Split tunneling is a VPN feature that allows selected programs or applications to connect directly to the Internet while the VPN connection is active, bypassing the VPN tunnel. Other traffic continues to use the VPN connection.
Why Is Split Tunneling Used?
The feature can be useful in several situations:
- for banking applications and other services that restrict VPN use: some apps may detect that a VPN is active and require it to be disabled. The terms of service of certain banks, financial services, and payment platforms may also prohibit or restrict access through a VPN;
- for accessing resources on a home or local network: split tunneling can allow selected traffic to reach local network devices directly while other Internet traffic remains protected by the VPN.
How to Use Split Tunneling
The feature must be supported by the VPN client or application you use.
- Open the VPN client or application.
- Find Split Tunneling in its settings. The feature may have a different name depending on the provider.
- If available, select Exclusive mode.
- Select the applications that should bypass the VPN.
- Reconnect to the VPN.
Information
Support for split tunneling varies by operating system and VPN application. iOS and iPadOS do not provide general system-level split tunneling for third-party VPN applications, although individual VPN apps may offer limited application-specific traffic routing depending on their implementation.