Introduction
When you browse the web, every request you send to a website travels through the public internet. A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, creates a secure tunnel that encrypts this traffic and hides your IP address. While a VPN offers privacy and security, it can also reduce speed and increase latency for certain applications. This is where what is split tunneling on vpn comes into play: a feature that allows you to route only selected traffic through the VPN while letting the rest use your direct internet connection.
Many users ask about the advantages of keeping some services local and others protected. The VPN split tunneling benefits include faster streaming, lower latency for online gaming, and the ability to access local network resources without compromising security. By understanding how to enable and configure split tunneling on different platforms, you can tailor your VPN experience to match your workflow and geographic location.
In this guide, we’ll explore what split tunneling is, why it matters, how to set it up on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and offer practical tips for maximizing performance and security. We’ll also touch on alternative methods and provide real‑world examples from the United States, the European Union, India, and Australia.
Whether you’re a remote worker in California, a gamer in Singapore, or a student in Berlin, split tunneling can help you balance privacy, speed, and convenience.
What Is Split Tunneling?
Split tunneling is a VPN configuration that separates traffic into two paths: one that goes through the VPN tunnel and one that goes directly to the internet. This allows you to choose which applications or websites should be encrypted and which should use your local ISP. The concept is similar to having a dual‑connected car that can switch between two engines based on the route.
The benefit is that you can maintain the privacy of sensitive data while still enjoying the speed of a direct connection for bandwidth‑heavy tasks like streaming video or downloading large files. By routing only the traffic that matters through the VPN, you reduce the load on the VPN server and lower overall latency.
Many VPN providers call this feature “selective routing,” “policy‑based routing,” or “app‑based routing.” Regardless of the name, the underlying principle remains the same: give you control over which traffic is tunneled.
Why Use Split Tunneling?
Split tunneling is not a silver bullet, but it offers several practical advantages that resonate across different user groups. Below are key reasons to consider this feature.
1. Speed and Bandwidth Optimization
When you route all traffic through a VPN, every packet is encrypted, decrypted, and relayed through a server that may be geographically distant. This adds overhead and can throttle your connection. By only encrypting the traffic that needs protection, you preserve bandwidth for tasks that require maximum throughput, such as online gaming or large file downloads.
2. Reduced Latency for Latency‑Sensitive Applications
Gaming, VoIP calls, and real‑time collaboration tools depend on minimal delay. Splitting traffic ensures that these applications use the fastest path, avoiding the extra hop to a VPN server.
3. Local Network Access
Remote workers often need to access internal company resources, printers, or file servers. Split tunneling lets you keep these local connections direct, so you don’t have to set up complex VPN routing or VPN‑only gateways.
4. Geo‑Restriction Bypass While Maintaining Privacy
Streaming services like Netflix or Hulu often restrict content by location. With split tunneling, you can direct only your streaming traffic to a VPN server in a region that offers the content you want, while still browsing the web with your home IP for better speed.
5. Cost Efficiency
Some VPN plans limit the amount of data you can use per month. By sending only essential traffic through the VPN, you can keep your monthly data usage lower and avoid overage fees.
These benefits highlight why what is split tunneling on vpn can be a game‑changer for users in the U.S., UK, India, or Australia. Each region faces unique constraints—such as government censorship, varying network speeds, or regional content licensing—making selective routing an essential tool.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Below you’ll find detailed, platform‑specific instructions for enabling split tunneling. All steps are written with the assumption that you already have a VPN subscription and the necessary client software installed.
Enabling Split Tunneling on Windows 10/11
- Open the Start Menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
- Navigate to Network & Internet → VPN.
- Select your VPN connection from the list and click Advanced options.
- Under Split tunneling, toggle the switch to On.
- Click Save and reboot if prompted.
- To specify which apps use the VPN, open the VPN client, go to Settings → Split Tunnel and add your desired applications.
On Windows, many VPN clients support a “Select which apps go through the VPN” feature. This granular control allows you to keep your web browser direct while routing email, corporate VPN, or banking apps through the secure tunnel.
Enabling Split Tunneling on macOS Big Sur or Later
- Launch the VPN client from your Applications folder.
- Navigate to the Preferences menu.
- Look for a section titled Split Tunneling or Advanced.
- Enable Allow selected apps to use the public network.
- Add the apps you wish to exclude from the VPN.
- Restart the VPN client or your Mac for changes to take effect.
macOS also offers a built‑in feature called Internet Sharing that can be configured for split tunneling if your VPN client lacks native support. This approach requires more advanced routing but gives you granular control over traffic.
Enabling Split Tunneling on Android (Oreo and Above)
- Open your VPN app.
- Tap the Settings icon (gear).
- Find the Split Tunneling toggle.
- Turn it On and choose the apps you want to route directly.
- Confirm by pressing Apply.
Android’s VPN Service API allows developers to create split tunneling profiles. If your app does not include this feature, you can use a third‑party VPN app that supports split tunneling, such as Google’s VPN solution.
