VPN split tunneling: Digital protection, your way

Secure your data traffic while letting some apps bypass encryption for easy access. Make your VPN protection work for you with split tunneling.

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What is VPN split tunneling?

Virtual private network (VPN) split tunneling lets you route some of your data traffic through an encrypted VPN while other apps keep direct internet access. This advanced VPN feature allows you to tailor your digital protection to your needs. By splitting your connection, you can secure your online traffic while letting some apps access the internet directly. Split tunneling is available on Windows, Android, and Android TV NordVPN apps.

An infographic showing how a VPN protects users by creating a secure tunnel for online traffic.

How does VPN split tunneling work?

VPN split tunneling divides your network traffic into two separate connections. Part of your online traffic goes through a VPN server’s encrypted tunnel, keeping it protected. The rest of your traffic can access the internet directly without going through the VPN tunnel. You choose which trusted apps can bypass VPN protection in your VPN app’s settings.

Different types of VPN split tunneling

Policy-based split

With policy-based split tunneling, routing is based on predefined policies that you or the network admin set up.

Route-based split

In route-based split tunneling, the traffic is divided based on predefined network routes (which can be dynamic).

App-based split

App-based split tunneling means you choose which apps don’t need VPN protection. The rest of your internet traffic is encrypted.

URL-based split

URL-based VPN split tunneling lets you specify which URLs you want to exclude from the secure connection. This feature is available on NordVPN’s browser extensions.

Why use VPN split tunneling

A woman holding a house to symbolize how split tunneling lets her simultaneously access home and foreign services.

A man with a rocket strapped to his back to symbolize faster speeds with direct internet access.

NordVPN protects user data by encrypting it.

Tailor your content access
With split tunneling, you can access both home and local services when traveling. For example, you may access work files on VPN-protected Google Chrome while reading the local news on Firefox at the same time.
Enjoy faster speeds
Though NordVPN is the fastest VPN on the market, encryption still takes time. While the slowdown is barely noticeable, activities like gaming require blazing internet speeds. With split tunneling, you can protect sensitive data without giving up a high-speed connection.
Connect to other LAN devices
VPN encryption may sometimes stop your device from connecting to other devices on your local home network (LAN). Split tunneling lets you access printers, smart home appliances, and other LAN devices without giving up your VPN protection.

How to enable split tunneling on NordVPN

Split tunneling is available with NordVPN on Android, Android TV, and Windows devices. If you have any connectivity issues, check out our tutorial on NordVPN split tunneling.

Go to “Settings”

From “Profile,” tap on the settings icon in the top left.

Select “Split tunneling”

Scroll down to the “VPN connection” section and tap “Split tunneling.”

Choose apps

Select which apps you want to exclude from your secure VPN connection.

Go to “Settings”

Click the cogwheel icon in the bottom-left corner.

Select “Split tunneling”

Scroll down and tap “Split tunneling” in the menu.

Select type

Choose your split tunneling type based on your preferences.

Add apps

Choose which apps you want to be covered by split tunneling.

Go to “Settings”

In the main NordVPN menu, scroll down to “Settings.”

Select “Trusted apps”

In the screen that opens, select “Trusted apps.”

Add apps

Choose which apps you want to exclude from your secure VPN connection.

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Frequently asked questions

Is VPN split tunneling safe to use?

Yes, split tunneling is safe to use — as long as you choose a reliable VPN provider and configure the feature with caution. Remember that the split tunnel only protects some of your traffic and does not hide your IP address when using the exempt apps. Keep the unprotected apps or programs to a minimum, and only use split tunneling when you absolutely need it.

Does VPN split tunneling have any security risks?

Yes, split tunneling comes with several security risks. With split tunneling, not all your data traffic is encrypted, meaning some of it may be exposed to online dangers. Your unencrypted traffic may be seen by third parties (e.g., your internet provider) or intercepted by cybercriminals. It’s important to use split tunneling with caution and consider alternative digital security measures.

What is the difference between a full-tunnel and a split-tunnel VPN?

A full tunnel (or tunnel-mode) VPN will encrypt all of your traffic and route it through a secure VPN server, whereas a split-tunnel VPN will only encrypt and route the traffic you choose. Split-tunnel VPNs are more flexible, letting you browse faster or access services from multiple locations at the same time. However, they’re not as secure as full tunnel VPNs.

How do I know if I have enabled VPN split tunneling?

You can easily check if split tunneling is enabled in your NordVPN app settings. Open the app, go to your settings menu, and look for “Split tunneling.” If the option is toggled, the split tunneling feature is enabled.

How do I turn off split tunneling on NordVPN apps?

You can turn off split tunneling in your NordVPN app’s settings:

Windows: Click on the cogwheel icon in the bottom-left corner of the map screen, select “Split tunneling,” and set the blue slider to “Off.”
Android: Tap on the cogwheel icon in the top-left corner, tap “VPN connection,” select “Split tunneling,” and remove the apps from the “Trusted apps” list.
Android TV: Open the “Settings,” select “Trusted apps,” and remove the apps from the list.