Master Split Tunneling: A Complete VPN Guide

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to access region-restricted content while simultaneously wanting your banking app to recognize you're still in your home country? Or perhaps you've experienced the annoying lag when your entire internet connection is routed through a VPN server, making your video conference calls freeze at the worst possible moments. These scenarios highlight why split tunneling has become such a crucial VPN feature in 2025.

Split tunneling is like having a traffic controller for your internet data—directing some traffic through the encrypted VPN tunnel while allowing other apps to connect directly to the internet. It's the digital equivalent of being in two places at once, and when implemented correctly, it can significantly enhance your online experience.

 

What Is Split Tunneling and Why You Need It

Split tunneling is a VPN feature that allows users to route some of their device or app traffic through the encrypted VPN tunnel while other specified traffic accesses the internet directly. Think of it as a river with two channels—one protected and one open—giving you the flexibility to choose which data travels where.

 

Key Benefits of Split Tunneling:

• Improved Speed : Only selected traffic goes through the VPN, reducing bottlenecks
• Bandwidth Optimization : Less unnecessary data traveling through VPN servers
• Simultaneous Access : Connect to both local and foreign networks at the same time
• Battery Conservation : Less processing power required for mobile devices
• Reduced Latency : Critical for gaming, video conferencing, and streaming

Without split tunneling, you're essentially forcing all your internet traffic to take a detour—like making everyone in your neighborhood drive through a single checkpoint, even if they're just going next door.

 

How to Set Up Split Tunnel VPN: Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up split tunneling varies slightly depending on your VPN provider, but the general process follows similar principles. Here's how to get it configured:

1. Choose a VPN with Split Tunneling Support

Not all VPNs offer this feature, so your first step is selecting a provider that supports it. SafeShell VPN offers robust split tunneling capabilities across multiple platforms with an intuitive interface that makes configuration straightforward.

 

2. Install and Update Your VPN Client

Ensure you're running the latest version of your VPN application, as split tunneling features are often improved in updates.

 

3. Access Split Tunneling Settings

With SafeShell VPN:

• Open the application and log in
• Navigate to Settings or Preferences
• Look for "Split Tunneling" or "App Control"
• Enable the feature by toggling it on

 

4. Choose Your Split Tunneling Mode

Most VPNs, including SafeShell VPN, offer two approaches:

• Exclude Mode : All traffic goes through the VPN except the apps you specify
• Include Mode : Only specified apps use the VPN, while everything else connects directly

 

The mode you choose depends on your priority—security (exclude mode) or performance (include mode).

 

5. Select Applications or Websites

Once you've chosen your mode, you'll need to select which applications or websites should bypass the VPN (exclude mode) or use the VPN (include mode).

 

With SafeShell VPN's intuitive interface, you can:

• Browse a list of installed applications
• Check the boxes next to apps you want to include/exclude
• Add custom websites or IP addresses for more granular control

 

6. Test Your Configuration

After setting up split tunneling, it's crucial to verify it's working as expected:

• Check your IP address with and without the VPN
• Ensure region-restricted content is accessible
• Confirm local network resources remain available
• Test the speed of both tunneled and non-tunneled connections

 

SafeShell VPN: Optimized Split Tunneling for Streaming and Security

While many VPNs offer split tunneling, SafeShell VPN has refined this feature to address the specific needs of streaming enthusiasts and security-conscious users alike. Like a Swiss Army knife for your internet connection, SafeShell provides versatility without compromising on performance.

 

Ultra-Fast Speeds with Intelligent Routing

SafeShell VPN's split tunneling implementation is particularly noteworthy for its speed optimization. Unlike conventional VPNs that can feel like trying to pour water through a coffee filter, SafeShell's architecture ensures that when you're streaming content, you're getting bandwidth priority where it matters.

The service maintains dedicated high-speed servers specifically optimized for streaming services, ensuring that when you route Netflix or sports streaming apps through the VPN tunnel, you'll experience minimal buffering even at 4K resolution.

 

Exclusive App Mode: A Game-Changer for Content Access

One standout feature that sets SafeShell VPN apart is its innovative App Mode. This advanced implementation of split tunneling allows users to access content from multiple regions simultaneously—imagine watching US Netflix while also accessing BBC iPlayer content without having to disconnect and reconnect to different servers.

This is particularly valuable for sports fans who might want to access different regional broadcasts of the same event to get various commentary options or for viewers who follow shows available on different regional libraries.

 

Setting Up Split Tunneling on SafeShell VPN

1. Download and install SafeShell VPN from their official website
2. Launch the app and sign in to your account
3. Navigate to Settings > Split Tunneling
4. Enable the feature by toggling it on
5. Select your preferred mode :
6. App Mode (for multi-region access)
7. Include Mode (select apps to route through VPN)
8. Exclude Mode (select apps to bypass VPN)
9. Add applications to your configuration
10. Apply settings and connect to your preferred server

 

Security Without Compromise

One common concern with split tunneling is whether it compromises security. SafeShell addresses this with their proprietary "ShellGuard" protocol, which ensures that even when using split tunneling, the tunneled portion of your connection remains as secure as a traditional full-tunnel VPN connection.

This makes it particularly suitable for users who need to access sensitive information while still maintaining local network connectivity—like remote workers accessing company resources while still using local printers or network drives.

