How to Exclude Apps from NordVPN

So, you want to use NordVPN for most of your online activity, but there are a few apps you’d rather run outside the VPN tunnel? Maybe it’s a banking app that gets finicky with a VPN, a local streaming service, or a game where every millisecond of ping counts. You’re in luck! NordVPN offers a handy feature called Split Tunneling that lets you do exactly that on Windows and Android devices. This guide will walk you through the process, covering the ins and outs, troubleshooting tips, and what to do if you’re on a platform like macOS or iOS where this feature isn’t directly available. We’ll get you set up so you can enjoy the best of both worlds: strong VPN protection where you need it, and direct internet access where you don’t.

If you’re looking to exclude apps from NordVPN, the quickest way is to use NordVPN’s built-in Split Tunneling feature on Windows or Android. This feature lets you decide which applications bypass the VPN connection and access the internet directly, while the rest of your device’s traffic stays encrypted. It’s pretty straightforward to set up, usually found right in your NordVPN app’s settings under ‘Split tunneling’ or ‘Trusted apps’. We’ll get into the specifics for each platform in just a bit, so you can tailor your internet connection exactly how you like it.

What is Split Tunneling and Why You’d Want It

Think of your internet connection as a highway. Normally, when you use a VPN, all your car’s data’s traffic is forced onto a special, secure, and encrypted tunnel that takes a detour through a VPN server. Split tunneling is like having a special off-ramp that some of your cars can take to bypass that secure tunnel and go straight to their destination on the regular highway. This means some of your internet traffic goes through the VPN, while other chosen apps or websites connect directly to the internet without the VPN’s protection.

Why would you even want this, you might ask? It sounds a bit counterintuitive, right? But there are some really practical reasons why folks find split tunneling incredibly useful:

• Boosting Speed for Certain Apps: VPNs, by their nature, can sometimes introduce a bit of a slowdown because your data is traveling further and being encrypted/decrypted. For tasks where speed is paramount, like online gaming or high-definition streaming, you might want those apps to run at their native internet speed. By excluding them, you’re giving them a direct, faster route.
• Accessing Local Network Devices: Ever tried printing to your home printer or accessing a network drive while connected to a VPN, only for it not to work? VPNs often isolate you from your local network for security reasons. With split tunneling, you can tell your VPN to ignore traffic to your local devices, allowing you to print, cast, or share files without disconnecting.
• Simultaneous Local and Foreign Content: This is a big one for many. Imagine you want to watch a geo-restricted show on a streaming service from another country using your VPN, but at the same time, you need to access your local online banking or news site that might block VPN connections or require your actual location. Split tunneling lets you do both without constantly toggling your VPN on and off. You could have your browser extension for a local news site bypass the VPN, while your streaming app uses the VPN.
• Managing App Compatibility: Some applications, especially banking apps or certain online services, can be super sensitive to VPN usage and might even block you if they detect one. Excluding them ensures they work smoothly without interference.
• Reduced Bandwidth Usage: If you’re on a data cap or just want to conserve bandwidth, letting non-sensitive traffic bypass the VPN can help. Not all your online activities need the ironclad security of a VPN.

It’s a fantastic feature for flexibility, giving you more control over your digital security. However, it’s really important to remember a key point: any traffic that bypasses the VPN is not encrypted and your real IP address will be exposed for those specific applications or websites. This means they won’t benefit from the privacy and security advantages of your VPN. So, always make sure you’re only excluding apps or websites you trust and for which you understand the security implications.

Excluding Apps on NordVPN for Windows Step-by-Step

If you’re rocking a Windows PC, you’re in luck! NordVPN’s split tunneling feature is available and pretty easy to set up. Here’s how you can tell specific apps to bypass the VPN connection: Unlock Global Entertainment: Your Guide to Using NordVPN on Apple TV

