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VPN split tunneling

Give programs you trust direct access to the internet for better speed — without losing VPN protection for your sensitive data.

VPN split tunneling.

What is VPN split tunneling?

VPN split tunneling is an advanced feature that lets you choose which apps need virtual private network (VPN) protection and which can access the internet directly. The first group benefits from the safety of the secure tunnel of your VPN, while the second group enjoys faster speeds and access to local services. Split tunneling is available on Windows, Android, and Android TV NordVPN apps.

How does VPN split tunneling work?

Woman uses split tunneling for secure entertainment and fast file sharing.

VPN split tunneling lets you maintain two connections at the same time. Your VPN app divides your internet traffic into two categories — one part gets encrypted and rerouted through secure VPN servers, while the other is left untouched and allowed to interact with the internet directly. You choose which apps can be trusted to bypass VPN protection in your VPN app’s settings.

Different types of VPN split tunneling

Inverse split

Inverse split tunneling encrypts your whole connection by default, with only trusted programs permitted access to the internet directly. It’s the safest form of split tunneling.

App-based split

With app-based split tunneling, only the selected apps will benefit from VPN protection. The rest of your internet traffic is unencrypted.

URL-based split

Want to access some websites with your real IP? URL-based split tunneling lets you specify which URLs you want to exclude from the VPN connection. This feature is available on NordVPN’s browser extensions.

Which split tunneling types do NordVPN apps use?

App-based split tunneling

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    Windows 8.1 and later

Inverse split tunneling

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    Windows 8.1 and later

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    Android

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    Android TV

Do I need split tunneling?

It’s easy to track you if you go online without a VPN.

Since connecting to a VPN server can lock you out of your own country’s websites and services, you may be tempted to turn NordVPN off to see what’s happening at home. Don’t leave yourself exposed — use VPN split tunneling to protect the data that matters while you surf at your leisure.

However you use it, VPN split tunneling is a very handy tool — but just like every tool, it has its time and place. Keep in mind that others (including your ISP) may be able to see your unencrypted internet traffic, so always use virtual private network protection when handling sensitive data.

When should you use VPN split tunneling?

Get a fast VPN connection with NordVPN.
People staying safe online with NordVPN on PC, mobile, tablet, and other devices
NordVPN protects user data by encrypting it.

How to enable split tunneling on NordVPN

NordVPN offers split tunneling for Android, Android TV, and Windows devices.

01

Tap on the cogwheel icon in the top-left corner of the map screen

02

Tap VPN connection

03

Select Split tunneling

04

Choose the apps to exclude from your secure VPN connection

01

Click on the cogwheel icon in the top-right corner of the map screen

02

Select Split tunneling and choose how to enable split tunneling

03

Method 1: disable VPN for selected apps

04

Method 2: enable VPN for selected apps only

01

Scroll down to the Settings

02

Select Trusted apps

03

Choose the apps to exclude from your secure VPN connection

Split the stream safely with NordVPN

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Frequently asked questions

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