How to Use the Split Tunneling Feature on Desktop

Split tunneling is a feature that lets you choose which apps or IP addresses use the VPN and which connect directly to the internet. 

This is useful when you want some traffic protected by the VPN while allowing other apps to use your regular internet connection. For example, you might route your web browser through the VPN while allowing a local printer, streaming app, or online game to connect directly.

This guide explains how Private Internet Access (PIA)’s Split Tunnel works and how to configure it on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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What You Can Do with PIA’s Split Tunnel

Split Tunnel gives you control over which traffic uses the VPN. You can:

  • Bypass the VPN for specific apps: Selected apps use your regular internet connection, while all other apps use the VPN.
    • Example: Let your banking app use your regular connection while your web browser stays protected.
  • Restrict specific apps to the VPN only: Selected apps always use the VPN, while all other apps use your regular internet connection.
    • Example: Route your web browser through the VPN while games or video conferencing apps connect directly to the internet.
  • Bypass the VPN for specific IP addresses: Exclude individual IPv4/IPv6 addresses or entire subnets from the VPN, while all other traffic continues to use the VPN.
    • Example: Access a local server directly without disconnecting the VPN.
  • Control DNS behavior (Windows and Linux): Choose whether DNS requests follow your Split Tunnel rules or always use the DNS server configured in the PIA app.

Enable Split Tunnel

  1. Open the PIA app, select the three-dot menu, and choose Settings.
Private Internet Access dashboard dropdown menu with the "Settings" option highlighted in a green box.
  1. Open the Split Tunnel tab and turn on the feature.

Private Internet Access "Split Tunnel" settings screen, with the "Split Tunnel" checkbox highlighted in a green box.

Note: Enabling Split Tunnel may require additional permissions, depending on your operating system:

  • Windows: If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), select Yes to allow the PIA app to make changes to your device.
  • macOS: The first time you enable Split Tunnel, macOS will prompt you to approve the required system extension. Open System Settings > General and select i in the Network Extension row. Once inside, select Allow in the Proxy Configurations pop-up.
  • Linux: You may be prompted to enter your sudo password to grant the administrator privileges required to configure Split Tunnel.

Add an Application

  1. Select Add Application.

Private Internet Access "Split Tunnel" settings screen, with the "Add Application" button highlighted in a green box.

  1. Choose an application from your desktop device. Then, select one of the following options:

Private Internet Access "Split Tunnel" rules list, showing an application rule with the "Bypass VPN" and "Only VPN" selection menu highlighted in a green box.

  • Bypass VPN: The app connects directly to the internet without using the VPN.
  • Only VPN: The app can access the internet only while the VPN is connected.

Add an IP Address or Subnet

Unlike application rules, IP address rules can only be used to bypass the VPN. Traffic sent to the specified IP address or subnet will use your regular internet connection, while all other traffic continues to follow your Split Tunnel rules.  

  1. Select Add IP Address.

Private Internet Access "Split Tunnel" settings screen, with the "Add IP Address" button highlighted in a green box.

  1. Enter the IPv4 or IPv6 address (or subnet) and click OK.

"Add IP Address" dialog box in Private Internet Access, displaying input fields for an IP address or subnet and highlighted in a green box.

Set DNS Behavior

On Windows and Linux, Split Tunnel also controls how DNS requests are handled.

Private Internet Access "Split Tunnel" settings screen, showing the Name Servers dropdown menu with "Follow App Rules" and "VPN DNS Only" highlighted in a green box.

  • Follow App Rules: DNS requests follow the same Split Tunnel rules as the application. Apps that use the VPN also use the DNS server configured in the PIA app, while apps that bypass the VPN use your system's default DNS settings.
  • VPN DNS Only: All DNS requests use the DNS server configured in the PIA app, regardless of whether an application uses or bypasses the VPN. This helps ensure your DNS queries are always resolved through the VPN's configured DNS provider.

Configure the All Other Apps Rule

The All Other Apps option in the Split Tunnel tab determines how applications without a Split Tunnel rule are handled.

  • Use VPN: All apps use the VPN by default. Only apps you set to Bypass VPN connect directly to the internet.
  • Bypass VPN: All apps bypass the VPN by default. Only apps you set to Only VPN use the VPN connection.

The Split Tunnel tab in the PIA app for desktop, with a highlighted "All Other Apps" option.

This setting lets you decide whether the VPN protects all applications by default or only the ones you explicitly choose.

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