1. Open the NordVPN App: First things first, launch the NordVPN application on your Windows computer.
2. Head to Settings: Look for the gear icon ⚙️ in the bottom-left corner of the NordVPN app window. This is your gateway to the settings. Click on it.
3. Find Split Tunneling: In the settings menu that pops up, you’ll see a list of options on the left sidebar. Click on “Split tunneling.”
4. Turn It On: By default, split tunneling might be turned off. You’ll need to toggle the switch to turn it “On.”
5. Choose Your Type: This is where you decide how you want split tunneling to work. NordVPN usually gives you a couple of options:
   • “Disable VPN for selected apps”: This is the most common choice if you want most of your traffic to go through the VPN, but a few specific apps to bypass it. You’ll add the apps you want to exclude to a list.
   • “Enable VPN for selected apps only”: This option does the opposite. All your internet traffic will bypass the VPN except for the specific apps you add to the list. These selected apps will be the only ones using the VPN.
     For excluding apps, you’ll likely want to choose “Disable VPN for selected apps.”
6. Add Your Apps: Once you’ve selected your preferred type, click on the “Add apps” button. A new window will appear showing you a list of applications installed on your computer.
   • You can usually pick from “Running processes” or “All processes.”
   • If you don’t immediately see the app you want, you might need to click a “Browse apps” button or search for it. This allows you to navigate your computer’s file system and manually select the .exe file of the application you wish to exclude.
   • Check the box next to the apps you want to exclude. You can select multiple apps at once.
7. Confirm and Apply: After selecting your apps, click “Add selected” or “OK” to confirm your choices.
8. Restart NordVPN and the excluded apps: For the changes to take full effect, it’s a good idea to restart your NordVPN application and also close and reopen any apps you’ve just excluded. This ensures they properly recognize the new routing rules.

That’s it! Now, the apps you’ve chosen should connect directly to the internet, while all your other traffic continues to be protected by NordVPN. You can go back to the Split Tunneling settings anytime to remove an app by clicking the cross icon next to it, or to add more.

Excluding Apps on NordVPN for Android Step-by-Step

Good news for Android users! NordVPN also provides split tunneling on Android devices, letting you manage your mobile data traffic with ease. Here’s how you can set it up on your smartphone or tablet:

1. Open the NordVPN App: Launch the NordVPN application on your Android device.
2. Access Profile/Settings: Look for your profile icon often a person icon or your initial in the top-left corner or bottom navigation bar, then tap the cogwheel icon ⚙️ to go into the settings.
3. Navigate to VPN Connection: In the settings menu, scroll down until you find the “VPN connection” section and tap on it.
4. Select Split Tunneling: Within the VPN connection settings, you’ll see “Split tunneling.” Tap on this option.
5. Choose Your Apps: Here, you’ll typically see a list of apps installed on your Android device.
   • The interface might show apps currently “Tunneled through VPN” and “Trusted apps” bypassing VPN.
   • To exclude an app, you’ll usually tap on the app you want to exclude from the VPN connection. This will move it to the list of apps that bypass the VPN or remove it from the “Tunneled through VPN” list, depending on the app’s design.
   • You are essentially selecting which apps do not need VPN protection.
6. Confirm Changes: Once you’ve selected the apps you want to exclude, the changes are usually applied immediately or by simply navigating back.
7. Restart Apps: Just like with Windows, if an app you’ve excluded was already running, it’s a good idea to close it completely and reopen it to ensure the new routing takes effect.

Now, your selected Android apps will bypass the VPN, connecting directly to the internet, while the rest of your device’s traffic enjoys NordVPN’s security. This is super handy for things like location-sensitive banking apps or specific games that don’t play well with a VPN.

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NordVPN Split Tunneling on macOS: What You Need to Know

Alright, Mac users, here’s where things get a little tricky. As of my last check and confirmed by many users and NordVPN’s own documentation, NordVPN does NOT offer an app-based split tunneling feature on its macOS application.

“Wait, why not?” you might ask. Well, it primarily comes down to changes made by Apple to macOS. Starting with macOS Big Sur, Apple introduced architectural changes that made it significantly more challenging for VPN providers to implement app-based split tunneling. This isn’t just a NordVPN thing. many other VPN services also struggle with or completely lack this feature on macOS.

So, if you were hoping to select specific apps on your MacBook to bypass NordVPN, you’re out of luck with the native NordVPN app. However, that doesn’t mean you’re entirely without options!

