Use cscli lapi status for CrowdSec readiness in installer

* [client] Suppress ICE signaling and periodic offers in force-relay mode

When NB_FORCE_RELAY is enabled, skip WorkerICE creation entirely,
suppress ICE credentials in offer/answer messages, disable the
periodic ICE candidate monitor, and fix isConnectedOnAllWay to
only check relay status so the guard stops sending unnecessary offers.

* [client] Dynamically suppress ICE based on remote peer's offer credentials

Track whether the remote peer includes ICE credentials in its
offers/answers. When remote stops sending ICE credentials, skip
ICE listener dispatch, suppress ICE credentials in responses, and
exclude ICE from the guard connectivity check. When remote resumes
sending ICE credentials, re-enable all ICE behavior.

* [client] Fix nil SessionID panic and force ICE teardown on relay-only transition

Fix nil pointer dereference in signalOfferAnswer when SessionID is nil
(relay-only offers). Close stale ICE agent immediately when remote peer
stops sending ICE credentials to avoid traffic black-hole during the
ICE disconnect timeout.

* [client] Add relay-only fallback check when ICE is unavailable

Ensure the relay connection is supported with the peer when ICE is disabled to prevent connectivity issues.

* [client] Add tri-state connection status to guard for smarter ICE retry (#5828)

* [client] Add tri-state connection status to guard for smarter ICE retry

Refactor isConnectedOnAllWay to return a ConnStatus enum (Connected,
Disconnected, PartiallyConnected) instead of a boolean. When relay is
up but ICE is not (PartiallyConnected), limit ICE offers to 3 retries
with exponential backoff then fall back to hourly attempts, reducing
unnecessary signaling traffic. Fully disconnected peers continue to
retry aggressively. External events (relay/ICE disconnect, signal/relay
reconnect) reset retry state to give ICE a fresh chance.

* [client] Clarify guard ICE retry state and trace log trigger

Split iceRetryState.attempt into shouldRetry (pure predicate) and
enterHourlyMode (explicit state transition) so the caller in
reconnectLoopWithRetry reads top-to-bottom. Restore the original
trace-log behavior in isConnectedOnAllWay so it only logs on full
disconnection, not on the new PartiallyConnected state.

* [client] Extract pure evalConnStatus and add unit tests

Split isConnectedOnAllWay into a thin method that snapshots state and
a pure evalConnStatus helper that takes a connStatusInputs struct, so
the tri-state decision logic can be exercised without constructing
full Worker or Handshaker objects. Add table-driven tests covering
force-relay, ICE-unavailable and fully-available code paths, plus
unit tests for iceRetryState budget/hourly transitions and reset.

* [client] Improve grammar in logs and refactor ICE credential checks

.github/workflows/check-license-dependencies.yml

@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ jobs:
           while IFS= read -r dir; do
             echo "=== Checking $dir ==="
             # Search for problematic imports, excluding test files
-            RESULTS=$(grep -r "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/\(management\|signal\|relay\|proxy\)" "$dir" --include="*.go" 2>/dev/null | grep -v "_test.go" | grep -v "test_" | grep -v "/test/" || true)
+            RESULTS=$(grep -r "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/\(management\|signal\|relay\|proxy\)" "$dir" --include="*.go" 2>/dev/null | grep -v "_test.go" | grep -v "test_" | grep -v "/test/" | grep -v "tools/idp-migrate/" || true)
             if [ -n "$RESULTS" ]; then
               echo "❌ Found problematic dependencies:"
               echo "$RESULTS"
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ jobs:
               IMPORTERS=$(go list -json -deps ./... 2>/dev/null | jq -r "select(.Imports[]? == \"$package\") | .ImportPath")
 
               # Check if any importer is NOT in management/signal/relay
-              BSD_IMPORTER=$(echo "$IMPORTERS" | grep -v "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/\(management\|signal\|relay\|proxy\|combined\)" | head -1)
+              BSD_IMPORTER=$(echo "$IMPORTERS" | grep -v "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/\(management\|signal\|relay\|proxy\|combined\|tools/idp-migrate\)" | head -1)
 
               if [ -n "$BSD_IMPORTER" ]; then
                 echo "❌ $package ($license) is imported by BSD-licensed code: $BSD_IMPORTER"

.github/workflows/golangci-lint.yml

@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ jobs:
       - name: codespell
         uses: codespell-project/actions-codespell@v2
         with:
-          ignore_words_list: erro,clienta,hastable,iif,groupd,testin,groupe,cros,ans,deriver,te
+          ignore_words_list: erro,clienta,hastable,iif,groupd,testin,groupe,cros,ans,deriver,te,userA
           skip: go.mod,go.sum,**/proxy/web/**
   golangci:
     strategy:

.github/workflows/proto-version-check.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+name: Proto Version Check
+
+on:
+  pull_request:
+    paths:
+      - "**/*.pb.go"
+
+jobs:
+  check-proto-versions:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Check for proto tool version changes
+        uses: actions/github-script@v7
+        with:
+          script: |
+            const files = await github.paginate(github.rest.pulls.listFiles, {
+              owner: context.repo.owner,
+              repo: context.repo.repo,
+              pull_number: context.issue.number,
+              per_page: 100,
+            });
+
+            const pbFiles = files.filter(f => f.filename.endsWith('.pb.go'));
+            const missingPatch = pbFiles.filter(f => !f.patch).map(f => f.filename);
+            if (missingPatch.length > 0) {
+              core.setFailed(
+                `Cannot inspect patch data for:\n` +
+                missingPatch.map(f => `- ${f}`).join('\n') +
+                `\nThis can happen with very large PRs. Verify proto versions manually.`
+              );
+              return;
+            }
+            const versionPattern = /^[+-]\s*\/\/\s+protoc(?:-gen-go)?\s+v[\d.]+/;
+            const violations = [];
+
+            for (const file of pbFiles) {
+              const changed = file.patch
+                .split('\n')
+                .filter(line => versionPattern.test(line));
+              if (changed.length > 0) {
+                violations.push({
+                  file: file.filename,
+                  lines: changed,
+                });
+              }
+            }
+
+            if (violations.length > 0) {
+              const details = violations.map(v =>
+                `${v.file}:\n${v.lines.map(l => '  ' + l).join('\n')}`
+              ).join('\n\n');
+
+              core.setFailed(
+                `Proto version strings changed in generated files.\n` +
+                `This usually means the wrong protoc or protoc-gen-go version was used.\n` +
+                `Regenerate with the matching tool versions.\n\n` +
+                details
+              );
+              return;
+            }
+
+            console.log('No proto version string changes detected');

.github/workflows/release.yml

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ on:
   pull_request:
 
 env:
-  SIGN_PIPE_VER: "v0.1.1"
+  SIGN_PIPE_VER: "v0.1.2"
   GORELEASER_VER: "v2.14.3"
   PRODUCT_NAME: "NetBird"
   COPYRIGHT: "NetBird GmbH"
@@ -170,6 +170,7 @@ jobs:
         run: sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y -q gcc-arm-linux-gnueabihf gcc-aarch64-linux-gnu
 
       - name: Decode GPG signing key
+        if: github.event_name != 'pull_request' || github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name == github.repository
         env:
           GPG_RPM_PRIVATE_KEY: ${{ secrets.GPG_RPM_PRIVATE_KEY }}
         run: |
@@ -309,6 +310,7 @@ jobs:
         run: sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y -q libappindicator3-dev gir1.2-appindicator3-0.1 libxxf86vm-dev gcc-mingw-w64-x86-64
 
       - name: Decode GPG signing key
+        if: github.event_name != 'pull_request' || github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name == github.repository
         env:
           GPG_RPM_PRIVATE_KEY: ${{ secrets.GPG_RPM_PRIVATE_KEY }}
         run: |

.github/workflows/wasm-build-validation.yml

@@ -61,8 +61,8 @@ jobs:
 
           echo "Size: ${SIZE} bytes (${SIZE_MB} MB)"
 
-          if [ ${SIZE} -gt 57671680 ]; then
-            echo "Wasm binary size (${SIZE_MB}MB) exceeds 55MB limit!"
+          if [ ${SIZE} -gt 58720256 ]; then
+            echo "Wasm binary size (${SIZE_MB}MB) exceeds 56MB limit!"
             exit 1
           fi
 

.goreleaser.yaml

@@ -154,6 +154,26 @@ builds:
       - -s -w -X main.Version={{.Version}} -X main.Commit={{.Commit}} -X main.BuildDate={{.CommitDate}}
     mod_timestamp: "{{ .CommitTimestamp }}"
 
+  - id: netbird-idp-migrate
+    dir: tools/idp-migrate
+    env:
+      - CGO_ENABLED=1
+      - >-
+        {{- if eq .Runtime.Goos "linux" }}
+          {{- if eq .Arch "arm64"}}CC=aarch64-linux-gnu-gcc{{- end }}
+          {{- if eq .Arch "arm"}}CC=arm-linux-gnueabihf-gcc{{- end }}
+        {{- end }}
+    binary: netbird-idp-migrate
+    goos:
+      - linux
+    goarch:
+      - amd64
+      - arm64
+      - arm
+    ldflags:
+      - -s -w -X github.com/netbirdio/netbird/version.version={{.Version}} -X main.commit={{.Commit}} -X main.date={{.CommitDate}} -X main.builtBy=goreleaser
+    mod_timestamp: "{{ .CommitTimestamp }}"
+
 universal_binaries:
   - id: netbird
 
@@ -166,11 +186,16 @@ archives:
       - netbird-wasm
     name_template: "{{ .ProjectName }}_{{ .Version }}"
     format: binary
+  - id: netbird-idp-migrate
+    builds:
+      - netbird-idp-migrate
+    name_template: "netbird-idp-migrate_{{ .Version }}_{{ .Os }}_{{ .Arch }}"
 
 nfpms:
   - maintainer: Netbird <dev@netbird.io>
     description: Netbird client.
     homepage: https://netbird.io/
+    license: BSD-3-Clause
     id: netbird_deb
     bindir: /usr/bin
     builds:
@@ -184,6 +209,7 @@ nfpms:
   - maintainer: Netbird <dev@netbird.io>
     description: Netbird client.
     homepage: https://netbird.io/
+    license: BSD-3-Clause
     id: netbird_rpm
     bindir: /usr/bin
     builds:

CONTRIBUTOR_LICENSE_AGREEMENT.md

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 ##  Contributor License Agreement
 
 This Contributor License Agreement (referred to as the "Agreement") is entered into by the individual 
-submitting this Agreement and NetBird GmbH, c/o Max-Beer-Straße 2-4 Münzstraße 12 10178 Berlin, Germany, 
+submitting this Agreement and NetBird GmbH, Brunnenstraße 196, 10119 Berlin, Germany, 
 referred to as "NetBird" (collectively, the "Parties"). The Agreement outlines the terms and conditions 
 under which NetBird may utilize software contributions provided by the Contributor for inclusion in 
 its software development projects. By submitting this Agreement, the Contributor confirms their acceptance 

Makefile

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ GOLANGCI_LINT := $(shell pwd)/bin/golangci-lint
 $(GOLANGCI_LINT):
 	@echo "Installing golangci-lint..."
 	@mkdir -p ./bin
-	@GOBIN=$(shell pwd)/bin go install github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/cmd/golangci-lint@latest
+	@GOBIN=$(shell pwd)/bin go install github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/v2/cmd/golangci-lint@latest
 
 # Lint only changed files (fast, for pre-push)
 lint: $(GOLANGCI_LINT)

client/android/client.go

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import (
 	"os"
 	"slices"
 	"sync"
+	"time"
 
 	"golang.org/x/exp/maps"
 
@@ -15,6 +16,7 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/device"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/debug"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/dns"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/listener"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer"
@@ -26,6 +28,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/formatter"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/route"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/domain"
+	types "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/upload-server/types"
 )
 
 // ConnectionListener export internal Listener for mobile
@@ -68,7 +71,30 @@ type Client struct {
 	uiVersion             string
 	networkChangeListener listener.NetworkChangeListener
 
+	stateMu       sync.RWMutex
 	connectClient *internal.ConnectClient
+	config        *profilemanager.Config
+	cacheDir      string
+}
+
+func (c *Client) setState(cfg *profilemanager.Config, cacheDir string, cc *internal.ConnectClient) {
+	c.stateMu.Lock()
+	defer c.stateMu.Unlock()
+	c.config = cfg
+	c.cacheDir = cacheDir
+	c.connectClient = cc
+}
+
+func (c *Client) stateSnapshot() (*profilemanager.Config, string, *internal.ConnectClient) {
+	c.stateMu.RLock()
+	defer c.stateMu.RUnlock()
+	return c.config, c.cacheDir, c.connectClient
+}
+
+func (c *Client) getConnectClient() *internal.ConnectClient {
+	c.stateMu.RLock()
+	defer c.stateMu.RUnlock()
+	return c.connectClient
 }
 
 // NewClient instantiate a new Client
@@ -93,6 +119,7 @@ func (c *Client) Run(platformFiles PlatformFiles, urlOpener URLOpener, isAndroid
 
 	cfgFile := platformFiles.ConfigurationFilePath()
 	stateFile := platformFiles.StateFilePath()
+	cacheDir := platformFiles.CacheDir()
 
 	log.Infof("Starting client with config: %s, state: %s", cfgFile, stateFile)
 
@@ -124,8 +151,9 @@ func (c *Client) Run(platformFiles PlatformFiles, urlOpener URLOpener, isAndroid
 
 	// todo do not throw error in case of cancelled context
 	ctx = internal.CtxInitState(ctx)
-	c.connectClient = internal.NewConnectClient(ctx, cfg, c.recorder)
-	return c.connectClient.RunOnAndroid(c.tunAdapter, c.iFaceDiscover, c.networkChangeListener, slices.Clone(dns.items), dnsReadyListener, stateFile)
+	connectClient := internal.NewConnectClient(ctx, cfg, c.recorder)
+	c.setState(cfg, cacheDir, connectClient)
+	return connectClient.RunOnAndroid(c.tunAdapter, c.iFaceDiscover, c.networkChangeListener, slices.Clone(dns.items), dnsReadyListener, stateFile, cacheDir)
 }
 
 // RunWithoutLogin we apply this type of run function when the backed has been started without UI (i.e. after reboot).
@@ -135,6 +163,7 @@ func (c *Client) RunWithoutLogin(platformFiles PlatformFiles, dns *DNSList, dnsR
 
 	cfgFile := platformFiles.ConfigurationFilePath()
 	stateFile := platformFiles.StateFilePath()
+	cacheDir := platformFiles.CacheDir()
 
 	log.Infof("Starting client without login with config: %s, state: %s", cfgFile, stateFile)
 
@@ -157,8 +186,9 @@ func (c *Client) RunWithoutLogin(platformFiles PlatformFiles, dns *DNSList, dnsR
 
 	// todo do not throw error in case of cancelled context
 	ctx = internal.CtxInitState(ctx)
-	c.connectClient = internal.NewConnectClient(ctx, cfg, c.recorder)
-	return c.connectClient.RunOnAndroid(c.tunAdapter, c.iFaceDiscover, c.networkChangeListener, slices.Clone(dns.items), dnsReadyListener, stateFile)
+	connectClient := internal.NewConnectClient(ctx, cfg, c.recorder)
+	c.setState(cfg, cacheDir, connectClient)
+	return connectClient.RunOnAndroid(c.tunAdapter, c.iFaceDiscover, c.networkChangeListener, slices.Clone(dns.items), dnsReadyListener, stateFile, cacheDir)
 }
 
 // Stop the internal client and free the resources
@@ -173,11 +203,12 @@ func (c *Client) Stop() {
 }
 
 func (c *Client) RenewTun(fd int) error {
-	if c.connectClient == nil {
+	cc := c.getConnectClient()
+	if cc == nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("engine not running")
 	}
 
-	e := c.connectClient.Engine()
+	e := cc.Engine()
 	if e == nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("engine not initialized")
 	}
@@ -185,6 +216,73 @@ func (c *Client) RenewTun(fd int) error {
 	return e.RenewTun(fd)
 }
 
+// DebugBundle generates a debug bundle, uploads it, and returns the upload key.
+// It works both with and without a running engine.
+func (c *Client) DebugBundle(platformFiles PlatformFiles, anonymize bool) (string, error) {
+	cfg, cacheDir, cc := c.stateSnapshot()
+
+	// If the engine hasn't been started, load config from disk
+	if cfg == nil {
+		var err error
+		cfg, err = profilemanager.UpdateOrCreateConfig(profilemanager.ConfigInput{
+			ConfigPath: platformFiles.ConfigurationFilePath(),
+		})
+		if err != nil {
+			return "", fmt.Errorf("load config: %w", err)
+		}
+		cacheDir = platformFiles.CacheDir()
+	}
+
+	deps := debug.GeneratorDependencies{
+		InternalConfig: cfg,
+		StatusRecorder: c.recorder,
+		TempDir:        cacheDir,
+	}
+
+	if cc != nil {
+		resp, err := cc.GetLatestSyncResponse()
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Warnf("get latest sync response: %v", err)
+		}
+		deps.SyncResponse = resp
+
+		if e := cc.Engine(); e != nil {
+			if cm := e.GetClientMetrics(); cm != nil {
+				deps.ClientMetrics = cm
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	bundleGenerator := debug.NewBundleGenerator(
+		deps,
+		debug.BundleConfig{
+			Anonymize:         anonymize,
+			IncludeSystemInfo: true,
+		},
+	)
+
+	path, err := bundleGenerator.Generate()
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("generate debug bundle: %w", err)
+	}
+	defer func() {
+		if err := os.Remove(path); err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("failed to remove debug bundle file: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+
+	uploadCtx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), 2*time.Minute)
+	defer cancel()
+
+	key, err := debug.UploadDebugBundle(uploadCtx, types.DefaultBundleURL, cfg.ManagementURL.String(), path)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("upload debug bundle: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	log.Infof("debug bundle uploaded with key %s", key)
+	return key, nil
+}
+
 // SetTraceLogLevel configure the logger to trace level
 func (c *Client) SetTraceLogLevel() {
 	log.SetLevel(log.TraceLevel)
@@ -205,7 +303,7 @@ func (c *Client) PeersList() *PeerInfoArray {
 		pi := PeerInfo{
 			p.IP,
 			p.FQDN,
-			p.ConnStatus.String(),
+			int(p.ConnStatus),
 			PeerRoutes{routes: maps.Keys(p.GetRoutes())},
 		}
 		peerInfos[n] = pi
@@ -214,12 +312,13 @@ func (c *Client) PeersList() *PeerInfoArray {
 }
 
 func (c *Client) Networks() *NetworkArray {
-	if c.connectClient == nil {
+	cc := c.getConnectClient()
+	if cc == nil {
 		log.Error("not connected")
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	engine := c.connectClient.Engine()
+	engine := cc.Engine()
 	if engine == nil {
 		log.Error("could not get engine")
 		return nil
@@ -300,7 +399,7 @@ func (c *Client) toggleRoute(command routeCommand) error {
 }
 
 func (c *Client) getRouteManager() (routemanager.Manager, error) {
-	client := c.connectClient
+	client := c.getConnectClient()
 	if client == nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("not connected")
 	}

client/android/peer_notifier.go

@@ -2,11 +2,20 @@
 
 package android
 
+import "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer"
+
+// Connection status constants exported via gomobile.
+const (
+	ConnStatusIdle       = int(peer.StatusIdle)
+	ConnStatusConnecting = int(peer.StatusConnecting)
+	ConnStatusConnected  = int(peer.StatusConnected)
+)
+
 // PeerInfo describe information about the peers. It designed for the UI usage
 type PeerInfo struct {
 	IP         string
 	FQDN       string
-	ConnStatus string // Todo replace to enum
+	ConnStatus int
 	Routes     PeerRoutes
 }
 

client/android/platform_files.go

@@ -7,4 +7,5 @@ package android
 type PlatformFiles interface {
 	ConfigurationFilePath() string
 	StateFilePath() string
+	CacheDir() string
 }

client/cmd/debug.go

@@ -199,9 +199,11 @@ func runForDuration(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 		cmd.Println("Log level set to trace.")
 	}
 
+	needsRestoreUp := false
 	if _, err := client.Down(cmd.Context(), &proto.DownRequest{}); err != nil {
 		cmd.PrintErrf("Failed to bring service down: %v\n", status.Convert(err).Message())
 	} else {
+		needsRestoreUp = !stateWasDown
 		cmd.Println("netbird down")
 	}
 
@@ -217,6 +219,7 @@ func runForDuration(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 	if _, err := client.Up(cmd.Context(), &proto.UpRequest{}); err != nil {
 		cmd.PrintErrf("Failed to bring service up: %v\n", status.Convert(err).Message())
 	} else {
+		needsRestoreUp = false
 		cmd.Println("netbird up")
 	}
 
@@ -264,6 +267,14 @@ func runForDuration(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("failed to bundle debug: %v", status.Convert(err).Message())
 	}
 
+	if needsRestoreUp {
+		if _, err := client.Up(cmd.Context(), &proto.UpRequest{}); err != nil {
+			cmd.PrintErrf("Failed to restore service up state: %v\n", status.Convert(err).Message())
+		} else {
+			cmd.Println("netbird up (restored)")
+		}
+	}
+
 	if stateWasDown {
 		if _, err := client.Down(cmd.Context(), &proto.DownRequest{}); err != nil {
 			cmd.PrintErrf("Failed to restore service down state: %v\n", status.Convert(err).Message())

client/cmd/expose.go

@@ -14,7 +14,9 @@ import (
 
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+	"google.golang.org/grpc/status"
 
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/expose"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/proto"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/util"
 )
@@ -200,7 +202,7 @@ func exposeFn(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 
 	stream, err := client.ExposeService(ctx, req)
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("expose service: %w", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("expose service: %v", status.Convert(err).Message())
 	}
 
 	if err := handleExposeReady(cmd, stream, port); err != nil {
@@ -211,26 +213,31 @@ func exposeFn(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
 }
 
 func toExposeProtocol(exposeProtocol string) (proto.ExposeProtocol, error) {
-	switch strings.ToLower(exposeProtocol) {
-	case "http":
+	p, err := expose.ParseProtocolType(exposeProtocol)
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("invalid protocol: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	switch p {
+	case expose.ProtocolHTTP:
 		return proto.ExposeProtocol_EXPOSE_HTTP, nil
-	case "https":
+	case expose.ProtocolHTTPS:
 		return proto.ExposeProtocol_EXPOSE_HTTPS, nil
-	case "tcp":
+	case expose.ProtocolTCP:
 		return proto.ExposeProtocol_EXPOSE_TCP, nil
-	case "udp":
+	case expose.ProtocolUDP:
 		return proto.ExposeProtocol_EXPOSE_UDP, nil
-	case "tls":
+	case expose.ProtocolTLS:
 		return proto.ExposeProtocol_EXPOSE_TLS, nil
 	default:
-		return 0, fmt.Errorf("unsupported protocol %q: must be http, https, tcp, udp, or tls", exposeProtocol)
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("unhandled protocol type: %d", p)
 	}
 }
 
 func handleExposeReady(cmd *cobra.Command, stream proto.DaemonService_ExposeServiceClient, port uint64) error {
 	event, err := stream.Recv()
 	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("receive expose event: %w", err)
+		return fmt.Errorf("receive expose event: %v", status.Convert(err).Message())
 	}
 
 	ready, ok := event.Event.(*proto.ExposeServiceEvent_Ready)

client/cmd/root.go

@@ -75,6 +75,7 @@ var (
 	mtu                     uint16
 	profilesDisabled        bool
 	updateSettingsDisabled  bool
+	networksDisabled        bool
 
 	rootCmd = &cobra.Command{
 		Use:          "netbird",

client/cmd/service.go

@@ -41,13 +41,16 @@ func init() {
 		defaultServiceName = "Netbird"
 	}
 
-	serviceCmd.AddCommand(runCmd, startCmd, stopCmd, restartCmd, svcStatusCmd, installCmd, uninstallCmd, reconfigureCmd)
+	serviceCmd.AddCommand(runCmd, startCmd, stopCmd, restartCmd, svcStatusCmd, installCmd, uninstallCmd, reconfigureCmd, resetParamsCmd)
 	serviceCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&profilesDisabled, "disable-profiles", false, "Disables profiles feature. If enabled, the client will not be able to change or edit any profile. To persist this setting, use: netbird service install --disable-profiles")
 	serviceCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&updateSettingsDisabled, "disable-update-settings", false, "Disables update settings feature. If enabled, the client will not be able to change or edit any settings. To persist this setting, use: netbird service install --disable-update-settings")
+	serviceCmd.PersistentFlags().BoolVar(&networksDisabled, "disable-networks", false, "Disables network selection. If enabled, the client will not allow listing, selecting, or deselecting networks. To persist, use: netbird service install --disable-networks")
 
 	rootCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVarP(&serviceName, "service", "s", defaultServiceName, "Netbird system service name")
 	serviceEnvDesc := `Sets extra environment variables for the service. ` +
 		`You can specify a comma-separated list of KEY=VALUE pairs. ` +
+		`New keys are merged with previously saved env vars; existing keys are overwritten. ` +
+		`Use --service-env "" to clear all saved env vars. ` +
 		`E.g. --service-env NB_LOG_LEVEL=debug,CUSTOM_VAR=value`
 
 	installCmd.Flags().StringSliceVar(&serviceEnvVars, "service-env", nil, serviceEnvDesc)

client/cmd/service_controller.go

@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ func (p *program) Start(svc service.Service) error {
 			}
 		}
 
-		serverInstance := server.New(p.ctx, util.FindFirstLogPath(logFiles), configPath, profilesDisabled, updateSettingsDisabled)
+		serverInstance := server.New(p.ctx, util.FindFirstLogPath(logFiles), configPath, profilesDisabled, updateSettingsDisabled, networksDisabled)
 		if err := serverInstance.Start(); err != nil {
 			log.Fatalf("failed to start daemon: %v", err)
 		}

client/cmd/service_installer.go

@@ -59,6 +59,10 @@ func buildServiceArguments() []string {
 		args = append(args, "--disable-update-settings")
 	}
 
+	if networksDisabled {
+		args = append(args, "--disable-networks")
+	}
+
 	return args
 }
 
@@ -119,6 +123,10 @@ var installCmd = &cobra.Command{
 			return err
 		}
 
+		if err := loadAndApplyServiceParams(cmd); err != nil {
+			cmd.PrintErrf("Warning: failed to load saved service params: %v\n", err)
+		}
+
 		svcConfig, err := createServiceConfigForInstall()
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
@@ -136,6 +144,10 @@ var installCmd = &cobra.Command{
 			return fmt.Errorf("install service: %w", err)
 		}
 
+		if err := saveServiceParams(currentServiceParams()); err != nil {
+			cmd.PrintErrf("Warning: failed to save service params: %v\n", err)
+		}
+
 		cmd.Println("NetBird service has been installed")
 		return nil
 	},
@@ -187,6 +199,10 @@ This command will temporarily stop the service, update its configuration, and re
 			return err
 		}
 
+		if err := loadAndApplyServiceParams(cmd); err != nil {
+			cmd.PrintErrf("Warning: failed to load saved service params: %v\n", err)
+		}
+
 		wasRunning, err := isServiceRunning()
 		if err != nil && !errors.Is(err, ErrGetServiceStatus) {
 			return fmt.Errorf("check service status: %w", err)
@@ -222,6 +238,10 @@ This command will temporarily stop the service, update its configuration, and re
 			return fmt.Errorf("install service with new config: %w", err)
 		}
 
+		if err := saveServiceParams(currentServiceParams()); err != nil {
+			cmd.PrintErrf("Warning: failed to save service params: %v\n", err)
+		}
+
 		if wasRunning {
 			cmd.Println("Starting NetBird service...")
 			if err := s.Start(); err != nil {

client/cmd/service_params.go

@@ -0,0 +1,218 @@
+//go:build !ios && !android
+
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"maps"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+
+	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/configs"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/util"
+)
+
+const serviceParamsFile = "service.json"
+
+// serviceParams holds install-time service parameters that persist across
+// uninstall/reinstall cycles. Saved to <stateDir>/service.json.
+type serviceParams struct {
+	LogLevel              string            `json:"log_level"`
+	DaemonAddr            string            `json:"daemon_addr"`
+	ManagementURL         string            `json:"management_url,omitempty"`
+	ConfigPath            string            `json:"config_path,omitempty"`
+	LogFiles              []string          `json:"log_files,omitempty"`
+	DisableProfiles       bool              `json:"disable_profiles,omitempty"`
+	DisableUpdateSettings bool              `json:"disable_update_settings,omitempty"`
+	DisableNetworks       bool              `json:"disable_networks,omitempty"`
+	ServiceEnvVars        map[string]string `json:"service_env_vars,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// serviceParamsPath returns the path to the service params file.
+func serviceParamsPath() string {
+	return filepath.Join(configs.StateDir, serviceParamsFile)
+}
+
+// loadServiceParams reads saved service parameters from disk.
+// Returns nil with no error if the file does not exist.
+func loadServiceParams() (*serviceParams, error) {
+	path := serviceParamsPath()
+
+	data, err := os.ReadFile(path)
+	if err != nil {
+		if os.IsNotExist(err) {
+			return nil, nil //nolint:nilnil
+		}
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("read service params %s: %w", path, err)
+	}
+
+	var params serviceParams
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(data, &params); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("parse service params %s: %w", path, err)
+	}
+
+	return &params, nil
+}
+
+// saveServiceParams writes current service parameters to disk atomically
+// with restricted permissions.
+func saveServiceParams(params *serviceParams) error {
+	path := serviceParamsPath()
+	if err := util.WriteJsonWithRestrictedPermission(context.Background(), path, params); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("save service params: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// currentServiceParams captures the current state of all package-level
+// variables into a serviceParams struct.
+func currentServiceParams() *serviceParams {
+	params := &serviceParams{
+		LogLevel:              logLevel,
+		DaemonAddr:            daemonAddr,
+		ManagementURL:         managementURL,
+		ConfigPath:            configPath,
+		LogFiles:              logFiles,
+		DisableProfiles:       profilesDisabled,
+		DisableUpdateSettings: updateSettingsDisabled,
+		DisableNetworks:       networksDisabled,
+	}
+
+	if len(serviceEnvVars) > 0 {
+		parsed, err := parseServiceEnvVars(serviceEnvVars)
+		if err == nil {
+			params.ServiceEnvVars = parsed
+		}
+	}
+
+	return params
+}
+
+// loadAndApplyServiceParams loads saved params from disk and applies them
+// to any flags that were not explicitly set.
+func loadAndApplyServiceParams(cmd *cobra.Command) error {
+	params, err := loadServiceParams()
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	applyServiceParams(cmd, params)
+	return nil
+}
+
+// applyServiceParams merges saved parameters into package-level variables
+// for any flag that was not explicitly set by the user (via CLI or env var).
+// Flags that were Changed() are left untouched.
+func applyServiceParams(cmd *cobra.Command, params *serviceParams) {
+	if params == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	// For fields with non-empty defaults (log-level, daemon-addr), keep the
+	// != "" guard so that an older service.json missing the field doesn't
+	// clobber the default with an empty string.
+	if !rootCmd.PersistentFlags().Changed("log-level") && params.LogLevel != "" {
+		logLevel = params.LogLevel
+	}
+
+	if !rootCmd.PersistentFlags().Changed("daemon-addr") && params.DaemonAddr != "" {
+		daemonAddr = params.DaemonAddr
+	}
+
+	// For optional fields where empty means "use default", always apply so
+	// that an explicit clear (--management-url "") persists across reinstalls.
+	if !rootCmd.PersistentFlags().Changed("management-url") {
+		managementURL = params.ManagementURL
+	}
+
+	if !rootCmd.PersistentFlags().Changed("config") {
+		configPath = params.ConfigPath
+	}
+
+	if !rootCmd.PersistentFlags().Changed("log-file") {
+		logFiles = params.LogFiles
+	}
+
+	if !serviceCmd.PersistentFlags().Changed("disable-profiles") {
+		profilesDisabled = params.DisableProfiles
+	}
+
+	if !serviceCmd.PersistentFlags().Changed("disable-update-settings") {
+		updateSettingsDisabled = params.DisableUpdateSettings
+	}
+
+	if !serviceCmd.PersistentFlags().Changed("disable-networks") {
+		networksDisabled = params.DisableNetworks
+	}
+
+	applyServiceEnvParams(cmd, params)
+}
+
+// applyServiceEnvParams merges saved service environment variables.
+// If --service-env was explicitly set with values, explicit values win on key
+// conflict but saved keys not in the explicit set are carried over.
+// If --service-env was explicitly set to empty, all saved env vars are cleared.
+// If --service-env was not set, saved env vars are used entirely.
+func applyServiceEnvParams(cmd *cobra.Command, params *serviceParams) {
+	if !cmd.Flags().Changed("service-env") {
+		if len(params.ServiceEnvVars) > 0 {
+			// No explicit env vars: rebuild serviceEnvVars from saved params.
+			serviceEnvVars = envMapToSlice(params.ServiceEnvVars)
+		}
+		return
+	}
+
+	// Flag was explicitly set: parse what the user provided.
+	explicit, err := parseServiceEnvVars(serviceEnvVars)
+	if err != nil {
+		cmd.PrintErrf("Warning: parse explicit service env vars for merge: %v\n", err)
+		return
+	}
+
+	// If the user passed an empty value (e.g. --service-env ""), clear all
+	// saved env vars rather than merging.
+	if len(explicit) == 0 {
+		serviceEnvVars = nil
+		return
+	}
+
+	if len(params.ServiceEnvVars) == 0 {
+		return
+	}
+
+	// Merge saved values underneath explicit ones.
+	merged := make(map[string]string, len(params.ServiceEnvVars)+len(explicit))
+	maps.Copy(merged, params.ServiceEnvVars)
+	maps.Copy(merged, explicit) // explicit wins on conflict
+	serviceEnvVars = envMapToSlice(merged)
+}
+
+var resetParamsCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "reset-params",
+	Short: "Remove saved service install parameters",
+	Long:  "Removes the saved service.json file so the next install uses default parameters.",
+	RunE: func(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
+		path := serviceParamsPath()
+		if err := os.Remove(path); err != nil {
+			if os.IsNotExist(err) {
+				cmd.Println("No saved service parameters found")
+				return nil
+			}
+			return fmt.Errorf("remove service params: %w", err)
+		}
+		cmd.Printf("Removed saved service parameters (%s)\n", path)
+		return nil
+	},
+}
+
+// envMapToSlice converts a map of env vars to a KEY=VALUE slice.
+func envMapToSlice(m map[string]string) []string {
+	s := make([]string, 0, len(m))
+	for k, v := range m {
+		s = append(s, k+"="+v)
+	}
+	return s
+}

