Split tunneling is a VPN feature that lets you decide which apps and traffic go through the encrypted VPN tunnel and which use your normal internet connection. Instead of all-or-nothing protection, you get to route sensitive activity through the VPN while leaving everything else direct — useful for speed, access, and convenience.
How split tunneling works
Normally, a VPN sends all your traffic through the encrypted tunnel. With split tunneling, you create a list: chosen apps (or websites) use the VPN, and the rest connect normally. Your banking app could run through the VPN for privacy while a local service that needs your real location runs outside it — at the same time.
When split tunneling is useful
- Access local and remote services together. Use a foreign VPN server for one app while a local site (like a regional bank or delivery service) still sees your real location.
- Save speed where you don't need protection. Keep large, non-sensitive downloads or streaming on your direct connection if you prefer.
- Use devices that misbehave behind a VPN. Some smart-home or work tools expect a local IP; exclude them while protecting everything else.
- Reduce battery and bandwidth use by only encrypting what matters to you.
The trade-off to understand
Anything you route outside the tunnel isn't protected — your real IP and traffic are exposed for those apps. Split tunneling is about deliberate choice, so only exclude things you're comfortable leaving unencrypted. For a full breakdown, see split tunneling vs full tunnel.
Split tunneling in FortisVPN
FortisVPN includes split tunneling so you can pick exactly which apps go through the VPN and which use your regular connection, giving you control and better performance without turning protection off entirely. Try it free for 7 days.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is split tunneling safe? The traffic you route through the VPN stays protected. Anything you deliberately exclude is not encrypted, so only exclude apps you're comfortable leaving on your normal connection.
Q. Should I leave split tunneling on? It depends on your needs. If you want maximum privacy, route everything through the VPN. If you need certain local apps to work normally, split tunneling is ideal.
Q. What's the difference between split tunneling and a full tunnel? A full tunnel sends all traffic through the VPN. Split tunneling sends only the apps you choose, leaving the rest on your direct connection.
Last updated: 14 June 2026