Alternatives for macOS Users When App-Based Split Tunneling Isn’t Available:

Since you can’t exclude apps directly from the NordVPN macOS application, here are some workarounds you might consider: How to Use NordVPN on Amazon Fire TV: Your Ultimate Streaming Guide

• NordVPN Browser Extensions for URL-Based Exclusion: If your goal is to exclude specific websites rather than entire applications, NordVPN offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. These extensions often have a feature that allows you to specify certain URLs or domains that should bypass the VPN connection, essentially acting as “URL-based split tunneling” for your browser traffic.
  • This is perfect if a particular website like a banking site or a local news portal is causing issues with your VPN, but you still want the rest of your browser traffic to be protected.
• Temporarily Disconnecting/Pausing the VPN: This is the most straightforward, albeit least convenient, method. If you absolutely need an app to run without the VPN, you can simply disconnect NordVPN, use the app, and then reconnect once you’re done.
• Using Different Browsers: You could designate one browser e.g., Chrome to always use the NordVPN browser extension or the desktop app’s protection and another browser e.g., Safari or Firefox to run without any VPN protection. This creates a manual “split” for your web browsing.
• Router-Level VPN Advanced: For a more comprehensive solution that affects all devices on your network, you could set up NordVPN directly on your router. Some advanced routers allow for selective routing, meaning you could potentially configure certain devices or types of traffic to bypass the VPN at the router level. This is a more complex setup and depends heavily on your router’s capabilities and NordVPN’s router support.

It’s a bummer, I know, but until Apple changes its policies or NordVPN finds a clever workaround, direct app-based split tunneling on macOS isn’t a feature you’ll find.

NordVPN Split Tunneling on iOS iPhone/iPad: The Reality

Just like with macOS, iPhone and iPad users also face limitations when it comes to split tunneling with NordVPN. The blunt truth is that NordVPN does not offer app-based split tunneling on its iOS application.

This isn’t a flaw unique to NordVPN. it’s a widespread challenge for VPN providers on Apple’s mobile platform. iOS, by design, is a very locked-down operating system. Apple prioritizes user privacy and security by tightly controlling how apps interact with the system and network, which makes implementing granular features like app-specific split tunneling incredibly difficult, if not impossible, for third-party developers.

If you’ve spent time digging through the NordVPN app settings on your iPhone, you’ve probably noticed there’s no “Split tunneling” or “Trusted apps” section. Many users on platforms like Reddit have expressed frustration over this, looking for solutions for apps like Ticketmaster or local services that simply won’t work with the VPN enabled. How to Allow Traffic Routing with NordVPN: Your Ultimate Guide

So, what are your options if you’re on an iPhone or iPad and need some apps to bypass NordVPN?

Since the app itself doesn’t offer this flexibility, you’re looking at a few workarounds:

• NordVPN Browser Extensions for web traffic: If your primary concern is specific websites that act up with the VPN, NordVPN’s browser extensions for Chrome or Firefox can be a savior. While not app-based split tunneling, these extensions allow you to create a whitelist of websites that bypass the VPN, keeping the rest of your browser traffic secured. This is useful for accessing local content or finicky sites without disconnecting your main VPN.
• Manual Disconnection/Reconnection: The most basic method is simply to disconnect from NordVPN when you need to use an app that requires a direct, un-VPN’d connection. Once you’re done with that app, reconnect to your VPN. It’s not ideal, but it gets the job done.
  • To quickly disconnect on iOS, you can usually tap the “Disconnect” button in the NordVPN app or go to your iPhone’s Settings > VPN and toggle off the NordVPN connection.
• Consider a Different App Strategy: If you find yourself constantly disconnecting for a particular app, you might consider if that app truly needs to be used without VPN protection, or if there’s an alternative way to access what you need e.g., using a web version through the browser extension instead of the app.

While it’s a bummer that iOS doesn’t offer native app-based split tunneling with NordVPN, these workarounds can help you manage your internet access more effectively.

When Split Tunneling Isn’t an Option: Other Workarounds

Sometimes, split tunneling just isn’t available for your device, or maybe it’s not working quite right. Don’t worry, there are still ways to achieve similar outcomes or handle situations where an app isn’t playing nice with your VPN. How Much is NordVPN in the UK? Your Guide to Current Prices and Plans

