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VPN split tunneling: what it is and why you need it

  • Choose the data you want to encrypt
  • Use two different IP addresses at the same time
  • Keep 100% of your speed on unencrypted traffic
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What is VPN split tunneling (Bypasser)?

VPN split tunneling, also called Bypasser in the Surfshark app, is a VPN (Virtual Private Network) feature that allows users to choose which data to protect with VPN encryption and which data to transmit without it. 

Let’s say you’re using your Windows computer and notice that a particular website is running slow with the VPN. You could disable your VPN for a while, but even better, you can use your VPN’s split tunneling feature to exclude this site’s traffic from being routed through the VPN server. As a result, you’ll be able to access it as if you didn’t have a VPN, but you’d still have VPN protection on all your remaining online traffic.

What is VPN split tunneling (Bypasser)?

How does VPN split tunneling work?

When you use split tunneling, you create two separate paths for your internet traffic: one routed through a VPN server and another that goes directly to websites or services without VPN encryption. This feature allows you to specify which sites or apps use the VPN and which bypass it.

For example, you might route work-related activities through your VPN client to ensure a secure connection and access to restricted resources. At the same time, you can direct less sensitive traffic to bypass VPN protection and connect directly to the internet. This way, split tunneling helps you manage your connections based on your security and access needs.

How does VPN split tunneling work?

When should you use split tunneling?

Some websites, apps, and even home devices may need you to connect with a local IP (Internet Protocol) address for them to work properly. You can add them to your split tunneling feature and connect directly to those internet resources while all other traffic remains protected by a VPN.

In some cases, you may also want to use split tunneling with apps or websites that use a lot of data, such as video streaming or gaming platforms. This may make your connection slightly faster, and you’ll use less data, which can be important if you’re on a limited bandwidth plan.

When should you use split tunneling?

What are the different types of VPN split tunneling?

There are three main types of VPN split tunneling:

App-based split tunneling

App-based split tunneling can leave certain apps unaffected by a VPN connection. Say you’re a PC user and don’t want Steam to go over your VPN. Add it to the split tunneling list, and you’ll connect to Steam directly without being routed through a VPN server first.

URL-based split tunneling

URL-based split tunneling operates on a website-by-website basis. So, if you’ve designated one specific page to use split tunneling, your normal browsing will be protected by the VPN, while anything you do on this page will be transmitted over the internet directly.

Inverse split tunneling

The opposite of traditional split tunneling, inverse split tunneling encrypts only the data from selected apps or websites while all other data bypasses the VPN. This lets you choose what to route through your VPN while having the rest of your traffic go directly to the internet.

Why use split tunneling?

Achieve greater control online

Looking to protect your sensitive data without affecting your overall internet experience? That’s where split tunneling comes in. Balance security and efficiency by encrypting your most vital information while letting non-sensitive activities bypass your VPN connection.

Use different IP addresses

A VPN changes your IP address to that of a VPN server. When you choose to bypass some apps from VPN use, they’ll use your actual IP address. This allows you to use two IPs at once and access local content on specific apps while staying hidden on others.

Access wireless home devices

Using a VPN can affect your phone or computer’s ability to connect to wireless home devices (e.g., printers). Enable split tunneling to keep all devices on your network synced while enjoying a secure connection for any web services you need.

Exclude data-heavy apps

A VPN connection might slow your internet down. While this drop in speed is insignificant and usually goes unnoticed, it may sometimes interfere with your online activity. Split tunneling lets you choose apps to exclude from encryption, helping them run at full speed.

Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.

Split tunneling vs. full tunneling

Full tunneling means all your internet traffic is transmitted through a VPN tunnel. Your data is protected, and your online activity is encrypted through a secure VPN connection.  

With split tunneling, you can choose which data is routed through the VPN tunnel and which remains unaffected. Any data that doesn’t go through the tunnel is unencrypted, and your IP address isn’t hidden from the apps and websites you include in your split tunneling list.