client/cmd/service_params_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,559 @@
+//go:build !ios && !android
+
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"go/ast"
+	"go/parser"
+	"go/token"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+	"github.com/spf13/pflag"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/configs"
+)
+
+func TestServiceParamsPath(t *testing.T) {
+	original := configs.StateDir
+	t.Cleanup(func() { configs.StateDir = original })
+
+	configs.StateDir = "/var/lib/netbird"
+	assert.Equal(t, filepath.Join("/var/lib/netbird", "service.json"), serviceParamsPath())
+
+	configs.StateDir = "/custom/state"
+	assert.Equal(t, filepath.Join("/custom/state", "service.json"), serviceParamsPath())
+}
+
+func TestSaveAndLoadServiceParams(t *testing.T) {
+	tmpDir := t.TempDir()
+
+	original := configs.StateDir
+	t.Cleanup(func() { configs.StateDir = original })
+	configs.StateDir = tmpDir
+
+	params := &serviceParams{
+		LogLevel:              "debug",
+		DaemonAddr:            "unix:///var/run/netbird.sock",
+		ManagementURL:         "https://my.server.com",
+		ConfigPath:            "/etc/netbird/config.json",
+		LogFiles:              []string{"/var/log/netbird/client.log", "console"},
+		DisableProfiles:       true,
+		DisableUpdateSettings: false,
+		ServiceEnvVars:        map[string]string{"NB_LOG_FORMAT": "json", "CUSTOM": "val"},
+	}
+
+	err := saveServiceParams(params)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	// Verify the file exists and is valid JSON.
+	data, err := os.ReadFile(filepath.Join(tmpDir, "service.json"))
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	assert.True(t, json.Valid(data))
+
+	loaded, err := loadServiceParams()
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.NotNil(t, loaded)
+
+	assert.Equal(t, params.LogLevel, loaded.LogLevel)
+	assert.Equal(t, params.DaemonAddr, loaded.DaemonAddr)
+	assert.Equal(t, params.ManagementURL, loaded.ManagementURL)
+	assert.Equal(t, params.ConfigPath, loaded.ConfigPath)
+	assert.Equal(t, params.LogFiles, loaded.LogFiles)
+	assert.Equal(t, params.DisableProfiles, loaded.DisableProfiles)
+	assert.Equal(t, params.DisableUpdateSettings, loaded.DisableUpdateSettings)
+	assert.Equal(t, params.ServiceEnvVars, loaded.ServiceEnvVars)
+}
+
+func TestLoadServiceParams_FileNotExists(t *testing.T) {
+	tmpDir := t.TempDir()
+
+	original := configs.StateDir
+	t.Cleanup(func() { configs.StateDir = original })
+	configs.StateDir = tmpDir
+
+	params, err := loadServiceParams()
+	assert.NoError(t, err)
+	assert.Nil(t, params)
+}
+
+func TestLoadServiceParams_InvalidJSON(t *testing.T) {
+	tmpDir := t.TempDir()
+
+	original := configs.StateDir
+	t.Cleanup(func() { configs.StateDir = original })
+	configs.StateDir = tmpDir
+
+	err := os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(tmpDir, "service.json"), []byte("not json"), 0600)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	params, err := loadServiceParams()
+	assert.Error(t, err)
+	assert.Nil(t, params)
+}
+
+func TestCurrentServiceParams(t *testing.T) {
+	origLogLevel := logLevel
+	origDaemonAddr := daemonAddr
+	origManagementURL := managementURL
+	origConfigPath := configPath
+	origLogFiles := logFiles
+	origProfilesDisabled := profilesDisabled
+	origUpdateSettingsDisabled := updateSettingsDisabled
+	origServiceEnvVars := serviceEnvVars
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		logLevel = origLogLevel
+		daemonAddr = origDaemonAddr
+		managementURL = origManagementURL
+		configPath = origConfigPath
+		logFiles = origLogFiles
+		profilesDisabled = origProfilesDisabled
+		updateSettingsDisabled = origUpdateSettingsDisabled
+		serviceEnvVars = origServiceEnvVars
+	})
+
+	logLevel = "trace"
+	daemonAddr = "tcp://127.0.0.1:9999"
+	managementURL = "https://mgmt.example.com"
+	configPath = "/tmp/test-config.json"
+	logFiles = []string{"/tmp/test.log"}
+	profilesDisabled = true
+	updateSettingsDisabled = true
+	serviceEnvVars = []string{"FOO=bar", "BAZ=qux"}
+
+	params := currentServiceParams()
+
+	assert.Equal(t, "trace", params.LogLevel)
+	assert.Equal(t, "tcp://127.0.0.1:9999", params.DaemonAddr)
+	assert.Equal(t, "https://mgmt.example.com", params.ManagementURL)
+	assert.Equal(t, "/tmp/test-config.json", params.ConfigPath)
+	assert.Equal(t, []string{"/tmp/test.log"}, params.LogFiles)
+	assert.True(t, params.DisableProfiles)
+	assert.True(t, params.DisableUpdateSettings)
+	assert.Equal(t, map[string]string{"FOO": "bar", "BAZ": "qux"}, params.ServiceEnvVars)
+}
+
+func TestApplyServiceParams_OnlyUnchangedFlags(t *testing.T) {
+	origLogLevel := logLevel
+	origDaemonAddr := daemonAddr
+	origManagementURL := managementURL
+	origConfigPath := configPath
+	origLogFiles := logFiles
+	origProfilesDisabled := profilesDisabled
+	origUpdateSettingsDisabled := updateSettingsDisabled
+	origServiceEnvVars := serviceEnvVars
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		logLevel = origLogLevel
+		daemonAddr = origDaemonAddr
+		managementURL = origManagementURL
+		configPath = origConfigPath
+		logFiles = origLogFiles
+		profilesDisabled = origProfilesDisabled
+		updateSettingsDisabled = origUpdateSettingsDisabled
+		serviceEnvVars = origServiceEnvVars
+	})
+
+	// Reset all flags to defaults.
+	logLevel = "info"
+	daemonAddr = "unix:///var/run/netbird.sock"
+	managementURL = ""
+	configPath = "/etc/netbird/config.json"
+	logFiles = []string{"/var/log/netbird/client.log"}
+	profilesDisabled = false
+	updateSettingsDisabled = false
+	serviceEnvVars = nil
+
+	// Reset Changed state on all relevant flags.
+	rootCmd.PersistentFlags().VisitAll(func(f *pflag.Flag) {
+		f.Changed = false
+	})
+	serviceCmd.PersistentFlags().VisitAll(func(f *pflag.Flag) {
+		f.Changed = false
+	})
+
+	// Simulate user explicitly setting --log-level via CLI.
+	logLevel = "warn"
+	require.NoError(t, rootCmd.PersistentFlags().Set("log-level", "warn"))
+
+	saved := &serviceParams{
+		LogLevel:              "debug",
+		DaemonAddr:            "tcp://127.0.0.1:5555",
+		ManagementURL:         "https://saved.example.com",
+		ConfigPath:            "/saved/config.json",
+		LogFiles:              []string{"/saved/client.log"},
+		DisableProfiles:       true,
+		DisableUpdateSettings: true,
+		ServiceEnvVars:        map[string]string{"SAVED_KEY": "saved_val"},
+	}
+
+	cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+	cmd.Flags().StringSlice("service-env", nil, "")
+	applyServiceParams(cmd, saved)
+
+	// log-level was Changed, so it should keep "warn", not use saved "debug".
+	assert.Equal(t, "warn", logLevel)
+
+	// All other fields were not Changed, so they should use saved values.
+	assert.Equal(t, "tcp://127.0.0.1:5555", daemonAddr)
+	assert.Equal(t, "https://saved.example.com", managementURL)
+	assert.Equal(t, "/saved/config.json", configPath)
+	assert.Equal(t, []string{"/saved/client.log"}, logFiles)
+	assert.True(t, profilesDisabled)
+	assert.True(t, updateSettingsDisabled)
+	assert.Equal(t, []string{"SAVED_KEY=saved_val"}, serviceEnvVars)
+}
+
+func TestApplyServiceParams_BooleanRevertToFalse(t *testing.T) {
+	origProfilesDisabled := profilesDisabled
+	origUpdateSettingsDisabled := updateSettingsDisabled
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		profilesDisabled = origProfilesDisabled
+		updateSettingsDisabled = origUpdateSettingsDisabled
+	})
+
+	// Simulate current state where booleans are true (e.g. set by previous install).
+	profilesDisabled = true
+	updateSettingsDisabled = true
+
+	// Reset Changed state so flags appear unset.
+	serviceCmd.PersistentFlags().VisitAll(func(f *pflag.Flag) {
+		f.Changed = false
+	})
+
+	// Saved params have both as false.
+	saved := &serviceParams{
+		DisableProfiles:       false,
+		DisableUpdateSettings: false,
+	}
+
+	cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+	cmd.Flags().StringSlice("service-env", nil, "")
+	applyServiceParams(cmd, saved)
+
+	assert.False(t, profilesDisabled, "saved false should override current true")
+	assert.False(t, updateSettingsDisabled, "saved false should override current true")
+}
+
+func TestApplyServiceParams_ClearManagementURL(t *testing.T) {
+	origManagementURL := managementURL
+	t.Cleanup(func() { managementURL = origManagementURL })
+
+	managementURL = "https://leftover.example.com"
+
+	// Simulate saved params where management URL was explicitly cleared.
+	saved := &serviceParams{
+		LogLevel:   "info",
+		DaemonAddr: "unix:///var/run/netbird.sock",
+		// ManagementURL intentionally empty: was cleared with --management-url "".
+	}
+
+	rootCmd.PersistentFlags().VisitAll(func(f *pflag.Flag) {
+		f.Changed = false
+	})
+
+	cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+	cmd.Flags().StringSlice("service-env", nil, "")
+	applyServiceParams(cmd, saved)
+
+	assert.Equal(t, "", managementURL, "saved empty management URL should clear the current value")
+}
+
+func TestApplyServiceParams_NilParams(t *testing.T) {
+	origLogLevel := logLevel
+	t.Cleanup(func() { logLevel = origLogLevel })
+
+	logLevel = "info"
+	cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+	cmd.Flags().StringSlice("service-env", nil, "")
+
+	// Should be a no-op.
+	applyServiceParams(cmd, nil)
+	assert.Equal(t, "info", logLevel)
+}
+
+func TestApplyServiceEnvParams_MergeExplicitAndSaved(t *testing.T) {
+	origServiceEnvVars := serviceEnvVars
+	t.Cleanup(func() { serviceEnvVars = origServiceEnvVars })
+
+	// Set up a command with --service-env marked as Changed.
+	cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+	cmd.Flags().StringSlice("service-env", nil, "")
+	require.NoError(t, cmd.Flags().Set("service-env", "EXPLICIT=yes,OVERLAP=explicit"))
+
+	serviceEnvVars = []string{"EXPLICIT=yes", "OVERLAP=explicit"}
+
+	saved := &serviceParams{
+		ServiceEnvVars: map[string]string{
+			"SAVED":   "val",
+			"OVERLAP": "saved",
+		},
+	}
+
+	applyServiceEnvParams(cmd, saved)
+
+	// Parse result for easier assertion.
+	result, err := parseServiceEnvVars(serviceEnvVars)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	assert.Equal(t, "yes", result["EXPLICIT"])
+	assert.Equal(t, "val", result["SAVED"])
+	// Explicit wins on conflict.
+	assert.Equal(t, "explicit", result["OVERLAP"])
+}
+
+func TestApplyServiceEnvParams_NotChanged(t *testing.T) {
+	origServiceEnvVars := serviceEnvVars
+	t.Cleanup(func() { serviceEnvVars = origServiceEnvVars })
+
+	serviceEnvVars = nil
+
+	cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+	cmd.Flags().StringSlice("service-env", nil, "")
+
+	saved := &serviceParams{
+		ServiceEnvVars: map[string]string{"FROM_SAVED": "val"},
+	}
+
+	applyServiceEnvParams(cmd, saved)
+
+	result, err := parseServiceEnvVars(serviceEnvVars)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	assert.Equal(t, map[string]string{"FROM_SAVED": "val"}, result)
+}
+
+func TestApplyServiceEnvParams_ExplicitEmptyClears(t *testing.T) {
+	origServiceEnvVars := serviceEnvVars
+	t.Cleanup(func() { serviceEnvVars = origServiceEnvVars })
+
+	// Simulate --service-env "" which produces [""] in the slice.
+	serviceEnvVars = []string{""}
+
+	cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+	cmd.Flags().StringSlice("service-env", nil, "")
+	require.NoError(t, cmd.Flags().Set("service-env", ""))
+
+	saved := &serviceParams{
+		ServiceEnvVars: map[string]string{"OLD_VAR": "should_be_cleared"},
+	}
+
+	applyServiceEnvParams(cmd, saved)
+
+	assert.Nil(t, serviceEnvVars, "explicit empty --service-env should clear all saved env vars")
+}
+
+func TestCurrentServiceParams_EmptyEnvVarsAfterParse(t *testing.T) {
+	origServiceEnvVars := serviceEnvVars
+	t.Cleanup(func() { serviceEnvVars = origServiceEnvVars })
+
+	// Simulate --service-env "" which produces [""] in the slice.
+	serviceEnvVars = []string{""}
+
+	params := currentServiceParams()
+
+	// After parsing, the empty string is skipped, resulting in an empty map.
+	// The map should still be set (not nil) so it overwrites saved values.
+	assert.NotNil(t, params.ServiceEnvVars, "empty env vars should produce empty map, not nil")
+	assert.Empty(t, params.ServiceEnvVars, "no valid env vars should be parsed from empty string")
+}
+
+// TestServiceParams_FieldsCoveredInFunctions ensures that all serviceParams fields are
+// referenced in both currentServiceParams() and applyServiceParams(). If a new field is
+// added to serviceParams but not wired into these functions, this test fails.
+func TestServiceParams_FieldsCoveredInFunctions(t *testing.T) {
+	fset := token.NewFileSet()
+	file, err := parser.ParseFile(fset, "service_params.go", nil, 0)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	// Collect all JSON field names from the serviceParams struct.
+	structFields := extractStructJSONFields(t, file, "serviceParams")
+	require.NotEmpty(t, structFields, "failed to find serviceParams struct fields")
+
+	// Collect field names referenced in currentServiceParams and applyServiceParams.
+	currentFields := extractFuncFieldRefs(t, file, "currentServiceParams", structFields)
+	applyFields := extractFuncFieldRefs(t, file, "applyServiceParams", structFields)
+	// applyServiceEnvParams handles ServiceEnvVars indirectly.
+	applyEnvFields := extractFuncFieldRefs(t, file, "applyServiceEnvParams", structFields)
+	for k, v := range applyEnvFields {
+		applyFields[k] = v
+	}
+
+	for _, field := range structFields {
+		assert.Contains(t, currentFields, field,
+			"serviceParams field %q is not captured in currentServiceParams()", field)
+		assert.Contains(t, applyFields, field,
+			"serviceParams field %q is not restored in applyServiceParams()/applyServiceEnvParams()", field)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestServiceParams_BuildArgsCoversAllFlags ensures that buildServiceArguments references
+// all serviceParams fields that should become CLI args. ServiceEnvVars is excluded because
+// it flows through newSVCConfig() EnvVars, not CLI args.
+func TestServiceParams_BuildArgsCoversAllFlags(t *testing.T) {
+	fset := token.NewFileSet()
+	file, err := parser.ParseFile(fset, "service_params.go", nil, 0)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	structFields := extractStructJSONFields(t, file, "serviceParams")
+	require.NotEmpty(t, structFields)
+
+	installerFile, err := parser.ParseFile(fset, "service_installer.go", nil, 0)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	// Fields that are handled outside of buildServiceArguments (env vars go through newSVCConfig).
+	fieldsNotInArgs := map[string]bool{
+		"ServiceEnvVars": true,
+	}
+
+	buildFields := extractFuncGlobalRefs(t, installerFile, "buildServiceArguments")
+
+	// Forward: every struct field must appear in buildServiceArguments.
+	for _, field := range structFields {
+		if fieldsNotInArgs[field] {
+			continue
+		}
+		globalVar := fieldToGlobalVar(field)
+		assert.Contains(t, buildFields, globalVar,
+			"serviceParams field %q (global %q) is not referenced in buildServiceArguments()", field, globalVar)
+	}
+
+	// Reverse: every service-related global used in buildServiceArguments must
+	// have a corresponding serviceParams field. This catches a developer adding
+	// a new flag to buildServiceArguments without adding it to the struct.
+	globalToField := make(map[string]string, len(structFields))
+	for _, field := range structFields {
+		globalToField[fieldToGlobalVar(field)] = field
+	}
+	// Identifiers in buildServiceArguments that are not service params
+	// (builtins, boilerplate, loop variables).
+	nonParamGlobals := map[string]bool{
+		"args": true, "append": true, "string": true, "_": true,
+		"logFile": true, // range variable over logFiles
+	}
+	for ref := range buildFields {
+		if nonParamGlobals[ref] {
+			continue
+		}
+		_, inStruct := globalToField[ref]
+		assert.True(t, inStruct,
+			"buildServiceArguments() references global %q which has no corresponding serviceParams field", ref)
+	}
+}
+
+// extractStructJSONFields returns field names from a named struct type.
+func extractStructJSONFields(t *testing.T, file *ast.File, structName string) []string {
+	t.Helper()
+	var fields []string
+	ast.Inspect(file, func(n ast.Node) bool {
+		ts, ok := n.(*ast.TypeSpec)
+		if !ok || ts.Name.Name != structName {
+			return true
+		}
+		st, ok := ts.Type.(*ast.StructType)
+		if !ok {
+			return false
+		}
+		for _, f := range st.Fields.List {
+			if len(f.Names) > 0 {
+				fields = append(fields, f.Names[0].Name)
+			}
+		}
+		return false
+	})
+	return fields
+}
+
+// extractFuncFieldRefs returns which of the given field names appear inside the
+// named function, either as selector expressions (params.FieldName) or as
+// composite literal keys (&serviceParams{FieldName: ...}).
+func extractFuncFieldRefs(t *testing.T, file *ast.File, funcName string, fields []string) map[string]bool {
+	t.Helper()
+	fieldSet := make(map[string]bool, len(fields))
+	for _, f := range fields {
+		fieldSet[f] = true
+	}
+
+	found := make(map[string]bool)
+	fn := findFuncDecl(file, funcName)
+	require.NotNil(t, fn, "function %s not found", funcName)
+
+	ast.Inspect(fn.Body, func(n ast.Node) bool {
+		switch v := n.(type) {
+		case *ast.SelectorExpr:
+			if fieldSet[v.Sel.Name] {
+				found[v.Sel.Name] = true
+			}
+		case *ast.KeyValueExpr:
+			if ident, ok := v.Key.(*ast.Ident); ok && fieldSet[ident.Name] {
+				found[ident.Name] = true
+			}
+		}
+		return true
+	})
+	return found
+}
+
+// extractFuncGlobalRefs returns all identifier names referenced in the named function body.
+func extractFuncGlobalRefs(t *testing.T, file *ast.File, funcName string) map[string]bool {
+	t.Helper()
+	fn := findFuncDecl(file, funcName)
+	require.NotNil(t, fn, "function %s not found", funcName)
+
+	refs := make(map[string]bool)
+	ast.Inspect(fn.Body, func(n ast.Node) bool {
+		if ident, ok := n.(*ast.Ident); ok {
+			refs[ident.Name] = true
+		}
+		return true
+	})
+	return refs
+}
+
+func findFuncDecl(file *ast.File, name string) *ast.FuncDecl {
+	for _, decl := range file.Decls {
+		fn, ok := decl.(*ast.FuncDecl)
+		if ok && fn.Name.Name == name {
+			return fn
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// fieldToGlobalVar maps serviceParams field names to the package-level variable
+// names used in buildServiceArguments and applyServiceParams.
+func fieldToGlobalVar(field string) string {
+	m := map[string]string{
+		"LogLevel":              "logLevel",
+		"DaemonAddr":            "daemonAddr",
+		"ManagementURL":         "managementURL",
+		"ConfigPath":            "configPath",
+		"LogFiles":              "logFiles",
+		"DisableProfiles":       "profilesDisabled",
+		"DisableUpdateSettings": "updateSettingsDisabled",
+		"DisableNetworks":       "networksDisabled",
+		"ServiceEnvVars":        "serviceEnvVars",
+	}
+	if v, ok := m[field]; ok {
+		return v
+	}
+	// Default: lowercase first letter.
+	return strings.ToLower(field[:1]) + field[1:]
+}
+
+func TestEnvMapToSlice(t *testing.T) {
+	m := map[string]string{"A": "1", "B": "2"}
+	s := envMapToSlice(m)
+	assert.Len(t, s, 2)
+	assert.Contains(t, s, "A=1")
+	assert.Contains(t, s, "B=2")
+}
+
+func TestEnvMapToSlice_Empty(t *testing.T) {
+	s := envMapToSlice(map[string]string{})
+	assert.Empty(t, s)
+}

client/cmd/service_test.go

@@ -4,7 +4,9 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"fmt"
 	"os"
+	"os/signal"
 	"runtime"
+	"syscall"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
@@ -13,6 +15,22 @@ import (
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 )
 
+// TestMain intercepts when this test binary is run as a daemon subprocess.
+// On FreeBSD, the rc.d service script runs the binary via daemon(8) -r with
+// "service run ..." arguments. Since the test binary can't handle cobra CLI
+// args, it exits immediately, causing daemon -r to respawn rapidly until
+// hitting the rate limit and exiting. This makes service restart unreliable.
+// Blocking here keeps the subprocess alive until the init system sends SIGTERM.
+func TestMain(m *testing.M) {
+	if len(os.Args) > 2 && os.Args[1] == "service" && os.Args[2] == "run" {
+		sig := make(chan os.Signal, 1)
+		signal.Notify(sig, syscall.SIGTERM, os.Interrupt)
+		<-sig
+		return
+	}
+	os.Exit(m.Run())
+}
+
 const (
 	serviceStartTimeout = 10 * time.Second
 	serviceStopTimeout  = 5 * time.Second
@@ -79,6 +97,34 @@ func TestServiceLifecycle(t *testing.T) {
 	logLevel = "info"
 	daemonAddr = fmt.Sprintf("unix://%s/netbird-test.sock", tempDir)
 
+	// Ensure cleanup even if a subtest fails and Stop/Uninstall subtests don't run.
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		cfg, err := newSVCConfig()
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Errorf("cleanup: create service config: %v", err)
+			return
+		}
+		ctxSvc, cancel := context.WithCancel(context.Background())
+		defer cancel()
+		s, err := newSVC(newProgram(ctxSvc, cancel), cfg)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Errorf("cleanup: create service: %v", err)
+			return
+		}
+
+		// If the subtests already cleaned up, there's nothing to do.
+		if _, err := s.Status(); err != nil {
+			return
+		}
+
+		if err := s.Stop(); err != nil {
+			t.Errorf("cleanup: stop service: %v", err)
+		}
+		if err := s.Uninstall(); err != nil {
+			t.Errorf("cleanup: uninstall service: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
 	ctx := context.Background()
 
 	t.Run("Install", func(t *testing.T) {

client/cmd/testutil_test.go

@@ -13,6 +13,8 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/management-integrations/integrations"
 
+	nbcache "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/cache"
+
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/internals/controllers/network_map/controller"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/internals/controllers/network_map/update_channel"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/internals/modules/peers"
@@ -100,9 +102,16 @@ func startManagement(t *testing.T, config *config.Config, testFile string) (*grp
 
 	jobManager := job.NewJobManager(nil, store, peersmanager)
 
-	iv, _ := integrations.NewIntegratedValidator(context.Background(), peersmanager, settingsManagerMock, eventStore)
+	ctx := context.Background()
 
-	metrics, err := telemetry.NewDefaultAppMetrics(context.Background())
+	cacheStore, err := nbcache.NewStore(ctx, 100*time.Millisecond, 300*time.Millisecond, 100)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+
+	iv, _ := integrations.NewIntegratedValidator(ctx, peersmanager, settingsManagerMock, eventStore, cacheStore)
+
+	metrics, err := telemetry.NewDefaultAppMetrics(ctx)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 
 	settingsMockManager := settings.NewMockManager(ctrl)
@@ -113,12 +122,11 @@ func startManagement(t *testing.T, config *config.Config, testFile string) (*grp
 		Return(&types.Settings{}, nil).
 		AnyTimes()
 
-	ctx := context.Background()
 	updateManager := update_channel.NewPeersUpdateManager(metrics)
 	requestBuffer := mgmt.NewAccountRequestBuffer(ctx, store)
 	networkMapController := controller.NewController(ctx, store, metrics, updateManager, requestBuffer, mgmt.MockIntegratedValidator{}, settingsMockManager, "netbird.cloud", port_forwarding.NewControllerMock(), manager.NewEphemeralManager(store, peersmanager), config)
 
-	accountManager, err := mgmt.BuildManager(context.Background(), config, store, networkMapController, jobManager, nil, "", eventStore, nil, false, iv, metrics, port_forwarding.NewControllerMock(), settingsMockManager, permissionsManagerMock, false)
+	accountManager, err := mgmt.BuildManager(ctx, config, store, networkMapController, jobManager, nil, "", eventStore, nil, false, iv, metrics, port_forwarding.NewControllerMock(), settingsMockManager, permissionsManagerMock, false, cacheStore)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
@@ -152,7 +160,7 @@ func startClientDaemon(
 	s := grpc.NewServer()
 
 	server := client.New(ctx,
-		"", "", false, false)
+		"", "", false, false, false)
 	if err := server.Start(); err != nil {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}

client/embed/embed.go

@@ -33,14 +33,14 @@ var (
 	ErrConfigNotInitialized = errors.New("config not initialized")
 )
 
-// PeerConnStatus is a peer's connection status.
-type PeerConnStatus = peer.ConnStatus
-
 const (
 	// PeerStatusConnected indicates the peer is in connected state.
 	PeerStatusConnected = peer.StatusConnected
 )
 
+// PeerConnStatus is a peer's connection status.
+type PeerConnStatus = peer.ConnStatus
+
 // Client manages a netbird embedded client instance.
 type Client struct {
 	deviceName string
@@ -375,6 +375,32 @@ func (c *Client) NewHTTPClient() *http.Client {
 	}
 }
 
+// Expose exposes a local service via the NetBird reverse proxy, making it accessible through a public URL.
+// It returns an ExposeSession. Call Wait on the session to keep it alive.
+func (c *Client) Expose(ctx context.Context, req ExposeRequest) (*ExposeSession, error) {
+	engine, err := c.getEngine()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+
+	mgr := engine.GetExposeManager()
+	if mgr == nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("expose manager not available")
+	}
+
+	resp, err := mgr.Expose(ctx, req)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("expose: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return &ExposeSession{
+		Domain:      resp.Domain,
+		ServiceName: resp.ServiceName,
+		ServiceURL:  resp.ServiceURL,
+		mgr:         mgr,
+	}, nil
+}
+
 // Status returns the current status of the client.
 func (c *Client) Status() (peer.FullStatus, error) {
 	c.mu.Lock()

client/embed/expose.go

@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+package embed
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/expose"
+)
+
+const (
+	// ExposeProtocolHTTP exposes the service as HTTP.
+	ExposeProtocolHTTP = expose.ProtocolHTTP
+	// ExposeProtocolHTTPS exposes the service as HTTPS.
+	ExposeProtocolHTTPS = expose.ProtocolHTTPS
+	// ExposeProtocolTCP exposes the service as TCP.
+	ExposeProtocolTCP = expose.ProtocolTCP
+	// ExposeProtocolUDP exposes the service as UDP.
+	ExposeProtocolUDP = expose.ProtocolUDP
+	// ExposeProtocolTLS exposes the service as TLS.
+	ExposeProtocolTLS = expose.ProtocolTLS
+)
+
+// ExposeRequest is a request to expose a local service via the NetBird reverse proxy.
+type ExposeRequest = expose.Request
+
+// ExposeProtocolType represents the protocol used for exposing a service.
+type ExposeProtocolType = expose.ProtocolType
+
+// ExposeSession represents an active expose session. Use Wait to block until the session ends.
+type ExposeSession struct {
+	Domain      string
+	ServiceName string
+	ServiceURL  string
+
+	mgr *expose.Manager
+}
+
+// Wait blocks while keeping the expose session alive.
+// It returns when ctx is cancelled or a keep-alive error occurs, then terminates the session.
+func (s *ExposeSession) Wait(ctx context.Context) error {
+	if s == nil || s.mgr == nil {
+		return errors.New("expose session is not initialized")
+	}
+	return s.mgr.KeepAlive(ctx, s.Domain)
+}

client/firewall/create_linux.go

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import (
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"os"
+	"strconv"
 
 	"github.com/coreos/go-iptables/iptables"
 	"github.com/google/nftables"
@@ -35,20 +36,34 @@ const SKIP_NFTABLES_ENV = "NB_SKIP_NFTABLES_CHECK"
 type FWType int
 
 func NewFirewall(iface IFaceMapper, stateManager *statemanager.Manager, flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger, disableServerRoutes bool, mtu uint16) (firewall.Manager, error) {
-	// on the linux system we try to user nftables or iptables
-	// in any case, because we need to allow netbird interface traffic
-	// so we use AllowNetbird traffic from these firewall managers
-	// for the userspace packet filtering firewall
+	// We run in userspace mode and force userspace firewall was requested. We don't attempt native firewall.
+	if iface.IsUserspaceBind() && forceUserspaceFirewall() {
+		log.Info("forcing userspace firewall")
+		return createUserspaceFirewall(iface, nil, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger, mtu)
+	}
+
+	// Use native firewall for either kernel or userspace, the interface appears identical to netfilter
 	fm, err := createNativeFirewall(iface, stateManager, disableServerRoutes, mtu)
 
+	// Kernel cannot fall back to anything else, need to return error
 	if !iface.IsUserspaceBind() {
 		return fm, err
 	}
 
+	// Fall back to the userspace packet filter if native is unavailable
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Warnf("failed to create native firewall: %v. Proceeding with userspace", err)
+		return createUserspaceFirewall(iface, nil, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger, mtu)
 	}
-	return createUserspaceFirewall(iface, fm, disableServerRoutes, flowLogger, mtu)
+
+	// Native firewall handles packet filtering, but the userspace WireGuard bind
+	// needs a device filter for DNS interception hooks. Install a minimal
+	// hooks-only filter that passes all traffic through to the kernel firewall.
+	if err := iface.SetFilter(&uspfilter.HooksFilter{}); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to set hooks filter, DNS via memory hooks will not work: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	return fm, nil
 }
 
 func createNativeFirewall(iface IFaceMapper, stateManager *statemanager.Manager, routes bool, mtu uint16) (firewall.Manager, error) {
@@ -160,3 +175,17 @@ func isIptablesClientAvailable(client *iptables.IPTables) bool {
 	_, err := client.ListChains("filter")
 	return err == nil
 }
+
+func forceUserspaceFirewall() bool {
+	val := os.Getenv(EnvForceUserspaceFirewall)
+	if val == "" {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	force, err := strconv.ParseBool(val)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to parse %s: %v", EnvForceUserspaceFirewall, err)
+		return false
+	}
+	return force
+}

client/firewall/firewalld/firewalld.go

@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+// Package firewalld integrates with the firewalld daemon so NetBird can place
+// its wg interface into firewalld's "trusted" zone. This is required because
+// firewalld's nftables chains are created with NFT_CHAIN_OWNER on recent
+// versions, which returns EPERM to any other process that tries to insert
+// rules into them. The workaround mirrors what Tailscale does: let firewalld
+// itself add the accept rules to its own chains by trusting the interface.
+package firewalld
+
+// TrustedZone is the firewalld zone name used for interfaces whose traffic
+// should bypass firewalld filtering.
+const TrustedZone = "trusted"

client/firewall/firewalld/firewalld_linux.go

@@ -0,0 +1,260 @@
+//go:build linux
+
+package firewalld
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"os/exec"
+	"strings"
+	"sync"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/godbus/dbus/v5"
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+)
+
+const (
+	dbusDest      = "org.fedoraproject.FirewallD1"
+	dbusPath      = "/org/fedoraproject/FirewallD1"
+	dbusRootIface = "org.fedoraproject.FirewallD1"
+	dbusZoneIface = "org.fedoraproject.FirewallD1.zone"
+
+	errZoneAlreadySet = "ZONE_ALREADY_SET"
+	errAlreadyEnabled = "ALREADY_ENABLED"
+	errUnknownIface   = "UNKNOWN_INTERFACE"
+	errNotEnabled     = "NOT_ENABLED"
+
+	// callTimeout bounds each individual DBus or firewall-cmd invocation.
+	// A fresh context is created for each call so a slow DBus probe can't
+	// exhaust the deadline before the firewall-cmd fallback gets to run.
+	callTimeout = 3 * time.Second
+)
+
+var (
+	errDBusUnavailable = errors.New("firewalld dbus unavailable")
+
+	// trustLogOnce ensures the "added to trusted zone" message is logged at
+	// Info level only for the first successful add per process; repeat adds
+	// from other init paths are quieter.
+	trustLogOnce sync.Once
+
+	parentCtxMu sync.RWMutex
+	parentCtx   context.Context = context.Background()
+)
+
+// SetParentContext installs a parent context whose cancellation aborts any
+// in-flight TrustInterface call. It does not affect UntrustInterface, which
+// always uses a fresh Background-rooted timeout so cleanup can still run
+// during engine shutdown when the engine context is already cancelled.
+func SetParentContext(ctx context.Context) {
+	parentCtxMu.Lock()
+	parentCtx = ctx
+	parentCtxMu.Unlock()
+}
+
+func getParentContext() context.Context {
+	parentCtxMu.RLock()
+	defer parentCtxMu.RUnlock()
+	return parentCtx
+}
+
+// TrustInterface places iface into firewalld's trusted zone if firewalld is
+// running. It is idempotent and best-effort: errors are returned so callers
+// can log, but a non-running firewalld is not an error. Only the first
+// successful call per process logs at Info. Respects the parent context set
+// via SetParentContext so startup-time cancellation unblocks it.
+func TrustInterface(iface string) error {
+	parent := getParentContext()
+	if !isRunning(parent) {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if err := addTrusted(parent, iface); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add %s to firewalld trusted zone: %w", iface, err)
+	}
+	trustLogOnce.Do(func() {
+		log.Infof("added %s to firewalld trusted zone", iface)
+	})
+	log.Debugf("firewalld: ensured %s is in trusted zone", iface)
+	return nil
+}
+
+// UntrustInterface removes iface from firewalld's trusted zone if firewalld
+// is running. Idempotent. Uses a Background-rooted timeout so it still runs
+// during shutdown after the engine context has been cancelled.
+func UntrustInterface(iface string) error {
+	if !isRunning(context.Background()) {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if err := removeTrusted(context.Background(), iface); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("remove %s from firewalld trusted zone: %w", iface, err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func newCallContext(parent context.Context) (context.Context, context.CancelFunc) {
+	return context.WithTimeout(parent, callTimeout)
+}
+
+func isRunning(parent context.Context) bool {
+	ctx, cancel := newCallContext(parent)
+	ok, err := isRunningDBus(ctx)
+	cancel()
+	if err == nil {
+		return ok
+	}
+	if errors.Is(err, errDBusUnavailable) || errors.Is(err, context.DeadlineExceeded) {
+		ctx, cancel = newCallContext(parent)
+		defer cancel()
+		return isRunningCLI(ctx)
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+func addTrusted(parent context.Context, iface string) error {
+	ctx, cancel := newCallContext(parent)
+	err := addDBus(ctx, iface)
+	cancel()
+	if err == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if !errors.Is(err, errDBusUnavailable) {
+		log.Debugf("firewalld: dbus add failed, falling back to firewall-cmd: %v", err)
+	}
+	ctx, cancel = newCallContext(parent)
+	defer cancel()
+	return addCLI(ctx, iface)
+}
+
+func removeTrusted(parent context.Context, iface string) error {
+	ctx, cancel := newCallContext(parent)
+	err := removeDBus(ctx, iface)
+	cancel()
+	if err == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if !errors.Is(err, errDBusUnavailable) {
+		log.Debugf("firewalld: dbus remove failed, falling back to firewall-cmd: %v", err)
+	}
+	ctx, cancel = newCallContext(parent)
+	defer cancel()
+	return removeCLI(ctx, iface)
+}
+
+func isRunningDBus(ctx context.Context) (bool, error) {
+	conn, err := dbus.SystemBus()
+	if err != nil {
+		return false, fmt.Errorf("%w: %v", errDBusUnavailable, err)
+	}
+	obj := conn.Object(dbusDest, dbusPath)
+
+	var zone string
+	if err := obj.CallWithContext(ctx, dbusRootIface+".getDefaultZone", 0).Store(&zone); err != nil {
+		return false, fmt.Errorf("firewalld getDefaultZone: %w", err)
+	}
+	return true, nil
+}
+
+func isRunningCLI(ctx context.Context) bool {
+	if _, err := exec.LookPath("firewall-cmd"); err != nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	return exec.CommandContext(ctx, "firewall-cmd", "--state").Run() == nil
+}
+
+func addDBus(ctx context.Context, iface string) error {
+	conn, err := dbus.SystemBus()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%w: %v", errDBusUnavailable, err)
+	}
+	obj := conn.Object(dbusDest, dbusPath)
+
+	call := obj.CallWithContext(ctx, dbusZoneIface+".addInterface", 0, TrustedZone, iface)
+	if call.Err == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if dbusErrContains(call.Err, errAlreadyEnabled) {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if dbusErrContains(call.Err, errZoneAlreadySet) {
+		move := obj.CallWithContext(ctx, dbusZoneIface+".changeZoneOfInterface", 0, TrustedZone, iface)
+		if move.Err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("firewalld changeZoneOfInterface: %w", move.Err)
+		}
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	return fmt.Errorf("firewalld addInterface: %w", call.Err)
+}
+
+func removeDBus(ctx context.Context, iface string) error {
+	conn, err := dbus.SystemBus()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%w: %v", errDBusUnavailable, err)
+	}
+	obj := conn.Object(dbusDest, dbusPath)
+
+	call := obj.CallWithContext(ctx, dbusZoneIface+".removeInterface", 0, TrustedZone, iface)
+	if call.Err == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if dbusErrContains(call.Err, errUnknownIface) || dbusErrContains(call.Err, errNotEnabled) {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	return fmt.Errorf("firewalld removeInterface: %w", call.Err)
+}
+
+func addCLI(ctx context.Context, iface string) error {
+	if _, err := exec.LookPath("firewall-cmd"); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("firewall-cmd not available: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// --change-interface (no --permanent) binds the interface for the
+	// current runtime only; we do not want membership to persist across
+	// reboots because netbird re-asserts it on every startup.
+	out, err := exec.CommandContext(ctx,
+		"firewall-cmd", "--zone="+TrustedZone, "--change-interface="+iface,
+	).CombinedOutput()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("firewall-cmd change-interface: %w: %s", err, strings.TrimSpace(string(out)))
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func removeCLI(ctx context.Context, iface string) error {
+	if _, err := exec.LookPath("firewall-cmd"); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("firewall-cmd not available: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	out, err := exec.CommandContext(ctx,
+		"firewall-cmd", "--zone="+TrustedZone, "--remove-interface="+iface,
+	).CombinedOutput()
+	if err != nil {
+		msg := strings.TrimSpace(string(out))
+		if strings.Contains(msg, errUnknownIface) || strings.Contains(msg, errNotEnabled) {
+			return nil
+		}
+		return fmt.Errorf("firewall-cmd remove-interface: %w: %s", err, msg)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func dbusErrContains(err error, code string) bool {
+	if err == nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	var de dbus.Error
+	if errors.As(err, &de) {
+		for _, b := range de.Body {
+			if s, ok := b.(string); ok && strings.Contains(s, code) {
+				return true
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return strings.Contains(err.Error(), code)
+}

client/firewall/firewalld/firewalld_linux_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+//go:build linux
+
+package firewalld
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/godbus/dbus/v5"
+)
+
+func TestDBusErrContains(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name string
+		err  error
+		code string
+		want bool
+	}{
+		{"nil error", nil, errZoneAlreadySet, false},
+		{"plain error match", errors.New("ZONE_ALREADY_SET: wt0"), errZoneAlreadySet, true},
+		{"plain error miss", errors.New("something else"), errZoneAlreadySet, false},
+		{
+			"dbus.Error body match",
+			dbus.Error{Name: "org.fedoraproject.FirewallD1.Exception", Body: []any{"ZONE_ALREADY_SET: wt0"}},
+			errZoneAlreadySet,
+			true,
+		},
+		{
+			"dbus.Error body miss",
+			dbus.Error{Name: "org.fedoraproject.FirewallD1.Exception", Body: []any{"INVALID_INTERFACE"}},
+			errAlreadyEnabled,
+			false,
+		},
+		{
+			"dbus.Error non-string body falls back to Error()",
+			dbus.Error{Name: "x", Body: []any{123}},
+			"x",
+			true,
+		},
+	}
+	for _, tc := range tests {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			got := dbusErrContains(tc.err, tc.code)
+			if got != tc.want {
+				t.Fatalf("dbusErrContains(%v, %q) = %v; want %v", tc.err, tc.code, got, tc.want)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}

client/firewall/firewalld/firewalld_other.go

@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+//go:build !linux
+
+package firewalld
+
+import "context"
+
+// SetParentContext is a no-op on non-Linux platforms because firewalld only
+// runs on Linux.
+func SetParentContext(context.Context) {
+	// intentionally empty: firewalld is a Linux-only daemon
+}
+
+// TrustInterface is a no-op on non-Linux platforms because firewalld only
+// runs on Linux.
+func TrustInterface(string) error {
+	// intentionally empty: firewalld is a Linux-only daemon
+	return nil
+}
+
+// UntrustInterface is a no-op on non-Linux platforms because firewalld only
+// runs on Linux.
+func UntrustInterface(string) error {
+	// intentionally empty: firewalld is a Linux-only daemon
+	return nil
+}

client/firewall/iface.go

@@ -7,6 +7,12 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
 )
 