Enabling Split Tunneling on iOS 13 or Later
- Open the Settings app and tap General.
- Select VPN & Device Management.
- Tap the VPN configuration you use.
- Find the Split Tunnel option and enable it.
- Add the apps that should bypass the VPN.
Apple’s VPN framework allows split tunneling on iOS 13+ by letting you specify “allow traffic from these apps.” This feature is ideal for business users who need to connect to a corporate network but also require quick access to public Wi‑Fi for non‑sensitive tasks.
Configuring Split Tunneling on Popular VPN Apps
Not all VPN services support split tunneling by default. Here’s how to set it up on a few major providers:
- ExpressVPN: Open the app, go to Preferences → Advanced, and toggle Split Tunnel. Add apps or websites.
- NordVPN: In the app, select Settings → Split Tunneling, choose Apps or Domains.
- Surfshark: Navigate to Split Tunnel in the Settings menu. Add the desired applications.
These steps are generally similar across most VPN clients. If your provider does not offer split tunneling, consider using manual routing or a third‑party VPN that supports this feature.
Tips
Even when you have split tunneling configured, there are additional steps you can take to optimize speed, security, and reliability. Below are actionable tips tailored to different geographic regions and use cases.
Performance Tips
- Choose a server that’s geographically close to you. For U.S. users, selecting a server in the same state can cut latency by up to 30%.
- Enable UDP if your VPN client allows it; UDP is generally faster than TCP for streaming and gaming.
- Turn off any background sync or backup services while playing or streaming to reduce bandwidth contention.
- For Linux users, use the OpenVPN UDP profile with the –dev tun option for improved throughput.
In Australia, using a server in Singapore can yield lower latency for Asian content, while a server in Los Angeles might be better for U.S. content.
Security Tips
- Always use Strong Encryption (AES‑256) and a reputable VPN protocol like OpenVPN or WireGuard.
- Enable a Kill Switch to drop all traffic if the VPN connection drops. This prevents accidental IP leaks.
- Regularly update your VPN client to patch any security vulnerabilities.
- For extra privacy, consider using a DNS leak protection feature available in most clients.
Visitors from India can benefit from a kill switch to prevent local ISP monitoring. Additionally, the Cloudflare learning portal provides excellent guidance on DNS security.
Compatibility Tips
- Test split tunneling on a single app before applying it to all. Some applications, like Discord or Skype, may behave unpredictably if split.
- Verify that your VPN client does not interfere with Wi‑Fi Direct or Bluetooth connections, especially on mobile devices.
- If you’re using a corporate VPN, coordinate with your IT department to avoid policy conflicts.
- For Mac users, make sure the App Translocation feature is disabled for the VPN client to ensure proper routing.
In the European Union, compliance with GDPR can affect how you route data. Split tunneling helps you keep sensitive EU data within the region while sending other traffic to a secure server elsewhere.
Alternative Methods
Split tunneling is just one way to selectively route traffic. Below are alternative approaches that may suit different needs or technical skill levels.
Manual Routing with Static Routes
Advanced users can manually add routes on Windows, macOS, or Linux. For example, on Windows, use route add to direct traffic for a specific IP or subnet to the VPN adapter. On Linux, edit the /etc/iproute2/rt_tables file and create a policy routing table.
Using VPN Provider Features
Some VPN providers offer per‑site split tunneling directly from the web portal. By entering a domain, you can tell the VPN which traffic should bypass the tunnel. Providers like ProtonVPN and CyberGhost have robust web‑based split tunneling controls.
Browser‑Based Split Tunneling
Extensions like TunnelBear’s browser extension let you route only browser traffic through the VPN. This is useful when you need to keep an entire application direct but want to secure your browsing session.
Using a VPN Router
For home networks, installing a VPN on your router ensures all devices benefit from split tunneling. You can then configure per‑device rules in the router’s firmware, such as OpenWrt or DD-WRT.
Conclusion
Split tunneling is a powerful feature that allows you to combine the best of both worlds: the privacy and security of a VPN with the speed and low latency of a direct internet connection. Whether you’re a remote worker in the United Kingdom, a gamer in Singapore, or a student in Berlin, understanding what is split tunneling on vpn can transform how you manage bandwidth and data privacy.
The VPN split tunneling benefits include improved streaming performance, reduced data usage, and the ability to maintain local network access. By following the step‑by‑step instructions for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, you can tailor your VPN setup to your unique needs.
Remember to keep your VPN client updated, use strong encryption protocols, and enable a kill switch for maximum security. If your provider lacks native split tunneling, consider the alternative methods outlined above—manual routing, browser extensions, or a VPN router.
Ultimately, split tunneling empowers you to take control of your internet traffic. By strategically directing only sensitive data through the VPN, you can enjoy faster speeds for everything else, all while staying protected from snoops and censors worldwide.
