NordVPN exclude apps

What is split tunneling and why would you use it?

Split tunneling is a feature that allows you to decide which traffic goes through the VPN and which goes directly to the internet. With NordVPN, you can:

• Keep VPN protection on for most applications and websites to protect your data and hide your IP.
• Exclude specific apps from the VPN so they connect directly to the web.
• Avoid conflicts with apps that don’t work well behind a VPN or which require local network access.

Why use it? Typical reasons include:

• Some software licenses or enterprise tools require a local network or direct IP access.
• When a banking or payment app refuses connections through a VPN.
• Local multiplayer games or streaming services that block VPN traffic.
• Performance considerations: a direct connection can reduce latency for certain tasks.

NordVPN’s split tunneling is generally labeled as Exclude from VPN in various interfaces, and it’s available on multiple platforms, though the exact steps differ between Android, Windows/macOS desktop apps, and browser extensions.

How to enable exclude from VPN on different platforms

NordVPN provides several paths to configure exclude-from-VPN, depending on your device and the interface you’re using. NordVPN disable auto connect

• Android app

• Open NordVPN.

• Go to Settings.

• Tap on Trusted apps. NordVPN dedicated IP price: what you need to know about cost and value

• Choose Exclude from VPN (or similar wording, like Exclude from VPN).

• Select the apps you want to bypass the VPN and confirm.

• You can remove apps from the list later if you change your mind.

• Windows/macOS desktop app NordVPN coupon code 3 year

• Launch NordVPN.

• Access Settings or Preferences.

• Look for Split tunneling or Exclude from VPN.

• Add or select apps to exclude from the VPN tunnel. NordVPN charged: understanding and resolving billing issues

• Save changes.

• NordVPN extension (browser)

• Open the extension.

• Go to Settings. NordVPN basic plan: what it is, what's included, and is it worth it

• Find Connection and Security or a direct Exclude from VPN option.

• Enable Exclude from VPN and specify which sites or apps (as supported by the extension) should bypass the VPN.

• Note: The extension may offer more limited controls compared to the full desktop apps.

• NordVPN support and knowledge base NordVPN autoconnect

• If you’re unsure where to find the option, NordVPN’s support articles are a reliable reference. They outline the concept, platform-specific steps, and troubleshooting tips.

Apps to consider excluding from VPN

Not every app should be excluded. Think through what benefits you gain by exclusion and what risks you might incur. NordVPN how to disconnect

• Banking and payment apps: Some banks or payment gateways block VPN traffic for security reasons. If a legitimate banking app won’t connect behind a VPN, you may exclude it to restore access.
• Email clients or corporate tools: If you have work-related apps that require direct access to a mail server or company network, excluding them can help maintain connectivity.
• Local network tools: Apps that rely on local devices or LAN discovery may fail behind a VPN. Exclusions can fix this.
• Games and streaming apps: Some streaming services and online games actively block VPNs. If you want to access local content or play with friends on a local network, you might exclude these apps to avoid VPN interference.
• Troublesome websites: In some cases, not apps but websites or web-based tools could be affected. NordVPN’s split tunneling may be configured at the app level, but in browser extensions or custom configurations, you can tailor what traffic goes through VPN.

Before you exclude an app, consider whether you still want the rest of your traffic protected. Excluding a banking app, for example, reduces protection only for that app, not for the other online activities.

Practical step-by-step setup examples

Here are example flows for common setups. Use them as a baseline and adapt to your device and NordVPN version.

• Example A: Android exclude a banking app

• Open NordVPN, go to Settings. NordVPN how to use on iPhone

• Open Trusted apps and choose Exclude from VPN.

• Add the banking app to the exclusion list.

• Confirm and test by launching the banking app with VPN enabled.

• Example B: Windows exclude a game that won’t connect NordVPN keychain password

• Open NordVPN, navigate to Split tunneling or Exclude from VPN.

• Add the game executable (for example, game.exe) to the exclusion list.

• Save changes and start the game with VPN connected to see if latency improves or connection issues disappear.

• Example C: macOS extension exclusion NordVPN location: what it means for your privacy, security, and streaming

• Open NordVPN extension.

