Split Tunneling is a VPN feature that allows you to choose which apps use the VPN connection and which apps use your regular internet connection.
Instead of routing all of your internet traffic through SyncVPN, Split Tunneling lets you create a more flexible connection based on your needs.
For example, you can keep your browser connected through SyncVPN while allowing another application to use your regular internet connection.
What Is Split Tunneling?
Normally, when you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through the VPN connection.
With Split Tunneling, you can separate your traffic into two paths:
VPN traffic: Selected applications use the SyncVPN connection.
Regular traffic: Selected applications connect directly through your normal internet connection.
This gives you more control over how different applications connect to the internet.
For example:
Browser → SyncVPN → Internet
Other selected app → Regular internet connection
The exact behavior depends on which applications you choose to exclude from or include in the VPN connection.
Why Should You Use Split Tunneling?
Split Tunneling can be useful when some applications need the VPN while others work better with a regular connection.
You may want to use Split Tunneling to:
Keep selected applications protected by the VPN.
Allow specific applications to use your regular internet connection.
Access local network services while using a VPN.
Avoid routing unnecessary application traffic through the VPN.
Use applications that require your regular network connection.
Maintain a VPN connection for specific tasks without affecting other applications.
Split Tunneling gives you more control without requiring you to completely disconnect from SyncVPN.
How to Enable Split Tunneling in SyncVPN
You can configure Split Tunneling from the SyncVPN application settings.
Step 1: Open SyncVPN
Launch the SyncVPN application on your device.
Step 2: Open Settings
Open the Settings section of the SyncVPN application.
Step 3: Find Split Tunneling
Find the Split Tunneling option in the settings.
Step 4: Turn On Split Tunneling
Turn on the Split Tunneling option.
Once enabled, you can configure which applications should use the VPN connection and which applications should bypass it.
Step 5: Select Your Applications
Choose the applications you want to exclude from the VPN connection.
The selected applications will use your regular internet connection while other traffic continues to use SyncVPN.
Step 6: Connect to SyncVPN
Connect to your preferred SyncVPN location.
Once the VPN connection is active, your selected applications will follow the Split Tunneling configuration.
What Happens After You Enable Split Tunneling?
After Split Tunneling is enabled, applications can use different network routes based on your configuration.
For example:
SyncVPN-connected apps → VPN connection → Internet
Excluded apps → Regular internet connection
This means you can keep SyncVPN active while allowing specific applications to bypass the VPN.
The rest of your traffic can continue using the VPN connection.
How to Change Your Split Tunneling Settings
You can change your selected applications whenever you need.
Add an Application
Open SyncVPN.
Open Settings.
Open Split Tunneling.
Select the option to add or manage applications.
Choose the application you want to exclude from the VPN.
Save or apply the changes if required.
Remove an Application
Open SyncVPN.
Open Settings.
Open Split Tunneling.
Find the application you previously selected.
Remove it from the Split Tunneling list.
Save or apply the changes if required.
After removing an application, its traffic can return to the normal VPN routing behavior.
When Should You Use Split Tunneling?
Split Tunneling can be useful in several situations.
Using Local Network Services
Some local network services may work better when they can communicate directly with your local network.
Split Tunneling can allow selected applications to use the regular connection while keeping other applications connected through SyncVPN.
Using Work Applications
If a work application requires a direct connection to your organization's network or services, you may need to exclude that application from the VPN connection.
Using Streaming or Other Services
Some applications or services may behave differently when your traffic comes from a VPN connection.
With Split Tunneling, you can allow a specific application to use your regular internet connection while keeping SyncVPN active for other applications.
Reducing Unnecessary VPN Traffic
If you only need the VPN for specific applications, Split Tunneling can help keep other applications outside the VPN connection.
Split Tunneling and Your Privacy
Split Tunneling gives you more control, but remember that applications excluded from the VPN do not use the VPN connection.
Their traffic uses your regular internet connection instead.
This means you should only exclude applications when you understand how you want their traffic to be routed.
If an application handles sensitive information and you want its traffic to go through SyncVPN, make sure that application is not excluded from the VPN connection.
Common Split Tunneling Problems
An application cannot connect to the internet
If an application does not work after changing your Split Tunneling settings:
Open SyncVPN.
Open Settings.
Open Split Tunneling.
Check whether the application is included in the correct list.
Change its routing configuration if necessary.
Reconnect to SyncVPN.
Test the application again.
An application is still using the VPN
If an application you expected to bypass the VPN is still using the VPN connection, check its Split Tunneling configuration.
Make sure the application has been correctly added to the excluded applications list.
Then reconnect to SyncVPN and test the application again.
An application stops working after being excluded
Some applications may depend on VPN routing, DNS settings, or specific network configurations.
If the application stops working after being excluded:
Remove it from the Split Tunneling list.
Reconnect to SyncVPN.
Test the application again.
If the application works normally after being routed through the VPN, its connection may depend on the VPN network configuration.
Changes do not take effect
If your changes are not being applied:
Check the Split Tunneling configuration.
Close and reopen the affected application.
Disconnect SyncVPN.
Reconnect to SyncVPN.
Test the application again.
If the problem continues, restart the SyncVPN application and your device.
Split Tunneling Checklist
Before using Split Tunneling, make sure:
SyncVPN is installed on your device.
Your internet connection is active.
SyncVPN is connected to a VPN location.
Split Tunneling is enabled.
The correct applications are selected.
You understand which applications bypass the VPN.
You have tested the selected applications after changing the settings.
SyncVPN is updated to the latest available version.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Split Tunneling do?
Split Tunneling allows you to choose which applications use the VPN connection and which applications use your regular internet connection.
Does Split Tunneling disconnect SyncVPN?
No. Split Tunneling allows SyncVPN to remain connected while selected applications use a different network route.
Are applications excluded from Split Tunneling protected by SyncVPN?
No. Applications that bypass the VPN use your regular internet connection instead of the VPN connection.
Can I change my Split Tunneling settings later?
Yes. You can return to the Split Tunneling settings and change the applications included in your configuration.
Why would I exclude an application from the VPN?
You may want to exclude an application if it requires your regular internet connection, needs access to a local network, or does not work correctly through the VPN.
Does Split Tunneling affect other applications?
Only the applications included in your Split Tunneling configuration are affected. Other traffic can continue using the VPN connection.
Is Split Tunneling the same as turning off the VPN?
No. Turning off the VPN removes VPN protection from the connection. Split Tunneling allows SyncVPN to remain active while specific applications use the regular internet connection.
Still Need Help?
If an application does not work correctly after configuring Split Tunneling, check your application list and make sure the correct routing option is selected.
You can also reconnect to SyncVPN, restart the affected application, and restart the SyncVPN application.
If the problem continues, contact SyncVPN Support and provide your device type, operating system, SyncVPN version, the affected application, and details about your Split Tunneling configuration.