Enable split tunneling on Android
Split tunneling lets you route internet traffic for specific apps outside the VPN while keeping other apps protected. On Android, this is useful to conserve bandwidth, improve speed, or access local services without disconnecting from the VPN. Free VPN Grass includes an easy split tunneling feature to exclude selected apps.
To exclude specific Android apps from the VPN using Free VPN Grass, open the app, go to Settings > Split Tunneling (App Exclusion), toggle it on, then select or search the apps you want to exclude. Save changes and reconnect the VPN so excluded apps use your regular network.
How to enable split tunneling in Free VPN Grass to exclude apps
Follow this step-by-step How-To to set up app exclusions using Free VPN Grass. These steps include the required UI actions and quick tips to confirm exclusions are working.
-
Open Free VPN Grass — Launch the Free VPN Grass app on your Android device. If you haven’t installed it yet, download it from Google Play.
-
Access Settings — Tap the menu (usually three lines or a gear icon) and select “Settings” or “Preferences.”
-
Find Split Tunneling (App Exclusion) — Look for “Split Tunneling,” “App Exclusion,” or similar. Open that section.
-
Enable the feature — Toggle Split Tunneling on if it’s disabled. Some versions may label it “Allow apps to bypass VPN.”
-
Select apps to exclude — Use the search or list to select the Android apps you want to exclude from the VPN. Tap each app to add or remove it from the exclusion list.
-
Save and reconnect — Save your settings, disconnect and reconnect the VPN connection to apply the changes. Confirm excluded apps use your carrier/Wi-Fi IP.
-
Verify exclusion — Open an excluded app and check if it accesses the local network or shows the original IP. Use an IP-checking site in a browser app included/excluded to confirm.
These steps will let selected Android apps bypass Free VPN Grass while the rest of your device traffic remains protected by the VPN tunnel.
What is split tunneling and when to use it?
Split tunneling is a network configuration that lets you split which traffic goes through the VPN and which uses your regular internet connection. It’s especially useful on mobile when you need a mix of privacy and performance.
- Route only sensitive apps (browser, banking) through VPN
- Exclude local services (printer, casting, local banking apps)
- Reduce latency for games or voice calls by excluding them
Use split tunneling when you want to:
- Avoid slowed speeds for non-sensitive apps
- Access local devices and services while connected to a foreign VPN server
- Manage bandwidth by excluding streaming or large-update apps
Benefits of excluding specific Android apps (with Free VPN Grass)
Excluding apps from the VPN with Free VPN Grass offers practical advantages for everyday use.
- Improved performance: Lower latency and faster transfers for excluded apps.
- Access to local content: Use bank or regional apps that block foreign IPs.
- Reduced data usage through the VPN, useful on metered connections.
- Flexibility: Choose which apps need privacy and which don’t.
Keep in mind that excluded apps will not have VPN protections, so only exclude apps that don’t require encryption or location masking.
Split tunneling vs Full-tunnel VPN (comparison)
Below is a simple comparison to help decide whether to use split tunneling or route all traffic through the VPN.
| Feature | Split Tunneling | Full-tunnel VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Only protected apps are private | All traffic is protected |
| Performance | Better for excluded apps | Can be slower due to all traffic routed |
| Access to local services | Local services accessible if excluded | May block local services due to remote IP |
| Use case | Selective protection, gaming, streaming | Maximum privacy, public Wi‑Fi protection |
Free VPN Grass supports split tunneling for users who need this selective control while still offering full-tunnel protection when privacy is the top priority.
Troubleshooting and common issues
If excluded apps still appear to use the VPN or won’t connect, try these troubleshooting steps.
- Ensure Free VPN Grass is updated to the latest version from Google Play.
- Restart the VPN connection after changing split tunneling settings.
- Reboot your Android device to clear background networking states.
- Check Android battery optimization or data saver settings; disable them for apps you want excluded.
- Verify the app is correctly marked in the exclusion list (toggle off/on again).
- Some system apps cannot be excluded due to Android restrictions—confirm app type before assuming exclusion will work.
If problems persist, contact Free VPN Grass support via the app’s Help or Feedback section for device-specific guidance.
Security considerations and best practices
While split tunneling increases flexibility, it can reduce privacy for excluded apps. Follow these best practices:
- Exclude only trusted apps that don’t handle sensitive data.
- Use full-tunnel mode when on public Wi‑Fi or when performing banking transactions.
- Monitor app updates: an excluded app may change behavior after updates.
- Combine split tunneling with app-level protections (app permissions, HTTPS) when possible.
Remember: excluding an app means its traffic no longer benefits from the encryption and IP masking provided by Free VPN Grass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exclude system apps from Free VPN Grass split tunneling?
Android often restricts exclusions for certain system apps. Free VPN Grass will show which apps can be excluded. If a system app can’t be excluded, try clearing battery optimizations or consult support for alternatives.
Will excluded apps still use my mobile data?
Yes — excluded apps use your device’s normal connection (Wi‑Fi or mobile data) and will count toward your data plan. Free VPN Grass only bypasses the VPN; it does not block data usage.
How do I confirm an app is excluded successfully?
After excluding an app and reconnecting, open the excluded app and check its visible IP (via an in-app browser or IP check site). If the IP matches your local network, the exclusion is working.
Does split tunneling affect security for other apps?
No — only the apps you explicitly exclude will bypass the VPN. All other apps remain protected by Free VPN Grass. Be selective to maintain overall device privacy.
Is split tunneling available on all Android versions?
Split tunneling support can vary by Android version and OEM. Free VPN Grass supports split tunneling on most modern Android releases, but some older or heavily customized versions may have limitations.
Conclusion
Split tunneling in Free VPN Grass gives you fine-grained control over which Android apps use the VPN and which use your regular network. This improves performance and access to local services while keeping critical apps protected. Use exclusions sparingly and verify behavior after changes.
Ready to get started? Download Free VPN Grass today and enjoy secure, private browsing!