+// EnvForceUserspaceFirewall forces the use of the userspace packet filter even when
+// native iptables/nftables is available. This only applies when the WireGuard interface
+// runs in userspace mode. When set, peer ACLs are handled by USPFilter instead of
+// kernel netfilter rules.
+const EnvForceUserspaceFirewall = "NB_FORCE_USERSPACE_FIREWALL"
+
 // IFaceMapper defines subset methods of interface required for manager
 type IFaceMapper interface {
 	Name() string

client/firewall/iptables/acl_linux.go

@@ -21,6 +21,10 @@ const (
 
 	// rules chains contains the effective ACL rules
 	chainNameInputRules = "NETBIRD-ACL-INPUT"
+
+	// mangleFwdKey is the entries map key for mangle FORWARD guard rules that prevent
+	// external DNAT from bypassing ACL rules.
+	mangleFwdKey = "MANGLE-FORWARD"
 )
 
 type aclEntries map[string][][]string
@@ -274,6 +278,12 @@ func (m *aclManager) cleanChains() error {
 		}
 	}
 
+	for _, rule := range m.entries[mangleFwdKey] {
+		if err := m.iptablesClient.DeleteIfExists(tableMangle, chainFORWARD, rule...); err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("failed to delete mangle FORWARD guard rule: %v, %s", rule, err)
+		}
+	}
+
 	for _, ipsetName := range m.ipsetStore.ipsetNames() {
 		if err := m.flushIPSet(ipsetName); err != nil {
 			if errors.Is(err, ipset.ErrSetNotExist) {
@@ -303,6 +313,10 @@ func (m *aclManager) createDefaultChains() error {
 	}
 
 	for chainName, rules := range m.entries {
+		// mangle FORWARD guard rules are handled separately below
+		if chainName == mangleFwdKey {
+			continue
+		}
 		for _, rule := range rules {
 			if err := m.iptablesClient.InsertUnique(tableName, chainName, 1, rule...); err != nil {
 				log.Debugf("failed to create input chain jump rule: %s", err)
@@ -322,6 +336,13 @@ func (m *aclManager) createDefaultChains() error {
 	}
 	clear(m.optionalEntries)
 
+	// Insert mangle FORWARD guard rules to prevent external DNAT bypass.
+	for _, rule := range m.entries[mangleFwdKey] {
+		if err := m.iptablesClient.AppendUnique(tableMangle, chainFORWARD, rule...); err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("failed to add mangle FORWARD guard rule: %v", err)
+		}
+	}
+
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -343,6 +364,22 @@ func (m *aclManager) seedInitialEntries() {
 
 	m.appendToEntries("FORWARD", []string{"-o", m.wgIface.Name(), "-j", chainRTFWDOUT})
 	m.appendToEntries("FORWARD", []string{"-i", m.wgIface.Name(), "-j", chainRTFWDIN})
+
+	// Mangle FORWARD guard: when external DNAT redirects traffic from the wg interface, it
+	// traverses FORWARD instead of INPUT, bypassing ACL rules. ACCEPT rules in filter FORWARD
+	// can be inserted above ours. Mangle runs before filter, so these guard rules enforce the
+	// ACL mark check where it cannot be overridden.
+	m.appendToEntries(mangleFwdKey, []string{
+		"-i", m.wgIface.Name(),
+		"-m", "conntrack", "--ctstate", "RELATED,ESTABLISHED",
+		"-j", "ACCEPT",
+	})
+	m.appendToEntries(mangleFwdKey, []string{
+		"-i", m.wgIface.Name(),
+		"-m", "conntrack", "--ctstate", "DNAT",
+		"-m", "mark", "!", "--mark", fmt.Sprintf("%#x", nbnet.PreroutingFwmarkRedirected),
+		"-j", "DROP",
+	})
 }
 
 func (m *aclManager) seedInitialOptionalEntries() {

client/firewall/iptables/manager_linux.go

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ import (
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 
 	nberrors "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/errors"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/firewalld"
 	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/statemanager"
@@ -33,7 +34,6 @@ type Manager struct {
 type iFaceMapper interface {
 	Name() string
 	Address() wgaddr.Address
-	IsUserspaceBind() bool
 }
 
 // Create iptables firewall manager
@@ -64,10 +64,9 @@ func Create(wgIface iFaceMapper, mtu uint16) (*Manager, error) {
 func (m *Manager) Init(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 	state := &ShutdownState{
 		InterfaceState: &InterfaceState{
-			NameStr:       m.wgIface.Name(),
-			WGAddress:     m.wgIface.Address(),
-			UserspaceBind: m.wgIface.IsUserspaceBind(),
-			MTU:           m.router.mtu,
+			NameStr:   m.wgIface.Name(),
+			WGAddress: m.wgIface.Address(),
+			MTU:       m.router.mtu,
 		},
 	}
 	stateManager.RegisterState(state)
@@ -88,6 +87,12 @@ func (m *Manager) Init(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 		log.Warnf("raw table not available, notrack rules will be disabled: %v", err)
 	}
 
+	// Trust after all fatal init steps so a later failure doesn't leave the
+	// interface in firewalld's trusted zone without a corresponding Close.
+	if err := firewalld.TrustInterface(m.wgIface.Name()); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to trust interface in firewalld: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	// persist early to ensure cleanup of chains
 	go func() {
 		if err := stateManager.PersistState(context.Background()); err != nil {
@@ -193,6 +198,12 @@ func (m *Manager) Close(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 		merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("reset router: %w", err))
 	}
 
+	// Appending to merr intentionally blocks DeleteState below so ShutdownState
+	// stays persisted and the crash-recovery path retries firewalld cleanup.
+	if err := firewalld.UntrustInterface(m.wgIface.Name()); err != nil {
+		merr = multierror.Append(merr, err)
+	}
+
 	// attempt to delete state only if all other operations succeeded
 	if merr == nil {
 		if err := stateManager.DeleteState(&ShutdownState{}); err != nil {
@@ -203,12 +214,10 @@ func (m *Manager) Close(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 	return nberrors.FormatErrorOrNil(merr)
 }
 
-// AllowNetbird allows netbird interface traffic
+// AllowNetbird allows netbird interface traffic.
+// This is called when USPFilter wraps the native firewall, adding blanket accept
+// rules so that packet filtering is handled in userspace instead of by netfilter.
 func (m *Manager) AllowNetbird() error {
-	if !m.wgIface.IsUserspaceBind() {
-		return nil
-	}
-
 	_, err := m.AddPeerFiltering(
 		nil,
 		net.IP{0, 0, 0, 0},
@@ -221,6 +230,11 @@ func (m *Manager) AllowNetbird() error {
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("allow netbird interface traffic: %w", err)
 	}
+
+	if err := firewalld.TrustInterface(m.wgIface.Name()); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to trust interface in firewalld: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -286,6 +300,22 @@ func (m *Manager) RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Prot
 	return m.router.RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
 }
 
+// AddOutputDNAT adds an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule for locally-generated traffic.
+func (m *Manager) AddOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	m.mutex.Lock()
+	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
+
+	return m.router.AddOutputDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+}
+
+// RemoveOutputDNAT removes an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule.
+func (m *Manager) RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	m.mutex.Lock()
+	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
+
+	return m.router.RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+}
+
 const (
 	chainNameRaw = "NETBIRD-RAW"
 	chainOUTPUT  = "OUTPUT"

client/firewall/iptables/manager_linux_test.go

@@ -47,8 +47,6 @@ func (i *iFaceMock) Address() wgaddr.Address {
 	panic("AddressFunc is not set")
 }
 
-func (i *iFaceMock) IsUserspaceBind() bool { return false }
-
 func TestIptablesManager(t *testing.T) {
 	ipv4Client, err := iptables.NewWithProtocol(iptables.ProtocolIPv4)
 	require.NoError(t, err)

client/firewall/iptables/router_linux.go

@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@ const (
 	chainRTFWDOUT           = "NETBIRD-RT-FWD-OUT"
 	chainRTPRE              = "NETBIRD-RT-PRE"
 	chainRTRDR              = "NETBIRD-RT-RDR"
+	chainNATOutput          = "NETBIRD-NAT-OUTPUT"
 	chainRTMSSCLAMP         = "NETBIRD-RT-MSSCLAMP"
 	routingFinalForwardJump = "ACCEPT"
 	routingFinalNatJump     = "MASQUERADE"
@@ -43,6 +44,7 @@ const (
 	jumpManglePre  = "jump-mangle-pre"
 	jumpNatPre     = "jump-nat-pre"
 	jumpNatPost    = "jump-nat-post"
+	jumpNatOutput  = "jump-nat-output"
 	jumpMSSClamp   = "jump-mss-clamp"
 	markManglePre  = "mark-mangle-pre"
 	markManglePost = "mark-mangle-post"
@@ -387,6 +389,14 @@ func (r *router) cleanUpDefaultForwardRules() error {
 	}
 
 	log.Debug("flushing routing related tables")
+
+	// Remove jump rules from built-in chains before deleting custom chains,
+	// otherwise the chain deletion fails with "device or resource busy".
+	jumpRule := []string{"-j", chainNATOutput}
+	if err := r.iptablesClient.Delete(tableNat, "OUTPUT", jumpRule...); err != nil {
+		log.Debugf("clean OUTPUT jump rule: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	for _, chainInfo := range []struct {
 		chain string
 		table string
@@ -396,6 +406,7 @@ func (r *router) cleanUpDefaultForwardRules() error {
 		{chainRTPRE, tableMangle},
 		{chainRTNAT, tableNat},
 		{chainRTRDR, tableNat},
+		{chainNATOutput, tableNat},
 		{chainRTMSSCLAMP, tableMangle},
 	} {
 		ok, err := r.iptablesClient.ChainExists(chainInfo.table, chainInfo.chain)
@@ -970,6 +981,81 @@ func (r *router) RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Proto
 	return nil
 }
 
+// ensureNATOutputChain lazily creates the OUTPUT NAT chain and jump rule on first use.
+func (r *router) ensureNATOutputChain() error {
+	if _, exists := r.rules[jumpNatOutput]; exists {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	chainExists, err := r.iptablesClient.ChainExists(tableNat, chainNATOutput)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("check chain %s: %w", chainNATOutput, err)
+	}
+	if !chainExists {
+		if err := r.iptablesClient.NewChain(tableNat, chainNATOutput); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("create chain %s: %w", chainNATOutput, err)
+		}
+	}
+
+	jumpRule := []string{"-j", chainNATOutput}
+	if err := r.iptablesClient.Insert(tableNat, "OUTPUT", 1, jumpRule...); err != nil {
+		if !chainExists {
+			if delErr := r.iptablesClient.ClearAndDeleteChain(tableNat, chainNATOutput); delErr != nil {
+				log.Warnf("failed to rollback chain %s: %v", chainNATOutput, delErr)
+			}
+		}
+		return fmt.Errorf("add OUTPUT jump rule: %w", err)
+	}
+	r.rules[jumpNatOutput] = jumpRule
+
+	r.updateState()
+	return nil
+}
+
+// AddOutputDNAT adds an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule for locally-generated traffic.
+func (r *router) AddOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	ruleID := fmt.Sprintf("output-dnat-%s-%s-%d-%d", localAddr.String(), protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+
+	if _, exists := r.rules[ruleID]; exists {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if err := r.ensureNATOutputChain(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	dnatRule := []string{
+		"-p", strings.ToLower(string(protocol)),
+		"--dport", strconv.Itoa(int(sourcePort)),
+		"-d", localAddr.String(),
+		"-j", "DNAT",
+		"--to-destination", ":" + strconv.Itoa(int(targetPort)),
+	}
+
+	if err := r.iptablesClient.Append(tableNat, chainNATOutput, dnatRule...); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add output DNAT rule: %w", err)
+	}
+	r.rules[ruleID] = dnatRule
+
+	r.updateState()
+	return nil
+}
+
+// RemoveOutputDNAT removes an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule.
+func (r *router) RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	ruleID := fmt.Sprintf("output-dnat-%s-%s-%d-%d", localAddr.String(), protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+
+	if dnatRule, exists := r.rules[ruleID]; exists {
+		if err := r.iptablesClient.Delete(tableNat, chainNATOutput, dnatRule...); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("delete output DNAT rule: %w", err)
+		}
+		delete(r.rules, ruleID)
+	}
+
+	r.updateState()
+	return nil
+}
+
 func applyPort(flag string, port *firewall.Port) []string {
 	if port == nil {
 		return nil

client/firewall/iptables/state_linux.go

@@ -9,10 +9,9 @@ import (
 )
 
 type InterfaceState struct {
-	NameStr       string         `json:"name"`
-	WGAddress     wgaddr.Address `json:"wg_address"`
-	UserspaceBind bool           `json:"userspace_bind"`
-	MTU           uint16         `json:"mtu"`
+	NameStr   string         `json:"name"`
+	WGAddress wgaddr.Address `json:"wg_address"`
+	MTU       uint16         `json:"mtu"`
 }
 
 func (i *InterfaceState) Name() string {
@@ -23,10 +22,6 @@ func (i *InterfaceState) Address() wgaddr.Address {
 	return i.WGAddress
 }
 
-func (i *InterfaceState) IsUserspaceBind() bool {
-	return i.UserspaceBind
-}
-
 type ShutdownState struct {
 	sync.Mutex
 

client/firewall/manager/firewall.go

@@ -169,6 +169,14 @@ type Manager interface {
 	// RemoveInboundDNAT removes inbound DNAT rule
 	RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error
 
+	// AddOutputDNAT adds an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule for locally-generated traffic.
+	// localAddr must be IPv4; the underlying iptables/nftables backends are IPv4-only.
+	AddOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error
+
+	// RemoveOutputDNAT removes an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule.
+	// localAddr must be IPv4; the underlying iptables/nftables backends are IPv4-only.
+	RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error
+
 	// SetupEBPFProxyNoTrack creates static notrack rules for eBPF proxy loopback traffic.
 	// This prevents conntrack from interfering with WireGuard proxy communication.
 	SetupEBPFProxyNoTrack(proxyPort, wgPort uint16) error

client/firewall/nftables/manager_linux.go

@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ import (
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 	"golang.org/x/sys/unix"
 
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/firewalld"
 	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/statemanager"
@@ -40,7 +41,6 @@ func getTableName() string {
 type iFaceMapper interface {
 	Name() string
 	Address() wgaddr.Address
-	IsUserspaceBind() bool
 }
 
 // Manager of iptables firewall
@@ -106,10 +106,9 @@ func (m *Manager) Init(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 	// cleanup using Close() without needing to store specific rules.
 	if err := stateManager.UpdateState(&ShutdownState{
 		InterfaceState: &InterfaceState{
-			NameStr:       m.wgIface.Name(),
-			WGAddress:     m.wgIface.Address(),
-			UserspaceBind: m.wgIface.IsUserspaceBind(),
-			MTU:           m.router.mtu,
+			NameStr:   m.wgIface.Name(),
+			WGAddress: m.wgIface.Address(),
+			MTU:       m.router.mtu,
 		},
 	}); err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed to update state: %v", err)
@@ -205,12 +204,10 @@ func (m *Manager) RemoveNatRule(pair firewall.RouterPair) error {
 	return m.router.RemoveNatRule(pair)
 }
 
-// AllowNetbird allows netbird interface traffic
+// AllowNetbird allows netbird interface traffic.
+// This is called when USPFilter wraps the native firewall, adding blanket accept
+// rules so that packet filtering is handled in userspace instead of by netfilter.
 func (m *Manager) AllowNetbird() error {
-	if !m.wgIface.IsUserspaceBind() {
-		return nil
-	}
-
 	m.mutex.Lock()
 	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
 
@@ -221,6 +218,10 @@ func (m *Manager) AllowNetbird() error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("flush allow input netbird rules: %w", err)
 	}
 
+	if err := firewalld.TrustInterface(m.wgIface.Name()); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to trust interface in firewalld: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -346,6 +347,22 @@ func (m *Manager) RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Prot
 	return m.router.RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
 }
 
+// AddOutputDNAT adds an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule for locally-generated traffic.
+func (m *Manager) AddOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	m.mutex.Lock()
+	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
+
+	return m.router.AddOutputDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+}
+
+// RemoveOutputDNAT removes an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule.
+func (m *Manager) RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	m.mutex.Lock()
+	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
+
+	return m.router.RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+}
+
 const (
 	chainNameRawOutput     = "netbird-raw-out"
 	chainNameRawPrerouting = "netbird-raw-pre"

client/firewall/nftables/manager_linux_test.go

@@ -52,8 +52,6 @@ func (i *iFaceMock) Address() wgaddr.Address {
 	panic("AddressFunc is not set")
 }
 
-func (i *iFaceMock) IsUserspaceBind() bool { return false }
-
 func TestNftablesManager(t *testing.T) {
 
 	// just check on the local interface

client/firewall/nftables/router_linux.go

@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ import (
 	"golang.org/x/sys/unix"
 
 	nberrors "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/errors"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/firewalld"
 	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 	nbid "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/acl/id"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/routemanager/ipfwdstate"
@@ -36,9 +37,12 @@ const (
 	chainNameRoutingFw     = "netbird-rt-fwd"
 	chainNameRoutingNat    = "netbird-rt-postrouting"
 	chainNameRoutingRdr    = "netbird-rt-redirect"
+	chainNameNATOutput     = "netbird-nat-output"
 	chainNameForward       = "FORWARD"
 	chainNameMangleForward = "netbird-mangle-forward"
 
+	firewalldTableName = "firewalld"
+
 	userDataAcceptForwardRuleIif = "frwacceptiif"
 	userDataAcceptForwardRuleOif = "frwacceptoif"
 	userDataAcceptInputRule      = "inputaccept"
@@ -132,6 +136,10 @@ func (r *router) Reset() error {
 		merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("remove accept filter rules: %w", err))
 	}
 
+	if err := firewalld.UntrustInterface(r.wgIface.Name()); err != nil {
+		merr = multierror.Append(merr, err)
+	}
+
 	if err := r.removeNatPreroutingRules(); err != nil {
 		merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("remove filter prerouting rules: %w", err))
 	}
@@ -279,6 +287,10 @@ func (r *router) createContainers() error {
 		log.Errorf("failed to add accept rules for the forward chain: %s", err)
 	}
 
+	if err := firewalld.TrustInterface(r.wgIface.Name()); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to trust interface in firewalld: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	if err := r.refreshRulesMap(); err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed to refresh rules: %s", err)
 	}
@@ -1318,6 +1330,13 @@ func (r *router) isExternalChain(chain *nftables.Chain) bool {
 		return false
 	}
 
+	// Skip firewalld-owned chains. Firewalld creates its chains with the
+	// NFT_CHAIN_OWNER flag, so inserting rules into them returns EPERM.
+	// We delegate acceptance to firewalld by trusting the interface instead.
+	if chain.Table.Name == firewalldTableName {
+		return false
+	}
+
 	// Skip all iptables-managed tables in the ip family
 	if chain.Table.Family == nftables.TableFamilyIPv4 && isIptablesTable(chain.Table.Name) {
 		return false
@@ -1853,6 +1872,130 @@ func (r *router) RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Proto
 	return nil
 }
 
+// ensureNATOutputChain lazily creates the OUTPUT NAT chain on first use.
+func (r *router) ensureNATOutputChain() error {
+	if _, exists := r.chains[chainNameNATOutput]; exists {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	r.chains[chainNameNATOutput] = r.conn.AddChain(&nftables.Chain{
+		Name:     chainNameNATOutput,
+		Table:    r.workTable,
+		Hooknum:  nftables.ChainHookOutput,
+		Priority: nftables.ChainPriorityNATDest,
+		Type:     nftables.ChainTypeNAT,
+	})
+
+	if err := r.conn.Flush(); err != nil {
+		delete(r.chains, chainNameNATOutput)
+		return fmt.Errorf("create NAT output chain: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// AddOutputDNAT adds an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule for locally-generated traffic.
+func (r *router) AddOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	ruleID := fmt.Sprintf("output-dnat-%s-%s-%d-%d", localAddr.String(), protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+
+	if _, exists := r.rules[ruleID]; exists {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if err := r.ensureNATOutputChain(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	protoNum, err := protoToInt(protocol)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("convert protocol to number: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	exprs := []expr.Any{
+		&expr.Meta{Key: expr.MetaKeyL4PROTO, Register: 1},
+		&expr.Cmp{
+			Op:       expr.CmpOpEq,
+			Register: 1,
+			Data:     []byte{protoNum},
+		},
+		&expr.Payload{
+			DestRegister: 2,
+			Base:         expr.PayloadBaseTransportHeader,
+			Offset:       2,
+			Len:          2,
+		},
+		&expr.Cmp{
+			Op:       expr.CmpOpEq,
+			Register: 2,
+			Data:     binaryutil.BigEndian.PutUint16(sourcePort),
+		},
+	}
+
+	exprs = append(exprs, applyPrefix(netip.PrefixFrom(localAddr, 32), false)...)
+
+	exprs = append(exprs,
+		&expr.Immediate{
+			Register: 1,
+			Data:     localAddr.AsSlice(),
+		},
+		&expr.Immediate{
+			Register: 2,
+			Data:     binaryutil.BigEndian.PutUint16(targetPort),
+		},
+		&expr.NAT{
+			Type:        expr.NATTypeDestNAT,
+			Family:      uint32(nftables.TableFamilyIPv4),
+			RegAddrMin:  1,
+			RegProtoMin: 2,
+		},
+	)
+
+	dnatRule := &nftables.Rule{
+		Table:    r.workTable,
+		Chain:    r.chains[chainNameNATOutput],
+		Exprs:    exprs,
+		UserData: []byte(ruleID),
+	}
+	r.conn.AddRule(dnatRule)
+
+	if err := r.conn.Flush(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add output DNAT rule: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	r.rules[ruleID] = dnatRule
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+// RemoveOutputDNAT removes an OUTPUT chain DNAT rule.
+func (r *router) RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	if err := r.refreshRulesMap(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf(refreshRulesMapError, err)
+	}
+
+	ruleID := fmt.Sprintf("output-dnat-%s-%s-%d-%d", localAddr.String(), protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+
+	rule, exists := r.rules[ruleID]
+	if !exists {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if rule.Handle == 0 {
+		log.Warnf("output DNAT rule %s has no handle, removing stale entry", ruleID)
+		delete(r.rules, ruleID)
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	if err := r.conn.DelRule(rule); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("delete output DNAT rule %s: %w", ruleID, err)
+	}
+	if err := r.conn.Flush(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("flush delete output DNAT rule: %w", err)
+	}
+	delete(r.rules, ruleID)
+
+	return nil
+}
+
 // applyNetwork generates nftables expressions for networks (CIDR) or sets
 func (r *router) applyNetwork(
 	network firewall.Network,

client/firewall/nftables/state_linux.go

@@ -8,10 +8,9 @@ import (
 )
 
 type InterfaceState struct {
-	NameStr       string         `json:"name"`
-	WGAddress     wgaddr.Address `json:"wg_address"`
-	UserspaceBind bool           `json:"userspace_bind"`
-	MTU           uint16         `json:"mtu"`
+	NameStr   string         `json:"name"`
+	WGAddress wgaddr.Address `json:"wg_address"`
+	MTU       uint16         `json:"mtu"`
 }
 
 func (i *InterfaceState) Name() string {
@@ -22,10 +21,6 @@ func (i *InterfaceState) Address() wgaddr.Address {
 	return i.WGAddress
 }
 
-func (i *InterfaceState) IsUserspaceBind() bool {
-	return i.UserspaceBind
-}
-
 type ShutdownState struct {
 	InterfaceState *InterfaceState `json:"interface_state,omitempty"`
 }

client/firewall/uspfilter/allow_netbird.go

@@ -3,6 +3,9 @@
 package uspfilter
 
 import (
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/firewalld"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/statemanager"
 )
 
@@ -16,6 +19,9 @@ func (m *Manager) Close(stateManager *statemanager.Manager) error {
 	if m.nativeFirewall != nil {
 		return m.nativeFirewall.Close(stateManager)
 	}
+	if err := firewalld.UntrustInterface(m.wgIface.Name()); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to untrust interface in firewalld: %v", err)
+	}
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -24,5 +30,8 @@ func (m *Manager) AllowNetbird() error {
 	if m.nativeFirewall != nil {
 		return m.nativeFirewall.AllowNetbird()
 	}
+	if err := firewalld.TrustInterface(m.wgIface.Name()); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to trust interface in firewalld: %v", err)
+	}
 	return nil
 }

client/firewall/uspfilter/common/hooks.go

@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+package common
+
+import (
+	"net/netip"
+	"sync/atomic"
+)
+
+// PacketHook stores a registered hook for a specific IP:port.
+type PacketHook struct {
+	IP   netip.Addr
+	Port uint16
+	Fn   func([]byte) bool
+}
+
+// HookMatches checks if a packet's destination matches the hook and invokes it.
+func HookMatches(h *PacketHook, dstIP netip.Addr, dport uint16, packetData []byte) bool {
+	if h == nil {
+		return false
+	}
+	if h.IP == dstIP && h.Port == dport {
+		return h.Fn(packetData)
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+// SetHook atomically stores a hook, handling nil removal.
+func SetHook(ptr *atomic.Pointer[PacketHook], ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func([]byte) bool) {
+	if hook == nil {
+		ptr.Store(nil)
+		return
+	}
+	ptr.Store(&PacketHook{
+		IP:   ip,
+		Port: dPort,
+		Fn:   hook,
+	})
+}

client/firewall/uspfilter/common/iface.go

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import (
 
 // IFaceMapper defines subset methods of interface required for manager
 type IFaceMapper interface {
+	Name() string
 	SetFilter(device.PacketFilter) error
 	Address() wgaddr.Address
 	GetWGDevice() *wgdevice.Device

client/firewall/uspfilter/filter.go

@@ -140,6 +140,10 @@ type Manager struct {
 	mtu             uint16
 	mssClampValue   uint16
 	mssClampEnabled bool
+
+	// Only one hook per protocol is supported. Outbound direction only.
+	udpHookOut atomic.Pointer[common.PacketHook]
+	tcpHookOut atomic.Pointer[common.PacketHook]
 }
 
 // decoder for packages
@@ -594,6 +598,8 @@ func (m *Manager) resetState() {
 	maps.Clear(m.incomingRules)
 	maps.Clear(m.routeRulesMap)
 	m.routeRules = m.routeRules[:0]
+	m.udpHookOut.Store(nil)
+	m.tcpHookOut.Store(nil)
 
 	if m.udpTracker != nil {
 		m.udpTracker.Close()
@@ -713,6 +719,9 @@ func (m *Manager) filterOutbound(packetData []byte, size int) bool {
 			return true
 		}
 	case layers.LayerTypeTCP:
+		if m.tcpHooksDrop(uint16(d.tcp.DstPort), dstIP, packetData) {
+			return true
+		}
 		// Clamp MSS on all TCP SYN packets, including those from local IPs.
 		// SNATed routed traffic may appear as local IP but still requires clamping.
 		if m.mssClampEnabled {
@@ -895,39 +904,12 @@ func (m *Manager) trackInbound(d *decoder, srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr, ruleID []byt
 	d.dnatOrigPort = 0
 }
 
-// udpHooksDrop checks if any UDP hooks should drop the packet
 func (m *Manager) udpHooksDrop(dport uint16, dstIP netip.Addr, packetData []byte) bool {
-	m.mutex.RLock()
-	defer m.mutex.RUnlock()
+	return common.HookMatches(m.udpHookOut.Load(), dstIP, dport, packetData)
+}
 
-	// Check specific destination IP first
-	if rules, exists := m.outgoingRules[dstIP]; exists {
-		for _, rule := range rules {
-			if rule.udpHook != nil && portsMatch(rule.dPort, dport) {
-				return rule.udpHook(packetData)
-			}
-		}
-	}
-
-	// Check IPv4 unspecified address
-	if rules, exists := m.outgoingRules[netip.IPv4Unspecified()]; exists {
-		for _, rule := range rules {
-			if rule.udpHook != nil && portsMatch(rule.dPort, dport) {
-				return rule.udpHook(packetData)
-			}
-		}
-	}
-
-	// Check IPv6 unspecified address
-	if rules, exists := m.outgoingRules[netip.IPv6Unspecified()]; exists {
-		for _, rule := range rules {
-			if rule.udpHook != nil && portsMatch(rule.dPort, dport) {
-				return rule.udpHook(packetData)
-			}
-		}
-	}
-
-	return false
+func (m *Manager) tcpHooksDrop(dport uint16, dstIP netip.Addr, packetData []byte) bool {
+	return common.HookMatches(m.tcpHookOut.Load(), dstIP, dport, packetData)
 }
 
 // filterInbound implements filtering logic for incoming packets.
@@ -1278,12 +1260,6 @@ func validateRule(ip netip.Addr, packetData []byte, rules map[string]PeerRule, d
 				return rule.mgmtId, rule.drop, true
 			}
 		case layers.LayerTypeUDP:
-			// if rule has UDP hook (and if we are here we match this rule)
-			// we ignore rule.drop and call this hook
-			if rule.udpHook != nil {
-				return rule.mgmtId, rule.udpHook(packetData), true
-			}
-
 			if portsMatch(rule.sPort, uint16(d.udp.SrcPort)) && portsMatch(rule.dPort, uint16(d.udp.DstPort)) {
 				return rule.mgmtId, rule.drop, true
 			}
@@ -1342,65 +1318,14 @@ func (m *Manager) ruleMatches(rule *RouteRule, srcAddr, dstAddr netip.Addr, prot
 	return sourceMatched
 }
 
-// AddUDPPacketHook calls hook when UDP packet from given direction matched
-//
-// Hook function returns flag which indicates should be the matched package dropped or not
-func (m *Manager) AddUDPPacketHook(in bool, ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func(packet []byte) bool) string {
-	r := PeerRule{
-		id:         uuid.New().String(),
-		ip:         ip,
-		protoLayer: layers.LayerTypeUDP,
-		dPort:      &firewall.Port{Values: []uint16{dPort}},
-		ipLayer:    layers.LayerTypeIPv6,
-		udpHook:    hook,
-	}
-
-	if ip.Is4() {
-		r.ipLayer = layers.LayerTypeIPv4
-	}
-
-	m.mutex.Lock()
-	if in {
-		// Incoming UDP hooks are stored in allow rules map
-		if _, ok := m.incomingRules[r.ip]; !ok {
-			m.incomingRules[r.ip] = make(map[string]PeerRule)
-		}
-		m.incomingRules[r.ip][r.id] = r
-	} else {
-		if _, ok := m.outgoingRules[r.ip]; !ok {
-			m.outgoingRules[r.ip] = make(map[string]PeerRule)
-		}
-		m.outgoingRules[r.ip][r.id] = r
-	}
-	m.mutex.Unlock()
-
-	return r.id
+// SetUDPPacketHook sets the outbound UDP packet hook. Pass nil hook to remove.
+func (m *Manager) SetUDPPacketHook(ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func(packet []byte) bool) {
+	common.SetHook(&m.udpHookOut, ip, dPort, hook)
 }
 
-// RemovePacketHook removes packet hook by given ID
-func (m *Manager) RemovePacketHook(hookID string) error {
-	m.mutex.Lock()
-	defer m.mutex.Unlock()
-
-	// Check incoming hooks (stored in allow rules)
-	for _, arr := range m.incomingRules {
-		for _, r := range arr {
-			if r.id == hookID {
-				delete(arr, r.id)
-				return nil
-			}
-		}
-	}
-	// Check outgoing hooks
-	for _, arr := range m.outgoingRules {
-		for _, r := range arr {
-			if r.id == hookID {
-				delete(arr, r.id)
-				return nil
-			}
-		}
-	}
-	return fmt.Errorf("hook with given id not found")
+// SetTCPPacketHook sets the outbound TCP packet hook. Pass nil hook to remove.
+func (m *Manager) SetTCPPacketHook(ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func(packet []byte) bool) {
+	common.SetHook(&m.tcpHookOut, ip, dPort, hook)
 }
 
 // SetLogLevel sets the log level for the firewall manager

client/firewall/uspfilter/filter_test.go

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/google/gopacket"
 	"github.com/google/gopacket/layers"
 	"github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 	wgdevice "golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/device"
 
@@ -30,12 +31,20 @@ var logger = log.NewFromLogrus(logrus.StandardLogger())
 var flowLogger = netflow.NewManager(nil, []byte{}, nil).GetLogger()
 
 type IFaceMock struct {
+	NameFunc        func() string
 	SetFilterFunc   func(device.PacketFilter) error
 	AddressFunc     func() wgaddr.Address
 	GetWGDeviceFunc func() *wgdevice.Device
 	GetDeviceFunc   func() *device.FilteredDevice
 }
 
+func (i *IFaceMock) Name() string {
+	if i.NameFunc == nil {
+		return "wgtest"
+	}
+	return i.NameFunc()
+}
+
 func (i *IFaceMock) GetWGDevice() *wgdevice.Device {
 	if i.GetWGDeviceFunc == nil {
 		return nil
@@ -186,81 +195,52 @@ func TestManagerDeleteRule(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-func TestAddUDPPacketHook(t *testing.T) {
-	tests := []struct {
-		name       string
-		in         bool
-		expDir     fw.RuleDirection
-		ip         netip.Addr
-		dPort      uint16
-		hook       func([]byte) bool
-		expectedID string
-	}{
-		{
-			name:   "Test Outgoing UDP Packet Hook",
-			in:     false,
-			expDir: fw.RuleDirectionOUT,
-			ip:     netip.MustParseAddr("10.168.0.1"),
-			dPort:  8000,
-			hook:   func([]byte) bool { return true },
-		},
-		{
-			name:   "Test Incoming UDP Packet Hook",
-			in:     true,
-			expDir: fw.RuleDirectionIN,
-			ip:     netip.MustParseAddr("::1"),
-			dPort:  9000,
-			hook:   func([]byte) bool { return false },
-		},
-	}
+func TestSetUDPPacketHook(t *testing.T) {
+	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
+		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
+	}, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	t.Cleanup(func() { require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil)) })
 
-	for _, tt := range tests {
-		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
-				SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
-			}, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
-			require.NoError(t, err)
+	var called bool
+	manager.SetUDPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("10.168.0.1"), 8000, func([]byte) bool {
+		called = true
+		return true
+	})
 
-			manager.AddUDPPacketHook(tt.in, tt.ip, tt.dPort, tt.hook)
+	h := manager.udpHookOut.Load()
+	require.NotNil(t, h)
+	assert.Equal(t, netip.MustParseAddr("10.168.0.1"), h.IP)
+	assert.Equal(t, uint16(8000), h.Port)
+	assert.True(t, h.Fn(nil))
+	assert.True(t, called)
 
-			var addedRule PeerRule
-			if tt.in {
-				// Incoming UDP hooks are stored in allow rules map
-				if len(manager.incomingRules[tt.ip]) != 1 {
-					t.Errorf("expected 1 incoming rule, got %d", len(manager.incomingRules[tt.ip]))
-					return
-				}
-				for _, rule := range manager.incomingRules[tt.ip] {
-					addedRule = rule
-				}
-			} else {
-				if len(manager.outgoingRules[tt.ip]) != 1 {
-					t.Errorf("expected 1 outgoing rule, got %d", len(manager.outgoingRules[tt.ip]))
-					return
-				}
-				for _, rule := range manager.outgoingRules[tt.ip] {
-					addedRule = rule
-				}
-			}
+	manager.SetUDPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("10.168.0.1"), 8000, nil)
+	assert.Nil(t, manager.udpHookOut.Load())
+}
 
-			if tt.ip.Compare(addedRule.ip) != 0 {
-				t.Errorf("expected ip %s, got %s", tt.ip, addedRule.ip)
-				return
-			}
-			if tt.dPort != addedRule.dPort.Values[0] {
-				t.Errorf("expected dPort %d, got %d", tt.dPort, addedRule.dPort.Values[0])
-				return
-			}
-			if layers.LayerTypeUDP != addedRule.protoLayer {
-				t.Errorf("expected protoLayer %s, got %s", layers.LayerTypeUDP, addedRule.protoLayer)
-				return
-			}
-			if addedRule.udpHook == nil {
-				t.Errorf("expected udpHook to be set")
-				return
-			}
-		})
-	}
+func TestSetTCPPacketHook(t *testing.T) {
+	manager, err := Create(&IFaceMock{
+		SetFilterFunc: func(device.PacketFilter) error { return nil },
+	}, false, flowLogger, nbiface.DefaultMTU)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	t.Cleanup(func() { require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil)) })
+
+	var called bool
+	manager.SetTCPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("10.168.0.1"), 53, func([]byte) bool {
+		called = true
+		return true
+	})
+
+	h := manager.tcpHookOut.Load()
+	require.NotNil(t, h)
+	assert.Equal(t, netip.MustParseAddr("10.168.0.1"), h.IP)
+	assert.Equal(t, uint16(53), h.Port)
+	assert.True(t, h.Fn(nil))
+	assert.True(t, called)
+
+	manager.SetTCPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("10.168.0.1"), 53, nil)
+	assert.Nil(t, manager.tcpHookOut.Load())
 }
 
 // TestPeerRuleLifecycleDenyRules verifies that deny rules are correctly added
@@ -530,39 +510,12 @@ func TestRemovePacketHook(t *testing.T) {
 		require.NoError(t, manager.Close(nil))
 	}()
 
-	// Add a UDP packet hook
-	hookFunc := func(data []byte) bool { return true }
-	hookID := manager.AddUDPPacketHook(false, netip.MustParseAddr("192.168.0.1"), 8080, hookFunc)
+	manager.SetUDPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("192.168.0.1"), 8080, func([]byte) bool { return true })
 
-	// Assert the hook is added by finding it in the manager's outgoing rules
-	found := false
-	for _, arr := range manager.outgoingRules {
-		for _, rule := range arr {
-			if rule.id == hookID {
-				found = true
-				break
-			}
-		}
-	}
+	require.NotNil(t, manager.udpHookOut.Load(), "hook should be registered")
 