• Utilize Browser Extensions for Website Exclusion: If your main goal is to exclude specific websites rather than entire applications, NordVPN’s browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox are incredibly useful. They often come with a “Bypasser” or “Whitelist” feature that lets you specify URLs or domains that should connect directly to the internet, bypassing the VPN. This is fantastic for services that block VPN IP addresses, like some banking sites or streaming platforms that might detect your VPN.
  • How to do it: Install the NordVPN extension in your browser, go to its settings, and look for an option like “Split Tunneling” or “Whitelist.” You can then add the problematic website addresses there.
• Temporarily Pause or Disconnect the VPN: This is the most straightforward, albeit manual, approach. If you encounter an app or website that absolutely refuses to work with your VPN, you can simply disconnect from NordVPN, use the app/site, and then reconnect once you’re done. Most VPN apps have a prominent “Disconnect” button or toggle for quick access.
• Designate a Specific Browser for Non-VPN Traffic: You could set up one browser e.g., Chrome with the NordVPN extension activated, or relying on the desktop app’s system-wide VPN for all your VPN-protected browsing, and another browser e.g., Firefox without the extension or the desktop app’s VPN paused for accessing content that needs your real IP or local connection. This creates a clear separation.
• Consider a Router-Level VPN Advanced: If you’re tech-savvy and your router supports it, you can install NordVPN directly on your router. Some advanced router firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWRT allows for more complex routing rules. This means you could potentially configure specific devices on your network like a smart TV or a gaming console to bypass the VPN, while others use it. This is a more involved setup and might not be suitable for everyone.
• Use NordVPN’s Obfuscated Servers to Hide VPN Use: Sometimes, apps or services don’t just dislike your IP being from a different country. they actively try to detect if you’re using a VPN at all. NordVPN has Obfuscated Servers designed to make your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, effectively hiding the fact that you’re using a VPN.
  • How to do it: In your NordVPN app Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, you might find “Obfuscated servers” under “Specialty servers.” Note that these typically work best with OpenVPN protocols TCP or UDP, so you might need to change your protocol in the settings if you’re using NordLynx. While not for excluding apps, this can help you hide your VPN usage from apps that block VPN connections.

These workarounds provide flexibility when NordVPN’s native split tunneling isn’t an option or isn’t working as expected, helping you maintain control over your online experience.

Troubleshooting NordVPN Split Tunneling Issues

Even with a great feature like split tunneling, sometimes things just don’t go as smoothly as planned. If you’ve set up app exclusion but find it’s not working, or an excluded app still can’t connect, here are some common issues and their solutions:

1. “My Excluded App Still Can’t Connect to the Internet!” or “It’s Still Showing My VPN IP!”

   • Restart the App and NordVPN: This is often the simplest fix. Close the problematic application completely not just minimize it and then relaunch it. Do the same for your NordVPN app. This ensures both applications pick up the new routing rules.
   • Check Split Tunneling Settings Again: Double-check that you’ve correctly added the app to the exclusion list and that split tunneling is enabled. Sometimes, a simple oversight is the culprit.
   • DNS Conflict: NordVPN’s split tunneling on Windows sometimes faces an issue where, even if the app bypasses the VPN tunnel, its DNS requests are still routed through NordVPN’s DNS servers. This can confuse some applications, especially streaming services, about your true location. Unfortunately, NordVPN acknowledges this as an ongoing issue that they are working to fix. In the meantime, ensure your default network adapter’s DNS settings are set to automatic or a public DNS like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS if you’re comfortable with that, but this might reduce some of the VPN’s intended privacy.
   • Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Your computer’s firewall or antivirus software might be blocking NordVPN’s ability to create the split connection.
     • Solution: Try temporarily disabling your antivirus/firewall to see if it resolves the issue. If it does, you’ll need to add exceptions for NordVPN’s executable files NordVPN.exe, nordvpn-service.exe, openvpn-service.exe in your security software settings.

2. “Split Tunneling Options Are Missing or Grayed Out.” How NordVPN Fares on Reddit: An Honest Look at What Users Really Think

   • Check Your Platform: Remember, app-based split tunneling is currently only available on Windows and Android for NordVPN. If you’re on macOS or iOS, this feature simply isn’t there in the app.
   • Update NordVPN: An outdated app can lead to missing features or bugs. Make sure your NordVPN application is updated to the latest version. You can usually find an update option within the app’s settings e.g., Settings > About > Check for updates on desktop.
   • Reinstall the App: If updating doesn’t help and you’re on a supported platform, a fresh reinstall of the NordVPN app can often clear up stubborn bugs or corrupted files.

