Split tunneling is one of the most useful features in IPVanish for Android users who want more control over their VPN usage. Instead of routing all your internet traffic through the VPN, split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the secure VPN connection and which bypass it entirely.

This is especially handy for improving speed, reducing data usage, and avoiding compatibility issues with certain services. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what split tunneling is, why it matters, and exactly how to set it up in the IPVanish Android app.

What Is Split Tunneling in IPVanish?

When you connect to a VPN, your device normally sends all traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a VPN server. This is great for privacy, but it can cause slower speeds for some activities or block access to local services like banking apps, streaming platforms, or printers.

Split tunneling solves this by letting you customize which apps use the VPN and which connect directly to the internet. For example, you might want your web browser and torrent app to go through IPVanish, but allow YouTube or your banking app to connect normally.

Why Use Split Tunneling?

Here are the main benefits:

• Better Speeds – Apps that don’t need the VPN can use your normal connection for faster performance.

• Bypass VPN Blocks – Some services (like certain banks or streaming apps) block VPN connections; split tunneling lets you access them without disconnecting from IPVanish entirely.

• Lower Data Usage – If you’re on a mobile data plan, you can keep the VPN for essential apps while letting non-essential ones use less data-heavy direct connections.

• Improved Compatibility – Keeps local network devices (like Chromecast or printers) working without having to turn the VPN off.
  
  

Setting Up Split Tunneling in IPVanish for Android

Follow these steps to enable and configure split tunneling in the IPVanish app:

1. Open the IPVanish App
   Launch the IPVanish app on your Android phone or tablet and log in with your account credentials.

2. Go to Settings
   Tap the menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner, then choose Settings from the list.

3. Find Split Tunneling
   Scroll down to the Connection section until you see Split Tunneling.

4. Enable Split Tunneling
   Toggle the switch to turn on split tunneling.

5. Select Apps
   Once enabled, you’ll see a list of installed apps. Check the boxes next to the apps you want to bypass the VPN. The unchecked ones will continue to use the VPN connection.

6. Connect to IPVanish
   After choosing your settings, connect to your preferred VPN server. Your selected apps will now follow the split tunneling rules you set.
   
   

Best Practices for Using Split Tunneling

• Keep sensitive apps on the VPN – Always route browsers, email apps, and torrent clients through IPVanish for privacy.

• Exclude high-speed apps – Streaming services, online games, and video calls may work better outside the VPN for lower latency.

• Test your setup – Open each app you excluded to ensure it’s bypassing the VPN correctly and that the VPN-protected apps still show your masked IP.

• Adjust when traveling – Some apps that work fine at home might need VPN protection abroad, especially if you’re accessing restricted content.
  
  

When Not to Use Split Tunneling

While split tunneling offers flexibility, it’s not always the best choice. If you want maximum privacy, routing all traffic through IPVanish is safer because it ensures every app and background process is encrypted.

Also, be cautious when using public Wi-Fi — excluding certain apps from the VPN could expose them to potential security risks.

Final Take

IPVanish’s split tunneling feature on Android is a powerful tool for balancing speed, privacy, and convenience. It’s perfect for keeping sensitive apps protected while letting others use your full internet speed without VPN overhead. By customizing which apps route through the VPN, you can create a setup that works best for your daily needs.

Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or just browsing, learning to use split tunneling can make your VPN experience with IPVanish far more efficient and user-friendly.