VPN
VPN Split Tunneling: When to Use It
How split tunneling routes only selected traffic through a VPN—and the tradeoffs involved.
Split tunneling lets some traffic use the VPN while other traffic uses the ordinary internet connection. It can solve practical problems, but it creates two routes that you need to understand.
Why people enable it
Local printers, streaming devices and banking sites may not work as expected through a VPN. Excluding a specific app can restore access and reduce the amount of traffic sent through the tunnel.
The privacy tradeoff
Anything outside the tunnel uses the normal connection and public IP address. A browser excluded for convenience does not receive VPN protection, even if the VPN icon says the service is connected.
Keep the rules narrow
Exclude only the application that needs direct access, document the reason and revisit the rule after software updates. Test both included and excluded apps with an IP-address checker so the actual routing matches your intention.
The bottom line
Split tunneling is useful when it is deliberate. Broad exclusions made to fix a temporary problem can quietly undermine the reason for using a VPN.