- App-based split tunneling : specific apps use the VPN, while others do not
- Destination-based split tunneling : certain websites or domains bypass the VPN
- Inverse split tunneling : most traffic bypasses the VPN, while only selected apps use it
If you use a VPN, you may have noticed an option called split tunneling . It sounds technical, but the idea is simple: you choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which ones connect directly to the internet.
That can be useful for streaming, printing, local network access, or reducing friction on apps that behave badly behind a VPN.
→ Flick VPN - Free Trial - CPS (US) {iOS} — free, takes about 60 seconds.
But split tunneling is also a privacy trade-off. It can make your VPN setup more flexible, yet it can also create gaps in protection if you are not careful.
If you are trying to figure out whether this feature is worth turning on, here is what it does, when it helps, and when it is better left off.
What split tunneling actually does
In a normal VPN setup, most or all of your internet traffic is routed through the VPN tunnel. That means your traffic is encrypted between your device and the VPN provider, and your public IP address appears to come from the VPN server.
Split tunneling changes that. You can send some traffic through the VPN while allowing other traffic to bypass it and connect normally. VPN apps may offer this in different ways:
- App-based split tunneling : specific apps use the VPN, while others do not.
- Destination-based split tunneling : certain websites or domains bypass the VPN.
- Inverse split tunneling : most traffic bypasses the VPN, while only selected apps use it.
The exact controls vary by provider, which is one reason it helps to compare features carefully before you subscribe.
→ See what you could be approved for — free, takes about 60 seconds.
Why people use it
Split tunneling is popular because it can solve common annoyances without forcing you to turn off your VPN completely. For some people, that balance is worth it.
Common reasons to use split tunneling
- Accessing local devices such as printers, TVs, or smart home gear that may not work well through a VPN.
- Keeping one app on the VPN while letting another app connect directly for better performance or compatibility.
- Using banking or work apps that may flag foreign IP addresses as unusual.
- Reducing load on your VPN connection when you do not need every app protected all the time.
For many users, the main appeal is convenience. You can keep privacy where you want it without creating problems for apps that are sensitive to VPNs.
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