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During a drive across the Prairies I used Guru VPN whenever I stopped at motels with open Wi‑Fi, and the app connected quickly each time and kept my email access private.
VPN Split Tunneling: Choose Which Apps Use the VPN
Keep your browser, messengers and public Wi‑Fi sessions protected while your banking app, local services or game launcher connect the usual way. Guru VPN split tunneling puts you in control of what goes through the encrypted tunnel.
Pick the apps and websites that use the VPN
Keep local services working on your regular connection
Encrypted ChaCha20 tunnel for everything you route through it
Available in the Guru VPN apps for iOS and Android
30-day money-back guarantee
What is split tunneling in a VPN?
Split tunneling is a VPN feature that divides your internet traffic into two routes: the apps and websites you select travel through the encrypted VPN tunnel, while everything else connects directly through your regular internet connection. A split tunneling VPN gives you protection where you need it without switching the VPN off for the apps that work better on your local connection.
Without split tunneling, a VPN works in full tunnel mode: every app on your device sends its traffic through the VPN server. That is the most private setup, but it can get in the way of services that expect your local IP address, such as some banking apps or smart‑home devices. Split tunneling keeps the VPN on while those services work normally.
How does split tunneling work?
Each connection gets one of two routes, and your choice is applied automatically every time the VPN connects.
Step 1You decide the split
Choose the apps and websites that should use the VPN in the app settings. Change the list at any time.
Step 2Route 1: Through the VPN tunnel
Apps and websites you select are encrypted with ChaCha20 and sent to a Guru VPN server. Websites see the server's IP address, and your Wi‑Fi network or internet provider sees only encrypted traffic going to the VPN.
Step 3Route 2: Direct connection
All other traffic goes straight to the internet through your normal connection. It uses your real IP address and is not encrypted by the VPN, exactly as if the VPN were off for those apps.
Example: browser and messenger → VPN tunnel · banking app and smart-home app → direct connection.
When to use split tunneling: everyday use cases
Useful whenever some apps need privacy and others need your local connection.
Banking and payment apps
Some banks flag logins from unfamiliar IP addresses. Keep your banking app on your direct connection while the rest of your phone stays protected.
Local devices and home network
Printers, smart TVs, cameras and other smart-home devices often need your local network. Leave their companion apps outside the tunnel so they stay reachable.
Local services and content
Use services that expect your home location, such as local delivery, maps or news apps, while your browsing goes through a VPN server of your choice.
Public Wi‑Fi privacy
On café, hotel or airport Wi‑Fi, route your browser, email and messengers through the VPN so the people running the network can't see what you do.
Gaming and calls
Choose whether game and voice apps use the VPN or your direct route, depending on which gives you the more stable connection on your network.
Fewer interruptions
Instead of turning the VPN off every time an app has trouble with it, exclude that one app and keep everything else protected.
Is split tunneling secure? The risks, explained honestly
Split tunneling is safe to use, but it is a trade-off: traffic inside the tunnel is as protected as with full tunneling, while anything outside it gets no VPN protection. For maximum privacy, especially on public Wi‑Fi, switch it off.
- Direct traffic is not encrypted by the VPN: excluded apps use your real IP address, and your internet provider or the Wi‑Fi owner can see which services they connect to. On public Wi‑Fi, keep anything sensitive inside the tunnel or use full tunneling.
- It's easy to forget what is excluded: a new app, or a link opened from an excluded app, may not go where you expect. Review your list from time to time.
- Work and school devices have their own rules: don't use split tunneling to get around your employer's or school's IT policy; check with your administrator first.
How to set up split tunneling in Guru VPN
It takes less than a minute on iPhone, iPad or Android.
Step 1
Get the app
Download Guru VPN for iOS or Android and sign in to your account.
Step 2
Open Split Tunneling
Go to Settings in the app and open Split Tunneling.
Step 3
Choose your apps and websites
Select the apps and websites that should use the VPN, then connect. Your choice is saved and applied every time you connect.
What split tunneling does — and what it doesn't
An honest look at what to expect.
 What it does |  What it doesn't do |
|---|---|
| Sends the apps and websites you choose through the encrypted Guru VPN tunnel | It doesn't protect traffic you leave outside the tunnel |
| Lets other apps use your regular connection and local IP | It doesn't hide your real IP from excluded apps |
| Keeps local devices and services reachable while the VPN is on | It doesn't replace antivirus or safe browsing habits |
| Saves you from switching the VPN off and on | It isn't available in the Windows and macOS apps |
Split tunneling vs full tunneling
Both modes use the same encrypted VPN connection. The difference is how much of your traffic goes through it.
| Split tunneling | Full tunneling | |
|---|---|---|
What goes through the VPN | Only the apps and websites you select | All traffic from your device |
IP address websites see | VPN server IP for selected apps, your real IP for the rest | VPN server IP for everything |
Privacy | Selected traffic only; direct traffic is visible to your network and provider | Maximum: everything is encrypted |
Local services and devices | Keep working on your regular connection | May need extra steps or may not work |
Setup | Choose apps and websites once | Nothing to configure |
Best for | Mixing local services with private browsing | Public Wi‑Fi, travel, sensitive work |
Why choose Guru VPN as your split tunneling VPN
Strong encryption for the traffic you route
Everything you send through the tunnel is protected with ChaCha20 encryption over WireGuard® or our GuruShadow™ protocol. The app picks the right protocol for your network automatically.
