What Is Split Tunneling? Route Some Apps Through the VPN
Split tunneling lets you decide which apps use the VPN and which connect directly to the internet. Instead of forcing all traffic through the encrypted tunnel, you route sensitive apps through the VPN while everyday services take the faster local route.
How split tunneling works
Normally a VPN captures every packet your device sends. Split tunneling breaks that into two paths: chosen apps travel through the encrypted VPN tunnel, while the rest connect straight through your regular network. You control the split per app or per destination, so you get protection and directness at the same time.
Access local and foreign services at once
A common frustration is losing access to local sites, like your bank or a delivery app, while connected to a foreign VPN server. Split tunneling solves this: route the VPN only for the apps that need a foreign location, and let local services connect directly so they keep recognizing your real region.
Speed and bandwidth benefits
Sending every byte through a VPN adds overhead and can slow bandwidth-heavy tasks. With split tunneling, streaming, large downloads, or gaming can bypass the tunnel and run at full local speed, while your private browsing stays encrypted. This keeps performance high without giving up protection where it matters most.
Split tunneling on Android
On Android the feature is often called per-app VPN or app filtering. You pick a list of apps to include in or exclude from the tunnel, and the system routes them accordingly. It is a clean fit for phones and Android TV, where you may want one or two apps abroad while everything else stays local.
When to use it and cautions
Split tunneling is ideal for mixing local and foreign access, saving bandwidth, and reaching devices on your home network. Just remember that any app left outside the tunnel is unprotected and reveals your real IP. Keep sensitive apps inside the VPN and only exclude traffic you are comfortable exposing.
Veepen makes granular control simple on Android and Android TV. Install the app, import a config from @veepen_vpn, and connect over VLESS Reality with one tap while choosing exactly which apps ride the tunnel.