 

Comparing Split Tunneling Implementations Across Top VPNs

To provide a comprehensive overview, let's compare how split tunneling works across several leading VPN providers:

 

VPN Provider	Split Tunneling	Platforms Supported	Configuration Options	Speed Impact
SafeShell VPN	✅ Advanced	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Android TV	App Mode, Include/Exclude Apps, Website Rules	Minimal (5-10%)
ExpressVPN	✅ Basic	Windows, Mac, Android, Routers	Include/Exclude Apps	Moderate (10-15%)
NordVPN	✅ Basic	Windows, Android	Include Apps Only	Moderate (10-20%)
Surfshark	✅ Basic	Windows, Android	Include/Exclude Apps	Significant (15-25%)
CyberGhost	✅ Limited	Windows Only	Include Apps Only	Significant (15-30%)

 

As the table shows, SafeShell VPN offers the most comprehensive split tunneling feature set across the widest range of platforms, with the least impact on connection speeds.

 

Common Split Tunneling Scenarios and Solutions

Scenario 1: Streaming Foreign Content While Gaming Locally

Problem : You want to watch US Netflix while playing online games with minimal latency.

 

Solution with SafeShell VPN :

1. Enable split tunneling in Include Mode
2. Add your Netflix app to the VPN tunnel
3. Leave your gaming applications outside the tunnel
4. Connect to a US server

 

This configuration ensures your Netflix traffic appears to come from the US while your gaming traffic takes the direct, low-latency route to the game servers.

 

Scenario 2: Working Remotely While Accessing Local Network

Problem : You need to access company resources securely while still printing to your home printer.

 

Solution with SafeShell VPN :

1. Enable split tunneling in Exclude Mode
2. Add your printer software to the exclusion list
3. All other traffic will use the VPN for security
4. Connect to your preferred server

 

This setup maintains security for most applications while allowing local network access where needed.

 

Scenario 3: Multiple Streaming Services from Different Regions

Problem : You want to access US Netflix, UK BBC iPlayer, and Japanese anime services simultaneously.

 

Solution with SafeShell VPN :

1. Enable App Mode
2. Assign Netflix to a US server
3. Assign BBC iPlayer to a UK server
4. Assign anime apps to a Japanese server
5. Connect and enjoy multi-region access

 

This advanced configuration is unique to SafeShell VPN and demonstrates the flexibility of their implementation.

 

Troubleshooting Common Split Tunneling Issues

Even with the best VPN services, you might encounter issues with split tunneling. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Apps Still Using VPN When Excluded

Solution : Restart the application after configuring split tunneling, as some apps maintain their connection status until restarted.

 

Slow Performance Despite Split Tunneling

Solution : Try changing your VPN protocol in SafeShell VPN settings. The WireGuard-based ShellGuard protocol typically offers the best performance.

 

Split Tunneling Not Available on Your Device

Solution : Check if your device's operating system supports split tunneling. If not, consider using SafeShell VPN's router implementation to achieve similar functionality at the network level.

 

Looking Forward: The Future of Split Tunneling

As we move through 2025, split tunneling technology continues to evolve. SafeShell VPN is at the forefront of this evolution, with plans to introduce:

• AI-driven traffic optimization that automatically determines the best routing for different types of traffic
• Enhanced granular controls allowing time-based split tunneling rules
• Improved security measures that can detect and prevent split tunneling vulnerabilities

 

These innovations will further cement split tunneling as an essential feature for VPN users who demand both security and performance.

 

FAQ: Split Tunneling with SafeShell VPN

Does split tunneling reduce security?

When implemented properly, split tunneling maintains security for the traffic you choose to protect. SafeShell VPN's implementation ensures that tunneled traffic receives the same level of encryption and protection as full-tunnel connections. However, it's important to remember that any traffic you choose to exclude from the VPN tunnel won't benefit from VPN protection.

 

Will split tunneling improve my streaming experience?

Absolutely! Split tunneling is like having a dedicated express lane for your streaming traffic. By routing only your streaming apps through SafeShell VPN's optimized servers while letting other applications use your direct connection, you'll experience faster loading times, higher resolution streaming, and less buffering—particularly valuable for live sports events where every second counts.

 

How do I know if split tunneling is working correctly?

The simplest test is to check your IP address using a service like "What's My IP" while connected to SafeShell VPN. Then open an application you've configured to bypass the VPN and check again. You should see different IP addresses if split tunneling is working correctly—like having two different return addresses for your internet mail.

 

Can I use split tunneling on mobile devices?

Yes, SafeShell VPN offers split tunneling functionality on both iOS and Android platforms, though the implementation differs slightly due to operating system limitations. On Android, you'll have access to the full range of split tunneling options, while iOS offers a more streamlined version focused on app-based routing.

 

Split tunneling transforms your VPN from a blunt instrument into a precision tool, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds—security where you need it and speed where it matters. With SafeShell VPN's advanced implementation, setting up split tunnel VPN has never been more straightforward or more powerful.

Whether you're a streaming enthusiast, remote worker, or security-conscious internet user, mastering split tunneling will elevate your online experience to new heights. It's like having your cake and eating it too—protection without compromise, speed without sacrifice.