3. “NordVPN App Behaves Strangely After Enabling Split Tunneling.”

   • Run as Administrator Windows: On Windows, sometimes NordVPN needs elevated permissions to manage network traffic properly. Try closing NordVPN and then right-clicking its icon and selecting “Run as administrator.”
   • Try a Different VPN Protocol: Occasionally, the VPN protocol you’re using e.g., NordLynx, OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP might have conflicts with split tunneling or certain network configurations.
     • Solution: In NordVPN’s settings, go to “VPN protocol” and try switching to a different one to see if it resolves the issue.

4. “Still No Luck!”

   • Contact NordVPN Support: If you’ve tried all these steps and split tunneling is still giving you headaches, the best course of action is to reach out to NordVPN’s customer support. They have live chat and email support and can offer more personalized troubleshooting, including checking diagnostics or remote assistance.

Troubleshooting can be a bit of a process of elimination, but by systematically checking these common issues, you’ll likely find a solution to get your NordVPN split tunneling working smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I exclude specific websites from NordVPN?

Yes, you can! While NordVPN’s main app-based split tunneling lets you exclude entire applications, you can exclude specific websites using the NordVPN browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. These extensions often include a “Bypasser” or “Whitelist” feature where you can enter specific URLs or domains that you want to access directly, without VPN encryption.

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Why is split tunneling not working on my NordVPN?

There could be a few reasons:

1. Unsupported Platform: Remember, NordVPN’s app-based split tunneling is available only on Windows and Android, not macOS or iOS.
2. Outdated App: Your NordVPN app might need an update.
3. Incorrect Settings: Double-check that split tunneling is enabled and that you’ve correctly added or removed the apps from the exclusion list.
4. Admin Permissions: On Windows, ensure NordVPN is running with administrator privileges.
5. Firewall/Antivirus: Your security software might be blocking NordVPN’s function. try adding exceptions for NordVPN in your firewall/antivirus settings.
6. DNS Conflicts: Some apps, especially streaming services, can have issues if the app bypasses the VPN but its DNS requests still go through the VPN’s servers.

Does NordVPN have split tunneling on Mac or iPhone?

Unfortunately, no, NordVPN does not offer app-based split tunneling on its macOS or iOS iPhone/iPad applications. This is mainly due to the strict architectural limitations imposed by Apple on how apps can control network traffic within their operating systems. For these devices, you’ll need to use workarounds like browser extensions for website exclusion or manually connecting/disconnecting the VPN.

How do I turn off NordVPN for a specific app if split tunneling isn’t available?

If app-based split tunneling isn’t available on your device like macOS or iOS, your primary options are:

1. Temporarily Disconnect the VPN: The most straightforward way is to simply disconnect from NordVPN whenever you need to use that specific app. Reconnect when you’re done.
2. Use a Browser Extension: If the “app” is actually a website you access via a browser, install the NordVPN browser extension and use its whitelist feature to bypass the VPN for specific URLs.
3. Use Different Browsers: Dedicate one browser to always use VPN protection via the desktop app or extension and another browser for unencrypted access.

Is it safe to exclude apps from my VPN?

It can be, but you need to be aware of the trade-offs. When you exclude an app from your VPN using split tunneling, that app’s internet traffic will NOT be encrypted or routed through the VPN server. This means your real IP address and online activity for that specific app will be visible to your Internet Service Provider ISP and any third parties monitoring that connection. Only exclude apps that you fully trust and that don’t handle sensitive data that you wish to keep private. For instance, a local weather app might be fine to exclude, but a messaging app containing private conversations might not be. How Much Is NordVPN After the First 2 Years?

How do I remove NordVPN from my iPhone or Mac?

Removing NordVPN from your iPhone or Mac is similar to uninstalling any other application:

• On iPhone/iPad: Touch and hold the NordVPN app icon on your home screen until it jiggles. Tap the “X” or “Remove App” button that appears, then confirm “Delete App.” You might also need to go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN to delete the VPN profile if it remains.
• On Mac: Open your “Applications” folder, drag the NordVPN app icon to the Trash, and then empty the Trash. For a more thorough removal, you might want to look for leftover files in your Library folder though this is often not strictly necessary for most users. Apple’s support pages provide detailed guides on uninstalling software.