Split tunneling vs. full tunneling

How to use VPN split tunneling

Surfshark’s Bypasser enables split tunneling on the Windows, Android, and iOS operating systems, letting you block selected apps or websites from your VPN connection.

Create a Surfshark account

1. Create a Surfshark account

Sign up for Surfshark & download our Windows VPN. 

Open Settings to find Bypasser

2. Open Settings to find Bypasser

On the app’s side panel, click Settings, then VPN Settings, and finally Bypasser.

Turn Bypasser on

3. Turn Bypasser on

Toggle the switches on the right side to activate your preferred Bypasser option.

Add apps and websites

4. Add apps and websites

Click Select apps or Add websites or IP addresses to choose what bypasses the VPN.

Create a Surfshark account

1. Create a Surfshark account

Sign up for Surfshark & download our Android VPN. 

Open Settings to find Bypasser

2. Open Settings to find Bypasser

On the app’s bottom bar, tap Settings, then VPN Settings, and finally Bypasser.

Turn Bypasser on

3. Turn Bypasser on

Toggle the switches on the right side to activate your preferred Bypasser option.

Add apps and websites

4. Add apps and websites

Tap 0 Apps selected or 0 websites selected to choose what bypasses the VPN.

Create a Surfshark account

1. Create a Surfshark account

Sign up for Surfshark & download our iOS VPN.

Open Settings to find Bypasser

2. Open Settings to find Bypasser

On the app’s bottom bar, tap Settings, then VPN Settings, and finally Bypasser.

Turn Bypasser on

3. Add sites to Bypass list

Tap Add website to enter the addresses of sites where you want your VPN disabled.

Add apps and websites

4. Finalize your list

After typing in the address, tap Add. You’re all set! Your VPN is now disabled for your chosen site(s).

For Windows and Android, a reverse Bypasser is available. Known as Route via VPN, this lets you choose apps and websites that should go exclusively through your VPN.

You can also use split tunneling on other devices by installing Surfshark on a VPN router. Once the VPN is set up, you can turn on Bypasser as you normally would in the Surfshark app. 

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Frequently asked questions

When you use VPN split tunneling, you choose not to encrypt your data on certain websites or apps. As a result, your information becomes more vulnerable. Therefore, you should only use split tunneling with reputable apps and websites and keep the VPN protection on for all other online activities to secure sensitive data.

VPN split tunneling’s security depends on the VPN app offering it. Paid VPNs that follow all the latest security standards — like Surfshark — typically provide more secure split tunneling than free VPNs.

To set up split tunneling in the Surfshark app, do the following:

  1. Tap the Settings option on the left-hand side menu. 
  2. Scroll down and click Bypasser.
  3. Turn on your preferred Bypasser functionality.
  4. Add the desired apps, websites, or IP addresses.

When using VPN split tunneling, the apps and websites that connect via the VPN will see the VPN server’s IP, while those that connect to the internet directly will see your real IP.

To stop VPN split tunneling in the Surfshark App:

  1. Open Settings by clicking the left-hand side menu.
  2. Scroll down and click Bypasser.
  3. Switch off any setting that’s enabled.

To test split tunneling with Surfshark:

  1. Disconnect from a VPN (if you’re connected).
  2. Open two IP-checking sites on two tabs on your browser, like What Is My IP Address and Surfshark. You should see your real IP address on both. 
  3. Set up Bypasser in the Surfshark app to bypass one of the websites used above. 
  4. Connect to a VPN server.
  5. Refresh both IP-checker website tabs.
  6. If the website you set to be bypassed shows your real IP and the other shows the VPN server’s IP, split tunneling is working.

Surfshark is a VPN service provider that offers a VPN split tunneling feature in all of its subscription plans. Keep in mind — not all VPNs support split tunneling.

Some free VPNs offer split tunneling, but these aren’t recommended. Free VPNs often have limited features and slower speeds. For better security and performance, use a reputable paid VPN service like Surfshark.

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