-	if !found {
-		t.Fatalf("The hook was not added properly.")
-	}
-
-	// Now remove the packet hook
-	err = manager.RemovePacketHook(hookID)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("Failed to remove hook: %s", err)
-	}
-
-	// Assert the hook is removed by checking it in the manager's outgoing rules
-	for _, arr := range manager.outgoingRules {
-		for _, rule := range arr {
-			if rule.id == hookID {
-				t.Fatalf("The hook was not removed properly.")
-			}
-		}
-	}
+	manager.SetUDPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("192.168.0.1"), 8080, nil)
+	assert.Nil(t, manager.udpHookOut.Load(), "hook should be removed")
 }
 
 func TestProcessOutgoingHooks(t *testing.T) {
@@ -592,8 +545,7 @@ func TestProcessOutgoingHooks(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	hookCalled := false
-	hookID := manager.AddUDPPacketHook(
-		false,
+	manager.SetUDPPacketHook(
 		netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.0.100"),
 		53,
 		func([]byte) bool {
@@ -601,7 +553,6 @@ func TestProcessOutgoingHooks(t *testing.T) {
 			return true
 		},
 	)
-	require.NotEmpty(t, hookID)
 
 	// Create test UDP packet
 	ipv4 := &layers.IPv4{

client/firewall/uspfilter/hooks_filter.go

@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+package uspfilter
+
+import (
+	"encoding/binary"
+	"net/netip"
+	"sync/atomic"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/uspfilter/common"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/device"
+)
+
+const (
+	ipv4HeaderMinLen = 20
+	ipv4ProtoOffset  = 9
+	ipv4FlagsOffset  = 6
+	ipv4DstOffset    = 16
+	ipProtoUDP       = 17
+	ipProtoTCP       = 6
+	ipv4FragOffMask  = 0x1fff
+	// dstPortOffset is the offset of the destination port within a UDP or TCP header.
+	dstPortOffset = 2
+)
+
+// HooksFilter is a minimal packet filter that only handles outbound DNS hooks.
+// It is installed on the WireGuard interface when the userspace bind is active
+// but a full firewall filter (Manager) is not needed because a native kernel
+// firewall (nftables/iptables) handles packet filtering.
+type HooksFilter struct {
+	udpHook atomic.Pointer[common.PacketHook]
+	tcpHook atomic.Pointer[common.PacketHook]
+}
+
+var _ device.PacketFilter = (*HooksFilter)(nil)
+
+// FilterOutbound checks outbound packets for DNS hook matches.
+// Only IPv4 packets matching the registered hook IP:port are intercepted.
+// IPv6 and non-IP packets pass through unconditionally.
+func (f *HooksFilter) FilterOutbound(packetData []byte, _ int) bool {
+	if len(packetData) < ipv4HeaderMinLen {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	// Only process IPv4 packets, let everything else pass through.
+	if packetData[0]>>4 != 4 {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	ihl := int(packetData[0]&0x0f) * 4
+	if ihl < ipv4HeaderMinLen || len(packetData) < ihl+4 {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	// Skip non-first fragments: they don't carry L4 headers.
+	flagsAndOffset := binary.BigEndian.Uint16(packetData[ipv4FlagsOffset : ipv4FlagsOffset+2])
+	if flagsAndOffset&ipv4FragOffMask != 0 {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	dstIP, ok := netip.AddrFromSlice(packetData[ipv4DstOffset : ipv4DstOffset+4])
+	if !ok {
+		return false
+	}
+
+	proto := packetData[ipv4ProtoOffset]
+	dstPort := binary.BigEndian.Uint16(packetData[ihl+dstPortOffset : ihl+dstPortOffset+2])
+
+	switch proto {
+	case ipProtoUDP:
+		return common.HookMatches(f.udpHook.Load(), dstIP, dstPort, packetData)
+	case ipProtoTCP:
+		return common.HookMatches(f.tcpHook.Load(), dstIP, dstPort, packetData)
+	default:
+		return false
+	}
+}
+
+// FilterInbound allows all inbound packets (native firewall handles filtering).
+func (f *HooksFilter) FilterInbound([]byte, int) bool {
+	return false
+}
+
+// SetUDPPacketHook registers the UDP packet hook.
+func (f *HooksFilter) SetUDPPacketHook(ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func([]byte) bool) {
+	common.SetHook(&f.udpHook, ip, dPort, hook)
+}
+
+// SetTCPPacketHook registers the TCP packet hook.
+func (f *HooksFilter) SetTCPPacketHook(ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func([]byte) bool) {
+	common.SetHook(&f.tcpHook, ip, dPort, hook)
+}

client/firewall/uspfilter/localip.go

@@ -144,6 +144,8 @@ func (m *localIPManager) UpdateLocalIPs(iface common.IFaceMapper) (err error) {
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Warnf("failed to get interfaces: %v", err)
 	} else {
+		// TODO: filter out down interfaces (net.FlagUp). Also handle the reverse
+		// case where an interface comes up between refreshes.
 		for _, intf := range interfaces {
 			m.processInterface(intf, &newIPv4Bitmap, ipv4Set, &ipv4Addresses)
 		}

client/firewall/uspfilter/nat.go

@@ -421,6 +421,7 @@ func (m *Manager) addPortRedirection(targetIP netip.Addr, protocol gopacket.Laye
 }
 
 // AddInboundDNAT adds an inbound DNAT rule redirecting traffic from NetBird peers to local services.
+// TODO: also delegate to nativeFirewall when available for kernel WG mode
 func (m *Manager) AddInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
 	var layerType gopacket.LayerType
 	switch protocol {
@@ -466,6 +467,22 @@ func (m *Manager) RemoveInboundDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Prot
 	return m.removePortRedirection(localAddr, layerType, sourcePort, targetPort)
 }
 
+// AddOutputDNAT delegates to the native firewall if available.
+func (m *Manager) AddOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	if m.nativeFirewall == nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("output DNAT not supported without native firewall")
+	}
+	return m.nativeFirewall.AddOutputDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+}
+
+// RemoveOutputDNAT delegates to the native firewall if available.
+func (m *Manager) RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error {
+	if m.nativeFirewall == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return m.nativeFirewall.RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr, protocol, sourcePort, targetPort)
+}
+
 // translateInboundPortDNAT applies port-specific DNAT translation to inbound packets.
 func (m *Manager) translateInboundPortDNAT(packetData []byte, d *decoder, srcIP, dstIP netip.Addr) bool {
 	if !m.portDNATEnabled.Load() {

client/firewall/uspfilter/rule.go

@@ -18,9 +18,7 @@ type PeerRule struct {
 	protoLayer gopacket.LayerType
 	sPort      *firewall.Port
 	dPort      *firewall.Port
-	drop       bool
-
-	udpHook func([]byte) bool
+	drop bool
 }
 
 // ID returns the rule id

client/firewall/uspfilter/tracer_test.go

@@ -399,21 +399,17 @@ func TestTracePacket(t *testing.T) {
 		{
 			name: "UDPTraffic_WithHook",
 			setup: func(m *Manager) {
-				hookFunc := func([]byte) bool {
-					return true
-				}
-				m.AddUDPPacketHook(true, netip.MustParseAddr("1.1.1.1"), 53, hookFunc)
+				m.SetUDPPacketHook(netip.MustParseAddr("100.10.255.254"), 53, func([]byte) bool {
+					return true // drop (intercepted by hook)
+				})
 			},
 			packetBuilder: func() *PacketBuilder {
-				return createPacketBuilder("1.1.1.1", "100.10.0.100", "udp", 12345, 53, fw.RuleDirectionIN)
+				return createPacketBuilder("100.10.0.100", "100.10.255.254", "udp", 12345, 53, fw.RuleDirectionOUT)
 			},
 			expectedStages: []PacketStage{
 				StageReceived,
-				StageInboundPortDNAT,
-				StageInbound1to1NAT,
-				StageConntrack,
-				StageRouting,
-				StagePeerACL,
+				StageOutbound1to1NAT,
+				StageOutboundPortReverse,
 				StageCompleted,
 			},
 			expectedAllow: false,

client/iface/device/device_filter.go

@@ -15,14 +15,17 @@ type PacketFilter interface {
 	// FilterInbound filter incoming packets from external sources to host
 	FilterInbound(packetData []byte, size int) bool
 
-	// AddUDPPacketHook calls hook when UDP packet from given direction matched
-	//
-	// Hook function returns flag which indicates should be the matched package dropped or not.
-	// Hook function receives raw network packet data as argument.
-	AddUDPPacketHook(in bool, ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func(packet []byte) bool) string
+	// SetUDPPacketHook registers a hook for outbound UDP packets matching the given IP and port.
+	// Hook function returns true if the packet should be dropped.
+	// Only one UDP hook is supported; calling again replaces the previous hook.
+	// Pass nil hook to remove.
+	SetUDPPacketHook(ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func(packet []byte) bool)
 
-	// RemovePacketHook removes hook by ID
-	RemovePacketHook(hookID string) error
+	// SetTCPPacketHook registers a hook for outbound TCP packets matching the given IP and port.
+	// Hook function returns true if the packet should be dropped.
+	// Only one TCP hook is supported; calling again replaces the previous hook.
+	// Pass nil hook to remove.
+	SetTCPPacketHook(ip netip.Addr, dPort uint16, hook func(packet []byte) bool)
 }
 
 // FilteredDevice to override Read or Write of packets

client/iface/iface.go

@@ -217,7 +217,6 @@ func (w *WGIface) RemoveAllowedIP(peerKey string, allowedIP netip.Prefix) error
 // Close closes the tunnel interface
 func (w *WGIface) Close() error {
 	w.mu.Lock()
-	defer w.mu.Unlock()
 
 	var result *multierror.Error
 
@@ -225,7 +224,15 @@ func (w *WGIface) Close() error {
 		result = multierror.Append(result, fmt.Errorf("failed to free WireGuard proxy: %w", err))
 	}
 
-	if err := w.tun.Close(); err != nil {
+	// Release w.mu before calling w.tun.Close(): the underlying
+	// wireguard-go device.Close() waits for its send/receive goroutines
+	// to drain. Some of those goroutines re-enter WGIface methods that
+	// take w.mu (e.g. the packet filter DNS hook calls GetDevice()), so
+	// holding the mutex here would deadlock the shutdown path.
+	tun := w.tun
+	w.mu.Unlock()
+
+	if err := tun.Close(); err != nil {
 		result = multierror.Append(result, fmt.Errorf("failed to close wireguard interface %s: %w", w.Name(), err))
 	}
 

client/iface/iface_close_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,113 @@
+//go:build !android
+
+package iface
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"sync"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	wgdevice "golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/device"
+	"golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/tun/netstack"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/device"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/udpmux"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgaddr"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/wgproxy"
+)
+
+// fakeTunDevice implements WGTunDevice and lets the test control when
+// Close() returns. It mimics the wireguard-go shutdown path, which blocks
+// until its goroutines drain. Some of those goroutines (e.g. the packet
+// filter DNS hook in client/internal/dns) call back into WGIface, so if
+// WGIface.Close() held w.mu across tun.Close() the shutdown would
+// deadlock.
+type fakeTunDevice struct {
+	closeStarted chan struct{}
+	unblockClose chan struct{}
+}
+
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) Create() (device.WGConfigurer, error) {
+	return nil, errors.New("not implemented")
+}
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) Up() (*udpmux.UniversalUDPMuxDefault, error) {
+	return nil, errors.New("not implemented")
+}
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) UpdateAddr(wgaddr.Address) error      { return nil }
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) WgAddress() wgaddr.Address            { return wgaddr.Address{} }
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) MTU() uint16                          { return DefaultMTU }
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) DeviceName() string                   { return "nb-close-test" }
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) FilteredDevice() *device.FilteredDevice { return nil }
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) Device() *wgdevice.Device             { return nil }
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) GetNet() *netstack.Net                { return nil }
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) GetICEBind() device.EndpointManager   { return nil }
+
+func (f *fakeTunDevice) Close() error {
+	close(f.closeStarted)
+	<-f.unblockClose
+	return nil
+}
+
+type fakeProxyFactory struct{}
+
+func (fakeProxyFactory) GetProxy() wgproxy.Proxy { return nil }
+func (fakeProxyFactory) GetProxyPort() uint16    { return 0 }
+func (fakeProxyFactory) Free() error             { return nil }
+
+// TestWGIface_CloseReleasesMutexBeforeTunClose guards against a deadlock
+// that surfaces as a macOS test-timeout in
+// TestDNSPermanent_updateUpstream: WGIface.Close() used to hold w.mu
+// while waiting for the wireguard-go device goroutines to finish, and
+// one of those goroutines (the DNS filter hook) calls back into
+// WGIface.GetDevice() which needs the same mutex. The fix is to drop
+// the lock before tun.Close() returns control.
+func TestWGIface_CloseReleasesMutexBeforeTunClose(t *testing.T) {
+	tun := &fakeTunDevice{
+		closeStarted: make(chan struct{}),
+		unblockClose: make(chan struct{}),
+	}
+	w := &WGIface{
+		tun:            tun,
+		wgProxyFactory: fakeProxyFactory{},
+	}
+
+	closeDone := make(chan error, 1)
+	go func() {
+		closeDone <- w.Close()
+	}()
+
+	select {
+	case <-tun.closeStarted:
+	case <-time.After(2 * time.Second):
+		close(tun.unblockClose)
+		t.Fatal("tun.Close() was never invoked")
+	}
+
+	// Simulate the WireGuard read goroutine calling back into WGIface
+	// via the packet filter's DNS hook. If Close() still held w.mu
+	// during tun.Close(), this would block until the test timeout.
+	getDeviceDone := make(chan struct{})
+	var wg sync.WaitGroup
+	wg.Add(1)
+	go func() {
+		defer wg.Done()
+		_ = w.GetDevice()
+		close(getDeviceDone)
+	}()
+
+	select {
+	case <-getDeviceDone:
+	case <-time.After(2 * time.Second):
+		close(tun.unblockClose)
+		wg.Wait()
+		t.Fatal("GetDevice() deadlocked while WGIface.Close was closing the tun")
+	}
+
+	close(tun.unblockClose)
+	select {
+	case <-closeDone:
+	case <-time.After(2 * time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("WGIface.Close() never returned after the tun was unblocked")
+	}
+}

client/iface/mocks/filter.go

@@ -34,18 +34,28 @@ func (m *MockPacketFilter) EXPECT() *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder {
 	return m.recorder
 }
 
-// AddUDPPacketHook mocks base method.
-func (m *MockPacketFilter) AddUDPPacketHook(arg0 bool, arg1 netip.Addr, arg2 uint16, arg3 func([]byte) bool) string {
+// SetUDPPacketHook mocks base method.
+func (m *MockPacketFilter) SetUDPPacketHook(arg0 netip.Addr, arg1 uint16, arg2 func([]byte) bool) {
 	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	ret := m.ctrl.Call(m, "AddUDPPacketHook", arg0, arg1, arg2, arg3)
-	ret0, _ := ret[0].(string)
-	return ret0
+	m.ctrl.Call(m, "SetUDPPacketHook", arg0, arg1, arg2)
 }
 
-// AddUDPPacketHook indicates an expected call of AddUDPPacketHook.
-func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) AddUDPPacketHook(arg0, arg1, arg2, arg3 interface{}) *gomock.Call {
+// SetUDPPacketHook indicates an expected call of SetUDPPacketHook.
+func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) SetUDPPacketHook(arg0, arg1, arg2 interface{}) *gomock.Call {
 	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "AddUDPPacketHook", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).AddUDPPacketHook), arg0, arg1, arg2, arg3)
+	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "SetUDPPacketHook", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).SetUDPPacketHook), arg0, arg1, arg2)
+}
+
+// SetTCPPacketHook mocks base method.
+func (m *MockPacketFilter) SetTCPPacketHook(arg0 netip.Addr, arg1 uint16, arg2 func([]byte) bool) {
+	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
+	m.ctrl.Call(m, "SetTCPPacketHook", arg0, arg1, arg2)
+}
+
+// SetTCPPacketHook indicates an expected call of SetTCPPacketHook.
+func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) SetTCPPacketHook(arg0, arg1, arg2 interface{}) *gomock.Call {
+	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
+	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "SetTCPPacketHook", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).SetTCPPacketHook), arg0, arg1, arg2)
 }
 
 // FilterInbound mocks base method.
@@ -75,17 +85,3 @@ func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) FilterOutbound(arg0 interface{}, arg1 an
 	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
 	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "FilterOutbound", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).FilterOutbound), arg0, arg1)
 }
-
-// RemovePacketHook mocks base method.
-func (m *MockPacketFilter) RemovePacketHook(arg0 string) error {
-	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	ret := m.ctrl.Call(m, "RemovePacketHook", arg0)
-	ret0, _ := ret[0].(error)
-	return ret0
-}
-
-// RemovePacketHook indicates an expected call of RemovePacketHook.
-func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) RemovePacketHook(arg0 interface{}) *gomock.Call {
-	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "RemovePacketHook", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).RemovePacketHook), arg0)
-}

client/iface/mocks/iface/mocks/filter.go

@@ -1,87 +0,0 @@
-// Code generated by MockGen. DO NOT EDIT.
-// Source: github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface (interfaces: PacketFilter)
-
-// Package mocks is a generated GoMock package.
-package mocks
-
-import (
-	net "net"
-	reflect "reflect"
-
-	gomock "github.com/golang/mock/gomock"
-)
-
-// MockPacketFilter is a mock of PacketFilter interface.
-type MockPacketFilter struct {
-	ctrl     *gomock.Controller
-	recorder *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder
-}
-
-// MockPacketFilterMockRecorder is the mock recorder for MockPacketFilter.
-type MockPacketFilterMockRecorder struct {
-	mock *MockPacketFilter
-}
-
-// NewMockPacketFilter creates a new mock instance.
-func NewMockPacketFilter(ctrl *gomock.Controller) *MockPacketFilter {
-	mock := &MockPacketFilter{ctrl: ctrl}
-	mock.recorder = &MockPacketFilterMockRecorder{mock}
-	return mock
-}
-
-// EXPECT returns an object that allows the caller to indicate expected use.
-func (m *MockPacketFilter) EXPECT() *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder {
-	return m.recorder
-}
-
-// AddUDPPacketHook mocks base method.
-func (m *MockPacketFilter) AddUDPPacketHook(arg0 bool, arg1 net.IP, arg2 uint16, arg3 func(*net.UDPAddr, []byte) bool) {
-	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	m.ctrl.Call(m, "AddUDPPacketHook", arg0, arg1, arg2, arg3)
-}
-
-// AddUDPPacketHook indicates an expected call of AddUDPPacketHook.
-func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) AddUDPPacketHook(arg0, arg1, arg2, arg3 interface{}) *gomock.Call {
-	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "AddUDPPacketHook", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).AddUDPPacketHook), arg0, arg1, arg2, arg3)
-}
-
-// FilterInbound mocks base method.
-func (m *MockPacketFilter) FilterInbound(arg0 []byte) bool {
-	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	ret := m.ctrl.Call(m, "FilterInbound", arg0)
-	ret0, _ := ret[0].(bool)
-	return ret0
-}
-
-// FilterInbound indicates an expected call of FilterInbound.
-func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) FilterInbound(arg0 interface{}) *gomock.Call {
-	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "FilterInbound", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).FilterInbound), arg0)
-}
-
-// FilterOutbound mocks base method.
-func (m *MockPacketFilter) FilterOutbound(arg0 []byte) bool {
-	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	ret := m.ctrl.Call(m, "FilterOutbound", arg0)
-	ret0, _ := ret[0].(bool)
-	return ret0
-}
-
-// FilterOutbound indicates an expected call of FilterOutbound.
-func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) FilterOutbound(arg0 interface{}) *gomock.Call {
-	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "FilterOutbound", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).FilterOutbound), arg0)
-}
-
-// SetNetwork mocks base method.
-func (m *MockPacketFilter) SetNetwork(arg0 *net.IPNet) {
-	m.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	m.ctrl.Call(m, "SetNetwork", arg0)
-}
-
-// SetNetwork indicates an expected call of SetNetwork.
-func (mr *MockPacketFilterMockRecorder) SetNetwork(arg0 interface{}) *gomock.Call {
-	mr.mock.ctrl.T.Helper()
-	return mr.mock.ctrl.RecordCallWithMethodType(mr.mock, "SetNetwork", reflect.TypeOf((*MockPacketFilter)(nil).SetNetwork), arg0)
-}

client/iface/udpmux/universal.go

@@ -171,7 +171,7 @@ func (u *UDPConn) performFilterCheck(addr net.Addr) error {
 	}
 
 	if u.address.Network.Contains(a) {
-		log.Warnf("Address %s is part of the NetBird network %s, refusing to write", addr, u.address)
+		log.Warnf("address %s is part of the NetBird network %s, refusing to write", addr, u.address)
 		return fmt.Errorf("address %s is part of the NetBird network %s, refusing to write", addr, u.address)
 	}
 
@@ -181,7 +181,7 @@ func (u *UDPConn) performFilterCheck(addr net.Addr) error {
 		u.addrCache.Store(addr.String(), isRouted)
 		if isRouted {
 			// Extra log, as the error only shows up with ICE logging enabled
-			log.Infof("Address %s is part of routed network %s, refusing to write", addr, prefix)
+			log.Infof("address %s is part of routed network %s, refusing to write", addr, prefix)
 			return fmt.Errorf("address %s is part of routed network %s, refusing to write", addr, prefix)
 		}
 	}

client/internal/acl/manager_test.go

@@ -19,6 +19,9 @@ import (
 var flowLogger = netflow.NewManager(nil, []byte{}, nil).GetLogger()
 
 func TestDefaultManager(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Setenv("NB_WG_KERNEL_DISABLED", "true")
+	t.Setenv(firewall.EnvForceUserspaceFirewall, "true")
+
 	networkMap := &mgmProto.NetworkMap{
 		FirewallRules: []*mgmProto.FirewallRule{
 			{
@@ -135,6 +138,7 @@ func TestDefaultManager(t *testing.T) {
 func TestDefaultManagerStateless(t *testing.T) {
 	// stateless currently only in userspace, so we have to disable kernel
 	t.Setenv("NB_WG_KERNEL_DISABLED", "true")
+	t.Setenv(firewall.EnvForceUserspaceFirewall, "true")
 	t.Setenv("NB_DISABLE_CONNTRACK", "true")
 
 	networkMap := &mgmProto.NetworkMap{
@@ -194,6 +198,7 @@ func TestDefaultManagerStateless(t *testing.T) {
 // This tests the full ACL manager -> uspfilter integration.
 func TestDenyRulesNotAccumulatedOnRepeatedApply(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Setenv("NB_WG_KERNEL_DISABLED", "true")
+	t.Setenv(firewall.EnvForceUserspaceFirewall, "true")
 
 	networkMap := &mgmProto.NetworkMap{
 		FirewallRules: []*mgmProto.FirewallRule{
@@ -258,6 +263,7 @@ func TestDenyRulesNotAccumulatedOnRepeatedApply(t *testing.T) {
 // up when they're removed from the network map in a subsequent update.
 func TestDenyRulesCleanedUpOnRemoval(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Setenv("NB_WG_KERNEL_DISABLED", "true")
+	t.Setenv(firewall.EnvForceUserspaceFirewall, "true")
 
 	ctrl := gomock.NewController(t)
 	defer ctrl.Finish()
@@ -339,6 +345,7 @@ func TestDenyRulesCleanedUpOnRemoval(t *testing.T) {
 // one added without leaking.
 func TestRuleUpdateChangingAction(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Setenv("NB_WG_KERNEL_DISABLED", "true")
+	t.Setenv(firewall.EnvForceUserspaceFirewall, "true")
 
 	ctrl := gomock.NewController(t)
 	defer ctrl.Finish()

client/internal/auth/auth.go

@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ func (a *Auth) IsLoginRequired(ctx context.Context) (bool, error) {
 	var needsLogin bool
 
 	err = a.withRetry(ctx, func(client *mgm.GrpcClient) error {
-		_, _, err := a.doMgmLogin(client, ctx, pubSSHKey)
+		err := a.doMgmLogin(client, ctx, pubSSHKey)
 		if isLoginNeeded(err) {
 			needsLogin = true
 			return nil
@@ -179,8 +179,8 @@ func (a *Auth) Login(ctx context.Context, setupKey string, jwtToken string) (err
 	var isAuthError bool
 
 	err = a.withRetry(ctx, func(client *mgm.GrpcClient) error {
-		serverKey, _, err := a.doMgmLogin(client, ctx, pubSSHKey)
-		if serverKey != nil && isRegistrationNeeded(err) {
+		err := a.doMgmLogin(client, ctx, pubSSHKey)
+		if isRegistrationNeeded(err) {
 			log.Debugf("peer registration required")
 			_, err = a.registerPeer(client, ctx, setupKey, jwtToken, pubSSHKey)
 			if err != nil {
@@ -201,13 +201,7 @@ func (a *Auth) Login(ctx context.Context, setupKey string, jwtToken string) (err
 
 // getPKCEFlow retrieves PKCE authorization flow configuration and creates a flow instance
 func (a *Auth) getPKCEFlow(client *mgm.GrpcClient) (*PKCEAuthorizationFlow, error) {
-	serverKey, err := client.GetServerPublicKey()
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed while getting Management Service public key: %v", err)
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	protoFlow, err := client.GetPKCEAuthorizationFlow(*serverKey)
+	protoFlow, err := client.GetPKCEAuthorizationFlow()
 	if err != nil {
 		if s, ok := status.FromError(err); ok && s.Code() == codes.NotFound {
 			log.Warnf("server couldn't find pkce flow, contact admin: %v", err)
@@ -221,7 +215,7 @@ func (a *Auth) getPKCEFlow(client *mgm.GrpcClient) (*PKCEAuthorizationFlow, erro
 	config := &PKCEAuthProviderConfig{
 		Audience:              protoConfig.GetAudience(),
 		ClientID:              protoConfig.GetClientID(),
-		ClientSecret:          protoConfig.GetClientSecret(),
+		ClientSecret:          protoConfig.GetClientSecret(), //nolint:staticcheck
 		TokenEndpoint:         protoConfig.GetTokenEndpoint(),
 		AuthorizationEndpoint: protoConfig.GetAuthorizationEndpoint(),
 		Scope:                 protoConfig.GetScope(),
@@ -246,13 +240,7 @@ func (a *Auth) getPKCEFlow(client *mgm.GrpcClient) (*PKCEAuthorizationFlow, erro
 
 // getDeviceFlow retrieves device authorization flow configuration and creates a flow instance
 func (a *Auth) getDeviceFlow(client *mgm.GrpcClient) (*DeviceAuthorizationFlow, error) {
-	serverKey, err := client.GetServerPublicKey()
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed while getting Management Service public key: %v", err)
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	protoFlow, err := client.GetDeviceAuthorizationFlow(*serverKey)
+	protoFlow, err := client.GetDeviceAuthorizationFlow()
 	if err != nil {
 		if s, ok := status.FromError(err); ok && s.Code() == codes.NotFound {
 			log.Warnf("server couldn't find device flow, contact admin: %v", err)
@@ -266,7 +254,7 @@ func (a *Auth) getDeviceFlow(client *mgm.GrpcClient) (*DeviceAuthorizationFlow,
 	config := &DeviceAuthProviderConfig{
 		Audience:           protoConfig.GetAudience(),
 		ClientID:           protoConfig.GetClientID(),
-		ClientSecret:       protoConfig.GetClientSecret(),
+		ClientSecret:       protoConfig.GetClientSecret(), //nolint:staticcheck
 		Domain:             protoConfig.Domain,
 		TokenEndpoint:      protoConfig.GetTokenEndpoint(),
 		DeviceAuthEndpoint: protoConfig.GetDeviceAuthEndpoint(),
@@ -292,28 +280,16 @@ func (a *Auth) getDeviceFlow(client *mgm.GrpcClient) (*DeviceAuthorizationFlow,
 }
 
 // doMgmLogin performs the actual login operation with the management service
-func (a *Auth) doMgmLogin(client *mgm.GrpcClient, ctx context.Context, pubSSHKey []byte) (*wgtypes.Key, *mgmProto.LoginResponse, error) {
-	serverKey, err := client.GetServerPublicKey()
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed while getting Management Service public key: %v", err)
-		return nil, nil, err
-	}
-
+func (a *Auth) doMgmLogin(client *mgm.GrpcClient, ctx context.Context, pubSSHKey []byte) error {
 	sysInfo := system.GetInfo(ctx)
 	a.setSystemInfoFlags(sysInfo)
-	loginResp, err := client.Login(*serverKey, sysInfo, pubSSHKey, a.config.DNSLabels)
-	return serverKey, loginResp, err
+	_, err := client.Login(sysInfo, pubSSHKey, a.config.DNSLabels)
+	return err
 }
 
 // registerPeer checks whether setupKey was provided via cmd line and if not then it prompts user to enter a key.
 // Otherwise tries to register with the provided setupKey via command line.
 func (a *Auth) registerPeer(client *mgm.GrpcClient, ctx context.Context, setupKey string, jwtToken string, pubSSHKey []byte) (*mgmProto.LoginResponse, error) {
-	serverPublicKey, err := client.GetServerPublicKey()
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed while getting Management Service public key: %v", err)
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
 	validSetupKey, err := uuid.Parse(setupKey)
 	if err != nil && jwtToken == "" {
 		return nil, status.Errorf(codes.InvalidArgument, "invalid setup-key or no sso information provided, err: %v", err)
@@ -322,7 +298,7 @@ func (a *Auth) registerPeer(client *mgm.GrpcClient, ctx context.Context, setupKe
 	log.Debugf("sending peer registration request to Management Service")
 	info := system.GetInfo(ctx)
 	a.setSystemInfoFlags(info)
-	loginResp, err := client.Register(*serverPublicKey, validSetupKey.String(), jwtToken, info, pubSSHKey, a.config.DNSLabels)
+	loginResp, err := client.Register(validSetupKey.String(), jwtToken, info, pubSSHKey, a.config.DNSLabels)
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed registering peer %v", err)
 		return nil, err

client/internal/connect.go

@@ -44,6 +44,10 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/version"
 )
 
+// androidRunOverride is set on Android to inject mobile dependencies
+// when using embed.Client (which calls Run() with empty MobileDependency).
+var androidRunOverride func(c *ConnectClient, runningChan chan struct{}, logPath string) error
+
 type ConnectClient struct {
 	ctx            context.Context
 	config         *profilemanager.Config
@@ -76,6 +80,9 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) SetUpdateManager(um *updater.Manager) {
 
 // Run with main logic.
 func (c *ConnectClient) Run(runningChan chan struct{}, logPath string) error {
+	if androidRunOverride != nil {
+		return androidRunOverride(c, runningChan, logPath)
+	}
 	return c.run(MobileDependency{}, runningChan, logPath)
 }
 
@@ -87,6 +94,7 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) RunOnAndroid(
 	dnsAddresses []netip.AddrPort,
 	dnsReadyListener dns.ReadyListener,
 	stateFilePath string,
+	cacheDir string,
 ) error {
 	// in case of non Android os these variables will be nil
 	mobileDependency := MobileDependency{
@@ -96,6 +104,7 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) RunOnAndroid(
 		HostDNSAddresses:      dnsAddresses,
 		DnsReadyListener:      dnsReadyListener,
 		StateFilePath:         stateFilePath,
+		TempDir:               cacheDir,
 	}
 	return c.run(mobileDependency, nil, "")
 }
@@ -104,6 +113,7 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) RunOniOS(
 	fileDescriptor int32,
 	networkChangeListener listener.NetworkChangeListener,
 	dnsManager dns.IosDnsManager,
+	dnsAddresses []netip.AddrPort,
 	stateFilePath string,
 ) error {
 	// Set GC percent to 5% to reduce memory usage as iOS only allows 50MB of memory for the extension.
@@ -113,6 +123,7 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) RunOniOS(
 		FileDescriptor:        fileDescriptor,
 		NetworkChangeListener: networkChangeListener,
 		DnsManager:            dnsManager,
+		HostDNSAddresses:      dnsAddresses,
 		StateFilePath:         stateFilePath,
 	}
 	return c.run(mobileDependency, nil, "")
@@ -329,6 +340,7 @@ func (c *ConnectClient) run(mobileDependency MobileDependency, runningChan chan
 			log.Error(err)
 			return wrapErr(err)
 		}
+		engineConfig.TempDir = mobileDependency.TempDir
 
 		relayManager := relayClient.NewManager(engineCtx, relayURLs, myPrivateKey.PublicKey().String(), engineConfig.MTU)
 		c.statusRecorder.SetRelayMgr(relayManager)
@@ -610,12 +622,6 @@ func connectToSignal(ctx context.Context, wtConfig *mgmProto.NetbirdConfig, ourP
 
 // loginToManagement creates Management ServiceDependencies client, establishes a connection, logs-in and gets a global Netbird config (signal, turn, stun hosts, etc)
 func loginToManagement(ctx context.Context, client mgm.Client, pubSSHKey []byte, config *profilemanager.Config) (*mgmProto.LoginResponse, error) {
-
-	serverPublicKey, err := client.GetServerPublicKey()
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, gstatus.Errorf(codes.FailedPrecondition, "failed while getting Management Service public key: %s", err)
-	}
-
 	sysInfo := system.GetInfo(ctx)
 	sysInfo.SetFlags(
 		config.RosenpassEnabled,
@@ -634,12 +640,7 @@ func loginToManagement(ctx context.Context, client mgm.Client, pubSSHKey []byte,
 		config.EnableSSHRemotePortForwarding,
 		config.DisableSSHAuth,
 	)
-	loginResp, err := client.Login(*serverPublicKey, sysInfo, pubSSHKey, config.DNSLabels)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
-	return loginResp, nil
+	return client.Login(sysInfo, pubSSHKey, config.DNSLabels)
 }
 
 func statusRecorderToMgmConnStateNotifier(statusRecorder *peer.Status) mgm.ConnStateNotifier {

client/internal/connect_android_default.go

@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+//go:build android
+
+package internal
+
+import (
+	"net/netip"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/dns"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/listener"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/stdnet"
+)
+
+// noopIFaceDiscover is a stub ExternalIFaceDiscover for embed.Client on Android.
+// It returns an empty interface list, which means ICE P2P candidates won't be
+// discovered — connections will fall back to relay. Applications that need P2P
+// should provide a real implementation via runOnAndroidEmbed that uses
+// Android's ConnectivityManager to enumerate network interfaces.
+type noopIFaceDiscover struct{}
+
+func (noopIFaceDiscover) IFaces() (string, error) {
+	// Return empty JSON array — no local interfaces advertised for ICE.
+	// This is intentional: without Android's ConnectivityManager, we cannot
+	// reliably enumerate interfaces (netlink is restricted on Android 11+).
+	// Relay connections still work; only P2P hole-punching is disabled.
+	return "[]", nil
+}
+
+// noopNetworkChangeListener is a stub for embed.Client on Android.
+// Network change events are ignored since the embed client manages its own
+// reconnection logic via the engine's built-in retry mechanism.
+type noopNetworkChangeListener struct{}
+
+func (noopNetworkChangeListener) OnNetworkChanged(string) {
+	// No-op: embed.Client relies on the engine's internal reconnection
+	// logic rather than OS-level network change notifications.
+}
+
+func (noopNetworkChangeListener) SetInterfaceIP(string) {
+	// No-op: in netstack mode, the overlay IP is managed by the userspace
+	// network stack, not by OS-level interface configuration.
+}
+
+// noopDnsReadyListener is a stub for embed.Client on Android.
+// DNS readiness notifications are not needed in netstack/embed mode
+// since system DNS is disabled and DNS resolution happens externally.
+type noopDnsReadyListener struct{}
+
+func (noopDnsReadyListener) OnReady() {
+	// No-op: embed.Client does not need DNS readiness notifications.
+	// System DNS is disabled in netstack mode.
+}
+
+var _ stdnet.ExternalIFaceDiscover = noopIFaceDiscover{}
+var _ listener.NetworkChangeListener = noopNetworkChangeListener{}
+var _ dns.ReadyListener = noopDnsReadyListener{}
+
+func init() {
+	// Wire up the default override so embed.Client.Start() works on Android
+	// with netstack mode. Provides complete no-op stubs for all mobile
+	// dependencies so the engine's existing Android code paths work unchanged.
+	// Applications that need P2P ICE or real DNS should replace this by
+	// setting androidRunOverride before calling Start().
+	androidRunOverride = func(c *ConnectClient, runningChan chan struct{}, logPath string) error {
+		return c.runOnAndroidEmbed(
+			noopIFaceDiscover{},
+			noopNetworkChangeListener{},
+			[]netip.AddrPort{},
+			noopDnsReadyListener{},
+			runningChan,
+			logPath,
+		)
+	}
+}

client/internal/connect_android_embed.go

@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+//go:build android
+
+package internal
+
+import (
+	"net/netip"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/dns"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/listener"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/stdnet"
+)
+
+// runOnAndroidEmbed is like RunOnAndroid but accepts a runningChan
+// so embed.Client.Start() can detect when the engine is ready.
+// It provides complete MobileDependency so the engine's existing
+// Android code paths work unchanged.
+func (c *ConnectClient) runOnAndroidEmbed(
+	iFaceDiscover stdnet.ExternalIFaceDiscover,
+	networkChangeListener listener.NetworkChangeListener,
+	dnsAddresses []netip.AddrPort,
+	dnsReadyListener dns.ReadyListener,
+	runningChan chan struct{},
+	logPath string,
+) error {
+	mobileDependency := MobileDependency{
+		IFaceDiscover:         iFaceDiscover,
+		NetworkChangeListener: networkChangeListener,
+		HostDNSAddresses:      dnsAddresses,
+		DnsReadyListener:      dnsReadyListener,
+	}
+	return c.run(mobileDependency, runningChan, logPath)
+}

client/internal/debug/debug.go

@@ -16,7 +16,6 @@ import (
 	"path/filepath"
 	"runtime"
 	"runtime/pprof"
-	"slices"
 	"sort"
 	"strings"
 	"time"
@@ -25,12 +24,12 @@ import (
 	"google.golang.org/protobuf/encoding/protojson"
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/anonymize"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/configs"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/profilemanager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/updater/installer"
 	nbstatus "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/status"
 	mgmProto "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/proto"
-	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/util"
 )
 
 const readmeContent = `Netbird debug bundle
@@ -52,6 +51,7 @@ resolved_domains.txt: Anonymized resolved domain IP addresses from the status re
 config.txt: Anonymized configuration information of the NetBird client.
 network_map.json: Anonymized sync response containing peer configurations, routes, DNS settings, and firewall rules.
 state.json: Anonymized client state dump containing netbird states for the active profile.
+service_params.json: Sanitized service install parameters (service.json). Sensitive environment variable values are masked. Only present when service.json exists.
 metrics.txt: Buffered client metrics in InfluxDB line protocol format. Only present when metrics collection is enabled. Peer identifiers are anonymized.
 mutex.prof: Mutex profiling information.
 goroutine.prof: Goroutine profiling information.
@@ -232,6 +232,7 @@ type BundleGenerator struct {
 	statusRecorder *peer.Status
 	syncResponse   *mgmProto.SyncResponse
 	logPath        string
+	tempDir        string
 	cpuProfile     []byte
 	refreshStatus  func() // Optional callback to refresh status before bundle generation
 	clientMetrics  MetricsExporter
@@ -254,6 +255,7 @@ type GeneratorDependencies struct {
 	StatusRecorder *peer.Status
 	SyncResponse   *mgmProto.SyncResponse
 	LogPath        string
+	TempDir        string // Directory for temporary bundle zip files. If empty, os.TempDir() is used.
 	CPUProfile     []byte
 	RefreshStatus  func() // Optional callback to refresh status before bundle generation
 	ClientMetrics  MetricsExporter
@@ -273,6 +275,7 @@ func NewBundleGenerator(deps GeneratorDependencies, cfg BundleConfig) *BundleGen
 		statusRecorder: deps.StatusRecorder,
 		syncResponse:   deps.SyncResponse,
 		logPath:        deps.LogPath,
+		tempDir:        deps.TempDir,
 		cpuProfile:     deps.CPUProfile,
 		refreshStatus:  deps.RefreshStatus,
 		clientMetrics:  deps.ClientMetrics,
@@ -285,7 +288,7 @@ func NewBundleGenerator(deps GeneratorDependencies, cfg BundleConfig) *BundleGen
 
