What is split tunneling?

Split tunneling is a VPN setting that lets you choose which traffic goes through the VPN tunnel and which goes directly to the internet. It keeps secure traffic protected while still letting other applications use the fastest route.

For example, you can route work tools through the VPN while leaving streaming or gaming traffic on your regular connection. This can reduce latency and avoid bottlenecks on the VPN server.

Split tunneling gives you more granular control, but be careful: bypassing the VPN for some apps means their traffic uses your regular public IP, so they are exposed to the wider internet just like any other non-VPN connection.

Use IPLookup.help to see which public IP is active for whichever path you are using, ensuring you understand whether the VPN or your normal connection is projecting the address others see.