• Go to Connection and Security or Exclude from VPN.

• Enable the feature and select the apps that should bypass VPN (if the extension supports app-based exclusions, otherwise use the desktop app).

• Example D: Excluding a website via browser extension NordVPN log

• If your use case is about sites rather than apps, the browser extension settings may allow excluding certain sites from VPN protection by permissions configuration.

• Confirm by loading a site directly and confirming VPN is bypassed for that site.

Note: The exact steps may vary with NordVPN version and platform. If you run into trouble, refer to the official NordVPN support articles for the most up-to-date instructions.

What happens to your security and privacy with exclusions

• Scope of protection: Excluding apps reduces VPN protection for those apps only. The rest of your traffic remains protected by the VPN.
• IP exposure: Excluded apps will use your real IP address or the IP assigned by your ISPs, depending on routing, which may reduce anonymity for that app’s activity.
• DNS handling: In most cases, the VPN still handles DNS for non-excluded traffic. For excluded apps, DNS requests may be resolved outside the VPN, which can leak DNS queries related to those apps.
• Data leakage risk: Excluding sensitive apps increases the potential for data exposure if the app handles sensitive data. Only exclude apps you trust and that require direct access.

Best practice is to carefully select which apps are excluded and revert the exclusion if the app no longer needs direct access. Regularly review the exclusion list to ensure it aligns with your current workflows and security expectations.

A quick comparison: Excluded apps vs. fully protected traffic

• Excluded apps:
• Pros: Direct access, potential performance gains for those apps, avoids VPN-induced incompatibilities.
• Cons: Reduced protection for the excluded apps, potential DNS leakage, manual management overhead.
• Fully protected traffic (no exclusions):
• Pros: Maximum privacy and security, consistent DNS handling, no app-specific leaks.
• Cons: Some apps may fail to connect or behave incorrectly behind the VPN.

Here’s a simple side-by-side view to help you decide at a glance.

If you’re new to split tunneling, start with one or two non-critical apps and test the behavior. Gradually expand as you become confident that exclusions don’t introduce unintended risks.

Common questions about exclude apps and NordVPN

• Q: Can I exclude certain apps from NordVPN?
• A: Yes. NordVPN supports exclude-from-VPN (split tunneling) on supported platforms, allowing you to choose which apps bypass the VPN.
• Q: What is the NordVPN controversy?
• A: This article focuses on how to use the exclude-from-VPN feature. It does not delve into political or corporate controversies. If you’re curious about public debates, consider researching reputable tech news sources.
• Q: Why do some apps not work with NordVPN?
• A: Some apps require direct connections that VPN routing can disrupt. Excluding those apps from the VPN tunnel often resolves the issue.
• Q: Can the FBI track NordVPN?
• A: This question touches on law enforcement capabilities and VPN jurisdiction. NordVPN’s privacy claims center on encryption, minimal logging in their stated policies, and regional law compliance. If you’re evaluating privacy, review NordVPN’s official privacy policy and independent reviews.

When to reconsider exclusions

• If you notice unusual activity on excluded apps, re-evaluate whether exclusion is necessary.
• If you’re concerned about privacy, consider reducing the number of exclusions, or temporarily removing them to test whether the excluded apps still require VPN bypass.
• If a particular app frequently stops working behind the VPN, test whether updating the app or changing VPN servers helps before permanently excluding it.

Final recommendations

• Start with a clear goal: Identify the specific apps that must bypass the VPN for correct functionality.
• Apply exclusions on the platform that you use most, typically starting with the desktop app or Android app, depending on where the issue occurs.
• Limit the number of exclusions to minimize potential exposure. Only exclude apps that truly require it.
• Regularly audit the exclusion list and remove apps that no longer need bypassing.
• Keep NordVPN up to date. Updates often improve split-tunneling behavior and compatibility with newer apps.

If you ever run into trouble, NordVPN’s support resources and community guides are a good place to check for the latest instructions. Excluding apps from the VPN can be highly effective for maintaining functionality without losing the VPN’s protections for the rest of your traffic.