 // Generate creates a debug bundle and returns the location.
 func (g *BundleGenerator) Generate() (resp string, err error) {
-	bundlePath, err := os.CreateTemp("", "netbird.debug.*.zip")
+	bundlePath, err := os.CreateTemp(g.tempDir, "netbird.debug.*.zip")
 	if err != nil {
 		return "", fmt.Errorf("create zip file: %w", err)
 	}
@@ -359,6 +362,10 @@ func (g *BundleGenerator) createArchive() error {
 		log.Errorf("failed to add corrupted state files to debug bundle: %v", err)
 	}
 
+	if err := g.addServiceParams(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to add service params to debug bundle: %v", err)
+	}
+
 	if err := g.addMetrics(); err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed to add metrics to debug bundle: %v", err)
 	}
@@ -367,15 +374,8 @@ func (g *BundleGenerator) createArchive() error {
 		log.Errorf("failed to add wg show output: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	if g.logPath != "" && !slices.Contains(util.SpecialLogs, g.logPath) {
-		if err := g.addLogfile(); err != nil {
-			log.Errorf("failed to add log file to debug bundle: %v", err)
-			if err := g.trySystemdLogFallback(); err != nil {
-				log.Errorf("failed to add systemd logs as fallback: %v", err)
-			}
-		}
-	} else if err := g.trySystemdLogFallback(); err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("failed to add systemd logs: %v", err)
+	if err := g.addPlatformLog(); err != nil {
+		log.Errorf("failed to add logs to debug bundle: %v", err)
 	}
 
 	if err := g.addUpdateLogs(); err != nil {
@@ -488,6 +488,90 @@ func (g *BundleGenerator) addConfig() error {
 	return nil
 }
 
+const (
+	serviceParamsFile    = "service.json"
+	serviceParamsBundle  = "service_params.json"
+	maskedValue          = "***"
+	envVarPrefix         = "NB_"
+	jsonKeyManagementURL = "management_url"
+	jsonKeyServiceEnv    = "service_env_vars"
+)
+
+var sensitiveEnvSubstrings = []string{"key", "token", "secret", "password", "credential"}
+
+// addServiceParams reads the service.json file and adds a sanitized version to the bundle.
+// Non-NB_ env vars and vars with sensitive names are masked. Other NB_ values are anonymized.
+func (g *BundleGenerator) addServiceParams() error {
+	path := filepath.Join(configs.StateDir, serviceParamsFile)
+
+	data, err := os.ReadFile(path)
+	if err != nil {
+		if os.IsNotExist(err) {
+			return nil
+		}
+		return fmt.Errorf("read service params: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	var params map[string]any
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(data, &params); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("parse service params: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if g.anonymize {
+		if mgmtURL, ok := params[jsonKeyManagementURL].(string); ok && mgmtURL != "" {
+			params[jsonKeyManagementURL] = g.anonymizer.AnonymizeURI(mgmtURL)
+		}
+	}
+
+	g.sanitizeServiceEnvVars(params)
+
+	sanitizedData, err := json.MarshalIndent(params, "", "  ")
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("marshal sanitized service params: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := g.addFileToZip(bytes.NewReader(sanitizedData), serviceParamsBundle); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add service params to zip: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+// sanitizeServiceEnvVars masks or anonymizes env var values in service params.
+// Non-NB_ vars and vars with sensitive names (key, token, etc.) are fully masked.
+// Other NB_ var values are passed through the anonymizer when anonymization is enabled.
+func (g *BundleGenerator) sanitizeServiceEnvVars(params map[string]any) {
+	envVars, ok := params[jsonKeyServiceEnv].(map[string]any)
+	if !ok {
+		return
+	}
+
+	sanitized := make(map[string]any, len(envVars))
+	for k, v := range envVars {
+		val, _ := v.(string)
+		switch {
+		case !strings.HasPrefix(k, envVarPrefix) || isSensitiveEnvVar(k):
+			sanitized[k] = maskedValue
+		case g.anonymize:
+			sanitized[k] = g.anonymizer.AnonymizeString(val)
+		default:
+			sanitized[k] = val
+		}
+	}
+	params[jsonKeyServiceEnv] = sanitized
+}
+
+// isSensitiveEnvVar returns true for env var names that may contain secrets.
+func isSensitiveEnvVar(key string) bool {
+	lower := strings.ToLower(key)
+	for _, s := range sensitiveEnvSubstrings {
+		if strings.Contains(lower, s) {
+			return true
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
 func (g *BundleGenerator) addCommonConfigFields(configContent *strings.Builder) {
 	configContent.WriteString("NetBird Client Configuration:\n\n")
 

client/internal/debug/debug_android.go

@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+//go:build android
+
+package debug
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"os/exec"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+)
+
+func (g *BundleGenerator) addPlatformLog() error {
+	cmd := exec.Command("/system/bin/logcat", "-d")
+	stdout, err := cmd.StdoutPipe()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("logcat stdout pipe: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := cmd.Start(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("start logcat: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	var logReader io.Reader = stdout
+	if g.anonymize {
+		var pw *io.PipeWriter
+		logReader, pw = io.Pipe()
+		go anonymizeLog(stdout, pw, g.anonymizer)
+	}
+
+	if err := g.addFileToZip(logReader, "logcat.txt"); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("add logcat to zip: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := cmd.Wait(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("wait logcat: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	log.Debug("added logcat output to debug bundle")
+	return nil
+}

client/internal/debug/debug_nonandroid.go

@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+//go:build !android
+
+package debug
+
+import (
+	"slices"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/util"
+)
+
+func (g *BundleGenerator) addPlatformLog() error {
+	if g.logPath != "" && !slices.Contains(util.SpecialLogs, g.logPath) {
+		if err := g.addLogfile(); err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("failed to add log file to debug bundle: %v", err)
+			if err := g.trySystemdLogFallback(); err != nil {
+				return err
+			}
+		}
+	} else if err := g.trySystemdLogFallback(); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return nil
+}

client/internal/debug/debug_test.go

@@ -1,8 +1,12 @@
 package debug
 
 import (
+	"archive/zip"
+	"bytes"
 	"encoding/json"
 	"net"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 
@@ -10,6 +14,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/anonymize"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/configs"
 	mgmProto "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/proto"
 )
 
@@ -420,6 +425,226 @@ func TestAnonymizeNetworkMap(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestIsSensitiveEnvVar(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		key       string
+		sensitive bool
+	}{
+		{"NB_SETUP_KEY", true},
+		{"NB_API_TOKEN", true},
+		{"NB_CLIENT_SECRET", true},
+		{"NB_PASSWORD", true},
+		{"NB_CREDENTIAL", true},
+		{"NB_LOG_LEVEL", false},
+		{"NB_MANAGEMENT_URL", false},
+		{"NB_HOSTNAME", false},
+		{"HOME", false},
+		{"PATH", false},
+	}
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.key, func(t *testing.T) {
+			assert.Equal(t, tt.sensitive, isSensitiveEnvVar(tt.key))
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestSanitizeServiceEnvVars(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name      string
+		anonymize bool
+		input     map[string]any
+		check     func(t *testing.T, params map[string]any)
+	}{
+		{
+			name:      "no env vars key",
+			anonymize: false,
+			input:     map[string]any{"management_url": "https://mgmt.example.com"},
+			check: func(t *testing.T, params map[string]any) {
+				t.Helper()
+				assert.Equal(t, "https://mgmt.example.com", params["management_url"], "non-env fields should be untouched")
+				_, ok := params[jsonKeyServiceEnv]
+				assert.False(t, ok, "service_env_vars should not be added")
+			},
+		},
+		{
+			name:      "non-NB vars are masked",
+			anonymize: false,
+			input: map[string]any{
+				jsonKeyServiceEnv: map[string]any{
+					"HOME":       "/root",
+					"PATH":       "/usr/bin",
+					"NB_LOG_LEVEL": "debug",
+				},
+			},
+			check: func(t *testing.T, params map[string]any) {
+				t.Helper()
+				env := params[jsonKeyServiceEnv].(map[string]any)
+				assert.Equal(t, maskedValue, env["HOME"], "non-NB_ var should be masked")
+				assert.Equal(t, maskedValue, env["PATH"], "non-NB_ var should be masked")
+				assert.Equal(t, "debug", env["NB_LOG_LEVEL"], "safe NB_ var should pass through")
+			},
+		},
+		{
+			name:      "sensitive NB vars are masked",
+			anonymize: false,
+			input: map[string]any{
+				jsonKeyServiceEnv: map[string]any{
+					"NB_SETUP_KEY":  "abc123",
+					"NB_API_TOKEN":  "tok_xyz",
+					"NB_LOG_LEVEL":  "info",
+				},
+			},
+			check: func(t *testing.T, params map[string]any) {
+				t.Helper()
+				env := params[jsonKeyServiceEnv].(map[string]any)
+				assert.Equal(t, maskedValue, env["NB_SETUP_KEY"], "sensitive NB_ var should be masked")
+				assert.Equal(t, maskedValue, env["NB_API_TOKEN"], "sensitive NB_ var should be masked")
+				assert.Equal(t, "info", env["NB_LOG_LEVEL"], "safe NB_ var should pass through")
+			},
+		},
+		{
+			name:      "safe NB vars anonymized when anonymize is true",
+			anonymize: true,
+			input: map[string]any{
+				jsonKeyServiceEnv: map[string]any{
+					"NB_MANAGEMENT_URL": "https://mgmt.example.com:443",
+					"NB_LOG_LEVEL":      "debug",
+					"NB_SETUP_KEY":      "secret",
+					"SOME_OTHER":        "val",
+				},
+			},
+			check: func(t *testing.T, params map[string]any) {
+				t.Helper()
+				env := params[jsonKeyServiceEnv].(map[string]any)
+				// Safe NB_ values should be anonymized (not the original, not masked)
+				mgmtVal := env["NB_MANAGEMENT_URL"].(string)
+				assert.NotEqual(t, "https://mgmt.example.com:443", mgmtVal, "should be anonymized")
+				assert.NotEqual(t, maskedValue, mgmtVal, "should not be masked")
+
+				logVal := env["NB_LOG_LEVEL"].(string)
+				assert.NotEqual(t, maskedValue, logVal, "safe NB_ var should not be masked")
+
+				// Sensitive and non-NB_ still masked
+				assert.Equal(t, maskedValue, env["NB_SETUP_KEY"])
+				assert.Equal(t, maskedValue, env["SOME_OTHER"])
+			},
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			anonymizer := anonymize.NewAnonymizer(anonymize.DefaultAddresses())
+			g := &BundleGenerator{
+				anonymize:  tt.anonymize,
+				anonymizer: anonymizer,
+			}
+			g.sanitizeServiceEnvVars(tt.input)
+			tt.check(t, tt.input)
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestAddServiceParams(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("missing service.json returns nil", func(t *testing.T) {
+		g := &BundleGenerator{
+			anonymizer: anonymize.NewAnonymizer(anonymize.DefaultAddresses()),
+		}
+
+		origStateDir := configs.StateDir
+		configs.StateDir = t.TempDir()
+		t.Cleanup(func() { configs.StateDir = origStateDir })
+
+		err := g.addServiceParams()
+		assert.NoError(t, err)
+	})
+
+	t.Run("management_url anonymized when anonymize is true", func(t *testing.T) {
+		dir := t.TempDir()
+		origStateDir := configs.StateDir
+		configs.StateDir = dir
+		t.Cleanup(func() { configs.StateDir = origStateDir })
+
+		input := map[string]any{
+			jsonKeyManagementURL: "https://api.example.com:443",
+			jsonKeyServiceEnv: map[string]any{
+				"NB_LOG_LEVEL": "trace",
+			},
+		}
+		data, err := json.Marshal(input)
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+		require.NoError(t, os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(dir, serviceParamsFile), data, 0600))
+
+		var buf bytes.Buffer
+		zw := zip.NewWriter(&buf)
+
+		g := &BundleGenerator{
+			anonymize:  true,
+			anonymizer: anonymize.NewAnonymizer(anonymize.DefaultAddresses()),
+			archive:    zw,
+		}
+
+		require.NoError(t, g.addServiceParams())
+		require.NoError(t, zw.Close())
+
+		zr, err := zip.NewReader(bytes.NewReader(buf.Bytes()), int64(buf.Len()))
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+		require.Len(t, zr.File, 1)
+		assert.Equal(t, serviceParamsBundle, zr.File[0].Name)
+
+		rc, err := zr.File[0].Open()
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+		defer rc.Close()
+
+		var result map[string]any
+		require.NoError(t, json.NewDecoder(rc).Decode(&result))
+
+		mgmt := result[jsonKeyManagementURL].(string)
+		assert.NotEqual(t, "https://api.example.com:443", mgmt, "management_url should be anonymized")
+		assert.NotEmpty(t, mgmt)
+
+		env := result[jsonKeyServiceEnv].(map[string]any)
+		assert.NotEqual(t, maskedValue, env["NB_LOG_LEVEL"], "safe NB_ var should not be masked")
+	})
+
+	t.Run("management_url preserved when anonymize is false", func(t *testing.T) {
+		dir := t.TempDir()
+		origStateDir := configs.StateDir
+		configs.StateDir = dir
+		t.Cleanup(func() { configs.StateDir = origStateDir })
+
+		input := map[string]any{
+			jsonKeyManagementURL: "https://api.example.com:443",
+		}
+		data, err := json.Marshal(input)
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+		require.NoError(t, os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(dir, serviceParamsFile), data, 0600))
+
+		var buf bytes.Buffer
+		zw := zip.NewWriter(&buf)
+
+		g := &BundleGenerator{
+			anonymize:  false,
+			anonymizer: anonymize.NewAnonymizer(anonymize.DefaultAddresses()),
+			archive:    zw,
+		}
+
+		require.NoError(t, g.addServiceParams())
+		require.NoError(t, zw.Close())
+
+		zr, err := zip.NewReader(bytes.NewReader(buf.Bytes()), int64(buf.Len()))
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+
+		rc, err := zr.File[0].Open()
+		require.NoError(t, err)
+		defer rc.Close()
+
+		var result map[string]any
+		require.NoError(t, json.NewDecoder(rc).Decode(&result))
+
+		assert.Equal(t, "https://api.example.com:443", result[jsonKeyManagementURL], "management_url should be preserved")
+	})
+}
+
 // Helper function to check if IP is in CGNAT range
 func isInCGNATRange(ip net.IP) bool {
 	cgnat := net.IPNet{

client/internal/dns/file_parser_unix.go

@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ import (
 
 const (
 	defaultResolvConfPath = "/etc/resolv.conf"
+	nsswitchConfPath      = "/etc/nsswitch.conf"
 )
 
 type resolvConf struct {

client/internal/dns/handler_chain.go

@@ -73,6 +73,9 @@ func (w *ResponseWriterChain) WriteMsg(m *dns.Msg) error {
 		return nil
 	}
 	w.response = m
+	if m.MsgHdr.Truncated {
+		w.SetMeta("truncated", "true")
+	}
 	return w.ResponseWriter.WriteMsg(m)
 }
 
@@ -195,10 +198,14 @@ func (c *HandlerChain) ServeDNS(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
 
 	startTime := time.Now()
 	requestID := resutil.GenerateRequestID()
-	logger := log.WithFields(log.Fields{
+	fields := log.Fields{
 		"request_id": requestID,
 		"dns_id":     fmt.Sprintf("%04x", r.Id),
-	})
+	}
+	if addr := w.RemoteAddr(); addr != nil {
+		fields["client"] = addr.String()
+	}
+	logger := log.WithFields(fields)
 
 	question := r.Question[0]
 	qname := strings.ToLower(question.Name)
@@ -261,9 +268,9 @@ func (c *HandlerChain) logResponse(logger *log.Entry, cw *ResponseWriterChain, q
 		meta += " " + k + "=" + v
 	}
 
-	logger.Tracef("response: domain=%s rcode=%s answers=%s%s took=%s",
+	logger.Tracef("response: domain=%s rcode=%s answers=%s size=%dB%s took=%s",
 		qname, dns.RcodeToString[cw.response.Rcode], resutil.FormatAnswers(cw.response.Answer),
-		meta, time.Since(startTime))
+		cw.response.Len(), meta, time.Since(startTime))
 }
 
 func (c *HandlerChain) isHandlerMatch(qname string, entry HandlerEntry) bool {

client/internal/dns/host_unix.go

@@ -46,12 +46,12 @@ type restoreHostManager interface {
 }
 
 func newHostManager(wgInterface string) (hostManager, error) {
-	osManager, err := getOSDNSManagerType()
+	osManager, reason, err := getOSDNSManagerType()
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("get os dns manager type: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	log.Infof("System DNS manager discovered: %s", osManager)
+	log.Infof("System DNS manager discovered: %s (%s)", osManager, reason)
 	mgr, err := newHostManagerFromType(wgInterface, osManager)
 	// need to explicitly return nil mgr on error to avoid returning a non-nil interface containing a nil value
 	if err != nil {
@@ -74,17 +74,49 @@ func newHostManagerFromType(wgInterface string, osManager osManagerType) (restor
 	}
 }
 
-func getOSDNSManagerType() (osManagerType, error) {
+func getOSDNSManagerType() (osManagerType, string, error) {
+	resolved := isSystemdResolvedRunning()
+	nss := isLibnssResolveUsed()
+	stub := checkStub()
+
+	// Prefer systemd-resolved whenever it owns libc resolution, regardless of
+	// who wrote /etc/resolv.conf. File-mode rewrites do not affect lookups
+	// that go through nss-resolve, and in foreign mode they can loop back
+	// through resolved as an upstream.
+	if resolved && (nss || stub) {
+		return systemdManager, fmt.Sprintf("systemd-resolved active (nss-resolve=%t, stub=%t)", nss, stub), nil
+	}
+
+	mgr, reason, rejected, err := scanResolvConfHeader()
+	if err != nil {
+		return 0, "", err
+	}
+	if reason != "" {
+		return mgr, reason, nil
+	}
+
+	fallback := fmt.Sprintf("no manager matched (resolved=%t, nss-resolve=%t, stub=%t)", resolved, nss, stub)
+	if len(rejected) > 0 {
+		fallback += "; rejected: " + strings.Join(rejected, ", ")
+	}
+	return fileManager, fallback, nil
+}
+
+// scanResolvConfHeader walks /etc/resolv.conf header comments and returns the
+// matching manager. If reason is empty the caller should pick file mode and
+// use rejected for diagnostics.
+func scanResolvConfHeader() (osManagerType, string, []string, error) {
 	file, err := os.Open(defaultResolvConfPath)
 	if err != nil {
-		return 0, fmt.Errorf("unable to open %s for checking owner, got error: %w", defaultResolvConfPath, err)
+		return 0, "", nil, fmt.Errorf("unable to open %s for checking owner, got error: %w", defaultResolvConfPath, err)
 	}
 	defer func() {
-		if err := file.Close(); err != nil {
-			log.Errorf("close file %s: %s", defaultResolvConfPath, err)
+		if cerr := file.Close(); cerr != nil {
+			log.Errorf("close file %s: %s", defaultResolvConfPath, cerr)
 		}
 	}()
 
+	var rejected []string
 	scanner := bufio.NewScanner(file)
 	for scanner.Scan() {
 		text := scanner.Text()
@@ -92,41 +124,48 @@ func getOSDNSManagerType() (osManagerType, error) {
 			continue
 		}
 		if text[0] != '#' {
-			return fileManager, nil
+			break
 		}
-		if strings.Contains(text, fileGeneratedResolvConfContentHeader) {
-			return netbirdManager, nil
-		}
-		if strings.Contains(text, "NetworkManager") && isDbusListenerRunning(networkManagerDest, networkManagerDbusObjectNode) && isNetworkManagerSupported() {
-			return networkManager, nil
-		}
-		if strings.Contains(text, "systemd-resolved") && isSystemdResolvedRunning() {
-			if checkStub() {
-				return systemdManager, nil
-			} else {
-				return fileManager, nil
-			}
-		}
-		if strings.Contains(text, "resolvconf") {
-			if isSystemdResolveConfMode() {
-				return systemdManager, nil
-			}
-
-			return resolvConfManager, nil
+		if mgr, reason, rej := matchResolvConfHeader(text); reason != "" {
+			return mgr, reason, nil, nil
+		} else if rej != "" {
+			rejected = append(rejected, rej)
 		}
 	}
 	if err := scanner.Err(); err != nil && err != io.EOF {
-		return 0, fmt.Errorf("scan: %w", err)
+		return 0, "", nil, fmt.Errorf("scan: %w", err)
 	}
-
-	return fileManager, nil
+	return 0, "", rejected, nil
 }
 
-// checkStub checks if the stub resolver is disabled in systemd-resolved. If it is disabled, we fall back to file manager.
+// matchResolvConfHeader inspects a single comment line. Returns either a
+// definitive (manager, reason) or a non-empty rejected diagnostic.
+func matchResolvConfHeader(text string) (osManagerType, string, string) {
+	if strings.Contains(text, fileGeneratedResolvConfContentHeader) {
+		return netbirdManager, "netbird-managed resolv.conf header detected", ""
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(text, "NetworkManager") {
+		if isDbusListenerRunning(networkManagerDest, networkManagerDbusObjectNode) && isNetworkManagerSupported() {
+			return networkManager, "NetworkManager header + supported version on dbus", ""
+		}
+		return 0, "", "NetworkManager header (no dbus or unsupported version)"
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(text, "resolvconf") {
+		if isSystemdResolveConfMode() {
+			return systemdManager, "resolvconf header in systemd-resolved compatibility mode", ""
+		}
+		return resolvConfManager, "resolvconf header detected", ""
+	}
+	return 0, "", ""
+}
+
+// checkStub reports whether systemd-resolved's stub (127.0.0.53) is listed
+// in /etc/resolv.conf. On parse failure we assume it is, to avoid dropping
+// into file mode while resolved is active.
 func checkStub() bool {
 	rConf, err := parseDefaultResolvConf()
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Warnf("failed to parse resolv conf: %s", err)
+		log.Warnf("failed to parse resolv conf, assuming stub is active: %s", err)
 		return true
 	}
 
@@ -139,3 +178,36 @@ func checkStub() bool {
 
 	return false
 }
+
+// isLibnssResolveUsed reports whether nss-resolve is listed before dns on
+// the hosts: line of /etc/nsswitch.conf. When it is, libc lookups are
+// delegated to systemd-resolved regardless of /etc/resolv.conf.
+func isLibnssResolveUsed() bool {
+	bs, err := os.ReadFile(nsswitchConfPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Debugf("read %s: %v", nsswitchConfPath, err)
+		return false
+	}
+	return parseNsswitchResolveAhead(bs)
+}
+
+func parseNsswitchResolveAhead(data []byte) bool {
+	for _, line := range strings.Split(string(data), "\n") {
+		if i := strings.IndexByte(line, '#'); i >= 0 {
+			line = line[:i]
+		}
+		fields := strings.Fields(line)
+		if len(fields) < 2 || fields[0] != "hosts:" {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, module := range fields[1:] {
+			switch module {
+			case "dns":
+				return false
+			case "resolve":
+				return true
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return false
+}

client/internal/dns/host_unix_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+//go:build (linux && !android) || freebsd
+
+package dns
+
+import "testing"
+
+func TestParseNsswitchResolveAhead(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name string
+		in   string
+		want bool
+	}{
+		{
+			name: "resolve before dns with action token",
+			in:   "hosts: mymachines resolve [!UNAVAIL=return] files myhostname dns\n",
+			want: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "dns before resolve",
+			in:   "hosts: files mdns4_minimal [NOTFOUND=return] dns resolve\n",
+			want: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "debian default with only dns",
+			in:   "hosts: files mdns4_minimal [NOTFOUND=return] dns mymachines\n",
+			want: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "neither resolve nor dns",
+			in:   "hosts: files myhostname\n",
+			want: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "no hosts line",
+			in:   "passwd: files systemd\ngroup: files systemd\n",
+			want: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "empty",
+			in:   "",
+			want: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "comments and blank lines ignored",
+			in:   "# comment\n\n# another\nhosts: resolve dns\n",
+			want: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "trailing inline comment",
+			in:   "hosts: resolve [!UNAVAIL=return] dns # fallback\n",
+			want: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "hosts token must be the first field",
+			in:   "  hosts: resolve dns\n",
+			want: true,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "other db line mentioning resolve is ignored",
+			in:   "networks: resolve\nhosts: dns\n",
+			want: false,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "only resolve, no dns",
+			in:   "hosts: files resolve\n",
+			want: true,
+		},
+	}
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			if got := parseNsswitchResolveAhead([]byte(tt.in)); got != tt.want {
+				t.Errorf("parseNsswitchResolveAhead() = %v, want %v", got, tt.want)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}

client/internal/dns/local/local_test.go

@@ -1263,9 +1263,9 @@ func TestLocalResolver_AuthoritativeFlag(t *testing.T) {
 	})
 }
 
-// TestLocalResolver_Stop tests cleanup on Stop
+// TestLocalResolver_Stop tests cleanup on GracefullyStop
 func TestLocalResolver_Stop(t *testing.T) {
-	t.Run("Stop clears all state", func(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("GracefullyStop clears all state", func(t *testing.T) {
 		resolver := NewResolver()
 		resolver.Update([]nbdns.CustomZone{{
 			Domain: "example.com.",
@@ -1285,7 +1285,7 @@ func TestLocalResolver_Stop(t *testing.T) {
 		assert.False(t, resolver.isInManagedZone("host.example.com."))
 	})
 
-	t.Run("Stop is safe to call multiple times", func(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("GracefullyStop is safe to call multiple times", func(t *testing.T) {
 		resolver := NewResolver()
 		resolver.Update([]nbdns.CustomZone{{
 			Domain: "example.com.",
@@ -1299,7 +1299,7 @@ func TestLocalResolver_Stop(t *testing.T) {
 		resolver.Stop()
 	})
 
-	t.Run("Stop cancels in-flight external resolution", func(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("GracefullyStop cancels in-flight external resolution", func(t *testing.T) {
 		resolver := NewResolver()
 
 		lookupStarted := make(chan struct{})

client/internal/dns/mock_server.go

@@ -85,6 +85,16 @@ func (m *MockServer) PopulateManagementDomain(mgmtURL *url.URL) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
+// SetRouteChecker mock implementation of SetRouteChecker from Server interface
+func (m *MockServer) SetRouteChecker(func(netip.Addr) bool) {
+	// Mock implementation - no-op
+}
+
+// SetFirewall mock implementation of SetFirewall from Server interface
+func (m *MockServer) SetFirewall(Firewall) {
+	// Mock implementation - no-op
+}
+
 // BeginBatch mock implementation of BeginBatch from Server interface
 func (m *MockServer) BeginBatch() {
 	// Mock implementation - no-op

client/internal/dns/response_writer.go

@@ -104,3 +104,23 @@ func (r *responseWriter) TsigTimersOnly(bool) {
 // After a call to Hijack(), the DNS package will not do anything with the connection.
 func (r *responseWriter) Hijack() {
 }
+
+// remoteAddrFromPacket extracts the source IP:port from a decoded packet for logging.
+func remoteAddrFromPacket(packet gopacket.Packet) *net.UDPAddr {
+	var srcIP net.IP
+	if ipv4 := packet.Layer(layers.LayerTypeIPv4); ipv4 != nil {
+		srcIP = ipv4.(*layers.IPv4).SrcIP
+	} else if ipv6 := packet.Layer(layers.LayerTypeIPv6); ipv6 != nil {
+		srcIP = ipv6.(*layers.IPv6).SrcIP
+	}
+
+	var srcPort int
+	if udp := packet.Layer(layers.LayerTypeUDP); udp != nil {
+		srcPort = int(udp.(*layers.UDP).SrcPort)
+	}
+
+	if srcIP == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return &net.UDPAddr{IP: srcIP, Port: srcPort}
+}

client/internal/dns/server.go

@@ -57,6 +57,8 @@ type Server interface {
 	ProbeAvailability()
 	UpdateServerConfig(domains dnsconfig.ServerDomains) error
 	PopulateManagementDomain(mgmtURL *url.URL) error
+	SetRouteChecker(func(netip.Addr) bool)
+	SetFirewall(Firewall)
 }
 
 type nsGroupsByDomain struct {
@@ -104,6 +106,7 @@ type DefaultServer struct {
 
 	statusRecorder *peer.Status
 	stateManager   *statemanager.Manager
+	routeMatch     func(netip.Addr) bool
 
 	probeMu     sync.Mutex
 	probeCancel context.CancelFunc
@@ -149,7 +152,7 @@ func NewDefaultServer(ctx context.Context, config DefaultServerConfig) (*Default
 	if config.WgInterface.IsUserspaceBind() {
 		dnsService = NewServiceViaMemory(config.WgInterface)
 	} else {
-		dnsService = newServiceViaListener(config.WgInterface, addrPort)
+		dnsService = newServiceViaListener(config.WgInterface, addrPort, nil)
 	}
 
 	server := newDefaultServer(ctx, config.WgInterface, dnsService, config.StatusRecorder, config.StateManager, config.DisableSys)
@@ -184,11 +187,16 @@ func NewDefaultServerIos(
 	ctx context.Context,
 	wgInterface WGIface,
 	iosDnsManager IosDnsManager,
+	hostsDnsList []netip.AddrPort,
 	statusRecorder *peer.Status,
 	disableSys bool,
 ) *DefaultServer {
+	log.Debugf("iOS host dns address list is: %v", hostsDnsList)
 	ds := newDefaultServer(ctx, wgInterface, NewServiceViaMemory(wgInterface), statusRecorder, nil, disableSys)
 	ds.iosDnsManager = iosDnsManager
+	ds.hostsDNSHolder.set(hostsDnsList)
+	ds.permanent = true
+	ds.addHostRootZone()
 	return ds
 }
 
@@ -229,6 +237,14 @@ func newDefaultServer(
 	return defaultServer
 }
 
+// SetRouteChecker sets the function used by upstream resolvers to determine
+// whether an IP is routed through the tunnel.
+func (s *DefaultServer) SetRouteChecker(f func(netip.Addr) bool) {
+	s.mux.Lock()
+	defer s.mux.Unlock()
+	s.routeMatch = f
+}
+
 // RegisterHandler registers a handler for the given domains with the given priority.
 // Any previously registered handler for the same domain and priority will be replaced.
 func (s *DefaultServer) RegisterHandler(domains domain.List, handler dns.Handler, priority int) {
@@ -364,6 +380,17 @@ func (s *DefaultServer) DnsIP() netip.Addr {
 	return s.service.RuntimeIP()
 }
 
+// SetFirewall sets the firewall used for DNS port DNAT rules.
+// This must be called before Initialize when using the listener-based service,
+// because the firewall is typically not available at construction time.
+func (s *DefaultServer) SetFirewall(fw Firewall) {
+	if svc, ok := s.service.(*serviceViaListener); ok {
+		svc.listenerFlagLock.Lock()
+		svc.firewall = fw
+		svc.listenerFlagLock.Unlock()
+	}
+}
+
 // Stop stops the server
 func (s *DefaultServer) Stop() {
 	s.probeMu.Lock()
@@ -385,8 +412,12 @@ func (s *DefaultServer) Stop() {
 	maps.Clear(s.extraDomains)
 }
 
-func (s *DefaultServer) disableDNS() error {
-	defer s.service.Stop()
+func (s *DefaultServer) disableDNS() (retErr error) {
+	defer func() {
+		if err := s.service.Stop(); err != nil {
+			retErr = errors.Join(retErr, fmt.Errorf("stop DNS service: %w", err))
+		}
+	}()
 
 	if s.isUsingNoopHostManager() {
 		return nil
@@ -743,6 +774,7 @@ func (s *DefaultServer) registerFallback(config HostDNSConfig) {
 		log.Errorf("failed to create upstream resolver for original nameservers: %v", err)
 		return
 	}
+	handler.routeMatch = s.routeMatch
 
 	for _, ns := range originalNameservers {
 		if ns == config.ServerIP {
@@ -852,6 +884,7 @@ func (s *DefaultServer) createHandlersForDomainGroup(domainGroup nsGroupsByDomai
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("create upstream resolver: %v", err)
 		}
+		handler.routeMatch = s.routeMatch
 
 		for _, ns := range nsGroup.NameServers {
 			if ns.NSType != nbdns.UDPNameServerType {
@@ -1036,6 +1069,7 @@ func (s *DefaultServer) addHostRootZone() {
 		log.Errorf("unable to create a new upstream resolver, error: %v", err)
 		return
 	}
+	handler.routeMatch = s.routeMatch
 
 	handler.upstreamServers = maps.Keys(hostDNSServers)
 	handler.deactivate = func(error) {}

client/internal/dns/server_test.go

@@ -476,8 +476,8 @@ func TestDNSFakeResolverHandleUpdates(t *testing.T) {
 
 	packetfilter := pfmock.NewMockPacketFilter(ctrl)
 	packetfilter.EXPECT().FilterOutbound(gomock.Any(), gomock.Any()).AnyTimes()
-	packetfilter.EXPECT().AddUDPPacketHook(gomock.Any(), gomock.Any(), gomock.Any(), gomock.Any())
-	packetfilter.EXPECT().RemovePacketHook(gomock.Any())
+	packetfilter.EXPECT().SetUDPPacketHook(gomock.Any(), gomock.Any(), gomock.Any()).AnyTimes()
+	packetfilter.EXPECT().SetTCPPacketHook(gomock.Any(), gomock.Any(), gomock.Any()).AnyTimes()
 
 	if err := wgIface.SetFilter(packetfilter); err != nil {
 		t.Errorf("set packet filter: %v", err)
@@ -1071,7 +1071,7 @@ func (m *mockHandler) ID() types.HandlerID                   { return types.Hand
 type mockService struct{}
 
 func (m *mockService) Listen() error                   { return nil }
-func (m *mockService) Stop()                           {}
+func (m *mockService) Stop() error                     { return nil }
 func (m *mockService) RuntimeIP() netip.Addr           { return netip.MustParseAddr("127.0.0.1") }
 func (m *mockService) RuntimePort() int                { return 53 }
 func (m *mockService) RegisterMux(string, dns.Handler) {}

client/internal/dns/service.go

@@ -4,15 +4,25 @@ import (
 	"net/netip"
 
 	"github.com/miekg/dns"
+
+	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 )
 
 const (
 	DefaultPort = 53
 )
 
+// Firewall provides DNAT capabilities for DNS port redirection.
+// This is used when the DNS server cannot bind port 53 directly
+// and needs firewall rules to redirect traffic.
+type Firewall interface {
+	AddOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error
+	RemoveOutputDNAT(localAddr netip.Addr, protocol firewall.Protocol, sourcePort, targetPort uint16) error
+}
+
 type service interface {
 	Listen() error
-	Stop()
+	Stop() error
 	RegisterMux(domain string, handler dns.Handler)
 	DeregisterMux(key string)
 	RuntimePort() int

client/internal/dns/service_listener.go

@@ -10,9 +10,13 @@ import (
 	"sync"
 	"time"
 
+	"github.com/hashicorp/go-multierror"
 	"github.com/miekg/dns"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 
+	nberrors "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/errors"
+
+	firewall "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/ebpf"
 	ebpfMgr "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/ebpf/manager"
 )
@@ -31,25 +35,33 @@ type serviceViaListener struct {
 	dnsMux            *dns.ServeMux
 	customAddr        *netip.AddrPort
 	server            *dns.Server
+	tcpServer         *dns.Server
 	listenIP          netip.Addr
 	listenPort        uint16
 	listenerIsRunning bool
 	listenerFlagLock  sync.Mutex
 	ebpfService       ebpfMgr.Manager
+	firewall          Firewall
+	tcpDNATConfigured bool
 }
 
-func newServiceViaListener(wgIface WGIface, customAddr *netip.AddrPort) *serviceViaListener {
+func newServiceViaListener(wgIface WGIface, customAddr *netip.AddrPort, fw Firewall) *serviceViaListener {
 	mux := dns.NewServeMux()
 
 	s := &serviceViaListener{
 		wgInterface: wgIface,
 		dnsMux:      mux,
 		customAddr:  customAddr,
+		firewall:    fw,
 		server: &dns.Server{
 			Net:     "udp",
 			Handler: mux,
 			UDPSize: 65535,
 		},
+		tcpServer: &dns.Server{
+			Net:     "tcp",
+			Handler: mux,
+		},
 	}
 
 	return s
@@ -70,43 +82,86 @@ func (s *serviceViaListener) Listen() error {
 		return fmt.Errorf("eval listen address: %w", err)
 	}
 	s.listenIP = s.listenIP.Unmap()
-	s.server.Addr = net.JoinHostPort(s.listenIP.String(), strconv.Itoa(int(s.listenPort)))
-	log.Debugf("starting dns on %s", s.server.Addr)
-	go func() {
-		s.setListenerStatus(true)
-		defer s.setListenerStatus(false)
+	addr := net.JoinHostPort(s.listenIP.String(), strconv.Itoa(int(s.listenPort)))
+	s.server.Addr = addr
+	s.tcpServer.Addr = addr
 
