Split tunneling on Android: what it is and when to use it
Short answer
Split tunneling is a VPN feature that lets you choose which apps go through the encrypted tunnel and which use your normal connection. On Android it’s useful for apps that don’t work over a VPN — for example some banking apps — and for local devices like printers or TVs. VPN Tube supports split tunneling in both the free app and PRO.
How split tunneling works
Normally a VPN sends all of your phone’s traffic through the tunnel. With split tunneling, Android routes only the apps you selected through the VPN; the rest go directly over Wi‑Fi or mobile data, exactly as if the VPN were off.
Android supports this natively at the app level, so it’s reliable: an excluded app simply never enters the tunnel.
When it’s useful
- Banking and payment apps. Some of them refuse to work, or ask for extra checks, when they detect a VPN. Keep them on your normal connection.
- Local devices. In VPN Tube printers, TVs and NAS on your home network already work directly — the setting “Route local network” is off by default. Split tunneling helps with apps that talk to such devices through the internet.
- Speed-sensitive apps. Large downloads or video calls that don’t need extra privacy can skip the detour through the VPN server.
- Local services. Apps that show content for your region — maps, delivery, local news — work as usual.
Try it with VPN Tube
Free on Google Play, no registration · 4.2★ · 1M+ installs
How to set it up in VPN Tube
- Open VPN Tube and go to Settings → Split tunneling.
- Choose All apps (the whole phone uses the VPN) or Selected apps.
- With Selected apps, switch on the apps that should use the VPN — there’s search and an option to show system apps. If nothing is selected, all apps use the VPN.
What to keep in mind
- Excluded apps aren’t protected. On public Wi‑Fi, their traffic is visible to the network like without a VPN. Exclude only apps you trust with that.
- Websites see different IP addresses. Apps inside the tunnel show the VPN server’s IP; excluded apps show yours.
- Review the list from time to time, especially after installing new apps.
Questions about this topic
Is split tunneling available in the free VPN Tube?
Yes. Split tunneling works in both VPN Tube and VPN Tube PRO.
Why doesn’t my banking app work with a VPN?
Some banks block or flag connections from VPN servers as a fraud-prevention measure. Exclude the banking app from the VPN with split tunneling and it will use your normal connection.