Servers in 49+ countries
Route selected apps through a server in any of 49+ countries, with server connections of up to 10 Gbps and no data caps.
No-logs approach
We don't store your traffic, the pages and full URLs you open, or a browsing history tied to you. Our connection records don't include your real IP address, and our VPN servers run in RAM only.
Simple controls
Connect in one tap and manage split tunneling from a single list in the app settings, with no technical setup.
Help when you need it
Our support team is available 24/7, and website purchases come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Split tunneling on iOS and Android
Guru VPN works on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, and one subscription covers up to 10 devices. Our Windows and macOS apps protect all traffic on your computer in full tunnel mode.
Split tunneling is available on iOS and Android.
Download Guru VPN
Pricing Plans
Choose the plan that fits your needs. All Guru VPN plans include unlimited bandwidth, access to all servers, apps for all devices, strong encryption, a strict no‑logs policy, and 24/7 customer support.
$0.99/week
SAVE 86%$0.99 for the first 7 days, then $6.99/week
Ideal for short‑term use or trying Guru VPN with minimal cost.
Get Weekly Plan
30‑day money‑back guarantee
Plan includes:
- Unlimited bandwidth
- All global servers
- All apps for all devices
- Strong encryption
- Strict no‑logs policy
- DNS leak protection
- 24/7 customer support
BEST VALUE
$0.96/week
$171.99$49.99 for the first year
Perfect for long‑term protection with the biggest savings.
Get 1‑Year Plan
30‑day money‑back guarantee
Plan includes:
- Unlimited bandwidth
- All global servers
- All apps for all devices
- Strong encryption
- Strict no‑logs policy
- DNS leak protection
- 24/7 customer support
$2.76/week
$11.99 billed monthly
Flexible, commitment‑free protection.
Get Monthly Plan
30‑day money‑back guarantee
Plan includes:
- Unlimited bandwidth
- All global servers
- All apps for all devices
- Strong encryption
- Strict no‑logs policy
- DNS leak protection
- 24/7 customer support
What Customers Say
Millionsof satisfied users
4.8
average ratingTrustedworldwide
I started using Guru VPN to watch
lectures from a university portal that blocks some regions, and since switching to a suggested server the streams load quickly and stay smooth.
Cool app
After noticing my kids often connect to random Wi‑Fi at malls, I added Guru VPN to their phones and showed them the single connect button, and now they enable it before watching videos or using social apps in public places.
I love that I can set Guru VPN to
auto-connect on certain networks, so once configured, I don't have to think about it. It provides constant, silent protection in the background. I've never seen that feature before.
Buffer free
I use this app daily for streaming, and it never buffers. It's super fast, super secure, and I love that it doesn’t log anything. One tap and I’m fully protected! Couldn’t ask for more!
I installed Guru VPN to add an extra
layer of security when accessing corporate dashboards from home, and it now connects automatically before I log in to any work system or cloud service.
Simple use
The way this VPN works, I'd say it is perfect for everyday use! Whether I’m shopping online or watching geo-restricted media, Guru VPN keeps me anonymous and connected. Simple, trustworthy, and effective.
The best
On my daily train cọmmute I open Guru VPN, hit the single button, and read emails over the train Wi‑Fi knowing my connection is encrypted the entire ride.
I play competitive shooters where
every millisecond counts. This VPN's optimized servers actually improved my ping. I connect to a location closer to the game host, and my latency drops noticeably.
Must-have for remote work
As someone who works remotely, I rely on VPNGuru every day to secure my connection. It’s fast, stable, and I’ve never had an issue with dropped connections.
Split tunneling FAQ
It means your traffic is split into two routes: selected apps and websites go through the encrypted VPN tunnel, and the rest uses your normal internet connection. You stay protected where it matters without losing access to services that need your local connection.
Excluded apps are visible to your network and internet provider and reveal your real IP address, and it is easy to forget which apps are excluded. Keep sensitive apps inside the tunnel and review your list regularly.
Split tunneling is available in the Guru VPN apps for iOS and Android. The Windows and macOS apps send all your traffic through the VPN. One subscription covers up to 10 devices.
Open the Guru VPN app, go to Settings and open Split Tunneling. Choose the apps and websites that should use the VPN, or switch the feature off to send all traffic through the VPN again.
It can make excluded apps feel quicker, because their traffic doesn't travel through a VPN server. The apps inside the tunnel keep their usual VPN performance. It is mainly a convenience and compatibility feature rather than a speed boost.
Guru VPN doesn't have a permanently free plan. You can try it with a 3-day free trial in the mobile app, where a payment method is required at start and the weekly subscription begins automatically unless you cancel at least 24 hours before the trial ends. Website purchases come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Connect to Guru VPN and open an IP-check website in a browser that uses the VPN: it should show the VPN server's location. Then check from an app or browser you excluded: it should show your real IP address.
Related features
Protect what matters, connect the rest directly
Split tunneling in Guru VPN for iOS and Android. 30-day money-back guarantee on website purchases.
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