-		err := s.server.ListenAndServe()
-		if err != nil {
-			log.Errorf("dns server running with %d port returned an error: %v. Will not retry", s.listenPort, err)
+	log.Debugf("starting dns on %s (UDP + TCP)", addr)
+	s.listenerIsRunning = true
+
+	go func() {
+		if err := s.server.ListenAndServe(); err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("failed to run DNS UDP server on port %d: %v", s.listenPort, err)
+		}
+
+		s.listenerFlagLock.Lock()
+		unexpected := s.listenerIsRunning
+		s.listenerIsRunning = false
+		s.listenerFlagLock.Unlock()
+
+		if unexpected {
+			if err := s.tcpServer.Shutdown(); err != nil {
+				log.Debugf("failed to shutdown DNS TCP server: %v", err)
+			}
 		}
 	}()
 
+	go func() {
+		if err := s.tcpServer.ListenAndServe(); err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("failed to run DNS TCP server on port %d: %v", s.listenPort, err)
+		}
+	}()
+
+	// When eBPF redirects UDP port 53 to our listen port, TCP still needs
+	// a DNAT rule because eBPF only handles UDP.
+	if s.ebpfService != nil && s.firewall != nil && s.listenPort != DefaultPort {
+		if err := s.firewall.AddOutputDNAT(s.listenIP, firewall.ProtocolTCP, DefaultPort, s.listenPort); err != nil {
+			log.Warnf("failed to add DNS TCP DNAT rule, TCP DNS on port 53 will not work: %v", err)
+		} else {
+			s.tcpDNATConfigured = true
+			log.Infof("added DNS TCP DNAT rule: %s:%d -> %s:%d", s.listenIP, DefaultPort, s.listenIP, s.listenPort)
+		}
+	}
+
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (s *serviceViaListener) Stop() {
+func (s *serviceViaListener) Stop() error {
 	s.listenerFlagLock.Lock()
 	defer s.listenerFlagLock.Unlock()
 
 	if !s.listenerIsRunning {
-		return
+		return nil
 	}
+	s.listenerIsRunning = false
 
 	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), 5*time.Second)
 	defer cancel()
 
-	err := s.server.ShutdownContext(ctx)
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("stopping dns server listener returned an error: %v", err)
+	var merr *multierror.Error
+
+	if err := s.server.ShutdownContext(ctx); err != nil {
+		merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("stop DNS UDP server: %w", err))
+	}
+
+	if err := s.tcpServer.ShutdownContext(ctx); err != nil {
+		merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("stop DNS TCP server: %w", err))
+	}
+
+	if s.tcpDNATConfigured && s.firewall != nil {
+		if err := s.firewall.RemoveOutputDNAT(s.listenIP, firewall.ProtocolTCP, DefaultPort, s.listenPort); err != nil {
+			merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("remove DNS TCP DNAT rule: %w", err))
+		}
+		s.tcpDNATConfigured = false
 	}
 
 	if s.ebpfService != nil {
-		err = s.ebpfService.FreeDNSFwd()
-		if err != nil {
-			log.Errorf("stopping traffic forwarder returned an error: %v", err)
+		if err := s.ebpfService.FreeDNSFwd(); err != nil {
+			merr = multierror.Append(merr, fmt.Errorf("stop traffic forwarder: %w", err))
 		}
 	}
+
+	return nberrors.FormatErrorOrNil(merr)
 }
 
 func (s *serviceViaListener) RegisterMux(pattern string, handler dns.Handler) {
@@ -133,12 +188,6 @@ func (s *serviceViaListener) RuntimeIP() netip.Addr {
 	return s.listenIP
 }
 
-func (s *serviceViaListener) setListenerStatus(running bool) {
-	s.listenerFlagLock.Lock()
-	defer s.listenerFlagLock.Unlock()
-
-	s.listenerIsRunning = running
-}
 
 // evalListenAddress figure out the listen address for the DNS server
 // first check the 53 port availability on WG interface or lo, if not success
@@ -187,18 +236,28 @@ func (s *serviceViaListener) testFreePort(port int) (netip.Addr, bool) {
 }
 
 func (s *serviceViaListener) tryToBind(ip netip.Addr, port int) bool {
-	addrString := net.JoinHostPort(ip.String(), strconv.Itoa(port))
-	udpAddr := net.UDPAddrFromAddrPort(netip.MustParseAddrPort(addrString))
-	probeListener, err := net.ListenUDP("udp", udpAddr)
+	addrPort := netip.AddrPortFrom(ip, uint16(port))
+
+	udpAddr := net.UDPAddrFromAddrPort(addrPort)
+	udpLn, err := net.ListenUDP("udp", udpAddr)
 	if err != nil {
-		log.Warnf("binding dns on %s is not available, error: %s", addrString, err)
+		log.Warnf("binding dns UDP on %s is not available: %s", addrPort, err)
 		return false
 	}
-
-	err = probeListener.Close()
-	if err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("got an error closing the probe listener, error: %s", err)
+	if err := udpLn.Close(); err != nil {
+		log.Debugf("close UDP probe listener: %s", err)
 	}
+
+	tcpAddr := net.TCPAddrFromAddrPort(addrPort)
+	tcpLn, err := net.ListenTCP("tcp", tcpAddr)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("binding dns TCP on %s is not available: %s", addrPort, err)
+		return false
+	}
+	if err := tcpLn.Close(); err != nil {
+		log.Debugf("close TCP probe listener: %s", err)
+	}
+
 	return true
 }
 

client/internal/dns/service_listener_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+package dns
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"net"
+	"net/netip"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/miekg/dns"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
+)
+
+func TestServiceViaListener_TCPAndUDP(t *testing.T) {
+	handler := dns.HandlerFunc(func(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+		m := new(dns.Msg)
+		m.SetReply(r)
+		m.Answer = append(m.Answer, &dns.A{
+			Hdr: dns.RR_Header{Name: r.Question[0].Name, Rrtype: dns.TypeA, Class: dns.ClassINET, Ttl: 60},
+			A:   net.ParseIP("192.0.2.1"),
+		})
+		if err := w.WriteMsg(m); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("write msg: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	// Create a service using a custom address to avoid needing root
+	svc := newServiceViaListener(nil, nil, nil)
+	svc.dnsMux.Handle(".", handler)
+
+	// Bind both transports up front to avoid TOCTOU races.
+	udpAddr := net.UDPAddrFromAddrPort(netip.AddrPortFrom(customIP, 0))
+	udpConn, err := net.ListenUDP("udp", udpAddr)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Skip("cannot bind to 127.0.0.153, skipping")
+	}
+	port := uint16(udpConn.LocalAddr().(*net.UDPAddr).Port)
+
+	tcpAddr := net.TCPAddrFromAddrPort(netip.AddrPortFrom(customIP, port))
+	tcpLn, err := net.ListenTCP("tcp", tcpAddr)
+	if err != nil {
+		udpConn.Close()
+		t.Skip("cannot bind TCP on same port, skipping")
+	}
+
+	addr := fmt.Sprintf("%s:%d", customIP, port)
+	svc.server.PacketConn = udpConn
+	svc.tcpServer.Listener = tcpLn
+	svc.listenIP = customIP
+	svc.listenPort = port
+
+	go func() {
+		if err := svc.server.ActivateAndServe(); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("udp server: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+	go func() {
+		if err := svc.tcpServer.ActivateAndServe(); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("tcp server: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+	svc.listenerIsRunning = true
+
+	defer func() {
+		require.NoError(t, svc.Stop())
+	}()
+
+	q := new(dns.Msg).SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeA)
+
+	// Test UDP query
+	udpClient := &dns.Client{Net: "udp", Timeout: 2 * time.Second}
+	udpResp, _, err := udpClient.Exchange(q, addr)
+	require.NoError(t, err, "UDP query should succeed")
+	require.NotNil(t, udpResp)
+	require.NotEmpty(t, udpResp.Answer)
+	assert.Contains(t, udpResp.Answer[0].String(), "192.0.2.1", "UDP response should contain expected IP")
+
+	// Test TCP query
+	tcpClient := &dns.Client{Net: "tcp", Timeout: 2 * time.Second}
+	tcpResp, _, err := tcpClient.Exchange(q, addr)
+	require.NoError(t, err, "TCP query should succeed")
+	require.NotNil(t, tcpResp)
+	require.NotEmpty(t, tcpResp.Answer)
+	assert.Contains(t, tcpResp.Answer[0].String(), "192.0.2.1", "TCP response should contain expected IP")
+}

client/internal/dns/service_memory.go

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 package dns
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"net/netip"
 	"sync"
@@ -10,6 +11,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/miekg/dns"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 	nbnet "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/net"
 )
 
@@ -18,7 +20,8 @@ type ServiceViaMemory struct {
 	dnsMux            *dns.ServeMux
 	runtimeIP         netip.Addr
 	runtimePort       int
-	udpFilterHookID   string
+	tcpDNS            *tcpDNSServer
+	tcpHookSet        bool
 	listenerIsRunning bool
 	listenerFlagLock  sync.Mutex
 }
@@ -28,14 +31,13 @@ func NewServiceViaMemory(wgIface WGIface) *ServiceViaMemory {
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("get last ip from network: %v", err)
 	}
-	s := &ServiceViaMemory{
+
+	return &ServiceViaMemory{
 		wgInterface: wgIface,
 		dnsMux:      dns.NewServeMux(),
-
 		runtimeIP:   lastIP,
 		runtimePort: DefaultPort,
 	}
-	return s
 }
 
 func (s *ServiceViaMemory) Listen() error {
@@ -46,10 +48,8 @@ func (s *ServiceViaMemory) Listen() error {
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	var err error
-	s.udpFilterHookID, err = s.filterDNSTraffic()
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("filter dns traffice: %w", err)
+	if err := s.filterDNSTraffic(); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("filter dns traffic: %w", err)
 	}
 	s.listenerIsRunning = true
 
@@ -57,19 +57,29 @@ func (s *ServiceViaMemory) Listen() error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (s *ServiceViaMemory) Stop() {
+func (s *ServiceViaMemory) Stop() error {
 	s.listenerFlagLock.Lock()
 	defer s.listenerFlagLock.Unlock()
 
 	if !s.listenerIsRunning {
-		return
+		return nil
 	}
 
-	if err := s.wgInterface.GetFilter().RemovePacketHook(s.udpFilterHookID); err != nil {
-		log.Errorf("unable to remove DNS packet hook: %s", err)
+	filter := s.wgInterface.GetFilter()
+	if filter != nil {
+		filter.SetUDPPacketHook(s.runtimeIP, uint16(s.runtimePort), nil)
+		if s.tcpHookSet {
+			filter.SetTCPPacketHook(s.runtimeIP, uint16(s.runtimePort), nil)
+		}
+	}
+
+	if s.tcpDNS != nil {
+		s.tcpDNS.Stop()
 	}
 
 	s.listenerIsRunning = false
+
+	return nil
 }
 
 func (s *ServiceViaMemory) RegisterMux(pattern string, handler dns.Handler) {
@@ -88,10 +98,18 @@ func (s *ServiceViaMemory) RuntimeIP() netip.Addr {
 	return s.runtimeIP
 }
 
-func (s *ServiceViaMemory) filterDNSTraffic() (string, error) {
+func (s *ServiceViaMemory) filterDNSTraffic() error {
 	filter := s.wgInterface.GetFilter()
 	if filter == nil {
-		return "", fmt.Errorf("can't set DNS filter, filter not initialized")
+		return errors.New("DNS filter not initialized")
+	}
+
+	// Create TCP DNS server lazily here since the device may not exist at construction time.
+	if s.tcpDNS == nil {
+		if dev := s.wgInterface.GetDevice(); dev != nil {
+			// MTU only affects TCP segment sizing; DNS messages are small so this has no practical impact.
+			s.tcpDNS = newTCPDNSServer(s.dnsMux, dev.Device, s.runtimeIP, uint16(s.runtimePort), iface.DefaultMTU)
+		}
 	}
 
 	firstLayerDecoder := layers.LayerTypeIPv4
@@ -100,12 +118,16 @@ func (s *ServiceViaMemory) filterDNSTraffic() (string, error) {
 	}
 
 	hook := func(packetData []byte) bool {
-		// Decode the packet
 		packet := gopacket.NewPacket(packetData, firstLayerDecoder, gopacket.Default)
 
-		// Get the UDP layer
 		udpLayer := packet.Layer(layers.LayerTypeUDP)
-		udp := udpLayer.(*layers.UDP)
+		if udpLayer == nil {
+			return true
+		}
+		udp, ok := udpLayer.(*layers.UDP)
+		if !ok {
+			return true
+		}
 
 		msg := new(dns.Msg)
 		if err := msg.Unpack(udp.Payload); err != nil {
@@ -113,13 +135,30 @@ func (s *ServiceViaMemory) filterDNSTraffic() (string, error) {
 			return true
 		}
 
-		writer := responseWriter{
-			packet: packet,
-			device: s.wgInterface.GetDevice().Device,
+		dev := s.wgInterface.GetDevice()
+		if dev == nil {
+			return true
 		}
-		go s.dnsMux.ServeDNS(&writer, msg)
+
+		writer := &responseWriter{
+			remote: remoteAddrFromPacket(packet),
+			packet: packet,
+			device: dev.Device,
+		}
+		go s.dnsMux.ServeDNS(writer, msg)
 		return true
 	}
 
-	return filter.AddUDPPacketHook(false, s.runtimeIP, uint16(s.runtimePort), hook), nil
+	filter.SetUDPPacketHook(s.runtimeIP, uint16(s.runtimePort), hook)
+
+	if s.tcpDNS != nil {
+		tcpHook := func(packetData []byte) bool {
+			s.tcpDNS.InjectPacket(packetData)
+			return true
+		}
+		filter.SetTCPPacketHook(s.runtimeIP, uint16(s.runtimePort), tcpHook)
+		s.tcpHookSet = true
+	}
+
+	return nil
 }

client/internal/dns/tcpstack.go

@@ -0,0 +1,444 @@
+package dns
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"net"
+	"net/netip"
+	"sync"
+	"sync/atomic"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/miekg/dns"
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+	"golang.zx2c4.com/wireguard/tun"
+	"gvisor.dev/gvisor/pkg/buffer"
+	"gvisor.dev/gvisor/pkg/tcpip"
+	"gvisor.dev/gvisor/pkg/tcpip/adapters/gonet"
+	"gvisor.dev/gvisor/pkg/tcpip/header"
+	"gvisor.dev/gvisor/pkg/tcpip/network/ipv4"
+	"gvisor.dev/gvisor/pkg/tcpip/stack"
+	"gvisor.dev/gvisor/pkg/tcpip/transport/tcp"
+	"gvisor.dev/gvisor/pkg/waiter"
+)
+
+const (
+	dnsTCPReceiveWindow = 8192
+	dnsTCPMaxInFlight   = 16
+	dnsTCPIdleTimeout   = 30 * time.Second
+	dnsTCPReadTimeout   = 5 * time.Second
+)
+
+// tcpDNSServer is an on-demand TCP DNS server backed by a minimal gvisor stack.
+// It is started lazily when a truncated DNS response is detected and shuts down
+// after a period of inactivity to conserve resources.
+type tcpDNSServer struct {
+	mu     sync.Mutex
+	s      *stack.Stack
+	ep     *dnsEndpoint
+	mux    *dns.ServeMux
+	tunDev tun.Device
+	ip     netip.Addr
+	port   uint16
+	mtu    uint16
+
+	running bool
+	closed  bool
+	timerID uint64
+	timer   *time.Timer
+}
+
+func newTCPDNSServer(mux *dns.ServeMux, tunDev tun.Device, ip netip.Addr, port uint16, mtu uint16) *tcpDNSServer {
+	return &tcpDNSServer{
+		mux:    mux,
+		tunDev: tunDev,
+		ip:     ip,
+		port:   port,
+		mtu:    mtu,
+	}
+}
+
+// InjectPacket ensures the stack is running and delivers a raw IP packet into
+// the gvisor stack for TCP processing. Combining both operations under a single
+// lock prevents a race where the idle timer could stop the stack between
+// start and delivery.
+func (t *tcpDNSServer) InjectPacket(payload []byte) {
+	t.mu.Lock()
+	defer t.mu.Unlock()
+
+	if t.closed {
+		return
+	}
+
+	if !t.running {
+		if err := t.startLocked(); err != nil {
+			log.Errorf("failed to start TCP DNS stack: %v", err)
+			return
+		}
+		t.running = true
+		log.Debugf("TCP DNS stack started on %s:%d (triggered by %s)", t.ip, t.port, srcAddrFromPacket(payload))
+	}
+	t.resetTimerLocked()
+
+	ep := t.ep
+	if ep == nil || ep.dispatcher == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	pkt := stack.NewPacketBuffer(stack.PacketBufferOptions{
+		Payload: buffer.MakeWithData(payload),
+	})
+	// DeliverNetworkPacket takes ownership of the packet buffer; do not DecRef.
+	ep.dispatcher.DeliverNetworkPacket(ipv4.ProtocolNumber, pkt)
+}
+
+// Stop tears down the gvisor stack and releases resources permanently.
+// After Stop, InjectPacket becomes a no-op.
+func (t *tcpDNSServer) Stop() {
+	t.mu.Lock()
+	defer t.mu.Unlock()
+
+	t.stopLocked()
+	t.closed = true
+}
+
+func (t *tcpDNSServer) startLocked() error {
+	// TODO: add ipv6.NewProtocol when IPv6 overlay support lands.
+	s := stack.New(stack.Options{
+		NetworkProtocols:   []stack.NetworkProtocolFactory{ipv4.NewProtocol},
+		TransportProtocols: []stack.TransportProtocolFactory{tcp.NewProtocol},
+		HandleLocal:        false,
+	})
+
+	nicID := tcpip.NICID(1)
+	ep := &dnsEndpoint{
+		tunDev: t.tunDev,
+	}
+	ep.mtu.Store(uint32(t.mtu))
+
+	if err := s.CreateNIC(nicID, ep); err != nil {
+		s.Close()
+		s.Wait()
+		return fmt.Errorf("create NIC: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	protoAddr := tcpip.ProtocolAddress{
+		Protocol: ipv4.ProtocolNumber,
+		AddressWithPrefix: tcpip.AddressWithPrefix{
+			Address:   tcpip.AddrFromSlice(t.ip.AsSlice()),
+			PrefixLen: 32,
+		},
+	}
+	if err := s.AddProtocolAddress(nicID, protoAddr, stack.AddressProperties{}); err != nil {
+		s.Close()
+		s.Wait()
+		return fmt.Errorf("add protocol address: %s", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := s.SetPromiscuousMode(nicID, true); err != nil {
+		s.Close()
+		s.Wait()
+		return fmt.Errorf("set promiscuous mode: %s", err)
+	}
+	if err := s.SetSpoofing(nicID, true); err != nil {
+		s.Close()
+		s.Wait()
+		return fmt.Errorf("set spoofing: %s", err)
+	}
+
+	defaultSubnet, err := tcpip.NewSubnet(
+		tcpip.AddrFrom4([4]byte{0, 0, 0, 0}),
+		tcpip.MaskFromBytes([]byte{0, 0, 0, 0}),
+	)
+	if err != nil {
+		s.Close()
+		s.Wait()
+		return fmt.Errorf("create default subnet: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	s.SetRouteTable([]tcpip.Route{
+		{Destination: defaultSubnet, NIC: nicID},
+	})
+
+	tcpFwd := tcp.NewForwarder(s, dnsTCPReceiveWindow, dnsTCPMaxInFlight, func(r *tcp.ForwarderRequest) {
+		t.handleTCPDNS(r)
+	})
+	s.SetTransportProtocolHandler(tcp.ProtocolNumber, tcpFwd.HandlePacket)
+
+	t.s = s
+	t.ep = ep
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (t *tcpDNSServer) stopLocked() {
+	if !t.running {
+		return
+	}
+
+	if t.timer != nil {
+		t.timer.Stop()
+		t.timer = nil
+	}
+
+	if t.s != nil {
+		t.s.Close()
+		t.s.Wait()
+		t.s = nil
+	}
+	t.ep = nil
+	t.running = false
+
+	log.Debugf("TCP DNS stack stopped")
+}
+
+func (t *tcpDNSServer) resetTimerLocked() {
+	if t.timer != nil {
+		t.timer.Stop()
+	}
+	t.timerID++
+	id := t.timerID
+	t.timer = time.AfterFunc(dnsTCPIdleTimeout, func() {
+		t.mu.Lock()
+		defer t.mu.Unlock()
+
+		// Only stop if this timer is still the active one.
+		// A racing InjectPacket may have replaced it.
+		if t.timerID != id {
+			return
+		}
+		t.stopLocked()
+	})
+}
+
+func (t *tcpDNSServer) handleTCPDNS(r *tcp.ForwarderRequest) {
+	id := r.ID()
+
+	wq := waiter.Queue{}
+	ep, epErr := r.CreateEndpoint(&wq)
+	if epErr != nil {
+		log.Debugf("TCP DNS: failed to create endpoint: %v", epErr)
+		r.Complete(true)
+		return
+	}
+	r.Complete(false)
+
+	conn := gonet.NewTCPConn(&wq, ep)
+	defer func() {
+		if err := conn.Close(); err != nil {
+			log.Tracef("TCP DNS: close conn: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+
+	// Reset idle timer on activity
+	t.mu.Lock()
+	t.resetTimerLocked()
+	t.mu.Unlock()
+
+	localAddr := &net.TCPAddr{
+		IP:   id.LocalAddress.AsSlice(),
+		Port: int(id.LocalPort),
+	}
+	remoteAddr := &net.TCPAddr{
+		IP:   id.RemoteAddress.AsSlice(),
+		Port: int(id.RemotePort),
+	}
+
+	for {
+		if err := conn.SetReadDeadline(time.Now().Add(dnsTCPReadTimeout)); err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("TCP DNS: set deadline for %s: %v", remoteAddr, err)
+			break
+		}
+
+		msg, err := readTCPDNSMessage(conn)
+		if err != nil {
+			if !errors.Is(err, io.EOF) && !errors.Is(err, io.ErrUnexpectedEOF) {
+				log.Debugf("TCP DNS: read from %s: %v", remoteAddr, err)
+			}
+			break
+		}
+
+		writer := &tcpResponseWriter{
+			conn:       conn,
+			localAddr:  localAddr,
+			remoteAddr: remoteAddr,
+		}
+		t.mux.ServeDNS(writer, msg)
+	}
+}
+
+// dnsEndpoint implements stack.LinkEndpoint for writing packets back via the tun device.
+type dnsEndpoint struct {
+	dispatcher stack.NetworkDispatcher
+	tunDev     tun.Device
+	mtu        atomic.Uint32
+}
+
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) Attach(dispatcher stack.NetworkDispatcher)    { e.dispatcher = dispatcher }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) IsAttached() bool                             { return e.dispatcher != nil }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) MTU() uint32                                  { return e.mtu.Load() }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) Capabilities() stack.LinkEndpointCapabilities { return stack.CapabilityNone }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) MaxHeaderLength() uint16                      { return 0 }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) LinkAddress() tcpip.LinkAddress               { return "" }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) Wait()                                        { /* no async work */ }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) ARPHardwareType() header.ARPHardwareType      { return header.ARPHardwareNone }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) AddHeader(*stack.PacketBuffer)                { /* IP-level endpoint, no link header */ }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) ParseHeader(*stack.PacketBuffer) bool         { return true }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) Close()                                       { /* lifecycle managed by tcpDNSServer */ }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) SetLinkAddress(tcpip.LinkAddress)             { /* no link address for tun */ }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) SetMTU(mtu uint32)                            { e.mtu.Store(mtu) }
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) SetOnCloseAction(func())                      { /* not needed */ }
+
+const tunPacketOffset = 40
+
+func (e *dnsEndpoint) WritePackets(pkts stack.PacketBufferList) (int, tcpip.Error) {
+	var written int
+	for _, pkt := range pkts.AsSlice() {
+		data := stack.PayloadSince(pkt.NetworkHeader())
+		if data == nil {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		raw := data.AsSlice()
+		buf := make([]byte, tunPacketOffset, tunPacketOffset+len(raw))
+		buf = append(buf, raw...)
+		data.Release()
+
+		if _, err := e.tunDev.Write([][]byte{buf}, tunPacketOffset); err != nil {
+			log.Tracef("TCP DNS endpoint: failed to write packet: %v", err)
+			continue
+		}
+		written++
+	}
+	return written, nil
+}
+
+// tcpResponseWriter implements dns.ResponseWriter for TCP DNS connections.
+type tcpResponseWriter struct {
+	conn       *gonet.TCPConn
+	localAddr  net.Addr
+	remoteAddr net.Addr
+}
+
+func (w *tcpResponseWriter) LocalAddr() net.Addr {
+	return w.localAddr
+}
+
+func (w *tcpResponseWriter) RemoteAddr() net.Addr {
+	return w.remoteAddr
+}
+
+func (w *tcpResponseWriter) WriteMsg(msg *dns.Msg) error {
+	data, err := msg.Pack()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("pack: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// DNS TCP: 2-byte length prefix + message
+	buf := make([]byte, 2+len(data))
+	buf[0] = byte(len(data) >> 8)
+	buf[1] = byte(len(data))
+	copy(buf[2:], data)
+
+	if _, err = w.conn.Write(buf); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (w *tcpResponseWriter) Write(data []byte) (int, error) {
+	buf := make([]byte, 2+len(data))
+	buf[0] = byte(len(data) >> 8)
+	buf[1] = byte(len(data))
+	copy(buf[2:], data)
+	if _, err := w.conn.Write(buf); err != nil {
+		return 0, err
+	}
+	return len(data), nil
+}
+
+func (w *tcpResponseWriter) Close() error {
+	return w.conn.Close()
+}
+
+func (w *tcpResponseWriter) TsigStatus() error   { return nil }
+func (w *tcpResponseWriter) TsigTimersOnly(bool) { /* TSIG not supported */ }
+func (w *tcpResponseWriter) Hijack()             { /* not supported */ }
+
+// readTCPDNSMessage reads a single DNS message from a TCP connection (length-prefixed).
+func readTCPDNSMessage(conn *gonet.TCPConn) (*dns.Msg, error) {
+	// DNS over TCP uses a 2-byte length prefix
+	lenBuf := make([]byte, 2)
+	if _, err := io.ReadFull(conn, lenBuf); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("read length: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	msgLen := int(lenBuf[0])<<8 | int(lenBuf[1])
+	if msgLen == 0 || msgLen > 65535 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("invalid message length: %d", msgLen)
+	}
+
+	msgBuf := make([]byte, msgLen)
+	if _, err := io.ReadFull(conn, msgBuf); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("read message: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	msg := new(dns.Msg)
+	if err := msg.Unpack(msgBuf); err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("unpack: %w", err)
+	}
+	return msg, nil
+}
+
+// srcAddrFromPacket extracts the source IP:port from a raw IP+TCP packet for logging.
+// Supports both IPv4 and IPv6.
+func srcAddrFromPacket(pkt []byte) netip.AddrPort {
+	if len(pkt) == 0 {
+		return netip.AddrPort{}
+	}
+
+	srcIP, transportOffset := srcIPFromPacket(pkt)
+	if !srcIP.IsValid() || len(pkt) < transportOffset+2 {
+		return netip.AddrPort{}
+	}
+
+	srcPort := uint16(pkt[transportOffset])<<8 | uint16(pkt[transportOffset+1])
+	return netip.AddrPortFrom(srcIP.Unmap(), srcPort)
+}
+
+func srcIPFromPacket(pkt []byte) (netip.Addr, int) {
+	switch header.IPVersion(pkt) {
+	case 4:
+		return srcIPv4(pkt)
+	case 6:
+		return srcIPv6(pkt)
+	default:
+		return netip.Addr{}, 0
+	}
+}
+
+func srcIPv4(pkt []byte) (netip.Addr, int) {
+	if len(pkt) < header.IPv4MinimumSize {
+		return netip.Addr{}, 0
+	}
+	hdr := header.IPv4(pkt)
+	src := hdr.SourceAddress()
+	ip, ok := netip.AddrFromSlice(src.AsSlice())
+	if !ok {
+		return netip.Addr{}, 0
+	}
+	return ip, int(hdr.HeaderLength())
+}
+
+func srcIPv6(pkt []byte) (netip.Addr, int) {
+	if len(pkt) < header.IPv6MinimumSize {
+		return netip.Addr{}, 0
+	}
+	hdr := header.IPv6(pkt)
+	src := hdr.SourceAddress()
+	ip, ok := netip.AddrFromSlice(src.AsSlice())
+	if !ok {
+		return netip.Addr{}, 0
+	}
+	return ip, header.IPv6MinimumSize
+}

client/internal/dns/upstream.go

@@ -41,10 +41,61 @@ const (
 
 	reactivatePeriod = 30 * time.Second
 	probeTimeout     = 2 * time.Second
+
+	// ipv6HeaderSize + udpHeaderSize, used to derive the maximum DNS UDP
+	// payload from the tunnel MTU.
+	ipUDPHeaderSize = 60 + 8
 )
 
 const testRecord = "com."
 
+const (
+	protoUDP = "udp"
+	protoTCP = "tcp"
+)
+
+type dnsProtocolKey struct{}
+
+// contextWithDNSProtocol stores the inbound DNS protocol ("udp" or "tcp") in context.
+func contextWithDNSProtocol(ctx context.Context, network string) context.Context {
+	return context.WithValue(ctx, dnsProtocolKey{}, network)
+}
+
+// dnsProtocolFromContext retrieves the inbound DNS protocol from context.
+func dnsProtocolFromContext(ctx context.Context) string {
+	if ctx == nil {
+		return ""
+	}
+	if v, ok := ctx.Value(dnsProtocolKey{}).(string); ok {
+		return v
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
+type upstreamProtocolKey struct{}
+
+// upstreamProtocolResult holds the protocol used for the upstream exchange.
+// Stored as a pointer in context so the exchange function can set it.
+type upstreamProtocolResult struct {
+	protocol string
+}
+
+// contextWithupstreamProtocolResult stores a mutable result holder in the context.
+func contextWithupstreamProtocolResult(ctx context.Context) (context.Context, *upstreamProtocolResult) {
+	r := &upstreamProtocolResult{}
+	return context.WithValue(ctx, upstreamProtocolKey{}, r), r
+}
+
+// setUpstreamProtocol sets the upstream protocol on the result holder in context, if present.
+func setUpstreamProtocol(ctx context.Context, protocol string) {
+	if ctx == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	if r, ok := ctx.Value(upstreamProtocolKey{}).(*upstreamProtocolResult); ok && r != nil {
+		r.protocol = protocol
+	}
+}
+
 type upstreamClient interface {
 	exchange(ctx context.Context, upstream string, r *dns.Msg) (*dns.Msg, time.Duration, error)
 }
@@ -70,6 +121,7 @@ type upstreamResolverBase struct {
 	deactivate     func(error)
 	reactivate     func()
 	statusRecorder *peer.Status
+	routeMatch     func(netip.Addr) bool
 }
 
 type upstreamFailure struct {
@@ -137,7 +189,16 @@ func (u *upstreamResolverBase) ServeDNS(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
 		return
 	}
 
-	ok, failures := u.tryUpstreamServers(w, r, logger)
+	// Propagate inbound protocol so upstream exchange can use TCP directly
+	// when the request came in over TCP.
+	ctx := u.ctx
+	if addr := w.RemoteAddr(); addr != nil {
+		network := addr.Network()
+		ctx = contextWithDNSProtocol(ctx, network)
+		resutil.SetMeta(w, "protocol", network)
+	}
+
+	ok, failures := u.tryUpstreamServers(ctx, w, r, logger)
 	if len(failures) > 0 {
 		u.logUpstreamFailures(r.Question[0].Name, failures, ok, logger)
 	}
@@ -152,7 +213,7 @@ func (u *upstreamResolverBase) prepareRequest(r *dns.Msg) {
 	}
 }
 
-func (u *upstreamResolverBase) tryUpstreamServers(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg, logger *log.Entry) (bool, []upstreamFailure) {
+func (u *upstreamResolverBase) tryUpstreamServers(ctx context.Context, w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg, logger *log.Entry) (bool, []upstreamFailure) {
 	timeout := u.upstreamTimeout
 	if len(u.upstreamServers) > 1 {
 		maxTotal := 5 * time.Second
@@ -167,7 +228,7 @@ func (u *upstreamResolverBase) tryUpstreamServers(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.M
 
 	var failures []upstreamFailure
 	for _, upstream := range u.upstreamServers {
-		if failure := u.queryUpstream(w, r, upstream, timeout, logger); failure != nil {
+		if failure := u.queryUpstream(ctx, w, r, upstream, timeout, logger); failure != nil {
 			failures = append(failures, *failure)
 		} else {
 			return true, failures
@@ -177,15 +238,17 @@ func (u *upstreamResolverBase) tryUpstreamServers(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.M
 }
 
 // queryUpstream queries a single upstream server. Returns nil on success, or failure info to try next upstream.
-func (u *upstreamResolverBase) queryUpstream(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg, upstream netip.AddrPort, timeout time.Duration, logger *log.Entry) *upstreamFailure {
+func (u *upstreamResolverBase) queryUpstream(parentCtx context.Context, w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg, upstream netip.AddrPort, timeout time.Duration, logger *log.Entry) *upstreamFailure {
 	var rm *dns.Msg
 	var t time.Duration
 	var err error
 
 	var startTime time.Time
+	var upstreamProto *upstreamProtocolResult
 	func() {
-		ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(u.ctx, timeout)
+		ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(parentCtx, timeout)
 		defer cancel()
+		ctx, upstreamProto = contextWithupstreamProtocolResult(ctx)
 		startTime = time.Now()
 		rm, t, err = u.upstreamClient.exchange(ctx, upstream.String(), r)
 	}()
@@ -202,7 +265,7 @@ func (u *upstreamResolverBase) queryUpstream(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg, u
 		return &upstreamFailure{upstream: upstream, reason: dns.RcodeToString[rm.Rcode]}
 	}
 
-	u.writeSuccessResponse(w, rm, upstream, r.Question[0].Name, t, logger)
+	u.writeSuccessResponse(w, rm, upstream, r.Question[0].Name, t, upstreamProto, logger)
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -219,10 +282,13 @@ func (u *upstreamResolverBase) handleUpstreamError(err error, upstream netip.Add
 	return &upstreamFailure{upstream: upstream, reason: reason}
 }
 
-func (u *upstreamResolverBase) writeSuccessResponse(w dns.ResponseWriter, rm *dns.Msg, upstream netip.AddrPort, domain string, t time.Duration, logger *log.Entry) bool {
+func (u *upstreamResolverBase) writeSuccessResponse(w dns.ResponseWriter, rm *dns.Msg, upstream netip.AddrPort, domain string, t time.Duration, upstreamProto *upstreamProtocolResult, logger *log.Entry) bool {
 	u.successCount.Add(1)
 
 	resutil.SetMeta(w, "upstream", upstream.String())
+	if upstreamProto != nil && upstreamProto.protocol != "" {
+		resutil.SetMeta(w, "upstream_protocol", upstreamProto.protocol)
+	}
 
 	// Clear Zero bit from external responses to prevent upstream servers from
 	// manipulating our internal fallthrough signaling mechanism
@@ -427,13 +493,42 @@ func (u *upstreamResolverBase) testNameserver(baseCtx context.Context, externalC
 	return err
 }
 
+// clientUDPMaxSize returns the maximum UDP response size the client accepts.
+func clientUDPMaxSize(r *dns.Msg) int {
+	if opt := r.IsEdns0(); opt != nil {
+		return int(opt.UDPSize())
+	}
+	return dns.MinMsgSize
+}
+
 // ExchangeWithFallback exchanges a DNS message with the upstream server.
 // It first tries to use UDP, and if it is truncated, it falls back to TCP.
+// If the inbound request came over TCP (via context), it skips the UDP attempt.
 // If the passed context is nil, this will use Exchange instead of ExchangeContext.
 func ExchangeWithFallback(ctx context.Context, client *dns.Client, r *dns.Msg, upstream string) (*dns.Msg, time.Duration, error) {
-	// MTU - ip + udp headers
-	// Note: this could be sent out on an interface that is not ours, but higher MTU settings could break truncation handling.
-	client.UDPSize = uint16(currentMTU - (60 + 8))
+	// If the request came in over TCP, go straight to TCP upstream.
+	if dnsProtocolFromContext(ctx) == protoTCP {
+		tcpClient := *client
+		tcpClient.Net = protoTCP
+		rm, t, err := tcpClient.ExchangeContext(ctx, r, upstream)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, t, fmt.Errorf("with tcp: %w", err)
+		}
+		setUpstreamProtocol(ctx, protoTCP)
+		return rm, t, nil
+	}
+
+	clientMaxSize := clientUDPMaxSize(r)
+
+	// Cap EDNS0 to our tunnel MTU so the upstream doesn't send a
+	// response larger than our read buffer.
+	// Note: the query could be sent out on an interface that is not ours,
+	// but higher MTU settings could break truncation handling.
+	maxUDPPayload := uint16(currentMTU - ipUDPHeaderSize)
+	client.UDPSize = maxUDPPayload
+	if opt := r.IsEdns0(); opt != nil && opt.UDPSize() > maxUDPPayload {
+		opt.SetUDPSize(maxUDPPayload)
+	}
 
 	var (
 		rm  *dns.Msg
@@ -452,25 +547,32 @@ func ExchangeWithFallback(ctx context.Context, client *dns.Client, r *dns.Msg, u
 	}
 
 	if rm == nil || !rm.MsgHdr.Truncated {
+		setUpstreamProtocol(ctx, protoUDP)
 		return rm, t, nil
 	}
 
-	log.Tracef("udp response for domain=%s type=%v class=%v is truncated, trying TCP.",
-		r.Question[0].Name, r.Question[0].Qtype, r.Question[0].Qclass)
+	// TODO: if the upstream's truncated UDP response already contains more
+	// data than the client's buffer, we could truncate locally and skip
+	// the TCP retry.
 
