Flexibility is important in all facets of life, including VPNs. Sometimes we just want one app to use a VPN, or all but one. That’s where Split Tunnelling comes in, in this guide we’ll explain what Split Tunnelling is, and how you can use it to get the online experience YOU want.
What is split tunnelling?
A VPN typically encrypts all internet traffic flowing through it, providing a secure connection between your device and the VPN server. However, with split tunnelling, you can selectively route specific applications or traffic through the VPN while keeping other internet traffic unencrypted.
Think of it like a road branching off a tunnel: some data flows through the VPN, while other data doesn’t. This allows you to prioritise critical applications or sensitive data transfers while still allowing non-sensitive internet activities to bypass the VPN and maintain performance.
How does split tunnelling work?
When you configure split tunnelling on your VPN client, you’re essentially creating a branch in the VPN tunnel. You specify which applications or traffic should be routed through the VPN and which should bypass it.
Here’s what happens behind the scenes:
- Your device establishes a connection to the VPN server.
- The VPN client software determines which traffic should be encrypted and which shouldn’t.
- Encrypted traffic flows through the VPN tunnel, while unencrypted traffic bypasses the VPN and goes directly to its destination.
Benefits of split tunnelling
Now that you understand how split tunnelling works, let’s explore its advantages:
Direct Performance
By encrypting only specific applications or traffic, you minimise any possible impact on speed and latency-sensitive programs.
Enhanced Security
When you need to access sensitive information, such as financial data or personal files, split tunnelling ensures that these critical actions are properly encrypted and protected by your VPN. This adds an extra layer of security, giving you peace of mind while performing high-risk tasks.
Increased Flexibility
Split tunnelling allows you to customise your online experience according to your needs. You can choose which applications or websites benefit from the added security of a VPN while keeping other activities outside the encrypted tunnel.
Real-world scenarios where split tunnelling shines
- Remote Work: As a remote worker, you might need to access company resources or collaborate on projects with colleagues. Split tunnelling ensures that your sensitive work activities remain encrypted, while your online meetings and general communication remain unaffected.
- Gaming: Online gaming requires low latency and fast speeds. By routing only your game traffic outside the VPN and keeping other internet activities inside the encrypted tunnel, you can enjoy a seamless gaming experience without sacrificing performance.
- Banking: Many banks will not let you use their services if you are logged into a VPN, especially if out of the country. With Split Tunnelling, you can keep your bank outside of the VPN tunnel, allowing you to access it as normal.
How to set up split tunnelling in the hide.me VPN app
It’s really easy to get started with Split Tunnelling in the hide.me VPN app. Here is how you do it:
- Open the hide.me VPN app on your device
- Open “Settings”
- Look for the “Split Tunnelling” Section in the list and open it
- A list of your installed apps should show
- Select an app and choose either “Allow VPN” or “Bypass VPN”
- You are now Split Tunnelling!
There is also an option to apply Allow and Bypass to every single app in your list, so no need to do the bulk of it manually.
Common misconceptions about split tunnelling
Split tunnelling slows down my internet speed
While it’s true that encrypting some traffic can slow down your internet speed, modern VPNs like hide.me optimise their servers to minimise any potential impact on your browsing experience.
I need a strong understanding of networking to use split tunnelling effectively**
Our user-friendly interfaces and intuitive settings make it easy for anyone to set up and customise their split tunnelling configuration.
Split tunnelling is only useful for heavy internet users
Whether you’re an occasional online shopper or a frequent gamer, split tunnelling offers benefits for anyone who values their online security and performance.
Split tunnelling is the best of both worlds!
With the hide.me VPN app, it’s so easy to get started with Split Tunnelling. It’s well worth it for those who require flexibility whilst still wanting to keep the security of a VPN. If you have any questions about this feature, please feel free to contact our 24/7 technical support team. You can do so either via live chat or email at support@hide.me.
We love bringing you this content and hope it helps keep you safe and secure online. Feel free to share it with your friends, too.
Here at hide.me we are all about internet freedom, and we are happy to be in a position to bring that to everyone. That is why we give you a 30-day money-back guarantee on our Premium plan. No questions asked and no logs recorded.
If you have any questions, please feel to contact our 24/7 support team either at support@hide.me or via live chat.
