

TUN

TUN uses a virtual interface and routing to capture more traffic. It is useful for apps that ignore system proxy settings, but adds permission and routing complexity.

When to use TUN

Consider TUN when basic apps work but a specific desktop app does not. First confirm client and OS support.

Troubleshooting order

Close other proxy tools, verify system-proxy/TUN state, then investigate DNS and routes.

Operational caution

TUN changes the system network path. Record your changes and avoid multiple clients competing for traffic interception.

Keep it reproducible

Change one network setting at a time and test after each change.