-	client.Net = "tcp"
+	tcpClient := *client
+	tcpClient.Net = protoTCP
 
 	if ctx == nil {
-		rm, t, err = client.Exchange(r, upstream)
+		rm, t, err = tcpClient.Exchange(r, upstream)
 	} else {
-		rm, t, err = client.ExchangeContext(ctx, r, upstream)
+		rm, t, err = tcpClient.ExchangeContext(ctx, r, upstream)
 	}
 
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, t, fmt.Errorf("with tcp: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	// TODO: once TCP is implemented, rm.Truncate() if the request came in over UDP
+	setUpstreamProtocol(ctx, protoTCP)
+
+	if rm.Len() > clientMaxSize {
+		rm.Truncate(clientMaxSize)
+	}
 
 	return rm, t, nil
 }
@@ -478,18 +580,46 @@ func ExchangeWithFallback(ctx context.Context, client *dns.Client, r *dns.Msg, u
 // ExchangeWithNetstack performs a DNS exchange using netstack for dialing.
 // This is needed when netstack is enabled to reach peer IPs through the tunnel.
 func ExchangeWithNetstack(ctx context.Context, nsNet *netstack.Net, r *dns.Msg, upstream string) (*dns.Msg, error) {
-	reply, err := netstackExchange(ctx, nsNet, r, upstream, "udp")
+	// If request came in over TCP, go straight to TCP upstream
+	if dnsProtocolFromContext(ctx) == protoTCP {
+		rm, err := netstackExchange(ctx, nsNet, r, upstream, protoTCP)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		setUpstreamProtocol(ctx, protoTCP)
+		return rm, nil
+	}
+
+	clientMaxSize := clientUDPMaxSize(r)
+
+	// Cap EDNS0 to our tunnel MTU so the upstream doesn't send a
+	// response larger than what we can read over UDP.
+	maxUDPPayload := uint16(currentMTU - ipUDPHeaderSize)
+	if opt := r.IsEdns0(); opt != nil && opt.UDPSize() > maxUDPPayload {
+		opt.SetUDPSize(maxUDPPayload)
+	}
+
+	reply, err := netstackExchange(ctx, nsNet, r, upstream, protoUDP)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
-	// If response is truncated, retry with TCP
 	if reply != nil && reply.MsgHdr.Truncated {
-		log.Tracef("udp response for domain=%s type=%v class=%v is truncated, trying TCP",
-			r.Question[0].Name, r.Question[0].Qtype, r.Question[0].Qclass)
-		return netstackExchange(ctx, nsNet, r, upstream, "tcp")
+		rm, err := netstackExchange(ctx, nsNet, r, upstream, protoTCP)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+
+		setUpstreamProtocol(ctx, protoTCP)
+		if rm.Len() > clientMaxSize {
+			rm.Truncate(clientMaxSize)
+		}
+
+		return rm, nil
 	}
 
+	setUpstreamProtocol(ctx, protoUDP)
+
 	return reply, nil
 }
 
@@ -510,7 +640,7 @@ func netstackExchange(ctx context.Context, nsNet *netstack.Net, r *dns.Msg, upst
 		}
 	}
 
-	dnsConn := &dns.Conn{Conn: conn}
+	dnsConn := &dns.Conn{Conn: conn, UDPSize: uint16(currentMTU - ipUDPHeaderSize)}
 
 	if err := dnsConn.WriteMsg(r); err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("write %s message: %w", network, err)

client/internal/dns/upstream_android.go

@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ func (u *upstreamResolver) exchangeWithinVPN(ctx context.Context, upstream strin
 	upstreamExchangeClient := &dns.Client{
 		Timeout: ClientTimeout,
 	}
-	return upstreamExchangeClient.ExchangeContext(ctx, r, upstream)
+	return ExchangeWithFallback(ctx, upstreamExchangeClient, r, upstream)
 }
 
 // exchangeWithoutVPN protect the UDP socket by Android SDK to avoid to goes through the VPN
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ func (u *upstreamResolver) exchangeWithoutVPN(ctx context.Context, upstream stri
 		Timeout: timeout,
 	}
 
-	return upstreamExchangeClient.ExchangeContext(ctx, r, upstream)
+	return ExchangeWithFallback(ctx, upstreamExchangeClient, r, upstream)
 }
 
 func (u *upstreamResolver) isLocalResolver(upstream string) bool {

client/internal/dns/upstream_ios.go

@@ -65,11 +65,13 @@ func (u *upstreamResolverIOS) exchange(ctx context.Context, upstream string, r *
 	} else {
 		upstreamIP = upstreamIP.Unmap()
 	}
-	if u.lNet.Contains(upstreamIP) || upstreamIP.IsPrivate() {
-		log.Debugf("using private client to query upstream: %s", upstream)
+	needsPrivate := u.lNet.Contains(upstreamIP) ||
+		(u.routeMatch != nil && u.routeMatch(upstreamIP))
+	if needsPrivate {
+		log.Debugf("using private client to query %s via upstream %s", r.Question[0].Name, upstream)
 		client, err = GetClientPrivate(u.lIP, u.interfaceName, timeout)
 		if err != nil {
-			return nil, 0, fmt.Errorf("error while creating private client: %s", err)
+			return nil, 0, fmt.Errorf("create private client: %s", err)
 		}
 	}
 

client/internal/dns/upstream_test.go

@@ -475,3 +475,298 @@ func TestFormatFailures(t *testing.T) {
 		})
 	}
 }
+
+func TestDNSProtocolContext(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("roundtrip udp", func(t *testing.T) {
+		ctx := contextWithDNSProtocol(context.Background(), protoUDP)
+		assert.Equal(t, protoUDP, dnsProtocolFromContext(ctx))
+	})
+
+	t.Run("roundtrip tcp", func(t *testing.T) {
+		ctx := contextWithDNSProtocol(context.Background(), protoTCP)
+		assert.Equal(t, protoTCP, dnsProtocolFromContext(ctx))
+	})
+
+	t.Run("missing returns empty", func(t *testing.T) {
+		assert.Equal(t, "", dnsProtocolFromContext(context.Background()))
+	})
+}
+
+func TestExchangeWithFallback_TCPContext(t *testing.T) {
+	// Start a local DNS server that responds on TCP only
+	tcpHandler := dns.HandlerFunc(func(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+		m := new(dns.Msg)
+		m.SetReply(r)
+		m.Answer = append(m.Answer, &dns.A{
+			Hdr: dns.RR_Header{Name: r.Question[0].Name, Rrtype: dns.TypeA, Class: dns.ClassINET, Ttl: 60},
+			A:   net.ParseIP("10.0.0.1"),
+		})
+		if err := w.WriteMsg(m); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("write msg: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	tcpServer := &dns.Server{
+		Addr:    "127.0.0.1:0",
+		Net:     "tcp",
+		Handler: tcpHandler,
+	}
+
+	tcpLn, err := net.Listen("tcp", "127.0.0.1:0")
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	tcpServer.Listener = tcpLn
+
+	go func() {
+		if err := tcpServer.ActivateAndServe(); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("tcp server: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+	defer func() {
+		_ = tcpServer.Shutdown()
+	}()
+
+	upstream := tcpLn.Addr().String()
+
+	// With TCP context, should connect directly via TCP without trying UDP
+	ctx := contextWithDNSProtocol(context.Background(), protoTCP)
+	client := &dns.Client{Timeout: 2 * time.Second}
+	r := new(dns.Msg).SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeA)
+
+	rm, _, err := ExchangeWithFallback(ctx, client, r, upstream)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.NotNil(t, rm)
+	require.NotEmpty(t, rm.Answer)
+	assert.Contains(t, rm.Answer[0].String(), "10.0.0.1")
+}
+
+func TestExchangeWithFallback_UDPFallbackToTCP(t *testing.T) {
+	// UDP handler returns a truncated response to trigger TCP retry.
+	udpHandler := dns.HandlerFunc(func(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+		m := new(dns.Msg)
+		m.SetReply(r)
+		m.Truncated = true
+		if err := w.WriteMsg(m); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("write msg: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	// TCP handler returns the full answer.
+	tcpHandler := dns.HandlerFunc(func(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+		m := new(dns.Msg)
+		m.SetReply(r)
+		m.Answer = append(m.Answer, &dns.A{
+			Hdr: dns.RR_Header{Name: r.Question[0].Name, Rrtype: dns.TypeA, Class: dns.ClassINET, Ttl: 60},
+			A:   net.ParseIP("10.0.0.3"),
+		})
+		if err := w.WriteMsg(m); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("write msg: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	udpPC, err := net.ListenPacket("udp", "127.0.0.1:0")
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	addr := udpPC.LocalAddr().String()
+
+	udpServer := &dns.Server{
+		PacketConn: udpPC,
+		Net:        "udp",
+		Handler:    udpHandler,
+	}
+
+	tcpLn, err := net.Listen("tcp", addr)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	tcpServer := &dns.Server{
+		Listener: tcpLn,
+		Net:      "tcp",
+		Handler:  tcpHandler,
+	}
+
+	go func() {
+		if err := udpServer.ActivateAndServe(); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("udp server: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+	go func() {
+		if err := tcpServer.ActivateAndServe(); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("tcp server: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+	defer func() {
+		_ = udpServer.Shutdown()
+		_ = tcpServer.Shutdown()
+	}()
+
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	client := &dns.Client{Timeout: 2 * time.Second}
+	r := new(dns.Msg).SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeA)
+
+	rm, _, err := ExchangeWithFallback(ctx, client, r, addr)
+	require.NoError(t, err, "should fall back to TCP after truncated UDP response")
+	require.NotNil(t, rm)
+	require.NotEmpty(t, rm.Answer, "TCP response should contain the full answer")
+	assert.Contains(t, rm.Answer[0].String(), "10.0.0.3")
+	assert.False(t, rm.Truncated, "TCP response should not be truncated")
+}
+
+func TestExchangeWithFallback_TCPContextSkipsUDP(t *testing.T) {
+	// Start only a TCP server (no UDP). With TCP context it should succeed.
+	tcpHandler := dns.HandlerFunc(func(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+		m := new(dns.Msg)
+		m.SetReply(r)
+		m.Answer = append(m.Answer, &dns.A{
+			Hdr: dns.RR_Header{Name: r.Question[0].Name, Rrtype: dns.TypeA, Class: dns.ClassINET, Ttl: 60},
+			A:   net.ParseIP("10.0.0.2"),
+		})
+		if err := w.WriteMsg(m); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("write msg: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	tcpLn, err := net.Listen("tcp", "127.0.0.1:0")
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	tcpServer := &dns.Server{
+		Listener: tcpLn,
+		Net:      "tcp",
+		Handler:  tcpHandler,
+	}
+
+	go func() {
+		if err := tcpServer.ActivateAndServe(); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("tcp server: %v", err)
+		}
+	}()
+	defer func() {
+		_ = tcpServer.Shutdown()
+	}()
+
+	upstream := tcpLn.Addr().String()
+
+	// TCP context: should skip UDP entirely and go directly to TCP
+	ctx := contextWithDNSProtocol(context.Background(), protoTCP)
+	client := &dns.Client{Timeout: 2 * time.Second}
+	r := new(dns.Msg).SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeA)
+
+	rm, _, err := ExchangeWithFallback(ctx, client, r, upstream)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.NotNil(t, rm)
+	require.NotEmpty(t, rm.Answer)
+	assert.Contains(t, rm.Answer[0].String(), "10.0.0.2")
+
+	// Without TCP context, trying to reach a TCP-only server via UDP should fail
+	ctx2 := context.Background()
+	client2 := &dns.Client{Timeout: 500 * time.Millisecond}
+	_, _, err = ExchangeWithFallback(ctx2, client2, r, upstream)
+	assert.Error(t, err, "should fail when no UDP server and no TCP context")
+}
+
+func TestExchangeWithFallback_EDNS0Capped(t *testing.T) {
+	// Verify that a client EDNS0 larger than our MTU-derived limit gets
+	// capped in the outgoing request so the upstream doesn't send a
+	// response larger than our read buffer.
+	var receivedUDPSize uint16
+	udpHandler := dns.HandlerFunc(func(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+		if opt := r.IsEdns0(); opt != nil {
+			receivedUDPSize = opt.UDPSize()
+		}
+		m := new(dns.Msg)
+		m.SetReply(r)
+		m.Answer = append(m.Answer, &dns.A{
+			Hdr: dns.RR_Header{Name: r.Question[0].Name, Rrtype: dns.TypeA, Class: dns.ClassINET, Ttl: 60},
+			A:   net.ParseIP("10.0.0.1"),
+		})
+		if err := w.WriteMsg(m); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("write msg: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	udpPC, err := net.ListenPacket("udp", "127.0.0.1:0")
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	addr := udpPC.LocalAddr().String()
+
+	udpServer := &dns.Server{PacketConn: udpPC, Net: "udp", Handler: udpHandler}
+	go func() { _ = udpServer.ActivateAndServe() }()
+	t.Cleanup(func() { _ = udpServer.Shutdown() })
+
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	client := &dns.Client{Timeout: 2 * time.Second}
+	r := new(dns.Msg).SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeA)
+	r.SetEdns0(4096, false)
+
+	rm, _, err := ExchangeWithFallback(ctx, client, r, addr)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.NotNil(t, rm)
+
+	expectedMax := uint16(currentMTU - ipUDPHeaderSize)
+	assert.Equal(t, expectedMax, receivedUDPSize,
+		"upstream should see capped EDNS0, not the client's 4096")
+}
+
+func TestExchangeWithFallback_TCPTruncatesToClientSize(t *testing.T) {
+	// When the client advertises a large EDNS0 (4096) and the upstream
+	// truncates, the TCP response should NOT be truncated since the full
+	// answer fits within the client's original buffer.
+	udpHandler := dns.HandlerFunc(func(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+		m := new(dns.Msg)
+		m.SetReply(r)
+		m.Truncated = true
+		if err := w.WriteMsg(m); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("write msg: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	tcpHandler := dns.HandlerFunc(func(w dns.ResponseWriter, r *dns.Msg) {
+		m := new(dns.Msg)
+		m.SetReply(r)
+		// Add enough records to exceed MTU but fit within 4096
+		for i := range 20 {
+			m.Answer = append(m.Answer, &dns.TXT{
+				Hdr: dns.RR_Header{Name: r.Question[0].Name, Rrtype: dns.TypeTXT, Class: dns.ClassINET, Ttl: 60},
+				Txt: []string{fmt.Sprintf("record-%d-padding-data-to-make-it-longer", i)},
+			})
+		}
+		if err := w.WriteMsg(m); err != nil {
+			t.Logf("write msg: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	udpPC, err := net.ListenPacket("udp", "127.0.0.1:0")
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	addr := udpPC.LocalAddr().String()
+
+	udpServer := &dns.Server{PacketConn: udpPC, Net: "udp", Handler: udpHandler}
+	tcpLn, err := net.Listen("tcp", addr)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	tcpServer := &dns.Server{Listener: tcpLn, Net: "tcp", Handler: tcpHandler}
+
+	go func() { _ = udpServer.ActivateAndServe() }()
+	go func() { _ = tcpServer.ActivateAndServe() }()
+	t.Cleanup(func() {
+		_ = udpServer.Shutdown()
+		_ = tcpServer.Shutdown()
+	})
+
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	client := &dns.Client{Timeout: 2 * time.Second}
+
+	// Client with large buffer: should get all records without truncation
+	r := new(dns.Msg).SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeTXT)
+	r.SetEdns0(4096, false)
+
+	rm, _, err := ExchangeWithFallback(ctx, client, r, addr)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.NotNil(t, rm)
+	assert.Len(t, rm.Answer, 20, "large EDNS0 client should get all records")
+	assert.False(t, rm.Truncated, "response should not be truncated for large buffer client")
+
+	// Client with small buffer: should get truncated response
+	r2 := new(dns.Msg).SetQuestion("example.com.", dns.TypeTXT)
+	r2.SetEdns0(512, false)
+
+	rm2, _, err := ExchangeWithFallback(ctx, &dns.Client{Timeout: 2 * time.Second}, r2, addr)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+	require.NotNil(t, rm2)
+	assert.Less(t, len(rm2.Answer), 20, "small EDNS0 client should get fewer records")
+	assert.True(t, rm2.Truncated, "response should be truncated for small buffer client")
+}

client/internal/dnsfwd/forwarder.go

@@ -237,8 +237,8 @@ func (f *DNSForwarder) writeResponse(logger *log.Entry, w dns.ResponseWriter, re
 		return
 	}
 
-	logger.Tracef("response: domain=%s rcode=%s answers=%s took=%s",
-		qname, dns.RcodeToString[resp.Rcode], resutil.FormatAnswers(resp.Answer), time.Since(startTime))
+	logger.Tracef("response: domain=%s rcode=%s answers=%s size=%dB took=%s",
+		qname, dns.RcodeToString[resp.Rcode], resutil.FormatAnswers(resp.Answer), resp.Len(), time.Since(startTime))
 }
 
 // udpResponseWriter wraps a dns.ResponseWriter to handle UDP-specific truncation.
@@ -263,20 +263,28 @@ func (u *udpResponseWriter) WriteMsg(resp *dns.Msg) error {
 
 func (f *DNSForwarder) handleDNSQueryUDP(w dns.ResponseWriter, query *dns.Msg) {
 	startTime := time.Now()
-	logger := log.WithFields(log.Fields{
+	fields := log.Fields{
 		"request_id": resutil.GenerateRequestID(),
 		"dns_id":     fmt.Sprintf("%04x", query.Id),
-	})
+	}
+	if addr := w.RemoteAddr(); addr != nil {
+		fields["client"] = addr.String()
+	}
+	logger := log.WithFields(fields)
 
 	f.handleDNSQuery(logger, &udpResponseWriter{ResponseWriter: w, query: query}, query, startTime)
 }
 
 func (f *DNSForwarder) handleDNSQueryTCP(w dns.ResponseWriter, query *dns.Msg) {
 	startTime := time.Now()
-	logger := log.WithFields(log.Fields{
+	fields := log.Fields{
 		"request_id": resutil.GenerateRequestID(),
 		"dns_id":     fmt.Sprintf("%04x", query.Id),
-	})
+	}
+	if addr := w.RemoteAddr(); addr != nil {
+		fields["client"] = addr.String()
+	}
+	logger := log.WithFields(fields)
 
 	f.handleDNSQuery(logger, w, query, startTime)
 }

client/internal/engine.go

@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ import (
 
 	nberrors "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/errors"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/firewalld"
 	firewallManager "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/firewall/manager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/iface/device"
@@ -46,6 +47,7 @@ import (
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer/guard"
 	icemaker "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer/ice"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peerstore"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/portforward"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/profilemanager"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/relay"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/rosenpass"
@@ -139,6 +141,7 @@ type EngineConfig struct {
 	ProfileConfig *profilemanager.Config
 
 	LogPath string
+	TempDir string
 }
 
 // EngineServices holds the external service dependencies required by the Engine.
@@ -210,9 +213,10 @@ type Engine struct {
 	// checks are the client-applied posture checks that need to be evaluated on the client
 	checks []*mgmProto.Checks
 
-	relayManager *relayClient.Manager
-	stateManager *statemanager.Manager
-	srWatcher    *guard.SRWatcher
+	relayManager       *relayClient.Manager
+	stateManager       *statemanager.Manager
+	portForwardManager *portforward.Manager
+	srWatcher          *guard.SRWatcher
 
 	// Sync response persistence (protected by syncRespMux)
 	syncRespMux         sync.RWMutex
@@ -259,26 +263,27 @@ func NewEngine(
 	mobileDep MobileDependency,
 ) *Engine {
 	engine := &Engine{
-		clientCtx:      clientCtx,
-		clientCancel:   clientCancel,
-		signal:         services.SignalClient,
-		signaler:       peer.NewSignaler(services.SignalClient, config.WgPrivateKey),
-		mgmClient:      services.MgmClient,
-		relayManager:   services.RelayManager,
-		peerStore:      peerstore.NewConnStore(),
-		syncMsgMux:     &sync.Mutex{},
-		config:         config,
-		mobileDep:      mobileDep,
-		STUNs:          []*stun.URI{},
-		TURNs:          []*stun.URI{},
-		networkSerial:  0,
-		statusRecorder: services.StatusRecorder,
-		stateManager:   services.StateManager,
-		checks:         services.Checks,
-		probeStunTurn:  relay.NewStunTurnProbe(relay.DefaultCacheTTL),
-		jobExecutor:    jobexec.NewExecutor(),
-		clientMetrics:  services.ClientMetrics,
-		updateManager:  services.UpdateManager,
+		clientCtx:          clientCtx,
+		clientCancel:       clientCancel,
+		signal:             services.SignalClient,
+		signaler:           peer.NewSignaler(services.SignalClient, config.WgPrivateKey),
+		mgmClient:          services.MgmClient,
+		relayManager:       services.RelayManager,
+		peerStore:          peerstore.NewConnStore(),
+		syncMsgMux:         &sync.Mutex{},
+		config:             config,
+		mobileDep:          mobileDep,
+		STUNs:              []*stun.URI{},
+		TURNs:              []*stun.URI{},
+		networkSerial:      0,
+		statusRecorder:     services.StatusRecorder,
+		stateManager:       services.StateManager,
+		portForwardManager: portforward.NewManager(),
+		checks:             services.Checks,
+		probeStunTurn:      relay.NewStunTurnProbe(relay.DefaultCacheTTL),
+		jobExecutor:        jobexec.NewExecutor(),
+		clientMetrics:      services.ClientMetrics,
+		updateManager:      services.UpdateManager,
 	}
 
 	log.Infof("I am: %s", config.WgPrivateKey.PublicKey().String())
@@ -499,6 +504,17 @@ func (e *Engine) Start(netbirdConfig *mgmProto.NetbirdConfig, mgmtURL *url.URL)
 
 	e.routeManager.SetRouteChangeListener(e.mobileDep.NetworkChangeListener)
 
+	e.dnsServer.SetRouteChecker(func(ip netip.Addr) bool {
+		for _, routes := range e.routeManager.GetSelectedClientRoutes() {
+			for _, r := range routes {
+				if r.Network.Contains(ip) {
+					return true
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		return false
+	})
+
 	if err = e.wgInterfaceCreate(); err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed creating tunnel interface %s: [%s]", e.config.WgIfaceName, err.Error())
 		e.close()
@@ -510,6 +526,11 @@ func (e *Engine) Start(netbirdConfig *mgmProto.NetbirdConfig, mgmtURL *url.URL)
 		return err
 	}
 
+	// Inject firewall into DNS server now that it's available.
+	// The DNS server is created before the firewall because the route manager
+	// depends on the DNS server, and the firewall depends on the wg interface.
+	e.dnsServer.SetFirewall(e.firewall)
+
 	e.udpMux, err = e.wgInterface.Up()
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Errorf("failed to pull up wgInterface [%s]: %s", e.wgInterface.Name(), err.Error())
@@ -521,6 +542,13 @@ func (e *Engine) Start(netbirdConfig *mgmProto.NetbirdConfig, mgmtURL *url.URL)
 	// conntrack entries from being created before the rules are in place
 	e.setupWGProxyNoTrack()
 
+	// Start after interface is up since port may have been resolved from 0 or changed if occupied
+	e.shutdownWg.Add(1)
+	go func() {
+		defer e.shutdownWg.Done()
+		e.portForwardManager.Start(e.ctx, uint16(e.config.WgPort))
+	}()
+
 	// Set the WireGuard interface for rosenpass after interface is up
 	if e.rpManager != nil {
 		e.rpManager.SetInterface(e.wgInterface)
@@ -543,7 +571,7 @@ func (e *Engine) Start(netbirdConfig *mgmProto.NetbirdConfig, mgmtURL *url.URL)
 	e.connMgr.Start(e.ctx)
 
 	e.srWatcher = guard.NewSRWatcher(e.signal, e.relayManager, e.mobileDep.IFaceDiscover, iceCfg)
-	e.srWatcher.Start()
+	e.srWatcher.Start(peer.IsForceRelayed())
 
 	e.receiveSignalEvents()
 	e.receiveManagementEvents()
@@ -577,6 +605,8 @@ func (e *Engine) createFirewall() error {
 		return nil
 	}
 
+	firewalld.SetParentContext(e.ctx)
+
 	var err error
 	e.firewall, err = firewall.NewFirewall(e.wgInterface, e.stateManager, e.flowManager.GetLogger(), e.config.DisableServerRoutes, e.config.MTU)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -1069,6 +1099,7 @@ func (e *Engine) handleBundle(params *mgmProto.BundleParameters) (*mgmProto.JobR
 		StatusRecorder: e.statusRecorder,
 		SyncResponse:   syncResponse,
 		LogPath:        e.config.LogPath,
+		TempDir:        e.config.TempDir,
 		ClientMetrics:  e.clientMetrics,
 		RefreshStatus: func() {
 			e.RunHealthProbes(true)
@@ -1524,12 +1555,13 @@ func (e *Engine) createPeerConn(pubKey string, allowedIPs []netip.Prefix, agentV
 	}
 
 	serviceDependencies := peer.ServiceDependencies{
-		StatusRecorder:  e.statusRecorder,
-		Signaler:        e.signaler,
-		IFaceDiscover:   e.mobileDep.IFaceDiscover,
-		RelayManager:    e.relayManager,
-		SrWatcher:       e.srWatcher,
-		MetricsRecorder: e.clientMetrics,
+		StatusRecorder:     e.statusRecorder,
+		Signaler:           e.signaler,
+		IFaceDiscover:      e.mobileDep.IFaceDiscover,
+		RelayManager:       e.relayManager,
+		SrWatcher:          e.srWatcher,
+		PortForwardManager: e.portForwardManager,
+		MetricsRecorder:    e.clientMetrics,
 	}
 	peerConn, err := peer.NewConn(config, serviceDependencies)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -1686,6 +1718,12 @@ func (e *Engine) close() {
 	if e.rpManager != nil {
 		_ = e.rpManager.Close()
 	}
+
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), 5*time.Second)
+	defer cancel()
+	if err := e.portForwardManager.GracefullyStop(ctx); err != nil {
+		log.Warnf("failed to gracefully stop port forwarding manager: %s", err)
+	}
 }
 
 func (e *Engine) readInitialSettings() ([]*route.Route, *nbdns.Config, bool, error) {
@@ -1789,7 +1827,7 @@ func (e *Engine) newDnsServer(dnsConfig *nbdns.Config) (dns.Server, error) {
 		return dnsServer, nil
 
 	case "ios":
-		dnsServer := dns.NewDefaultServerIos(e.ctx, e.wgInterface, e.mobileDep.DnsManager, e.statusRecorder, e.config.DisableDNS)
+		dnsServer := dns.NewDefaultServerIos(e.ctx, e.wgInterface, e.mobileDep.DnsManager, e.mobileDep.HostDNSAddresses, e.statusRecorder, e.config.DisableDNS)
 		return dnsServer, nil
 
 	default:
@@ -1826,6 +1864,11 @@ func (e *Engine) GetExposeManager() *expose.Manager {
 	return e.exposeManager
 }
 
+// IsBlockInbound returns whether inbound connections are blocked.
+func (e *Engine) IsBlockInbound() bool {
+	return e.config.BlockInbound
+}
+
 // GetClientMetrics returns the client metrics
 func (e *Engine) GetClientMetrics() *metrics.ClientMetrics {
 	return e.clientMetrics

client/internal/engine_test.go

@@ -55,6 +55,7 @@ import (
 	nbdns "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/dns"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/activity"
+	nbcache "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/cache"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/integrations/port_forwarding"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/permissions"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/management/server/settings"
@@ -828,7 +829,7 @@ func TestEngine_UpdateNetworkMapWithRoutes(t *testing.T) {
 				WgPrivateKey: key,
 				WgPort:       33100,
 				MTU:          iface.DefaultMTU,
-	}, EngineServices{
+			}, EngineServices{
 				SignalClient:   &signal.MockClient{},
 				MgmClient:      &mgmt.MockClient{},
 				RelayManager:   relayMgr,
@@ -1035,7 +1036,7 @@ func TestEngine_UpdateNetworkMapWithDNSUpdate(t *testing.T) {
 				WgPrivateKey: key,
 				WgPort:       33100,
 				MTU:          iface.DefaultMTU,
-	}, EngineServices{
+			}, EngineServices{
 				SignalClient:   &signal.MockClient{},
 				MgmClient:      &mgmt.MockClient{},
 				RelayManager:   relayMgr,
@@ -1538,13 +1539,8 @@ func createEngine(ctx context.Context, cancel context.CancelFunc, setupKey strin
 		return nil, err
 	}
 
-	publicKey, err := mgmtClient.GetServerPublicKey()
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, err
-	}
-
 	info := system.GetInfo(ctx)
-	resp, err := mgmtClient.Register(*publicKey, setupKey, "", info, nil, nil)
+	resp, err := mgmtClient.Register(setupKey, "", info, nil, nil)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
@@ -1566,7 +1562,7 @@ func createEngine(ctx context.Context, cancel context.CancelFunc, setupKey strin
 	}
 
 	relayMgr := relayClient.NewManager(ctx, nil, key.PublicKey().String(), iface.DefaultMTU)
-e, err := NewEngine(ctx, cancel, conf, EngineServices{
+	e, err := NewEngine(ctx, cancel, conf, EngineServices{
 		SignalClient:   signalClient,
 		MgmClient:      mgmtClient,
 		RelayManager:   relayMgr,
@@ -1639,7 +1635,12 @@ func startManagement(t *testing.T, dataDir, testFile string) (*grpc.Server, stri
 	peersManager := peers.NewManager(store, permissionsManager)
 	jobManager := job.NewJobManager(nil, store, peersManager)
 
-	ia, _ := integrations.NewIntegratedValidator(context.Background(), peersManager, nil, eventStore)
+	cacheStore, err := nbcache.NewStore(context.Background(), 100*time.Millisecond, 300*time.Millisecond, 100)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, "", err
+	}
+
+	ia, _ := integrations.NewIntegratedValidator(context.Background(), peersManager, nil, eventStore, cacheStore)
 
 	metrics, err := telemetry.NewDefaultAppMetrics(context.Background())
 	require.NoError(t, err)
@@ -1661,7 +1662,7 @@ func startManagement(t *testing.T, dataDir, testFile string) (*grpc.Server, stri
 	updateManager := update_channel.NewPeersUpdateManager(metrics)
 	requestBuffer := server.NewAccountRequestBuffer(context.Background(), store)
 	networkMapController := controller.NewController(context.Background(), store, metrics, updateManager, requestBuffer, server.MockIntegratedValidator{}, settingsMockManager, "netbird.selfhosted", port_forwarding.NewControllerMock(), manager.NewEphemeralManager(store, peersManager), config)
-	accountManager, err := server.BuildManager(context.Background(), config, store, networkMapController, jobManager, nil, "", eventStore, nil, false, ia, metrics, port_forwarding.NewControllerMock(), settingsMockManager, permissionsManager, false)
+	accountManager, err := server.BuildManager(context.Background(), config, store, networkMapController, jobManager, nil, "", eventStore, nil, false, ia, metrics, port_forwarding.NewControllerMock(), settingsMockManager, permissionsManager, false, cacheStore)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, "", err
 	}

client/internal/expose/manager.go

@@ -4,11 +4,14 @@ import (
 	"context"
 	"time"
 
-	mgm "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/client"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+
+	mgm "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/management/client"
 )
 
-const renewTimeout = 10 * time.Second
+const (
+	renewTimeout = 10 * time.Second
+)
 
 // Response holds the response from exposing a service.
 type Response struct {
@@ -18,11 +21,13 @@ type Response struct {
 	PortAutoAssigned bool
 }
 
+// Request holds the parameters for exposing a local service via the management server.
+// It is part of the embed API surface and exposed via a type alias.
 type Request struct {
 	NamePrefix string
 	Domain     string
 	Port       uint16
-	Protocol   int
+	Protocol   ProtocolType
 	Pin        string
 	Password   string
 	UserGroups []string
@@ -59,6 +64,8 @@ func (m *Manager) Expose(ctx context.Context, req Request) (*Response, error) {
 	return fromClientExposeResponse(resp), nil
 }
 
+// KeepAlive periodically renews the expose session for the given domain until the context is canceled or an error occurs.
+// It is part of the embed API surface and exposed via a type alias.
 func (m *Manager) KeepAlive(ctx context.Context, domain string) error {
 	ticker := time.NewTicker(30 * time.Second)
 	defer ticker.Stop()

client/internal/expose/manager_test.go

@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ func TestNewRequest(t *testing.T) {
 	exposeReq := NewRequest(req)
 
 	assert.Equal(t, uint16(8080), exposeReq.Port, "port should match")
-	assert.Equal(t, int(daemonProto.ExposeProtocol_EXPOSE_HTTPS), exposeReq.Protocol, "protocol should match")
+	assert.Equal(t, ProtocolType(daemonProto.ExposeProtocol_EXPOSE_HTTPS), exposeReq.Protocol, "protocol should match")
 	assert.Equal(t, "123456", exposeReq.Pin, "pin should match")
 	assert.Equal(t, "secret", exposeReq.Password, "password should match")
 	assert.Equal(t, []string{"group1", "group2"}, exposeReq.UserGroups, "user groups should match")

client/internal/expose/protocol.go

@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+package expose
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+)
+
+// ProtocolType represents the protocol used for exposing a service.
+type ProtocolType int
+
+const (
+	// ProtocolHTTP exposes the service as HTTP.
+	ProtocolHTTP ProtocolType = 0
+	// ProtocolHTTPS exposes the service as HTTPS.
+	ProtocolHTTPS ProtocolType = 1
+	// ProtocolTCP exposes the service as TCP.
+	ProtocolTCP ProtocolType = 2
+	// ProtocolUDP exposes the service as UDP.
+	ProtocolUDP ProtocolType = 3
+	// ProtocolTLS exposes the service as TLS.
+	ProtocolTLS ProtocolType = 4
+)
+
+// ParseProtocolType parses a protocol string into a ProtocolType.
+func ParseProtocolType(s string) (ProtocolType, error) {
+	switch strings.ToLower(s) {
+	case "http":
+		return ProtocolHTTP, nil
+	case "https":
+		return ProtocolHTTPS, nil
+	case "tcp":
+		return ProtocolTCP, nil
+	case "udp":
+		return ProtocolUDP, nil
+	case "tls":
+		return ProtocolTLS, nil
+	default:
+		return 0, fmt.Errorf("unsupported protocol %q: must be http, https, tcp, udp, or tls", s)
+	}
+}

client/internal/expose/request.go

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ import (
 func NewRequest(req *daemonProto.ExposeServiceRequest) *Request {
 	return &Request{
 		Port:       uint16(req.Port),
-		Protocol:   int(req.Protocol),
+		Protocol:   ProtocolType(req.Protocol),
 		Pin:        req.Pin,
 		Password:   req.Password,
 		UserGroups: req.UserGroups,
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ func toClientExposeRequest(req Request) mgm.ExposeRequest {
 		NamePrefix: req.NamePrefix,
 		Domain:     req.Domain,
 		Port:       req.Port,
-		Protocol:   req.Protocol,
+		Protocol:   int(req.Protocol),
 		Pin:        req.Pin,
 		Password:   req.Password,
 		UserGroups: req.UserGroups,

client/internal/mobile_dependency.go

@@ -22,4 +22,8 @@ type MobileDependency struct {
 	DnsManager     dns.IosDnsManager
 	FileDescriptor int32
 	StateFilePath  string
+
+	// TempDir is a writable directory for temporary files (e.g., debug bundle zip).
+	// On Android, this should be set to the app's cache directory.
+	TempDir string
 }

client/internal/netflow/conntrack/conntrack.go

@@ -7,7 +7,9 @@ import (
 	"fmt"
 	"net/netip"
 	"sync"
+	"time"
 
+	"github.com/cenkalti/backoff/v4"
 	"github.com/google/uuid"
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 	nfct "github.com/ti-mo/conntrack"
@@ -17,31 +19,64 @@ import (
 	nbnet "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/net"
 )
 
-const defaultChannelSize = 100
+const (
+	defaultChannelSize     = 100
+	reconnectInitInterval  = 5 * time.Second
+	reconnectMaxInterval   = 5 * time.Minute
+	reconnectRandomization = 0.5
+)
+
+// listener abstracts a netlink conntrack connection for testability.
+type listener interface {
+	Listen(evChan chan<- nfct.Event, numWorkers uint8, groups []netfilter.NetlinkGroup) (chan error, error)
+	Close() error
+}
 
 // ConnTrack manages kernel-based conntrack events
 type ConnTrack struct {
 	flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger
 	iface      nftypes.IFaceMapper
 
-	conn *nfct.Conn
+	conn listener
 	mux  sync.Mutex
 
+	dial           func() (listener, error)
 	instanceID     uuid.UUID
 	started        bool
 	done           chan struct{}
 	sysctlModified bool
 }
 
+// DialFunc is a constructor for netlink conntrack connections.
+type DialFunc func() (listener, error)
+
+// Option configures a ConnTrack instance.
+type Option func(*ConnTrack)
+
+// WithDialer overrides the default netlink dialer, primarily for testing.
+func WithDialer(dial DialFunc) Option {
+	return func(c *ConnTrack) {
+		c.dial = dial
+	}
+}
+
+func defaultDial() (listener, error) {
+	return nfct.Dial(nil)
+}
+
 // New creates a new connection tracker that interfaces with the kernel's conntrack system
-func New(flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger, iface nftypes.IFaceMapper) *ConnTrack {
-	return &ConnTrack{
+func New(flowLogger nftypes.FlowLogger, iface nftypes.IFaceMapper, opts ...Option) *ConnTrack {
+	ct := &ConnTrack{
 		flowLogger: flowLogger,
 		iface:      iface,
 		instanceID: uuid.New(),
-		started:    false,
+		dial:       defaultDial,
 		done:       make(chan struct{}, 1),
 	}
+	for _, opt := range opts {
+		opt(ct)
+	}
+	return ct
 }
 
 // Start begins tracking connections by listening for conntrack events. This method is idempotent.
@@ -59,8 +94,9 @@ func (c *ConnTrack) Start(enableCounters bool) error {
 		c.EnableAccounting()
 	}
 
-	conn, err := nfct.Dial(nil)
+	conn, err := c.dial()
 	if err != nil {
+		c.RestoreAccounting()
 		return fmt.Errorf("dial conntrack: %w", err)
 	}
 	c.conn = conn
@@ -76,9 +112,16 @@ func (c *ConnTrack) Start(enableCounters bool) error {
 			log.Errorf("Error closing conntrack connection: %v", err)
 		}
 		c.conn = nil
+		c.RestoreAccounting()
 		return fmt.Errorf("start conntrack listener: %w", err)
 	}
 
+	// Drain any stale stop signal from a previous cycle.
+	select {
+	case <-c.done:
+	default:
+	}
+
 	c.started = true
 
 	go c.receiverRoutine(events, errChan)
@@ -92,17 +135,98 @@ func (c *ConnTrack) receiverRoutine(events chan nfct.Event, errChan chan error)
 		case event := <-events:
 			c.handleEvent(event)
 		case err := <-errChan:
-			log.Errorf("Error from conntrack event listener: %v", err)
-			if err := c.conn.Close(); err != nil {
-				log.Errorf("Error closing conntrack connection: %v", err)
+			if events, errChan = c.handleListenerError(err); events == nil {
+				return
 			}
-			return
 		case <-c.done:
 			return
 		}
 	}
 }
 
+// handleListenerError closes the failed connection and attempts to reconnect.
+// Returns new channels on success, or nil if shutdown was requested.
+func (c *ConnTrack) handleListenerError(err error) (chan nfct.Event, chan error) {
+	log.Warnf("conntrack event listener failed: %v", err)
+	c.closeConn()
+	return c.reconnect()
+}
+
+func (c *ConnTrack) closeConn() {
+	c.mux.Lock()
+	defer c.mux.Unlock()
+
+	if c.conn != nil {
+		if err := c.conn.Close(); err != nil {
+			log.Debugf("close conntrack connection: %v", err)
+		}
+		c.conn = nil
+	}
+}
+
+// reconnect attempts to re-establish the conntrack netlink listener with exponential backoff.
+// Returns new channels on success, or nil if shutdown was requested.
+func (c *ConnTrack) reconnect() (chan nfct.Event, chan error) {
+	bo := &backoff.ExponentialBackOff{
+		InitialInterval:     reconnectInitInterval,
+		RandomizationFactor: reconnectRandomization,
+		Multiplier:          backoff.DefaultMultiplier,
+		MaxInterval:         reconnectMaxInterval,
+		MaxElapsedTime:      0, // retry indefinitely
+		Clock:               backoff.SystemClock,
+	}
+	bo.Reset()
+
+	for {
+		delay := bo.NextBackOff()
+		log.Infof("reconnecting conntrack listener in %s", delay)
+
+		select {
+		case <-c.done:
+			c.mux.Lock()
+			c.started = false
+			c.mux.Unlock()
+			return nil, nil
+		case <-time.After(delay):
+		}
+
+		conn, err := c.dial()
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Warnf("reconnect conntrack dial: %v", err)
+			continue
+		}
+
+		events := make(chan nfct.Event, defaultChannelSize)
+		errChan, err := conn.Listen(events, 1, []netfilter.NetlinkGroup{
+			netfilter.GroupCTNew,
+			netfilter.GroupCTDestroy,
+		})
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Warnf("reconnect conntrack listen: %v", err)
+			if closeErr := conn.Close(); closeErr != nil {
+				log.Debugf("close conntrack connection: %v", closeErr)
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+
+		c.mux.Lock()
+		if !c.started {
+			// Stop() ran while we were reconnecting.
+			c.mux.Unlock()
+			if closeErr := conn.Close(); closeErr != nil {
+				log.Debugf("close conntrack connection: %v", closeErr)
+			}
+			return nil, nil
+		}
+		c.conn = conn
+		c.mux.Unlock()
+
+		log.Infof("conntrack listener reconnected successfully")
+
+		return events, errChan
+	}
+}
+
 // Stop stops the connection tracking. This method is idempotent.
 func (c *ConnTrack) Stop() {
 	c.mux.Lock()
@@ -136,23 +260,27 @@ func (c *ConnTrack) Close() error {
 	c.mux.Lock()
 	defer c.mux.Unlock()
 
-	if c.started {
-		select {
-		case c.done <- struct{}{}:
-		default:
-		}
+	if !c.started {
+		return nil
 	}
 
+	select {
+	case c.done <- struct{}{}:
+	default:
+	}
+
+	c.started = false
+
+	var closeErr error
 	if c.conn != nil {
-		err := c.conn.Close()
+		closeErr = c.conn.Close()
 		c.conn = nil
-		c.started = false
+	}
 
-		c.RestoreAccounting()
+	c.RestoreAccounting()
 
-		if err != nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("close conntrack: %w", err)
-		}
+	if closeErr != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("close conntrack: %w", closeErr)
 	}
 
 	return nil

client/internal/netflow/conntrack/conntrack_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,224 @@
+//go:build linux && !android
+
+package conntrack
+
+import (
+	"sync/atomic"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
+	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
+	nfct "github.com/ti-mo/conntrack"
+	"github.com/ti-mo/netfilter"
+)
+
+type mockListener struct {
+	errChan  chan error
+	closed   atomic.Bool
+	closedCh chan struct{}
+}
+
+func newMockListener() *mockListener {
+	return &mockListener{
+		errChan:  make(chan error, 1),
+		closedCh: make(chan struct{}),
+	}
+}
+
+func (m *mockListener) Listen(evChan chan<- nfct.Event, _ uint8, _ []netfilter.NetlinkGroup) (chan error, error) {
+	return m.errChan, nil
+}
+
+func (m *mockListener) Close() error {
+	if m.closed.CompareAndSwap(false, true) {
+		close(m.closedCh)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+func TestReconnectAfterError(t *testing.T) {
+	first := newMockListener()
+	second := newMockListener()
+	third := newMockListener()
+	listeners := []*mockListener{first, second, third}
+	callCount := atomic.Int32{}
+
+	ct := New(nil, nil, WithDialer(func() (listener, error) {
+		n := int(callCount.Add(1)) - 1
+		return listeners[n], nil
+	}))
+
+	err := ct.Start(false)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	// Inject an error on the first listener.
+	first.errChan <- assert.AnError
+
+	// Wait for reconnect to complete.
+	require.Eventually(t, func() bool {
+		return callCount.Load() >= 2
+	}, 15*time.Second, 100*time.Millisecond, "reconnect should dial a new connection")
+
+	// The first connection must have been closed.
+	select {
+	case <-first.closedCh:
+	case <-time.After(2 * time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("first connection was not closed")
+	}
+
+	// Verify the receiver is still running by injecting and handling a second error.
+	second.errChan <- assert.AnError
+
+	require.Eventually(t, func() bool {
+		return callCount.Load() >= 3
+	}, 15*time.Second, 100*time.Millisecond, "second reconnect should succeed")
+
+	ct.Stop()
+}
+
+func TestStopDuringReconnectBackoff(t *testing.T) {
+	mock := newMockListener()
+
+	ct := New(nil, nil, WithDialer(func() (listener, error) {
+		return mock, nil
+	}))
+
+	err := ct.Start(false)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	// Trigger an error so the receiver enters reconnect.
+	mock.errChan <- assert.AnError
+
+	// Wait for the error handler to close the old listener before calling Stop.
+	select {
+	case <-mock.closedCh:
+	case <-time.After(5 * time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("timed out waiting for reconnect to start")
+	}
+
+	// Stop while reconnecting.
+	ct.Stop()
+
+	ct.mux.Lock()
+	assert.False(t, ct.started, "started should be false after Stop")
+	assert.Nil(t, ct.conn, "conn should be nil after Stop")
+	ct.mux.Unlock()
+}
+
+func TestStopRaceWithReconnectDial(t *testing.T) {
+	first := newMockListener()
+	dialStarted := make(chan struct{})
+	dialProceed := make(chan struct{})
+	second := newMockListener()
+	callCount := atomic.Int32{}
+
+	ct := New(nil, nil, WithDialer(func() (listener, error) {
+		n := callCount.Add(1)
+		if n == 1 {
+			return first, nil
+		}
+		// Second dial: signal that we're in progress, wait for test to call Stop.
+		close(dialStarted)
+		<-dialProceed
+		return second, nil
+	}))
+
+	err := ct.Start(false)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	// Trigger error to enter reconnect.
+	first.errChan <- assert.AnError
+
+	// Wait for reconnect's second dial to begin.
+	select {
+	case <-dialStarted:
+	case <-time.After(15 * time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("timed out waiting for reconnect dial")
+	}
+
+	// Stop while dial is in progress (conn is nil at this point).
+	ct.Stop()
+
+	// Let the dial complete. reconnect should detect started==false and close the new conn.
+	close(dialProceed)
+
+	// The second connection should be closed (not leaked).
+	select {
+	case <-second.closedCh:
+	case <-time.After(2 * time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("second connection was leaked after Stop")
+	}
+
+	ct.mux.Lock()
+	assert.False(t, ct.started)
+	assert.Nil(t, ct.conn)
+	ct.mux.Unlock()
+}
+
+func TestCloseRaceWithReconnectDial(t *testing.T) {
+	first := newMockListener()
+	dialStarted := make(chan struct{})
+	dialProceed := make(chan struct{})
+	second := newMockListener()
+	callCount := atomic.Int32{}
+
+	ct := New(nil, nil, WithDialer(func() (listener, error) {
+		n := callCount.Add(1)
+		if n == 1 {
+			return first, nil
+		}
+		close(dialStarted)
+		<-dialProceed
+		return second, nil
+	}))
+
+	err := ct.Start(false)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	first.errChan <- assert.AnError
+
+	select {
+	case <-dialStarted:
+	case <-time.After(15 * time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("timed out waiting for reconnect dial")
+	}
+
+	// Close while dial is in progress (conn is nil).
+	require.NoError(t, ct.Close())
+
+	close(dialProceed)
+
+	// The second connection should be closed (not leaked).
+	select {
+	case <-second.closedCh:
+	case <-time.After(2 * time.Second):
+		t.Fatal("second connection was leaked after Close")
+	}
+
+	ct.mux.Lock()
+	assert.False(t, ct.started)
+	assert.Nil(t, ct.conn)
+	ct.mux.Unlock()
+}
+
+func TestStartIsIdempotent(t *testing.T) {
+	mock := newMockListener()
+	callCount := atomic.Int32{}
+
+	ct := New(nil, nil, WithDialer(func() (listener, error) {
+		callCount.Add(1)
+		return mock, nil
+	}))
+
+	err := ct.Start(false)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	// Second Start should be a no-op.
+	err = ct.Start(false)
+	require.NoError(t, err)
+
+	assert.Equal(t, int32(1), callCount.Load(), "dial should only be called once")
+
+	ct.Stop()
+}

client/internal/peer/conn.go

@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ import (
 	icemaker "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer/ice"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer/id"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer/worker"
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/portforward"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/stdnet"
 	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/route"
 	relayClient "github.com/netbirdio/netbird/shared/relay/client"
@@ -45,6 +46,7 @@ type ServiceDependencies struct {
 	RelayManager       *relayClient.Manager
 	SrWatcher          *guard.SRWatcher
 	PeerConnDispatcher *dispatcher.ConnectionDispatcher
+	PortForwardManager *portforward.Manager
 	MetricsRecorder    MetricsRecorder
 }
 
@@ -87,16 +89,17 @@ type ConnConfig struct {
 }
 
 type Conn struct {
-	Log            *log.Entry
-	mu             sync.Mutex
-	ctx            context.Context
-	ctxCancel      context.CancelFunc
-	config         ConnConfig
-	statusRecorder *Status
-	signaler       *Signaler
-	iFaceDiscover  stdnet.ExternalIFaceDiscover
-	relayManager   *relayClient.Manager
-	srWatcher      *guard.SRWatcher
+	Log                *log.Entry
+	mu                 sync.Mutex
+	ctx                context.Context
+	ctxCancel          context.CancelFunc
+	config             ConnConfig
+	statusRecorder     *Status
+	signaler           *Signaler
+	iFaceDiscover      stdnet.ExternalIFaceDiscover
+	relayManager       *relayClient.Manager
+	srWatcher          *guard.SRWatcher
+	portForwardManager *portforward.Manager
 
 	onConnected                               func(remoteWireGuardKey string, remoteRosenpassPubKey []byte, wireGuardIP string, remoteRosenpassAddr string)
 	onDisconnected                            func(remotePeer string)
@@ -145,19 +148,20 @@ func NewConn(config ConnConfig, services ServiceDependencies) (*Conn, error) {
 
 	dumpState := newStateDump(config.Key, connLog, services.StatusRecorder)
 	var conn = &Conn{
-		Log:             connLog,
-		config:          config,
-		statusRecorder:  services.StatusRecorder,
-		signaler:        services.Signaler,
-		iFaceDiscover:   services.IFaceDiscover,
-		relayManager:    services.RelayManager,
-		srWatcher:       services.SrWatcher,
-		statusRelay:     worker.NewAtomicStatus(),
-		statusICE:       worker.NewAtomicStatus(),
-		dumpState:       dumpState,
-		endpointUpdater: NewEndpointUpdater(connLog, config.WgConfig, isController(config)),
-		wgWatcher:       NewWGWatcher(connLog, config.WgConfig.WgInterface, config.Key, dumpState),
-		metricsRecorder: services.MetricsRecorder,
+		Log:                connLog,
+		config:             config,
+		statusRecorder:     services.StatusRecorder,
+		signaler:           services.Signaler,
+		iFaceDiscover:      services.IFaceDiscover,
+		relayManager:       services.RelayManager,
+		srWatcher:          services.SrWatcher,
+		portForwardManager: services.PortForwardManager,
+		statusRelay:        worker.NewAtomicStatus(),
+		statusICE:          worker.NewAtomicStatus(),
+		dumpState:          dumpState,
+		endpointUpdater:    NewEndpointUpdater(connLog, config.WgConfig, isController(config)),
+		wgWatcher:          NewWGWatcher(connLog, config.WgConfig.WgInterface, config.Key, dumpState),
+		metricsRecorder:    services.MetricsRecorder,
 	}
 
 	return conn, nil
@@ -181,17 +185,20 @@ func (conn *Conn) Open(engineCtx context.Context) error {
 
 	conn.workerRelay = NewWorkerRelay(conn.ctx, conn.Log, isController(conn.config), conn.config, conn, conn.relayManager)
 
-	relayIsSupportedLocally := conn.workerRelay.RelayIsSupportedLocally()
-	workerICE, err := NewWorkerICE(conn.ctx, conn.Log, conn.config, conn, conn.signaler, conn.iFaceDiscover, conn.statusRecorder, relayIsSupportedLocally)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
+	forceRelay := IsForceRelayed()
+	if !forceRelay {
+		relayIsSupportedLocally := conn.workerRelay.RelayIsSupportedLocally()
+		workerICE, err := NewWorkerICE(conn.ctx, conn.Log, conn.config, conn, conn.signaler, conn.iFaceDiscover, conn.statusRecorder, relayIsSupportedLocally)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		conn.workerICE = workerICE
 	}
-	conn.workerICE = workerICE
 
 	conn.handshaker = NewHandshaker(conn.Log, conn.config, conn.signaler, conn.workerICE, conn.workerRelay, conn.metricsStages)
 
 	conn.handshaker.AddRelayListener(conn.workerRelay.OnNewOffer)
-	if !isForceRelayed() {
+	if !forceRelay {
 		conn.handshaker.AddICEListener(conn.workerICE.OnNewOffer)
 	}
 
@@ -247,7 +254,9 @@ func (conn *Conn) Close(signalToRemote bool) {
 		conn.wgWatcherCancel()
 	}
 	conn.workerRelay.CloseConn()
-	conn.workerICE.Close()
+	if conn.workerICE != nil {
+		conn.workerICE.Close()
+	}
 
 	if conn.wgProxyRelay != nil {
 		err := conn.wgProxyRelay.CloseConn()
@@ -290,7 +299,9 @@ func (conn *Conn) OnRemoteAnswer(answer OfferAnswer) {
 // OnRemoteCandidate Handles ICE connection Candidate provided by the remote peer.
 func (conn *Conn) OnRemoteCandidate(candidate ice.Candidate, haRoutes route.HAMap) {
 	conn.dumpState.RemoteCandidate()
-	conn.workerICE.OnRemoteCandidate(candidate, haRoutes)
+	if conn.workerICE != nil {
+		conn.workerICE.OnRemoteCandidate(candidate, haRoutes)
+	}
 }
 
 // SetOnConnected sets a handler function to be triggered by Conn when a new connection to a remote peer established
@@ -708,33 +719,35 @@ func (conn *Conn) evalStatus() ConnStatus {
 	return StatusConnecting
 }
 
-func (conn *Conn) isConnectedOnAllWay() (connected bool) {
-	// would be better to protect this with a mutex, but it could cause deadlock with Close function
-
+// isConnectedOnAllWay evaluates the overall connection status based on ICE and Relay transports.
+//
+// The result is a tri-state:
+//   - ConnStatusConnected:          all available transports are up
+//   - ConnStatusPartiallyConnected: relay is up but ICE is still pending/reconnecting
+//   - ConnStatusDisconnected:       no working transport
+func (conn *Conn) isConnectedOnAllWay() (status guard.ConnStatus) {
 	defer func() {
-		if !connected {
+		if status == guard.ConnStatusDisconnected {
 			conn.logTraceConnState()
 		}
 	}()
 
-	// For JS platform: only relay connection is supported
-	if runtime.GOOS == "js" {
-		return conn.statusRelay.Get() == worker.StatusConnected
+	iceWorkerCreated := conn.workerICE != nil
+
+	var iceInProgress bool
+	if iceWorkerCreated {
+		iceInProgress = conn.workerICE.InProgress()
 	}
 
-	// For non-JS platforms: check ICE connection status
-	if conn.statusICE.Get() == worker.StatusDisconnected && !conn.workerICE.InProgress() {
-		return false
-	}
-
-	// If relay is supported with peer, it must also be connected
-	if conn.workerRelay.IsRelayConnectionSupportedWithPeer() {
-		if conn.statusRelay.Get() == worker.StatusDisconnected {
-			return false
-		}
-	}
-
-	return true
+	return evalConnStatus(connStatusInputs{
+		forceRelay:          IsForceRelayed(),
+		peerUsesRelay:       conn.workerRelay.IsRelayConnectionSupportedWithPeer(),
+		relayConnected:      conn.statusRelay.Get() == worker.StatusConnected,
+		remoteSupportsICE:   conn.handshaker.RemoteICESupported(),
+		iceWorkerCreated:    iceWorkerCreated,
+		iceStatusConnecting: conn.statusICE.Get() != worker.StatusDisconnected,
+		iceInProgress:       iceInProgress,
+	})
 }
 
 func (conn *Conn) enableWgWatcherIfNeeded(enabledTime time.Time) {
@@ -922,3 +935,43 @@ func isController(config ConnConfig) bool {
 func isRosenpassEnabled(remoteRosenpassPubKey []byte) bool {
 	return remoteRosenpassPubKey != nil
 }
+
+func evalConnStatus(in connStatusInputs) guard.ConnStatus {
+	// "Relay up and needed" — the peer uses relay and the transport is connected.
+	relayUsedAndUp := in.peerUsesRelay && in.relayConnected
+
+	// Force-relay mode: ICE never runs. Relay is the only transport and must be up.
+	if in.forceRelay {
+		return boolToConnStatus(relayUsedAndUp)
+	}
+
+	// Remote peer doesn't support ICE, or we haven't created the worker yet:
+	// relay is the only possible transport.
+	if !in.remoteSupportsICE || !in.iceWorkerCreated {
+		return boolToConnStatus(relayUsedAndUp)
+	}
+
+	// ICE counts as "up" when the status is anything other than Disconnected, OR
+	// when a negotiation is currently in progress (so we don't spam offers while one is in flight).
+	iceUp := in.iceStatusConnecting || in.iceInProgress
+
+	// Relay side is acceptable if the peer doesn't rely on relay, or relay is connected.
+	relayOK := !in.peerUsesRelay || in.relayConnected
+
+	switch {
+	case iceUp && relayOK:
+		return guard.ConnStatusConnected
+	case relayUsedAndUp:
+		// Relay is up but ICE is down — partially connected.
+		return guard.ConnStatusPartiallyConnected
+	default:
+		return guard.ConnStatusDisconnected
+	}
+}
+
+func boolToConnStatus(connected bool) guard.ConnStatus {
+	if connected {
+		return guard.ConnStatusConnected
+	}
+	return guard.ConnStatusDisconnected
+}

client/internal/peer/conn_status.go

@@ -13,6 +13,20 @@ const (
 	StatusConnected
 )
 
+// connStatusInputs is the primitive-valued snapshot of the state that drives the
+// tri-state connection classification. Extracted so the decision logic can be unit-tested
+// without constructing full Worker/Handshaker objects.
+type connStatusInputs struct {
+	forceRelay          bool // NB_FORCE_RELAY or JS/WASM
+	peerUsesRelay       bool // remote peer advertises relay support AND local has relay
+	relayConnected      bool // statusRelay reports Connected (independent of whether peer uses relay)
+	remoteSupportsICE   bool // remote peer sent ICE credentials
+	iceWorkerCreated    bool // local WorkerICE exists (false in force-relay mode)
+	iceStatusConnecting bool // statusICE is anything other than Disconnected
+	iceInProgress       bool // a negotiation is currently in flight
+}
+
+
 // ConnStatus describe the status of a peer's connection
 type ConnStatus int32
 

client/internal/peer/conn_status_eval_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,201 @@
+package peer
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/netbirdio/netbird/client/internal/peer/guard"
+)
+
+func TestEvalConnStatus_ForceRelay(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name string
+		in   connStatusInputs
+		want guard.ConnStatus
+	}{
+		{
+			name: "force relay, peer uses relay, relay up",
+			in: connStatusInputs{
+				forceRelay:     true,
+				peerUsesRelay:  true,
+				relayConnected: true,
+			},
+			want: guard.ConnStatusConnected,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "force relay, peer uses relay, relay down",
+			in: connStatusInputs{
+				forceRelay:     true,
+				peerUsesRelay:  true,
+				relayConnected: false,
+			},
+			want: guard.ConnStatusDisconnected,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "force relay, peer does NOT use relay - disconnected forever",
+			in: connStatusInputs{
+				forceRelay:     true,
+				peerUsesRelay:  false,
+				relayConnected: true,
+			},
+			want: guard.ConnStatusDisconnected,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tc := range tests {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			if got := evalConnStatus(tc.in); got != tc.want {
+				t.Fatalf("evalConnStatus = %v, want %v", got, tc.want)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestEvalConnStatus_ICEUnavailable(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name string
+		in   connStatusInputs
+		want guard.ConnStatus
+	}{
+		{
+			name: "remote does not support ICE, peer uses relay, relay up",
+			in: connStatusInputs{
+				peerUsesRelay:     true,
+				relayConnected:    true,
+				remoteSupportsICE: false,
+				iceWorkerCreated:  true,
+			},
+			want: guard.ConnStatusConnected,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "remote does not support ICE, peer uses relay, relay down",
+			in: connStatusInputs{
+				peerUsesRelay:     true,
+				relayConnected:    false,
+				remoteSupportsICE: false,
+				iceWorkerCreated:  true,
+			},
+			want: guard.ConnStatusDisconnected,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "ICE worker not yet created, relay up",
+			in: connStatusInputs{
+				peerUsesRelay:     true,
+				relayConnected:    true,
+				remoteSupportsICE: true,
+				iceWorkerCreated:  false,
+			},
+			want: guard.ConnStatusConnected,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "remote does not support ICE, peer does not use relay",
+			in: connStatusInputs{
+				peerUsesRelay:     false,
+				relayConnected:    false,
+				remoteSupportsICE: false,
+				iceWorkerCreated:  true,
+			},
+			want: guard.ConnStatusDisconnected,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tc := range tests {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			if got := evalConnStatus(tc.in); got != tc.want {
+				t.Fatalf("evalConnStatus = %v, want %v", got, tc.want)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestEvalConnStatus_FullyAvailable(t *testing.T) {
+	base := connStatusInputs{
+		remoteSupportsICE: true,
+		iceWorkerCreated:  true,
+	}
+
+	tests := []struct {
+		name    string
+		mutator func(*connStatusInputs)
+		want    guard.ConnStatus
+	}{
+		{
+			name: "ICE connected, relay connected, peer uses relay",
+			mutator: func(in *connStatusInputs) {
+				in.peerUsesRelay = true
+				in.relayConnected = true
+				in.iceStatusConnecting = true
+			},
+			want: guard.ConnStatusConnected,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "ICE connected, peer does NOT use relay",
+			mutator: func(in *connStatusInputs) {
+				in.peerUsesRelay = false
+				in.relayConnected = false
+				in.iceStatusConnecting = true
+			},
+			want: guard.ConnStatusConnected,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "ICE InProgress only, peer does NOT use relay",
+			mutator: func(in *connStatusInputs) {
+				in.peerUsesRelay = false
+				in.iceStatusConnecting = false
+				in.iceInProgress = true
+			},
+			want: guard.ConnStatusConnected,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "ICE down, relay up, peer uses relay -> partial",
+			mutator: func(in *connStatusInputs) {
+				in.peerUsesRelay = true
+				in.relayConnected = true
+				in.iceStatusConnecting = false
+				in.iceInProgress = false
+			},
+			want: guard.ConnStatusPartiallyConnected,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "ICE down, peer does NOT use relay -> disconnected",
+			mutator: func(in *connStatusInputs) {
+				in.peerUsesRelay = false
+				in.relayConnected = false
+				in.iceStatusConnecting = false
+				in.iceInProgress = false
+			},
+			want: guard.ConnStatusDisconnected,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "ICE up, peer uses relay but relay down -> partial (relay required, ICE ignored)",
+			mutator: func(in *connStatusInputs) {
+				in.peerUsesRelay = true
+				in.relayConnected = false
+				in.iceStatusConnecting = true
+			},
+			// relayOK = false (peer uses relay but it's down), iceUp = true
+			// first switch arm fails (relayOK false), relayUsedAndUp = false (relay down),
+			// falls into default: Disconnected.
+			want: guard.ConnStatusDisconnected,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "ICE down, relay up but peer does not use relay -> disconnected",
+			mutator: func(in *connStatusInputs) {
+				in.peerUsesRelay = false
+				in.relayConnected = true // not actually used since peer doesn't rely on it
+				in.iceStatusConnecting = false
+				in.iceInProgress = false
+			},
+			want: guard.ConnStatusDisconnected,
+		},
+	}
+
+	for _, tc := range tests {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			in := base
+			tc.mutator(&in)
+			if got := evalConnStatus(in); got != tc.want {
+				t.Fatalf("evalConnStatus = %v, want %v (inputs: %+v)", got, tc.want, in)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}

client/internal/peer/env.go

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ const (
 	EnvKeyNBForceRelay = "NB_FORCE_RELAY"
 )
 
-func isForceRelayed() bool {
+func IsForceRelayed() bool {
 	if runtime.GOOS == "js" {
 		return true
 	}

client/internal/peer/guard/guard.go

@@ -8,7 +8,19 @@ import (
 	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
 )
 
-type isConnectedFunc func() bool
+// ConnStatus represents the connection state as seen by the guard.
+type ConnStatus int
+
+const (
+	// ConnStatusDisconnected means neither ICE nor Relay is connected.
+	ConnStatusDisconnected ConnStatus = iota
+	// ConnStatusPartiallyConnected means Relay is connected but ICE is not.
+	ConnStatusPartiallyConnected
+	// ConnStatusConnected means all required connections are established.
+	ConnStatusConnected
+)
+
+type connStatusFunc func() ConnStatus
 
 // Guard is responsible for the reconnection logic.
 // It will trigger to send an offer to the peer then has connection issues.
@@ -20,14 +32,14 @@ type isConnectedFunc func() bool
 // - ICE candidate changes
 type Guard struct {
 	log                     *log.Entry
-	isConnectedOnAllWay     isConnectedFunc
+	isConnectedOnAllWay     connStatusFunc
 	timeout                 time.Duration
 	srWatcher               *SRWatcher
 	relayedConnDisconnected chan struct{}
 	iCEConnDisconnected     chan struct{}
 }
 
-func NewGuard(log *log.Entry, isConnectedFn isConnectedFunc, timeout time.Duration, srWatcher *SRWatcher) *Guard {
+func NewGuard(log *log.Entry, isConnectedFn connStatusFunc, timeout time.Duration, srWatcher *SRWatcher) *Guard {
 	return &Guard{
 		log:                     log,
 		isConnectedOnAllWay:     isConnectedFn,
@@ -57,8 +69,17 @@ func (g *Guard) SetICEConnDisconnected() {
 	}
 }
 
-// reconnectLoopWithRetry periodically check the connection status.
-// Try to send offer while the P2P is not established or while the Relay is not connected if is it supported
+// reconnectLoopWithRetry periodically checks the connection status and sends offers to re-establish connectivity.
+//
+// Behavior depends on the connection state reported by isConnectedOnAllWay:
+//   - Connected: no action, the peer is fully reachable.
+//   - Disconnected (neither ICE nor Relay): retries aggressively with exponential backoff (800ms doubling
+//     up to timeout), never gives up. This ensures rapid recovery when the peer has no connectivity at all.
+//   - PartiallyConnected (Relay up, ICE not): retries up to 3 times with exponential backoff, then switches
+//     to one attempt per hour. This limits signaling traffic when relay already provides connectivity.
+//
+// External events (relay/ICE disconnect, signal/relay reconnect, candidate changes) reset the retry
+// counter and backoff ticker, giving ICE a fresh chance after network conditions change.
 func (g *Guard) reconnectLoopWithRetry(ctx context.Context, callback func()) {
 	srReconnectedChan := g.srWatcher.NewListener()
 	defer g.srWatcher.RemoveListener(srReconnectedChan)
@@ -68,36 +89,47 @@ func (g *Guard) reconnectLoopWithRetry(ctx context.Context, callback func()) {
 
 	tickerChannel := ticker.C
 
+	iceState := &iceRetryState{log: g.log}
+	defer iceState.reset()
+
 	for {
 		select {
-		case t := <-tickerChannel:
-			if t.IsZero() {
-				g.log.Infof("retry timed out, stop periodic offer sending")
-				// after backoff timeout the ticker.C will be closed. We need to a dummy channel to avoid loop
-				tickerChannel = make(<-chan time.Time)
-				continue
+		case <-tickerChannel:
+			switch g.isConnectedOnAllWay() {
+			case ConnStatusConnected:
+				// all good, nothing to do
+			case ConnStatusDisconnected:
+				callback()
+			case ConnStatusPartiallyConnected:
+				if iceState.shouldRetry() {
+					callback()
+				} else {
+					iceState.enterHourlyMode()
+					ticker.Stop()
+					tickerChannel = iceState.hourlyC()
+				}
 			}
 
-			if !g.isConnectedOnAllWay() {
-				callback()
-			}
 		case <-g.relayedConnDisconnected:
 			g.log.Debugf("Relay connection changed, reset reconnection ticker")
 			ticker.Stop()
-			ticker = g.prepareExponentTicker(ctx)
+			ticker = g.newReconnectTicker(ctx)
 			tickerChannel = ticker.C
+			iceState.reset()
 
 		case <-g.iCEConnDisconnected:
 			g.log.Debugf("ICE connection changed, reset reconnection ticker")
 			ticker.Stop()
-			ticker = g.prepareExponentTicker(ctx)
+			ticker = g.newReconnectTicker(ctx)
 			tickerChannel = ticker.C
+			iceState.reset()
 
 		case <-srReconnectedChan:
 			g.log.Debugf("has network changes, reset reconnection ticker")
 			ticker.Stop()
-			ticker = g.prepareExponentTicker(ctx)
+			ticker = g.newReconnectTicker(ctx)
 			tickerChannel = ticker.C
+			iceState.reset()
 
 		case <-ctx.Done():
 			g.log.Debugf("context is done, stop reconnect loop")
@@ -120,7 +152,7 @@ func (g *Guard) initialTicker(ctx context.Context) *backoff.Ticker {
 	return backoff.NewTicker(bo)
 }
 
-func (g *Guard) prepareExponentTicker(ctx context.Context) *backoff.Ticker {
+func (g *Guard) newReconnectTicker(ctx context.Context) *backoff.Ticker {
 	bo := backoff.WithContext(&backoff.ExponentialBackOff{
 		InitialInterval:     800 * time.Millisecond,
 		RandomizationFactor: 0.1,

client/internal/peer/guard/ice_retry_state.go

@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+package guard
+
+import (
+	"time"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+)
+
+const (
+	// maxICERetries is the maximum number of ICE offer attempts when relay is connected
+	maxICERetries = 3
+	// iceRetryInterval is the periodic retry interval after ICE retries are exhausted
+	iceRetryInterval = 1 * time.Hour
+)
+
+// iceRetryState tracks the limited ICE retry attempts when relay is already connected.
+// After maxICERetries attempts it switches to a periodic hourly retry.
+type iceRetryState struct {
+	log     *log.Entry
+	retries int
+	hourly  *time.Ticker
+}
+
+func (s *iceRetryState) reset() {
+	s.retries = 0
+	if s.hourly != nil {
+		s.hourly.Stop()
+		s.hourly = nil
+	}
+}
+
+// shouldRetry reports whether the caller should send another ICE offer on this tick.
+// Returns false when the per-cycle retry budget is exhausted and the caller must switch
+// to the hourly ticker via enterHourlyMode + hourlyC.
+func (s *iceRetryState) shouldRetry() bool {
+	if s.hourly != nil {
+		s.log.Debugf("hourly ICE retry attempt")
+		return true
+	}
+
+	s.retries++
+	if s.retries <= maxICERetries {
+		s.log.Debugf("ICE retry attempt %d/%d", s.retries, maxICERetries)
+		return true
+	}
+
+	return false
+}
+
+// enterHourlyMode starts the hourly retry ticker. Must be called after shouldRetry returns false.
+func (s *iceRetryState) enterHourlyMode() {
+	s.log.Infof("ICE retries exhausted (%d/%d), switching to hourly retry", maxICERetries, maxICERetries)
+	s.hourly = time.NewTicker(iceRetryInterval)
+}
+
+func (s *iceRetryState) hourlyC() <-chan time.Time {
+	if s.hourly == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	return s.hourly.C
+}

client/internal/peer/guard/ice_retry_state_test.go

@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+package guard
+
+import (
+	"testing"
+
+	log "github.com/sirupsen/logrus"
+)
+
+func newTestRetryState() *iceRetryState {
+	return &iceRetryState{log: log.NewEntry(log.StandardLogger())}
+}
+
+func TestICERetryState_AllowsInitialBudget(t *testing.T) {
+	s := newTestRetryState()
+
+	for i := 1; i <= maxICERetries; i++ {
+		if !s.shouldRetry() {
+			t.Fatalf("shouldRetry returned false on attempt %d, want true (budget = %d)", i, maxICERetries)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestICERetryState_ExhaustsAfterBudget(t *testing.T) {
+	s := newTestRetryState()
+
+	for i := 0; i < maxICERetries; i++ {
+		_ = s.shouldRetry()
+	}
+
+	if s.shouldRetry() {
+		t.Fatalf("shouldRetry returned true after budget exhausted, want false")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestICERetryState_HourlyCNilBeforeEnterHourlyMode(t *testing.T) {
+	s := newTestRetryState()
+
+	if s.hourlyC() != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("hourlyC returned non-nil channel before enterHourlyMode")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestICERetryState_EnterHourlyModeArmsTicker(t *testing.T) {
+	s := newTestRetryState()
+	for i := 0; i < maxICERetries+1; i++ {
+		_ = s.shouldRetry()
+	}
+
+	s.enterHourlyMode()
+	defer s.reset()
+
+	if s.hourlyC() == nil {
+		t.Fatalf("hourlyC returned nil after enterHourlyMode")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestICERetryState_ShouldRetryTrueInHourlyMode(t *testing.T) {
+	s := newTestRetryState()
+	s.enterHourlyMode()
+	defer s.reset()
+
+	if !s.shouldRetry() {
+		t.Fatalf("shouldRetry returned false in hourly mode, want true")
+	}
+
+	// Subsequent calls also return true — we keep retrying on each hourly tick.
+	if !s.shouldRetry() {
+		t.Fatalf("second shouldRetry returned false in hourly mode, want true")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestICERetryState_ResetRestoresBudget(t *testing.T) {
+	s := newTestRetryState()
+	for i := 0; i < maxICERetries+1; i++ {
+		_ = s.shouldRetry()
+	}
+	s.enterHourlyMode()
+
+	s.reset()
+
+	if s.hourlyC() != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("hourlyC returned non-nil channel after reset")
+	}
+	if s.retries != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("retries = %d after reset, want 0", s.retries)
+	}
+
+	for i := 1; i <= maxICERetries; i++ {
+		if !s.shouldRetry() {
+			t.Fatalf("shouldRetry returned false on attempt %d after reset, want true", i)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestICERetryState_ResetIsIdempotent(t *testing.T) {
+	s := newTestRetryState()
+	s.reset()
+	s.reset() // second call must not panic or re-stop a nil ticker
+
+	if s.hourlyC() != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("hourlyC non-nil after double reset")
+	}
+}

client/internal/peer/guard/sr_watcher.go

@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ func NewSRWatcher(signalClient chNotifier, relayManager chNotifier, iFaceDiscove
 	return srw
 }
 
-func (w *SRWatcher) Start() {
+func (w *SRWatcher) Start(disableICEMonitor bool) {
 	w.mu.Lock()
 	defer w.mu.Unlock()
 
@@ -50,8 +50,10 @@ func (w *SRWatcher) Start() {
 	ctx, cancel := context.WithCancel(context.Background())
 	w.cancelIceMonitor = cancel
 
-	iceMonitor := NewICEMonitor(w.iFaceDiscover, w.iceConfig, GetICEMonitorPeriod())
-	go iceMonitor.Start(ctx, w.onICEChanged)
+	if !disableICEMonitor {
+		iceMonitor := NewICEMonitor(w.iFaceDiscover, w.iceConfig, GetICEMonitorPeriod())
+		go iceMonitor.Start(ctx, w.onICEChanged)
+	}
 	w.signalClient.SetOnReconnectedListener(w.onReconnected)
 	w.relayManager.SetOnReconnectedListener(w.onReconnected)